Obbi Oulare

fans of other clubs methinks (he scouted the areas that others refused to) although there was also a mafia element.

He also would wear out a nearly new car every three years and he never did get that big pay day..... glamour it wasn't.

 

Fairly sure he'll be gone at end of season. Should've sent him out on loan at in January, God knows why he's been kept at the club when QSF clearly has no intention of ever using him

 

Can't see the club selling a 20 year old after one season. Remember, the Pozzos had watched him for a while and bought him before anyone else after they were told he had become available. He's here to learn from Troy and Ighalo which the guy says he's happy to be doing. We've worked on his fitness, he's been around the first team squad all season and has had 8 months to learn from two strikers who have done so well for us this season.

I don't see why everyone is making such a big deal that a kid hasn't made an impact in our first season back in the Premier League when full internationals have struggled to play? What's the rush? Is it the money we paid for him? I guarantee the club will pay more money for older players who won't make any impact here somewhere along the line! **** happens, not every signing will be amazing but at least Oulare has time on his side and sounds like he has the right attitude.

 

Exactly.

 

Considering how much money we've already spent on Jurado and Amrabat you're not exactly making a bold prediction there...

 

I think Oulare has potential and think he could at least play a part in our squad with time. I'm just not convinced that Berghuis is ever going to be able to do the same.

 

I think it's the performances for the U21s that worry people. Presumably a 6 million 20 year old should be able to make an impact at that level?

 

This is exactly the point :- I'm not basing my entire view of Oulare (and Berghuis) on the meagre minutes Obbi has had on the pitch in the Premier League.
I've seen him in the u21s too. That's alarming. For a big tall bloke, he can hardly win or direct headers either. He spends an awful lot of time being muscled off the ball and falling over. Out fought by other u21s! That's not promising for going up against any sort of Premier League defence.

Value is judged on what you pay. And WFC have paid one of their biggest ever fees for this kid. A new Ford Focus is a fantastic car for 13-14 grand. If you paid £100,000 for one you'd have a word with yourself and expect a bit more.

Oulare famously was bought carrying physical issues that means he cannot manage to last 90 minutes. In the Belgian League. He hasn't even managed it in the u21s despite training with the first team squad and "learning from Ighalo and Deeney". Thats not a gamble, that's reckless behaviour, surely?

He's some distance behind Jakubiak on visible ability (and pace, footwork and accuracy) and previous u21s like Sordell, Asssombalonga and even Liam "Spennymoor Town" Henderson.

Not just my opinion, but that of scouts, local reporters and wiser folk who've been at those u21 games.

I hope he suddenly has a light bulb moment and it all comes good but I just don't see it.

Next season, in a 25 man squad, would you really waste a valuable overseas player spot on Oulare? I cannot see Gino, Scott and QSF allowing it to happen, prospect or not.

 

Kevin Phillips had shocking stats for the reserves. He turned out OK.

 

I can't get my head around a 20 year old, professional athlete, that can't get fit, with the best trainers and facilities available.

 

I'm reserving judgement ... Such is the Pozzo world I would not be surprised if there's more to this and we've actually bought investments in future assets.

 

He's getting there though. Previously he could only last around 45 minutes, now he's pretty much able to finish a game. He's a work in progress and we just have to be patient.

 

I expect we will see him and Berghuis get some minutes on Wednesday.

 

Won't he count as an u21 player, thus not needing to be included in the 25-man squad?

 

At least Ellington could be **** for 90 minutes.

 

45 minutes my a**e, football is his job. and he's 20!!!! At that age he should be able to play 2 games, back to back, go home, eat his dinner and then go out for a kickabout with his mates.

 

Ok, he can't do that yet, but he's working on it so give the guy a ****ing break.

 

Are you really defending such a pish poor level of fitness? I'm 56, do a physical job 5 days a week and then find the energy to play squash a couple of times. I don't want plaudits, I just don't get how a 20 year old who isn't coming back from injury is so unfit.

 

This.

 

He isn't unfit, he is just got growing pains. Many will have 20 year olds who don't have the energy to hang their clothes up. Didn't stephen Gerald famously blame growing pains for problems early inhis career? Anyway next season there will be better players in the squad, so I can see him going to QPR on a season loan.

 

He isn't unfit, he is just got growing pains
Can you see your average 20 squaddie getting excused halfway through a fire fight because he's got growing pains?

Many will have 20 year olds who don't have the energy to hang their clothes up
I have been a 20 year old, I have had a 20 year old son, not hanging clothes up is nothing to do with being exhausted, it's all about being lazy and not being bothered.

The boy should take a month or two out, doing a real job for the minimum wages, it may open his eyes to what life could have in store for him if he doesn't get his s**t together.

 

Surely this is a huge whoosh?

 

I'm fairly sceptical of the supposed fitness issues, but I do think that comparing him to an average 20 year old is a little harsh.

At 18 the lad was 6'4", which isn't too extraordinary by itself, but every person I knew who was that height at school was also as thin as a rake. Oulare is built like a brick ****house. I don't see any way that carrying that height and bulk doesn't have a massive impact on the body during its developing years.

I do agree that he should be able to play decent amount of football by now, but by the same token, he's been with our backroom staff for 3/4 of a year (presumably on a routine designed to combat his weaknesses). That he still isn't fit enough suggests there is more at play than simply not 'having his **** together', so I'm happy to cut him a little more slack than some.

 

Will look like Akinfenwa by the time he's 23.....

 

Perhaps we need to loan Oulare out to Wimbledon so he can learn from the master!

 

I thought this was just a sitcom title.

 

Rugby players cover about half the distance a footballer does during a match. Not saying they aren't as fit but a 20 year old kid trying to fill out his frame will have difficulties running around for 90 mins at the level we're at. People don't seem to realise that top level footballers have to be insanely fit, no wonder it's taking him most of the season to get up to speed.

 

He's picked up a hamstring injury thus will play no part in the game against West Ham tomorrow night.

 

FML :doom:

 

Injury occurred at London Colney hanging his kit up. An own goal by the club. All hamstring injuries on the pitch occur to players considered fit to play. Off the pitch hamstring problems are a well known symptom of growing pains.

"Growing pains are felt as intense, cramp-like pain in both legs. They most often affect the calves, shins or ankles, but can also affect the thighs."

Steven Gerald "began to suffer from nagging back problems, which sports consultant Hans-Wilhelm M*ller-Wohlfahrt later diagnosed as a result of accelerated growth, coupled with excessive playing, during his teenage years." Not growing pains but lack of fitness due to growth spurts

 

Shame. Plenty of chances for some minutes in the remaining games though hopefully. Jakubiak will surely be in the squad at least now which is fully deserved.

 

Or not, just saw the WD article. Fml