That's not true - the data there shows pass completion by short, medium and long distance and his percentage is below average for all of them. Sure, it's not the wackiest opinion out there, but it's one I disagree with.
I agree but we have to take into account that he's still only a teenager. The system suited him on Saturday as it did the whole team, so on that note he should be starting tonight. Earlier the whole style of our football was so turgid that the opposition had plenty of time to settle back into the positions. Maybe the faster into feet style will help him. Yes it's only been one game but it looks very promising. Would still like to see Perica given the opportunity if JP is off his game instead of the non dynamic duo. Anyway he looked a threat and deserved a goal for his all round play. Could we see either Gray or DeeKnee with close control in the box to pull off the shot that hit the bar or the cheeky flick just before the second.
I'd be surprised if Perica will jump up the queue ahead of the 'terrible twosome' straight after injury. No I doubt the 'terrible twosome' would have that technical ability you describe but the harsh reality is we won 6-0 at the weekend and Pedro had no goals and assists to show for it despite the flicks, energy, and backheels. I would play him as much as possible if it were me but until he adds the goals it's possible that Xisco doesn't see him as undroppable just yet. I just don't want Deeney playing out of the 3 ideally as he will slow everything down . At least Gray and Perica can run - the' lesser of 3 evils' as they say.
It is true. Look at the percentile bars. There’s one for progressive passing distance and one for passing volume and Cucho comes off well on those metrics. Progressive passing distance (I believe) adds up the distance of all of the player’s progressive passes over the course of a match rather than just assessing what your pass accuracy is in different categories of pass. I think it’s a good metric and that’s what I was referring to. I inferred that you thought it was a wacky opinion from the way you asked the initial question (with !?) but you’re of course welcome to disagree.
League games, Saturday aside, when did JP last start? I could be wrong but my perception is its been almost constant chuckle brothers for months.
No but the world doesn't start and finish with the PL. I know that if I were 19, talented, with the world at my feet, and I had to sit on the bench watching the chuckle brothers I’d be thinking about giving my agent a call.
I think he's fantastic. Only 19 and tries some pretty outrageous things. Obviously a lot to learn in terms of becoming a more well rounded team player, but he has ability and by the looks of it arrogance. I think in a few years he will be brilliant once he understands the professional game a little better.
True but I can forgive no goals and no assists with an all round performance like that. He was extremely unlucky with the one that hit the bar though. We should persist until it's obvious that he needs a rest and common sense tells us he will need that. Ok as you say Perica has just come back which I didn't take into consideration but I still believe he gives us a different dimension to the non dynamic duo. Yes Gray can run but that's it and correct that DeeKnee slows down play which we cannot afford to do. I'm just praying that he sticks with the same team that started so well Saturday and really has a go at frankly a very slow Preston defence. Looking forward to seeing the lineup before I get overexcited though but I'm very much looking forward to the match which is not something I've said for some time.
What I really like is how strong he is and has some attitude to back it up. It's just down to him now to show it on a regular basis.
His "pass completion long" is 49th percentile for forwards, so bang average. So he plays long balls a lot, but is only average when he tries them, indicating he should maybe choose his moments more carefully. Having said that, his "pass completion long" surprisingly fairs better relative to attacking mids/wingers - 81st percentile. This is strange as I would have imagined AMs to be better at it, though they also may make more crosses that are likely to get cut-out. On a side-note, I didn't know that "scouting report" section of the site was there, it's interesting.
He had that one month out from December, and since returning in Jan he's had 3 league starts before Bristol City, plus the Man Utd cup game.
I'm not sure why you added that 'but" in the first sentence. I would also rather see Perica ahead of the other two. As I commented post-match in the City thread, the faster style was helped by us playing at home on a good pitch against a crap side. It's a completely different thing trying to replicate such things away from home on a terrible pitch against a combative side that has parked the bus. Ivic's style of play was generally too slow still, but that alone wasn't the reason why JP has often struggled to get involved in games. I hope he starts again today so we can get more of a sense of whether that was just a flash in the pan, or a genuine shift in approach and ability.
Yeah it’s new and really good. All players for top 5 leagues (and MLS). No championship unfortunately. You can also use the scout report section to find similar players. Amongst forwards, Cucho is supposedly similar to players such as Zaha, Raul Jimenez and David McGoldrick. Amongst wingers, Richarlison, Lukebakio and Lucas Moura. What I was referring to is that Cucho is 86th percentile among strikers for progressive passing distance, which accumulates the distance of all progressive passes in the match. I think it’s a function of his passing volume. He is very high on touches and dribbles too - a lot of Getafe’s play seems to flow through him. Seems a very interesting player.
He hit the bar at the weekend after a little move where he stopped the defender dead and made half a yard to get the shot away. Deeney and Gray don't have that in their skillset, the one way they ever get a shot away is if there's an unobstructed view of the goal.
Forgot to mention last night I thought the gamesmanship from the Preston players when pedro was putting the ball on the spot for the pen was embarrassing how calm was he well done lad
Someone else went in there and stood between one of them and Pedro, think it was Masina. Good to see the squad sticking up for each other.
Seen the goalie put the penalty taker off but not 3 outfield players ,ref just stood there didnt get that at all
Another fantastic game from the young man. One of the goals of the season. The execution difficult but made it look so easy. His value is going up by million increments each match. What a player.
Not only talented but up for the physical stuff too, already the best 9 at the club What a find, we knock the clubs scouting when they screw up so should praise them with finding JP
Absolutely, he is quickly becoming one of my favourites. I am not sure if he has the absolute utmost in technical ability but he has everything else in spades. A brilliant buy.
Pedro, Sarr and Kiko are streets ahead in the P.O.T.S. Stakes probably in reverse order of how I have put them!
Neither Deeney or Gray could have scored that goal last night - Deeney wouldn't have got there and Gray wouldn't have the technique. The other things to really like about Pedro are that he works so hard for the team and he's tough. And his technique is right up there with the best in the squad.
You wouldn't say he's particularly quick or great at any one part of the game. But what is clear with him is that he's got great positioning, and he's always looking to affect the game. Reminds me a bit of Sheringham
He's only going to get better. Tbf I think his all round game is excellent, no not the fastest but at 19 he's the best at the club.
I think he has far more technique and natural ability on the ball than Richarlison had. Richarlison often looked and still looks clunky and awkward, even being 5 years ahead in his development. Pedro has a much better touch and is more natural with the ball at his feet, I think. He's not particularly fast but he does have a decent burst of acceleration, which is often all you need. If he can build on that and become even more athletic, whilst continuing to develop across the board with training and experience through the years, then he will go on to be world class down the line.
It's going to hurt when he goes to Everton. They are going to end being the greatest hits team of Watford from the past 5 years. Just need them to get Sarr and Foster for a season. Bring back Deulofeu. Sierralta could do a job there too. So could Hughes probably. Kiko on the bench. Zinckernagal could get a job in the hair salon in their fancy new stadium.