I was a big fan of him originally signing, watched him embarrass others with Totti, couldn't wait to see him at Spurs.
Really unfortunate arriving broken, all the mechanical issues resulting, looked half the player he was physically. Can't imagine the mental toll that takes on a guy. All thru it, always played with passion and you never questioned his desire. Flashes of it at times, rarely.
Really frustrates me to see players used in positions, or in situations, that just don't play to their best strengths. Personally, I always start there, and then adapt the player from their most confident place. I don;t think he's been given that advantage.
If he's gonna be in your starting XI, then he is a Second Striker. He plays off the Center Forward. His most dangerous touches are within the penalty area. He is tricky, and aware in the trash, and can both pick the pass or finish, with a CF to play off of.
He's a devastating 'impact sub'. What a nightmare for opponents after an hour or so. In this role, give him more freedom across the front line, and as long as his teammates are mobile, he will literally win matches. However, if his mates are static, and the pinball isn't there for him, he'll go it alone and dribble to nowhere.
If any player could benefit from a bit more ambidexterity...
Not rocket science.
Until we have a better option, I'd employ him as a sub, and let him wreak havoc.
Certainly wouldn't be 1st on my list of "outs".
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