Kramaric

[Edingleyfox]

Vardy and Ulloa still the best option up front in my opinion. Ulloa may not be scoring but his physical threat upsets goalkeepers and centre backs leaving Mahrez free which didn't happen yesterday.

 

Okazaki after a very good start against Sunderland and West Ham is not showing enough either as a striker or holding on to the ball in an advanced midfield role.Against quality teams he gets overpowered. This gives Kram an opportunity but of course bring him on with 10 minutes to go at Anfield is hardly helpful.We need to give him a couple of games or at least half an hour in each before the end of the transfer window to see whether he is an option but he has been ignored for so long he could now be  faced with proving his worth against Man City or Spurs.

[VLC86]

Could Kramaric not play a number 10 role? Personally I think he's got the quality to do so.

The thing is, the number 10 role we need is one that does all the hard work and running to allow Vardy to use all of his energy in the final 3rd. This is not Kramaric.

Is this Okazaki though? Ok he does the hard work but he really struggles to hold the ball up and lay off to one of our advancing midfielders.

Playing Ulloa in this role while Vardy is the out and out striker seams a bit backwards to me so I would sell Kram and bring in someone to take this role, problem is who and how much.

[Medwayfox]

Kramaric needs to be given a go for three full games in place of Okazaki-no ifs or buts. In my opinion he hasn't been given a fair go whereas Okazaki definitely has and rates as industrious but distinctly average, no more than 5 or 6 out of 10. Kramaric is our record signing and it would be bad if we let him go without truly giving him a decent run in the team to see what he can truly offer. If it doesn't work out after than then he can go. 

[les-tah]

The last couple of games have showed that inler and kram need a propa go from the start

[Babylon]

Kramaric needs to be given a go for three full games in place of Okazaki-no ifs or buts. In my opinion he hasn't been given a fair go whereas Okazaki definitely has and rates as industrious but distinctly average, no more than 5 or 6 out of 10. Kramaric is our record signing and it would be bad if we let him go without truly giving him a decent run in the team to see what he can truly offer. If it doesn't work out after than then he can go.

The manager sees what he offers day in day out. I appreciate people don't see that... But we aren't the ones paid to pick the team. We shouldn't be calling for people to get a game just do we can have a look.

Look at all the stats, it's very obvious why Ranieri puts in Okazaki. He's doing a certain job, the defensive stats are high... That's what he's being tasked with, when he thinks we'll have more of the ball Leo very often comes in against weaker opponents, the exception being Chelsea but he was there for set pieces alone.

That's how Ranieri is choosing to play, (fairly successfully so far). People seem to be looking for things from Okazaki that he's not going to bring as much the way he's being asked to play.

For Ranieri to pick Kramaric he needs to show the defensive side of his game to get in above Okazaki. That's why I've mentioned the chase back and block yesterday, that won't go unnoticed.

If he doesn't show that side of his game then he'll be more likely to be only competing with Ulloa to play against weaker teams where the defensive stuff isn't needed quite as much.

[Guest BlueBrett]

The manager sees what he offers day in day out. I appreciate people don't see that... But we aren't the ones paid to pick the team. We shouldn't be calling for people to get a game just do we can have a look.

Glad someone has finally made this point. I'd assume they do actually play a bit of football in training so the notion that we could have an untried worldbeater in our ranks is a bit silly.

That's not to say he won't develop into a quality player for us. We've seen several recent examples of players needing time to adapt either mentally or physically to the way we want to play. Let's not forget that our boys look like some of the fittest in the league so we shouldn't be surprised if some of the newer signings take a while to get to the same level. You don't achieve vardy-esque athleticism over night it would take months and months of dedication and some will find it comes more naturally than others.

[foxes21]

As long as we play to feet, Kramaric is very good at holding the ball and keeping onto it because he's very good technically. See the Arsenal game from last season.

Laurent Koscienly interview after the game: 'that was one of our toughest games of the season, because their striker was very good'

[CharlieCharles]

As long as we play to feet, Kramaric is very good at holding the ball and keeping onto it because he's very good technically. See the Arsenal game from last season.

Laurent Koscienly interview after the game: 'that was one of our toughest games of the season, because their striker was very good'

Honestly believe Kram would hit 15 goals a season if he started every game. He has the potential, and with the poor performances of Ulloa and Shinji he deserves a run in. 

[psychonaut]

Glad someone has finally made this point. I'd assume they do actually play a bit of football in training so the notion that we could have an untried worldbeater in our ranks is a bit silly.

That's not to say he won't develop into a quality player for us. We've seen several recent examples of players needing time to adapt either mentally or physically to the way we want to play. Let's not forget that our boys look like some of the fittest in the league so we shouldn't be surprised if some of the newer signings take a while to get to the same level. You don't achieve vardy-esque athleticism over night it would take months and months of dedication and some will find it comes more naturally than others.

