I can understand that. It would be a lot of money to spend on a striker from a different league who ‘could’ be a one season wonder or who may not adapt to either our play style, or to the Premier League. What more would you like to see for the price?
If our modus operandi is to sign young players who we can sell on in future, and that appears to be our buying strategy based upon buying Gil (21) and Romero (23), then the price will often reflect the potential for the player at that younger age. And that there is the gamble that is being taken.
We then have to consider whether it’s best to buy 3 players at £20m each who have yet to set the World alight but have shown evidence that they have something about them, or whether we spend £60m on one who has exploded on to the scene.
There is a chance to be stung by signing the wrong players but often the value lost on that deal can be reduced as potential suitors believe that the player can resurrect their career with them.
I am aware that you already know most of what I’ve said above. So I apologise for writing it out, but that’s what my head does when I’m trying to give justifications. I try to break it down to the factors and give a basic analytical appraisal on them. It’s a me thing, and with my poor mental health, I over analyse everything.
I appreciate the analysis.
I agree with the overall strategy of paying for potential, a big focus on player development.
I'm just not (yet) convinced that Vlahovic is worth spending that kind of money on.
Sure, his goal total is impressive. Even ignoring penalties (just for the sake of analysis) 15 non penalty goals in his breakout season is good.
From what I've read his main strength is his finishing, and I think that's represented in stats too. 3 assist, his xAssist numbers are low, his xG Buildup is low (0.07 expected assists per 90, 0.05 xGBuildup per 90).
Yes, very talented finisher. Based on one season 15 goals, from outside the PL. I wouldn't be surprised to see him keep that up though, he really does seem like an excellent finisher in the making. But it's also a small sample size and we've seen players fail to keep it up or fail to transition to a different club or league.
Is he someone that can link well with Son, Alli or whoever plays on the right? Is he someone who will impact the game outside of goals, or is he the finishing machine? Will he develop those other traits? Perhaps, if Paratici thinks he will, I say go go go. But I've seen questions raised about his technical ability outside of finishing so not convinced.
What I would like to see is a more well rounded player who can do a bit of everything, as well as being a very good finisher. I'm not sure who that can or should be, I'm just not entirely convinced about Vlahovic.
Whereas for Gill and Romero I've been rather quickly convinced that yes, go out and sign that player.
