David N'gog

[Craig_H]

[Rudo]

So if we're missing the first choice pair, you're happy for the one who steps in, to be impotent up there?

Kuyt hasnt got goals, or even looked like getting them, for a while.

If, if, if.

[Craig_H]

What's the point of having a 3rd striker then? Obviously at some point, you'll be missing the first choice pair.

I love the fact that our very last game proves my point, and you dont even realise it

[Rudo]

What's the point of having a 3rd striker then? Obviously at some point, you'll be missing the first choice pair.

I love the fact that our very last game proves my point, and you dont even realise it

It's just the same as need 4-5 centre backs and 4-5 centre midfielders.

Teams can play 60 games+ a season hence a big squad is needed. You don't have to be missing your first choice pair but you still need another option or two, maybe one of the first choice players aren't performing for example.

[Rowan]

So has Gerrard, what's your point?

As a back up striker(winger if needs must), i don't see the problem with keeping Kuyt.

You know he hasn't played the last few games, right? In fact if you count the mancs as a missed game too he's only played 3 of the last 8 or something.

Given that fact pn this occassion his lack of goals of late is at least understandable.

[Craig_H]

And Gerrard is also not a striker. But let's just ignore that significant factor

It's just the same as need 4-5 centre backs and 4-5 centre midfielders.

Teams can play 60 games+ a season hence a big squad is needed. You don't have to be missing your first choice pair but you still need another option or two, maybe one of the first choice players aren't performing for example.

Yes, and that other option needs to be able to fulfil the function of the role. Same as when you use one of your 'backup' centre backs, you need them to come in and fulfil a central defender's role. Likewise, a 3rd choice striker, when needed, has to come in and fulfil the function of a striker's role. Which is generally, to score goals, create them and/or offer a goal threat.

It's quite simple, 3rd choice or not, a STRIKER needs to be able to provide a genuine goal threat when required to. Otherwise, what's the point of having him as a striker?

Kuyt doesnt, and hasnt looked like doing so for a good while. N'Gog is another argument, he too has struggled to provide goal threat recently, but the two main factors of difference are that Kuyt has played virtually every game recently, N'Gog has barely played one lately. And N'Gog is a kid, whose natural development curve is likely to be 'upward' whilst Kuyt is the opposite and looks to be going backwards.

[TheElephantMan]

I still think N'gog has the attributes and attitude to succeed. I'd definitely keep him for at least another season. We could regret letting him go too soon.

[Mostar]

As I said in the other thread Ngog is a decent lad and all but he is not good enough to ever be a regular starter.

Perhaps there is some value in having him as a 3rd or 4th choice striker but I personally don't think so.

I would sell while we have a chance to fetch some value. Bolton this year and Brums last year were interested and I'm pretty sure that they will be interested in the summer too if we decide to put him on the selling block.

Kenny doesn't appear to rate him and unfortunately as of lately I can understand that.

[Craig_H]

Buy back clause

[Rudo]

Not having N'gog ahead of Kuyt, no ****in way.

[Craig_H]

I wasnt putting him ahead of Kuyt. Neither has looked all that potent lately. The difference is only that Kuyt's played game after game and looked impotent, whereas N'Gog has only had a game or two's worth of a chance.

[TheElephantMan]

Buy back clause

Maybe we should loan him out for a season? I think he has real potential, he just needs more games. I really wouldn't entertain selling him for a season or two yet, he's still developing and could be a top quality striker.

[Craig_H]

Loaning is an option. But if a club has loaned him, there's **** all pressure to play him really. If they sign him outright, they kinda have to justify the outlay. And a buy back clause means we can get him back if he proves himself.

[Mostar]

Not having N'gog ahead of Kuyt, no ****in way.

I'm afraid that is the current packing order and Kuyt is here to stay. If it is true that he will be extending his contract I don't think there is a place for both of them on the bench next year.

Correction, there is but perhaps we can attract a better quality striker than Ngog.

[Craig_H]

Not saying we should definitively NOT loan him out, by the way. Just presenting the benefits of selling over loaning.