Finally made this point? Im guessing youre being sarcastic? Its the most over used point in this thread. A valid point nevertheless.

After seeing Kram yesterday I sense a glimmer of hope for the lad and his career here at city. Only 10 mins of game time but.. He looked like a different player in his attitude/work ethic and energy. He looked like he wanted it, maybe he feels there is an opportunity for him over the coming weeks.. maybe.. he has turned a new leaf in training or had a few realizations about this team and what it takes. Come on Krammy you can do it lad.

[lee7]

I hope he gets his chance against Man city. He links up play so much better than Shinji & I know given game time he'd be much more of a goal threat too.

[Medwayfox]

People have said Shinji gets the nod over Kramaric because the owners want to stimulate the Far East interest in Leicester? I think there is definitely some truth in that. The counter attacking style has paid dividends so far; but we need to develop alternatives involving more possession and this is where Inler and Kramaric come in. Our approach is too one dimensional and we need to develop more sophistication and other options for the long run.

[pazzerfox]

Lads...We are top of the league.  We haven't got to the top by fluke, everyone in the squad has played their part (whether it be on or off the pitch).  Replacing Shinji with Kram could have it's benefits but also major downfalls.  We are still conceding goals at the moment, we would concede more if shinji were to be replaced by Kram.  Just chasing a defender down and forcing a mistake, or getting a toe in whilst chasing back can set up a counter attack.  You need to appreciate what shinji actually brings.  He's not in the side to ping long 30 yard diagonals or score a free kick from 35 yards, he's there to stop defenders playing out from the back, chasing down opposing midfielders and forcing mistakes which will lead to our own counter attacks, and i for one think he does this really well.

 

Playing Kram will lose that intensive work-rate and defending from the front.  Granted he has more ability that Shinji but getting the ball in the first place will become even harder.  The foundation of Leicesters success is based on hard work, defending from the front and counter attacking with real intensity, directness and pace, therefore pinching the ball back at opportune moments becomes paramount.  

[shade]

The manager sees what he offers day in day out. I appreciate people don't see that... But we aren't the ones paid to pick the team. We shouldn't be calling for people to get a game just do we can have a look.

Look at all the stats, it's very obvious why Ranieri puts in Okazaki. He's doing a certain job, the defensive stats are high... That's what he's being tasked with, when he thinks we'll have more of the ball Leo very often comes in against weaker opponents, the exception being Chelsea but he was there for set pieces alone.

That's how Ranieri is choosing to play, (fairly successfully so far). People seem to be looking for things from Okazaki that he's not going to bring as much the way he's being asked to play.

For Ranieri to pick Kramaric he needs to show the defensive side of his game to get in above Okazaki. That's why I've mentioned the chase back and block yesterday, that won't go unnoticed.

If he doesn't show that side of his game then he'll be more likely to be only competing with Ulloa to play against weaker teams where the defensive stuff isn't needed quite as much.

disagree, I never see Okazaki in midfield, always just behind vardy doing very little.

[Psihobambi]

People said Kram is weak and slow, him running approximately 27 km/h yesterday says otherwise. I don't think he's weak phisically it's just that he needs to play, get pushed around and realize that he has to go into duels with more force.

 

edit : he can sometimes slow up the game, if that's what you're saying then yep that can happen and he has to change that. that's his biggest weakness in this kind of a team

[Guest Col city fan]

What the fook are we going to do with Kram?

I STILL think he's better than this...but to prove anything he's got to be given some sort of chance. As in, a run of starts. No striker comes into a side after 60/70 mins and immediately gets their shooting boots on. Taking chances is a confidence thing. It becomes like a metronome with a player on form (see Ighalo or Kane).... Shoot, score....shoot, score...etc.

BUT...neither Nigel nor Claudio seem to fancy him very much. And at the arse end of 10 million quid, he's proving to be an expensive flop. If he'd signed say for Villa at that sort of price, the usual suspects on here would be taking the piss big time..and I mean big time.. Because it's City, he's been given a stay of execution. But he surely has to show something soon or there's no point in him being here.

[TheMightySystem]

Lads...We are top of the league.  We haven't got to the top by fluke, everyone in the squad has played their part (whether it be on or off the pitch).  Replacing Shinji with Kram could have it's benefits but also major downfalls.  We are still conceding goals at the moment, we would concede more if shinji were to be replaced by Kram.  Just chasing a defender down and forcing a mistake, or getting a toe in whilst chasing back can set up a counter attack.  You need to appreciate what shinji actually brings.  He's not in the side to ping long 30 yard diagonals or score a free kick from 35 yards, he's there to stop defenders playing out from the back, chasing down opposing midfielders and forcing mistakes which will lead to our own counter attacks, and i for one think he does this really well.

