Max Gradel

[crazylegs1984]

I honestly don't see the problem in gradel scoring because just think of the likes of all the players we had on loan last season the likes of Hobbs kerrea and this season the mighty waghorn this season he's has scored some important goals this season .

So just because a player is on loan it doesn't mean they can't play there hearts out.

Well done gradel carry on the good form and bring it back here .

[marbelladave]

Totally agree with the left flank point.

I sometimes play on the right wing but hate it. Switched one game to the left and had one of the best games I'd ever had.

It makes a big difference.

Playing on the 'wrong' side really only works if you are a striker and playing well forward, ie pretty much as the wide men in a 4-3-3.

If you are playing wide in a 4-4-2 a big part of your game is tracking back, helping in midfield and providing cover for your full back, most players find this easier if they are on their 'correct' foot, ie right foot on right flank etc. This is the other side of the argument.

From what I gather N'Guessan was well forward and did his defensive work by pressurising the defenders early and this is exactly how this position should be played. In the first few games of the season he played well forward, but on the right flank. Although he looked dangerous at times he was required to hit crosses for Howard which is not really his game, as I have said many times, he is a striker not a 'proper' winger and playing on the right where he has to come inside onto his weaker foot does him no favours. Also he was required to do the defensive work of a wide midfielder and although he tried hard to fulfill this role he is not a natural defender and soon fell out of favour.

As I and many others have said, "play your best players in their best positions", this is usually a good maxim, but be aware that a players best position might not be the one you think it is!

:thumbup:

[MPH]

he signed a long term contract last season

and Sol Campbell signed a 5 year deal at notts. County.

the length of contract means nothing... if he is unhappy at leicester because he was told first team football was coming his way and isnt getting it whilst getting it at leeds.... well its not rocket science...

[StanSP]

Let him score and play well at Leeds.

If he was playing shit at Leeds, they'd probably send him back and we'd be none the wiser.

Looking at it positively, he's getting game-time, gaining confidence, and scoring/assisting in matches.

Maybe in the long term, it'll benefit us more than it does for Leeds.

I wonder if Sunderland are worried that Waghorn is showing some passion for us

[Thracian]

Playing on the 'wrong' side really only works if you are a striker and playing well forward, ie pretty much as the wide men in a 4-3-3.

If you are playing wide in a 4-4-2 a big part of your game is tracking back, helping in midfield and providing cover for your full back, most players find this easier if they are on their 'correct' foot, ie right foot on right flank etc. This is the other side of the argument.

From what I gather N'Guessan was well forward and did his defensive work by pressurising the defenders early and this is exactly how this position should be played. In the first few games of the season he played well forward, but on the right flank. Although he looked dangerous at times he was required to hit crosses for Howard which is not really his game, as I have said many times, he is a striker not a 'proper' winger and playing on the right where he has to come inside onto his weaker foot does him no favours. Also he was required to do the defensive work of a wide midfielder and although he tried hard to fulfill this role he is not a natural defender and soon fell out of favour.

As I and many others have said, "play your best players in their best positions", this is usually a good maxim, but be aware that a players best position might not be the one you think it is!

:thumbup:

That's exactly as it's been. N'Guessan could no more hack the twin role of wide-midfield defender/attacker than Gradel, in fact he found it even harder and his abilities were largely wasted.

Had Gradel been given N'Guessan's current role he'd have doubtless been just as effective but he wasn't a) because Pearson wanted to try his new signing N'Guessan on the right and, b) when that failed and the team were struggling a bit without King he declined to drop defence-capable skipper Oakley and played him wide right instead and later as part of what seems to be our now established midfield three.

From Gradel's point of view he wasn't dropped due to poor form, he was simply left with the short straw and I'll be amazed if he wouldn't jump at the chance of join Leeds exactly as Sheehan did when it became clear the club favoured Mattock.

Even if we get to the Premiership Gradel will surely prefer to be playing than not at this stage of his career and, despite the "buddy" pictures of Pearson/Gradel I don't think the manager has ever shown himself as being wholly convinced of Gradel's value or ability to affect games consistently. Hell, he once preferred Dickov wide right (at Stockport).

Either he has reservations or he simply thinks the more senior and more experienced Oakley and N'Guessan are what he needs to maintain his promotion push and, if that's a built-in belief, then Gradel won't be able to change that and likely won't get much chance.

