Don Pacifico wrote:
As qs said, he started out at LB and up until last season, he played mostly in midfield (unless I'm mistaken) where he did have to break up play. But it's been such a long time since I've seen him play there that I can't make any more cogent comment than that.
He played lots of games at centre back, too. He is no mug defensively, it's not that he can't tackle, or position himself correctly - it's that he doesn't have the discipline, concentration levels, or frankly, the willingness to do it over 90 minutes, game in, game out.
He's been a revelation since he was moved to a forward role, right, left or central - although, the right side seems to suit him best. He has too much instinct and composure in the box and in front of goal, to get moved backwards now. Although I also think his rapid improvement can be attributed to a huge gain in pace and power. He's so much more explosive now than he was about 12/18 months ago.
The similarities with Diaby are there to an extent, but he's much more direct. Perhaps not as skilful in tight areas, not quite the same brilliant close control or pure dribbling, but more powerful and dangerous. I also think his brain works considerably quicker too, and that shows in his quick combinations, clever passing, and when finding space to shoot in and around the box.
I really like him at right forward.
