So his Pace, Vision, Stamina, Passion, Power and Shooting ability don't mark him out as potentially at least an average PL player for us?
The problem with using the term average in the prem is it's a worthless measure - at the top of the scale you have truly world class players like Aguero and Silva. at the bottom you have players who are barely better than championship standard. Will AG be a decent squad player for us? Yes. He will get games and do a good job, and be popular with players and fans. Is he capable of playing top half or Europa league level football? Well in 5 years of trying since he moved here in 2010 he hasn't managed that yet so you tell me. Where does Gino see the club being in 3 years time? Why did Gino prioritise Capoue, Stambouli, Jurado, Perotti and a bunch of other defensive and attacking midfielders before AG? I'm sure the answer is in there somewhere.
The only thing that worries me about AG is will he fit into the new system? Was awesome in our old system, but where will he fit in the new one?
I think he would be perfect on the right side of midfield in our new system - if he gets picked. But that's a big if.
See i'd say Ibarbo is better there. If anything i'd like to see AG where Ighalo has currently been playing behind Troy. He'd certainly cover the large gap we get at the moment between Troy and Behrami and Capoue
I'd say Jurado at his best is better than AG at his best That's a view supported by the transfer prices each has been sold for throughout their careers and the comparative club and competition levels each has played (Its not my intention to belittle AG)
Jurado at his best was playing in leagues in another country, AG at his best was playing in a lower league in this country. Not comparing like with like. However, AG has been terrific for Watford so far (as a loanee) and Jurado (as a newcomer to English football) hasn't. My only worry about AG is that there have been a number of players - notably Wayne Brown for us and Adebayor for everybody he's played for - who've been great when trying to get a new contract and unimpressive when they haven't. I don't see AG that way, but you never know. On the other hand, Jurado might turn out to be another Di Maria or Falcao over here.
AG's attitude to football and his club is worlds apart from Adebayor.....witness his wish to join us and celebrate with the team after the last game last year
AG in my eyes is a backup for Capoue. He is a box-to-box player, with great work rate and enough quality about him to make an impact in this league when called upon. He could play behind the striker if Quique decides that creativity should trump poaching abilities in the pivotal area linking midfield and attack; but then I would argue that Abdi would be more adept in that role first-and-foremost. Alternatively, if we are winning, he would be a great option to bring on for Ighalo, as a more-defensive link, whilst still offering an outlet. Jurado will be quality once he actually has movement to aim for. Holding the ball up and keeping possession, when nothing is really on, is what Quique will have told him to do. Once we inject a bit of pace, it will make through balls much easier, by giving him a bit more leeway with the distance and timing.
If he wants to stay then great but it's going to be even harder for him to get a game now. Although if we persist with 3 centre mids then it could help his cause.