Pearson could be right anyway, no question, and with the results he's getting right now he could justify playing Mickey Mouse on the wing if he wished.

But whether Gradel will feel "wanted" enough here after his recent experience of both Leeds and Leicester will be another matter cos there's little doubt what the Leeds fans think of him, the following remark in reply to another Leeds poster being fairly typical:

"""" You obviously were not @ the game today. Last 30 mins when gradel came on leeds were FANTASTIC. but the first half and 15 mins of the second half were AWFUL""""

Confidence is a big thing with Gradel together with being in a side that plays to his strengths. If Leeds provide him with both then why would he want to return?

Leeds will get promotion for sure, Gradel would then have been part of two promotion winning teams in two seasons and Leeds will surely be an attacking force in next year's Championship paying the sort of wages that would match their ambition.

Yes I know Gradel has a long contract. But if he made it clear he wants to leave he would and when a bloke starts kissing the badge, he's making his feelings pretty plain.

I'm just surprised anyone cares much. They didn't when he was left out of our team - apart from the odd one or two. Any more than they would have cared had King never been restored to the side five or six matches back.

They were happy for all the newcomers to get chance to settle into Championship football but youngster Kingy was promptly dismissed as "playing above his level".

[muffin]

Max Gradel aint getting a look in this season not even on the bench. I say give him chance, he cant do much worse than n gussen. Your thoughts please.

I think he will end up at Leeds for 750.000.

muffin.

[Thracian]

I think he will end up at Leeds for 750.000.

muffin.

If Joe Mattock fetched £2m I think £750,000 for Max would be akin to theft and if Leeds can secure such a deal I wonder if they'd rent themselves out, say one day a week, buying bargains for me.

[shen]

Much has been said about Gradel's personal life, but I'm sure that's had a lot to say for his situation here. From Pearson's reactions outwards it looks like he's trying to protect Max and give him all the support he can. We don't know Max's emotional situation and maybe Pearson felt that it was too risky on the lad if he didn't perform at this level. I think Max is still very much in Pearson's plans, but he's wisely (IMO) let Gradel go a division lower to build up his confidence again.

[Thracian]

Much has been said about Gradel's personal life, but I'm sure that's had a lot to say for his situation here. From Pearson's reactions outwards it looks like he's trying to protect Max and give him all the support he can. We don't know Max's emotional situation and maybe Pearson felt that it was too risky on the lad if he didn't perform at this level. I think Max is still very much in Pearson's plans, but he's wisely (IMO) let Gradel go a division lower to build up his confidence again.

Why should his confidence ever have been down other than from finding he was never in the matchday squad and never getting the chance to play?

Max might have had family problems to cope with but I saw him on countless occasions last season and he was full of smiles, the perkiest and happiest footballer you'd ever see.

I've not seen him outside the ground at all this season and at Barwell he looked exactly as you'd expect knowing what subsequently happened - like a guy keen to say farewell with dignity and hurry off to play real football with Leeds. Gradel loves playing football. If he wasn't so good he'd play for free.

And I'm quite sure that any recent "emotional situation" would have developed for football reasons rather than family reasons. He doesn't sound like he's down in any way at Leeds, just ecstatic from being involved again.

[Thracian]

Computer offered a repeat of the above but once was enough.

[Sergio Hellings]

Whats happened to Astrit anyhow. ??? Brought and not seen at all................. 1 years deal......... the point being ??????

[samlcfc]

Whats happened to Astrit anyhow. ??? Brought and not seen at all................. 1 years deal......... the point being ??????

Pearson probably saw something in him and wanted to see how far he can go, hence the 1 year deal. If he thinks he can keep improving hell probably offer gim another contract. Hes only 19 isnt he?

[muffin]

If Joe Mattock fetched £2m I think £750,000 for Max would be akin to theft and if Leeds can secure such a deal I wonder if they'd rent themselves out, say one day a week, buying bargains for me.

I think you will find 750 k is about all we will get for a guy who was struggling to get in our squad, never mind our side.

muffin.

[Guest]

I'd much rather him get the chance to do well at Leeds than end up like Levi.

You can't compare the two; two completely different players, and two completely different sets of circumstances.

[knowitall]

There is nothing wrong with Max. He is very happy apart from the BS Leicester give him.

