Gonzalez, the new Smicer but with no heart?

[alunevans]

I didn't see much of Gonzo in Spain but am told he looked good. If that's true then he should be given time to recapture his previous form.

Its the players who never had previous form to recapture that are the big problem because this is as good as it gets.

[MrMichael]

I think its a bit unfair that people are having such a go at Gonzales. His arrival was built up far too much in the first place, mainly due to the wait probably, really the lad was bought as a prospect, similar to Paletta, and so far looks like potentially a decent one to me. Adapting to English footy is a pretty difficult thing for a player to do, especially as young an inexperienced a one as Gonzales, but he's looked considerably better than Pennant to me, and cost a fraction of the fee. He also cost a fraction of Smicer's fee, and Smicer was older and relatively far more experienced when we bought him.

Jeez, half a dozen games in this country and people are already getting on his back.

[wiw]

I think part of the problem is that both wingers are being asked to track back alot and chase the opposition down. By the time they do actually get the ball they're knackered. If, for instance, they knew Rafa had other wingers to replace them with in the second half it may be a different story altogether.

Where exactly are the experiences wingers to show the young lads (Gonzalez and Pennant) what to do exactly? Why isn't Rafa coaching them better so they remain a bit more composed and less clueless?

[Depth_Charge]

Gonzalez - did OK in patches, but far too often his final ball was poor and it just didn't work at all when he was briefly swapped over to the right. However at least he stayed out wide and offered an outlet - he just doesn't make it to the byeline very often. I think he is still trying to adapt to the EPL.

Pennant - I've not been critical of him in recent matches, but I have to say I was wondering what was the point of him after Saturday's showing. Apart from his one effort on goal he was completely innefective - he has been better in previous outings, but he should have been subbed early in the 2nd half as his contribution was basically non-existent. Pennant needs a good kick up the arse.

Boro were dreadful and frankly didn't deserve a point, but if you don't create a bit of havoc now and again then any team with a ten man defence will be able to prevent you from scoring. Garcia - despite his style of blowing either hot or cold, is at least a player who can make things happen and we are missing that at the moment - somebody from midfield who can be a creative force, gets into the box and can score goals too. Come back Luis.

[FutureRedStar]

Gonzalez has potential but is really different from Smicer. Smicer is good at dribbling but doesn't has the pace. Gonzalez has pace. Give him time, Gonzalez will improve!!!

[paulcooper4]

Just wondering what people thoughts were on him today? I thought him and Pennant were the worst players on the pitch. It got me thinking how excited we were in the summer that he signed (Like Smicer in 99?) and he has produced so little and doesn't look bothered. Unlike Smicer who did try to be fair to him.

IMO he is better than what he is showing us, im not convinced that bellamy and pennant ARE any better than what im seeing. I hope im wrong.

I dont see how you`re questioning his heart though, the lad runs his bollocks off. If I was questioning anything about his game, it would be how he has managed to amputate stig inge bjornebyes left foot and stick it on the end of his leg. This lad has got a cracking left foot, ive seen it, yet since he has joined us has crossed the ball as thopugh he is a right footer.

Overall, i think he will come good. He has too much quality and desire not to. I hope

[NICKZS]

We could find ourselves in a similar position as the Mancs when Ronaldo first arrived. Looked ****, lightweight and lacking of end product. Fast forward a season later and he is one of the most instrumental players in their side. I'm not saying I like the fella, just that he has adapted to the Premiership given time and a little bit of bulking up.

If you look, for instance, at the Birmingham game. Gonzalez was getting hassled around and beaten for strength every time he tried to get down the left. Then the one time he managed to stay on his feet and shrug of his opposing man he put a great run into the area and won us a penalty. I'm sure with a bit of perseverance and nurturing he could become great

[Red_Polo]

We could find ourselves in a similar position as the Mancs when Ronaldo first arrived. Looked ****, lightweight and lacking of end product. Fast forward a season later and he is one of the most instrumental players in their side. I'm not saying I like the fella, just that he has adapted to the Premiership given time and a little bit of bulking up.

If you look, for instance, at the Birmingham game. Gonzalez was getting hassled around and beaten for strength every time he tried to get down the left. Then the one time he managed to stay on his feet and shrug of his opposing man he put a great run into the area and won us a penalty. I'm sure with a bit of perseverance and nurturing he could become great

[anfieldanfield]

We could find ourselves in a similar position as the Mancs when Ronaldo first arrived. Looked ****, lightweight and lacking of end product. Fast forward a season later and he is one of the most instrumental players in their side. I'm not saying I like the fella, just that he has adapted to the Premiership given time and a little bit of bulking up.

If you look, for instance, at the Birmingham game. Gonzalez was getting hassled around and beaten for strength every time he tried to get down the left. Then the one time he managed to stay on his feet and shrug of his opposing man he put a great run into the area and won us a penalty. I'm sure with a bit of perseverance and nurturing he could become great

You're surely not comparing Gonzalez to Ronaldo ?

Ronaldo's undisputed talent was obvious for all see from his first miuntes on a football pitch over here.

[Red_Polo]

You're surely not comparing Gonzalez to Ronaldo ?

Ronaldo's undisputed talent was obvious for all see from his first miuntes on a football pitch over here.

FFS he's comparing the similar situations they found themselves in, not their quality. Stop pissing on bonfires all the time you miserable ****.

[thesilverfoxlfc]

He's showing more heart the Pennant.

Gonzo at least is trying and getting that little bit better each game.

[NICKZS]

You're surely not comparing Gonzalez to Ronaldo ?

Ronaldo's undisputed talent was obvious for all see from his first miuntes on a football pitch over here.

Unless you're the type of person who creams himself at the sight of a step-over then I am sorry but Ronaldo looked very disappointing in his first 6 months in the Premiership. Granted, he had performed wonderfully in the youth international champions previously, but the most ardent of Ronaldo's admirers will admit he had a tough time settling in.

I'm not comparing them from a perspective of talent, as RedPolo said, I am simply pointing out possible similarities in their respective scenarios

[red g]

Unless you're the type of person who creams himself at the sight of a step-over then I am sorry but Ronaldo looked very disappointing in his first 6 months in the Premiership. Granted, he had performed wonderfully in the youth international champions previously, but the most ardent of Ronaldo's admirers will admit he had a tough time settling in.

I'm not comparing them from a perspective of talent, as RedPolo said, I am simply pointing out possible similarities in their respective scenarios

and he used to go down like a fairy everytime.

I think Gonzo will be jsut fine. I remember the S. american correspendent on Talk Sport saying he will be world class in the premiership, if he settles.

[paulcooper4]

ronaldo is ****

[dww]

You're surely not comparing Gonzalez to Ronaldo ?

Ronaldo's undisputed talent was obvious for all see from his first miuntes on a football pitch over here.

So you didn't think he was the new Denilson for the first six months like everyone else then.

It is a very sensible comparison, whether you believe the talent levels are similar or not. Both were young wingers bought in from a league which is less physical and that has more wingers (indicating that conditions there make it easier for wingers to prosper). It took Ronaldo time to adapt and Gonzalez should be given the same priveledge.