Don't Sell - Buy!

[artursteppe]

Most definitely I'd say..

He was always ringing me for advice, but I didn't always give him my true thoughts, obviously.

[Izzy]

He was always ringing me for advice, but I didn't always give him my true thoughts, obviously.

 

[Gerard]

If Kramaric goes, weren't we linked with a Swiss future 'superstar' striker about 19/20 years old, a few months ago - estimated purchase price 20m Euros. Get him now!

 

It would be awesome if we got Breel Embolo, he can play midfield as well as a striker so would suit just behind Vardy I would imagine.

Man Utd now interested http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/scouts-notebook/78/post/2734977/man-united-target-breel-embolo-a-promising-player

 

But so are we. http://www.eatsleepsport.com/leicester-city/foxes-scout-watches-20m-rated-embolo-1990415.html#.VmW9triLRhE

 

Style

Embolo is an athletically built striker with strong upper-body strength, an explosive burst of acceleration and quick feet in tight areas; his direct and penetrative dribbling causes regular danger. He has a very solid goal return throughout his short career to date but often seems happier involving himself in the approach play than in providing the final touch. He might well morph into more of a wide forward or second striker as his career develops.

Major Strengths

- Very strong physical attributes

- A powerful, rapid and direct dribbler

- Quite intelligent in his movements

Major Weaknesses

- Not a natural finisher

- Needs to get his head up quicker in possession

Assessment Breakdown

Tackling: Happy to put his foot in when appropriate and certainly strong and quick enough to come out on top when defenders try to take him on.

Marking: Very rarely given direct marking duties but does a good job of closing down defenders and spaces when asked to do so.

Heading: Standing at over 6 foot tall and with good strength and a solid leap on him, he does provide a threat in the air, although his lack of good heading technique leaves him unable to regularly take full advantage of his capabilities.

Close control: The quality of his first touch varies, but he is capable of shifting the ball very quickly from foot to foot once it is under his control. Allied to his supreme upper-body strength and powerful acceleration, that ability can make him very difficult to halt.

Passing: Lays the ball off well with his back to goal or on headed knockouts, displaying good awareness of the positioning of those in and around him. He does, however, need to get his head up quicker when receiving the ball when facing goal, as he tends to first try and take on an opponent before taking stock of the play ahead of him. If he is able to create space with a dribble, he usually picks the right passing option thereafter.

Positioning: Willing to take on the responsibility of acting as his side's back-to-goal reference point up front and enduring the concomitant knocks from opposing defenders, but often looks more comfortable working in the three-quarter spaces just off the front when a traditional No. 9 is employed alongside him. His pace makes him a potent threat in behind.

Crossing: Far from a prolific crosser of the ball but usually seeks to fire low deliveries across the face of goal when he finds himself appropriately placed.

Finishing: Capable of generating plenty of power in his shots, but the quality of his placement varies. A decent, instinctive finisher, but seems to lack a bit of confidence in his ability to find the back of the net when given time to pick his spot. Takes the large majority of his shots from inside the area.

Embolo has already been capped by Switzerland, the country he chose to represent at the international level.

What the experts say

Former Basel striker Marco Streller: "Breel has all the attributes he needs to become a world-class striker."

Former Basel midfielder Fabian Frei: "I like him as a person as much as I do as a player. His feet will stay on the ground -- he won't be shooting from 50 metres to score the goal of the season. You can give him good advice and he is ready to take it without getting angry."

Trivia

Embolo's agent is Erdin Shaqiri, brother of his Swiss international colleague and former Basel player Xherdan, who is currently at Stoke.

Conclusion

Embolo might only be 18, but he has already made 75 appearances at club level and earned himself senior national team caps for Switzerland. Barcelona and Manchester United have both had him scouted this season, while Wolfsburg made an approach over the summer and have since continued to track his progress. Arsenal, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur all have been linked to a player for whom Basel are likely to seek at least €25 million.

The young forward looks to have an exceedingly bright future ahead of him. It is a promising sign that he seems unaffected by the interest surrounding him and is simply content to get further minutes under his belt and continue his development. Basel provide him with the platform to learn and improve at a continental level, and he can afford to sit tight and consider all of his options before deciding upon his next move.

Big things are expected of Embolo, and while he is still an inconsistent performer in need of more experience, all current evidence suggests that he has the necessary on and off-pitch qualities to eventually reach the top echelons of the game.

[fuchsntf]

I would be shocked if any 1st team player left in january.

Summer is a different ball game.

Much might depend on the individuals thoughts on how the results

pan out before January.Then the EOS finishing position.

[reynard]

I think most of the movement will be out.

I can see Inler, Kramaric and Wasyl all going and also fringe players such as Hammond probably as well. Others like him on long term loans will probably have them extended with an option to buy.

 

As to the main players the problem we have is that none are cup tied for European football. If any big club still in the champion's League fancies improving their squad with a player who isn't cup tied then our "stars" look an obvious target.

 

We should be looking to make additions even if only as a precaution against players leaving. We obviously don't have to sell but if a player is offered the chance to go to a top club they are probably going to take it after all the chance may not come round again.

[I blame Wellens]

Buy, buy, buy lets go for it. When will we ever gave a chance like this again?

[Gerard]

I think most of the movement will be out.

I can see Inler, Kramaric and Wasyl all going and also fringe players such as Hammond probably as well. Others like him on long term loans will probably have them extended with an option to buy.

 

As to the main players the problem we have is that none are cup tied for European football. If any big club still in the champion's League fancies improving their squad with a player who isn't cup tied then our "stars" look an obvious target.

 

We should be looking to make additions even if only as a precaution against players leaving. We obviously don't have to sell but if a player is offered the chance to go to a top club they are probably going to take it after all the chance may not come round again.

 

Was won't go. 

 

Six months left on his contract and it would leave us with only three centre backs.

 

No value in letting him go at all.