Rob Kelly, John Rudkin, Ian Holloway and NP have all lied to him.

Half the fans of Leicester (proof here in this forum) dont believe he is even championship standard.

The Leeds fans want him and love him.

The Simon Grayson says when he becomes more match sharp Max will have a bigger part to play.

For the first time in two season Max feels wanted and needed.

Max will score goal and perform to a high standard. As long as you dont tell him the most important thing is to defend and cover the fullback. Oh and to "hug the line"

I know I am his friend and I am bias but I have seen things and heard things that I would not treat anyone like.

He is a talent and when he plays his way he excites the fans. Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and maybe win.

Chelsea won loads but sacked their manager because it was boring football.

Personally I want players who take on players and do the unexpected. Even if most of the time their play does not come off.

I believe you can one player like this in any team and it will make that team stronger.

By the way Leicester wanted a million last year when a team came knocking.

[Katy]

There is nothing wrong with Max. He is very happy apart from the BS Leicester give him.

Rob Kelly, John Rudkin, Ian Holloway and NP have all lied to him.

Half the fans of Leicester (proof here in this forum) dont believe he is even championship standard.

The Leeds fans want him and love him.

The Simon Grayson says when he becomes more match sharp Max will have a bigger part to play.

For the first time in two season Max feels wanted and needed.

Max will score goal and perform to a high standard. As long as you dont tell him the most important thing is to defend and cover the fullback. Oh and to "hug the line"

I know I am his friend and I am bias but I have seen things and heard things that I would not treat anyone like.

He is a talent and when he plays his way he excites the fans. Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and maybe win.

Chelsea won loads but sacked their manager because it was boring football.

Personally I want players who take on players and do the unexpected. Even if most of the time their play does not come off.

I believe you can one player like this in any team and it will make that team stronger.

By the way Leicester wanted a million last year when a team came knocking.

That is upsetting.

[Webbo]

Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and maybe win.

Personally I think it's most important to win.

[maddog]

I'm pretty sure i posted in here earlier about us not needing Gradel and it seems to have disappeared how strange

[Fez of Mahrez]

There is nothing wrong with Max. He is very happy apart from the BS Leicester give him.

Rob Kelly, John Rudkin, Ian Holloway and NP have all lied to him.

Half the fans of Leicester (proof here in this forum) dont believe he is even championship standard.

The Leeds fans want him and love him.

The Simon Grayson says when he becomes more match sharp Max will have a bigger part to play.

For the first time in two season Max feels wanted and needed.

Max will score goal and perform to a high standard. As long as you dont tell him the most important thing is to defend and cover the fullback. Oh and to "hug the line"

I know I am his friend and I am bias but I have seen things and heard things that I would not treat anyone like.

He is a talent and when he plays his way he excites the fans. Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and maybe win.

Chelsea won loads but sacked their manager because it was boring football.

Personally I want players who take on players and do the unexpected. Even if most of the time their play does not come off.

I believe you can one player like this in any team and it will make that team stronger.

By the way Leicester wanted a million last year when a team came knocking.

As much as I like Gradel and it annoys me that he is playing for Leeds, he's never really demonstrated he is a Championship player. He's not had the opportunity this season but he's never performed consistently well for us whereas Lloyd Dyer was far better last season and he's struggling to get in the team this season. People talk about Max staying here as an impact player - we are proving that we already have those, given the impact players like Gallagher and Waghorn have had coming off the bench so far this season.

People will have their favourites, as has happened in the past with Porter. However, the vast majority will find it hard to care as long as we are playing well and winning. It's not an issue. Pearson has also perhaps shown he is willing to give chances to those who work hard to get back in the team (Adams and Campbell) so maybe Gradel will get a chance.

Those of us who have followed his career closely still rate him but I can understand the frustration a lot of fans have with him because his crossing and shooting last season was largely mediocre and completely at odds with his record for Bournemouth and, so far, Leeds.

[StanSP]

Thanks for the info again KIA

[Thracian]

There is nothing wrong with Max. He is very happy apart from the BS Leicester give him.

Rob Kelly, John Rudkin, Ian Holloway and NP have all lied to him.

Half the fans of Leicester (proof here in this forum) dont believe he is even championship standard.

The Leeds fans want him and love him.

