Have you seen him much Ricky?

No, a bit here and there. Mainly going from YouTube videos. He just looks like your classic headless chicken in the final third to me. It seems evident to me at least he lacks composure and his technique when delivering from wide is mediocre.

I just think the way people dismiss Martins as poor without having seen him much is eerily similar to when we had an Aubameyang thread three years ago and literally nobody except Speedy wanted him, because he was apparently a technically dirt poor footballer with nothing going for him except a habit of tapping a few goals over the line every now and then. Poor man's Theo Walcott apparently.

No other comparisons on my part since I haven't seen Martins play much either. But anyone who can beat his man for fun and still keep control of the ball is well worth looking at in my book, especially when they're free and their only competition in the squad would be Alex Iwobi. Also, if Martins is that bloody poor you wonder why Sporting are so desperate to keep him and why he has played so much for Portugal at the age of 23.

I was wishlisting him last summer

If he's free we should be all over it, throw bonuses and hookers at his agent or whatever. Just get it done

Liverpool in for him now.

Klaus wrote:

I just think the way people dismiss Martins as poor without having seen him much is eerily similar to when we had an Aubameyang thread three years ago and literally nobody except Speedy wanted him, because he was apparently a technically dirt poor footballer with nothing going for him except a habit of tapping a few goals over the line every now and then. Poor man's Theo Walcott apparently.

No other comparisons on my part since I haven't seen Martins play much either. But anyone who can beat his man for fun and still keep control of the ball is well worth looking at in my book, especially when they're free and their only competition in the squad would be Alex Iwobi. Also, if Martins is that bloody poor you wonder why Sporting are so desperate to keep him and why he has played so much for Portugal at the age of 23.

Martins aside, I think we're crying out for an option in the squad that can beat someone one on one and add that extra dimension. It would be so valuable, especially in those tight games where the opposition sit deep, to have a player that can open up the space and turn the defence in that way. Even if he's erratic with his delivery or output, it at least creates uncertainty in the defence. 

Haven't had it since Gervais. And I've no idea if Nelson will come good (or if he even has the capacity for 'explosiveness').

Nelson absolutely is explosive.

Klaus wrote:

I just think the way people dismiss Martins as poor without having seen him much is eerily similar to when we had an Aubameyang thread three years ago and literally nobody except Speedy wanted him, because he was apparently a technically dirt poor footballer with nothing going for him except a habit of tapping a few goals over the line every now and then. Poor man's Theo Walcott apparently.

No other comparisons on my part since I haven't seen Martins play much either. But anyone who can beat his man for fun and still keep control of the ball is well worth looking at in my book, especially when they're free and their only competition in the squad would be Alex Iwobi. Also, if Martins is that bloody poor you wonder why Sporting are so desperate to keep him and why he has played so much for Portugal at the age of 23.

Fair enough points. I can't say I disagree. I do happen to think you can spot a guy like the one I'm describing from a mile away though, but I definitely am open to the idea of signing Martin's because the risk is so low. Although, I would imagine he's going to want inflated wages.

Ricky1985 wrote:

Nelson absolutely is explosive.

Maybe in a few years, but can't see how he is explosive now in senior level.

That's a fair point. It can happen quickly though. Just needs to grow a bit and then you'll see a different player with the confidence that brings.

I like what I see in Martins. He has so much confidence and ability. Would be an excellent option to have on the squad. We have nothing like this at present. But folks will also need to be patient. He is far from the finished article. He would be a squaddie/Euro League player this season

Definitely worth bringing someone like him in to have the option to use him in the last 30 mins of a tight game. Could develop into a top player as well but worth it even otherwise.

he's a must sign if you can get him. no one like him at the club, youth or senior.

Ricky1985 wrote:

That's a fair point. It can happen quickly though. Just needs to grow a bit and then you'll see a different player with the confidence that brings.

I really think Nelson will benefit from playing for Ljungberg in the U23 team. Freddie was a pundit on tv last season and you could tell that he was fond of Nelson. I reckon there are things he can teach him when it comes to timing that deep run in behind the defence, for instance.

Sounds optimistic. Soyuncu (although I know nothing about him, a good quality young CB would be great) and Martins on top of the existing incomings (hopefully including Torreira) would be the best summer in eons.

I've been sold on this guy. He's rated 88 a few seasons down the line on my FIFA career mode in has 99 for pace, dribbling and shit. Does anyone know of a way to relay this information to Sven?

I would prefer Shaqiri to this guy.