 

Playing Kram will lose that intensive work-rate and defending from the front.  Granted he has more ability that Shinji but getting the ball in the first place will become even harder.  The foundation of Leicesters success is based on hard work, defending from the front and counter attacking with real intensity, directness and pace, therefore pinching the ball back at opportune moments becomes paramount.  

1) So because Chelsea last season or Man city the season before won the league they didn't feel the need to improve at all in the summer? Yes there dosn't need to be any whole sale changes but most people on this forum would agree the number 10/ second striker role is the weakest area and so it would be stupid to not try all our options available before buying another striker.

2) Against Liverpool I thought he did just as much chasing as Okazaki had done with his ten minutes and forget defending from the front he ran all the way to the back to stop a second goal when Benteke missed the open net.

3) I would much rather have a Attacking player be a bit less effective at defending if it means there is more quality up top. Dont get me wrong I know that Okazaki is a trier and I respect him for that but he is so inconsisent on the ball it hurts, most of the time he is absolute doggo, running into defenders and losing the ball or taking to long to pick out a pass or shoot (which surely defeats your argument that he sets up counter attacks if he also destroys them). However there are also times where he is surrounded by 3 players and can hold the ball up and dribble out of trouble which is fantastic, but he doesn't do it enough. An attacking player should primarily be used to attack, or be average at both attack and defence if you want a defensive foward. What I have seen of Shinji suggests he is good at defending but poor at attacking unless he is standing in the box as a poacher which he cant do as he has to run and collect the ball. Kramaric yesterday showed good link up play and showed commitment to try and win the ball back, however it is hard to tell anything from 10 minutes so I think he deserved a spot for the Man City game to show what he can do as Okazaki and Ulloa have had ample time to nail down that spot and have both failed to do so.

[shade]

What the fook are we going to do with Kram?

I STILL think he's better than this...but to prove anything he's got to be given some sort of chance. As in, a run of starts. No striker comes into a side after 60/70 mins and immediately gets their shooting boots on. Taking chances is a confidence thing. It becomes like a metronome with a player on form (see Ighalo or Kane).... Shoot, score....shoot, score...etc.

BUT...neither Nigel nor Claudio seem to fancy him very much. And at the arse end of 10 million quid, he's proving to be an expensive flop. If he'd signed say for Villa at that sort of price, the usual suspects on here would be taking the piss big time..and I mean big time.. Because it's City, he's been given a stay of execution. But he surely has to show something soon or there's no point in him being here.

the problem is he hasn't been given a chance to show what he can do, apart from a spell playing up front on his own, in a team with four central midfielders playing the dullest, most turgid football imaginable. at this point in time, I refuse to believe he could offer less than Okazaki, in this team, if he had a 6 or 7 game run.

[TheMightySystem]

What the fook are we going to do with Kram?

I STILL think he's better than this...but to prove anything he's got to be given some sort of chance. As in, a run of starts. No striker comes into a side after 60/70 mins and immediately gets their shooting boots on. Taking chances is a confidence thing. It becomes like a metronome with a player on form (see Ighalo or Kane).... Shoot, score....shoot, score...etc.

BUT...neither Nigel nor Claudio seem to fancy him very much. And at the arse end of 10 million quid, he's proving to be an expensive flop. If he'd signed say for Villa at that sort of price, the usual suspects on here would be taking the piss big time..and I mean big time.. Because it's City, he's been given a stay of execution. But he surely has to show something soon or there's no point in him being here.

Could be a situation like with Albrighton last year where he was out of the team to adapt to the way we play? His cameos in the league so far have shown he is willing to get stuck in for the team and he needs the amount of chances that Ulloa and Okazaki have had to find some form. Hopefully that run to block that second shot shows Ranieri that he is willing to change his game style to get into the team and prove himself.

[TheUltimateWinner]

Start him against man city, ulloa and crockazaki have had their chances from the start, only fair he gets one

[Sol thewall Bamba]

597'. That's the equivalent of 6 2/3 complete games, the equivalent of 3 complete games less than Shinji has played.

If Kram got his chance, Shinji definitely did.

Take those 6 2\3 full games, and take a look at the impact he's had in that time. Scored a late goal vs Arsenal and Villa, and we lost both. Got our 4th against an already relegated QPR when we were already safe. Decent goal return but no goals that had an impact on the course of the game.

Any assists in that time? Could you count his scuffed shot against West Ham that Vardy and Kingy both had a poke at before it went in? Can't remember any others apart from that.

[LCFC FOX]

I'd love him to get his chance. Even if he doesn't do much against man city leave him in for Bournemouth. 70 to 90 minutes against man city will do him the world of good and then a start against Bournemouth. The lad needs game time. Just like Okazaki has got!

