Rossiter

I've seen him play well for Denmark. He did say that he wasn't as fit as he would've like when he came to us. Hopefully he's had a good pre season and we will see him playing better.

Correct. Huth wasn't quick. Great defender. Big Wes was quick for a big man. Complemented each other nicely.

I hope Winks stays fit all season. He seems to be the key.

Fair enough. Good point but wouldn't a manager worth his or her salt spot this anyway during games? I think analytics are useful and clearly here to stay but my early post was about Daka's numbers and using them to state a case that he's done alright. Personally, I don't think he has but there could be a player there. Analytics have added a new dimension to how we see the game and that has made things arguably more interesting. I don't advocate ignoring analytics.

I didn't say that stats weren't useful. I just don't think they are the be all and end all especially when dealing with human beings. Player A could have great numbers but might run into a load of unforeseen personal problems and that could affect performances. There are imponderables in life that stats and numbers don't always see. That's all.

No I'm not! 😆Obviously in certain areas stats and numbers are crucial. I just think in football maybe not so much but they do have a place. There's a good programme on Radio 4 called More or Less that looks at stats and it's quite enlightening to see how statistics are used and, sometimes, misused. I don't know if they've had a look at statistics in sport yet.

At the moment they are. I guess this is leading to you saying they are successful because they use stats a lot. I'm not saying they don't work but for me I'm not sure they are as important as some make out.

Let me clarify...I mean using stats and numbers generally for any player. I've seen enough of Daka to lead me to think he's average. He could improve. Hope he does.

I'm not sure about using stats and numbers. I think, for me, I prefer to look with my own eyes.

You've got a point but there's an awful lot of people in this country who have absolutely zero interest in football. To link success in football to stature of a city perhaps only matters to football fans like us.

I wish him well too but not his team for obvious reasons. Shame he didn't go somewhere else.

I think Mings going off made villa less good imo

Super Steve Claridge

Gary Mills - a great pro. Keeper Paul Cooper played with a smile. When I look at all of the players chosen on this thread I realise that we've been blessed to see some great talent.

I wonder if that silver volvo is still going

Plus they are destined for landfill site.

Fair enough reference figures but he's not convinced me as yet. Overall, in his general ability as a footballer, he hasn't made me think that he's got what it takes. He hasn't made me think 'great - Daka's playing today'. Hopefully he will.

He might improve but why is it taking him so long? New country maybe. Poor season for everyone overall, BR influence all could be factors. Chris Woods impact straight away, Iwan Roberts, Mike Newell, Mahrez, Kante, Alan Smith, Lennon. Must be loads more. All hit the ground running. Their technique/desire/work rate was evident quite quickly imo. I hope Daka shows us more. He looks like an honest player.

Do Italians do 'horrendous clobber' ?

West Ham fans enjoyed it! Think they made their own version after they got a throw in or something!

Get rid of goal music. West Ham fans really mocked it. Deservedly so imo.

Some players have loyalty...Vardy, Steve Bull at Wolves, Matt le Tissier at Southampton. Admittedly, there are a lot of players that don't but some do. It's a short career and they have to get what they can really. It works both ways. Some players have shown loyalty and been shown the door. Matt Piper wanted to stay but city needed the money apparently and sold him.

Which countries are not 'mediocre' then?

Souttar

One thing I like about DS is I've noticed (maybe wrongly) that before kick off he seems to indicate to the opposition manager to meet up after the game for a chat. This suggests to me someone who is affable and could network well. I think we'll need some good loan signings next season and if he does connect well with other clubs that'll help us.