Oussama Assaidi [Sold to Al-Ahli's Barmy Army]

[Muddled]

We should have offered him a trial first, then none of this would have happened.

[Captain Stu]

We should have offered him a trial first, then none of this would have happened.

[Maxiedge]

If that's true, why the eff did he sign Allen? And how come Sterling is a regular? Neither of those two can be stronger than him.

Sterling is deceptively strong

I said it the day we signed Assaidi, he would either make or break or season as we desperately need a player of his 'type'. Luckily, Sterling has been able to hold his own for the most part which has seen us through, here and there.

The signing has been nothing short of a disaster imo and I can't see him establishing himself as a regular.

[red g]

Carroll, Aquiliani, Downing etc are disasters....Assaidi is just a gamble that didn't work!

[Maxiedge]

Carroll, Aquiliani, Downing etc are disasters....Assaidi is just a gamble that didn't work!

Who is this Carroll and Aquilani you speak of? [therapy's working]

Seriously though, we needed another pacy, tricky player in the team and it's lucky we've had Sterling to keep defenders on the back foot otherwise our only threat would be Suarez.

[saj]

Sterling is deceptively strong

I said it the day we signed Assaidi, he would either make or break or season as we desperately need a player of his 'type'. Luckily, Sterling has been able to hold his own for the most part which has seen us through, here and there.

The signing has been nothing short of a disaster imo and I can't see him establishing himself as a regular.

Sorry but . I know everyones entitled to their opinion but there is nothing deceptive about Sterling in terms of strength. He has none. It's painful watching him frequently get pushed off the ball with minimum effort. It's his biggest weakness (he is obviously young) and IMO if doesn't get stronger, he will never make it

[danperkins]

I have to agree Sterling is incredibly lightweight and gets bounced around... lucky he has exceptional pace.

[Shaggy]

I do think, putting myself at risk of being abused, that Sterling has been a little bit overhyped. My concern has always been that he might become the next SWP

He seems to have a much better footballing brain than him though. Overplaying him at this stage won't do him any favours, surely.

[Mattshark]

I do think, putting myself at risk of being abused, that Sterling has been a little bit overhyped. My concern has always been that he might become the next SWP

He seems to have a much better footballing brain than him though. Overplaying him at this stage won't do him any favours, surely.

[dom9]

I do think, putting myself at risk of being abused, that Sterling has been a little bit overhyped. My concern has always been that he might become the next SWP

He seems to have a much better footballing brain than him though. Overplaying him at this stage won't do him any favours, surely.

and



The hype has been ridiculous. Why was he picked for the England squad for example?

The only reason he has played so often is because we've barely had a choice. Particulary after Bornini's injury.

It speaks volumes when you have to rest 17 year olds for Europa league games.

It is far too early to judge him.

[Alex]

People love a youngster breaking through. Its a good story. Not many I have seen here have over hyped him. He has had some cracking games. Some terrible. He is learning though, so hopefully we will have a good player on our hands.

[kalesh]

I'd also add that Sterling doesn't have "exceptional pace". Certainly not like someone like Walcott. He's very quick over the first 5 yards but, beyond that, he's nothing special and can be caught fairly easily.

[Baracus]

I do think, putting myself at risk of being abused, that Sterling has been a little bit overhyped. My concern has always been that he might become the next SWP

He seems to have a much better footballing brain than him though. Overplaying him at this stage won't do him any favours, surely.

At Risk of being Abused, Its Ok. Saj is the one who called it first. All Abuse is directed towards him

I thought the next J Pennant. Similar Age at break through. Similar Hype. Nothing Exceptional

[Yozza]

I thought the next J Pennant. Similar Age at break through. Similar Hype. Nothing Exceptional

My thoughts too - I hope he comes good for us but at the moment not seeing a great deal from him

I fully appreciate with time he may offer a lot more; but that time needs to be spent in the ressies

[dww]

I do think, putting myself at risk of being abused, that Sterling has been a little bit overhyped. My concern has always been that he might become the next SWP

He seems to have a much better footballing brain than him though. Overplaying him at this stage won't do him any favours, surely.

I'm not sure how important the over playing thing is long term so long as it isn't sustained (as it was with Owen). He should learn from exposure and potentially being 'found out' and having to adapt early could speed his development.

Agree he was over hyped but it would have been hard for Messi to have lived up to the hysteria that surrounded him when he broke through.