[pazzerfox]

1) So because Chelsea last season or Man city the season before won the league they didn't feel the need to improve at all in the summer? Yes there dosn't need to be any whole sale changes but most people on this forum would agree the number 10/ second striker role is the weakest area and so it would be stupid to not try all our options available before buying another striker.

2) Against Liverpool I thought he did just as much chasing as Okazaki had done with his ten minutes and forget defending from the front he ran all the way to the back to stop a second goal when Benteke missed the open net.

3) I would much rather have a Attacking player be a bit less effective at defending if it means there is more quality up top. Dont get me wrong I know that Okazaki is a trier and I respect him for that but he is so inconsisent on the ball it hurts, most of the time he is absolute doggo, running into defenders and losing the ball or taking to long to pick out a pass or shoot (which surely defeats your argument that he sets up counter attacks if he also destroys them). However there are also times where he is surrounded by 3 players and can hold the ball up and dribble out of trouble which is fantastic, but he doesn't do it enough. An attacking player should primarily be used to attack, or be average at both attack and defence if you want a defensive foward. What I have seen of Shinji suggests he is good at defending but poor at attacking unless he is standing in the box as a poacher which he cant do as he has to run and collect the ball. Kramaric yesterday showed good link up play and showed commitment to try and win the ball back, however it is hard to tell anything from 10 minutes so I think he deserved a spot for the Man City game to show what he can do as Okazaki and Ulloa have had ample time to nail down that spot and have both failed to do so.

1.  My point about us being top was what had actually got us there.  Replacing a hard working striker with someone else (we are joint top scorers don't forget) would have it's benefits at both ends and like i say, we are far from the finished article defensively either.  Do you not think Shinji's style of play gives the opportunity to Vardy and Mahrez to flourish?  It's no coincidence that they are performing better than they ever have whilst Shinji (and Kante) have been playing.

 

2.  I'm sure if Kramaric worked as hard as Shinji then he would definitely be in the team instead of him...It would be a no brainer.  

 

3.  Like i say, we are joint top scorer's.  Scoring isn't the problem is it?  We have only failed to score in 1 Premier League game this season.

[TheMightySystem]

Take those 6 2\3 full games, and take a look at the impact he's had in that time. Scored a late goal vs Arsenal and Villa, and we lost both. Got our 4th against an already relegated QPR when we were already safe. Decent goal return but no goals that had an impact on the course of the game.

Any assists in that time? Could you count his scuffed shot against West Ham that Vardy and Kingy both had a poke at before it went in? Can't remember any others apart from that.

Its difficult to compare the two using game time because of the differant setups and moral of the squad. Kram played in a bottom of the league team which didn't know the best way to play. Okazaki has had the luxury of playing for a team playing positive football at the top of the league with high moral. Okazaki's goals may be more important but at the time he scored them it wasn't that important. West ham he made it 2-0. Newcastle he made it 3-0 in the 85? minute. Everton 3-1. Yes when you see the final result they where important goals but when he scored them we where in a winning position, not drawing or loosing which I think requires alot more composure to put away chances due to the pressure. What about Okazaki's assists? I can't remember a single one either?

[Sol thewall Bamba]

Its difficult to compare the two using game time because of the differant setups and moral of the squad. Kram played in a bottom of the league team which didn't know the best way to play. Okazaki has had the luxury of playing for a team playing positive football at the top of the league with high moral. Okazaki's goals may be more important but at the time he scored them it wasn't that important. West ham he made it 2-0. Newcastle he made it 3-0 in the 85? minute. Everton 3-1. Yes when you see the final result they where important goals but when he scored them we where in a winning position, not drawing or loosing which I think requires alot more composure to put away chances due to the pressure. What about Okazaki's assists? I can't remember a single one either?

West Ham and Everton we both won by 1 goal margins. If Shinji didn't score we might have dropped 4 points, so you could argue his goals have got as to the top of the Prem as much as Vardy' have.

Anyway, it's not about Kram vs Shinji. Imo every striker in our arsenal needs to add something different to give us options. Vardy is the superstar, Shinji does the Nugent style dogwork, Leo offers a targetman option if we need to go more direct. Kram has yet to find a niche and I think that's why he's struggling.

[MC Prussian]

Its difficult to compare the two using game time because of the differant setups and moral of the squad. Kram played in a bottom of the league team which didn't know the best way to play. Okazaki has had the luxury of playing for a team playing positive football at the top of the league with high moral. Okazaki's goals may be more important but at the time he scored them it wasn't that important. West ham he made it 2-0. Newcastle he made it 3-0 in the 85? minute. Everton 3-1. Yes when you see the final result they where important goals but when he scored them we where in a winning position, not drawing or loosing which I think requires alot more composure to put away chances due to the pressure. What about Okazaki's assists? I can't remember a single one either?

 

Getting a penalty in your favour counts as an assist. Remember Goodison Park not so long ago?