The Simon Grayson says when he becomes more match sharp Max will have a bigger part to play.

For the first time in two season Max feels wanted and needed.

Max will score goal and perform to a high standard. As long as you dont tell him the most important thing is to defend and cover the fullback. Oh and to "hug the line"

I know I am his friend and I am bias but I have seen things and heard things that I would not treat anyone like.

He is a talent and when he plays his way he excites the fans. Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and maybe win.

Chelsea won loads but sacked their manager because it was boring football.

Personally I want players who take on players and do the unexpected. Even if most of the time their play does not come off.

I believe you can one player like this in any team and it will make that team stronger.

By the way Leicester wanted a million last year when a team came knocking.

The £1m shows just how much they underrate him.

Anyway thanks for the confirmation that Max has no emotional problems apart from the BS - it seemed plain to anyone who saw him. And for your view about covering the full-back.

N'Guessan won't cover the full-back either - he's no good at it anyway and it will cost him at the other end - so what's been applied is one standard for the newcomer and another for Max.

And how much did all that chasing back cost in terms of his cross delivery, sharpness in eluding a defender and how much has his "hugging the line" cost him in goalscoring potential while DNG seems perfectly free to get in the box?

Max hasn't demonstrated he's a Championship player because he's hardly had the chance (others had stacks of settling in time) and because the dice of requirement have been loaded against him.

Leeds seem to have used him for what he's good at...attacking people, getting the ball in the box and shooting at goal.

He's one of the most talented yet willing players Leicester have had for years in his own way - never once have I seen him stop trying to make things happen, and usually succeeding, even when he's been getting kicked to pieces - and if Leicester don't recognise the fact then its a sad thing for the entertainment value of our side. Because others will, you can bank on it.

I accept that Porter has to some extent wasted his own highly promising career - although I'd sure like to have confirmation of the real truth and reasons for what happened - but if we waste Gradel then I shall wonder at the point of us having an Academy set-up at all.

By the way thanks in general for your input KIA. Where I'm concerned its 100% appreciated.

[Thracian]

Personally I think it's most important to win.

Manchester United have demonstrated for years how to do both. So too Arsenal and Chelsea are increasingly doing the same. Why accept half measures?

[Shrenchel]

There is nothing wrong with Max. He is very happy apart from the BS Leicester give him.

Rob Kelly, John Rudkin, Ian Holloway and NP have all lied to him.

Half the fans of Leicester (proof here in this forum) dont believe he is even championship standard.

The Leeds fans want him and love him.

The Simon Grayson says when he becomes more match sharp Max will have a bigger part to play.

For the first time in two season Max feels wanted and needed.

Max will score goal and perform to a high standard. As long as you dont tell him the most important thing is to defend and cover the fullback. Oh and to "hug the line"

I know I am his friend and I am bias but I have seen things and heard things that I would not treat anyone like.

He is a talent and when he plays his way he excites the fans. Do we now just want to win or do we want to be entertained and a maybe win.

Chelsea won loads but sacked their manager because it was boring football.

Personally I want players who take on players and do the unexpected. Even if most of the time their play does not come off.

I believe you can one player like this in any team and it will make that team stronger.

By the way Leicester wanted a million last year when a team came knocking.

Fair enough, if that is his opinion though I don't really know why he's bringing the fans into it.

He got a lot of love here, characterised by the fact he was one of the few players to have his own chant. He didn't crack out a 10 every game though so obviously some people are going to criticise him for his faults. Leeds fans would have been exactly the same and will be exactly the same once he's played more than an hour of football, my Leeds mates still regularly have a pop of Beckford despite the fact he continues to consistently score like a cvnt for them.

Heard he gave the Leeds salute after he scored on Saturday, kind of pissin on every city fan who does love the geezer. It's not us that marginalised him, lied to him and sent him on loan.

[Babylon]

Manchester United have demonstrated for years how to do both. So too Arsenal and Chelsea are increasingly doing the same. Why accept half measures?

When we can spend £30m on a central defender, then I think we can compare.

[harpendenfox]

Manchester United have demonstrated for years how to do both. So too Arsenal and Chelsea are increasingly doing the same. Why accept half measures?

I'd love Max to succeed with us. He has that certain something. But on Friday I think we'd all agreed we were entertaining, resolute, skillful, and winners.