The College Dropout

Like the look of the Cherki clips I’ve seen.

Which team does it originate from? the phrase reminds me of Arsenal and the Arteta project.

1 in 3 man which is v. good.

Maddison had one year left on his contract. Barnes has 2.

Aye. Personally I would prefer someone younger, technical, with a higher ceiling but not mad at this.

I think Howe allows players to play to their strengths and build on them. And confidence will have players at the peak of their game. But the players are the same players with the same abilities. I don’t expect Barnes to join and improve his take-one or creativity. But I expect us to play a system that maximises what Barnes can do on the pitch and nullifies his weaknesses.

I’m not saying that he’s not worth signing. People have posted his PL goals and assists record vs his peers. His is as good or better. You could interpret that, as he is as good as them or better. When you take his overall game, I don’t think he is.

Well some people are implying that he is because they think the only reason others weren’t interested is because they already have a player of that calibre. Doubts they could do it in the PL. If Bruno played for Leicester he would be sold for more than Maddison. ——- The point I’m trying to make is that Barnes does compare well to some of the best wingers or attacking midfielders in the league when you just look at goals. You can add Mount, Richarlison, Raphinha, JM to that. He’s going for less money than them all, with a good contract position. He’s also had less international recognition. Why is that? - more 1 dimensional style of play - average all round game and wider influence - less effective against a low block - positionally/tactically inflexible - doubts about him off the ball And these are the same reasons some are sceptical of the transfer. He’s an average football player but a good goalscorer. i think he starts for us and could score a lot of goals and be a massive success for us. But there’s valid reasons for ppl being sceptical - he’s not a great footballer.

Better yet, do you think Barnes is as good as them?

Do you think if there was a Saka clone at Leicester, he would be sold for £35m to Newcastle United?

Also they have all starred for England. Can include JM in that bracket. Why hasn’t Barnes?

Barnes has comparable ‘stats’ to Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Rashford etc. Why do we think other top 6 clubs aren’t in for him at £35m?

If he played predominately on the right would people be happier with this transfer?

Aye and potentially he could score 15–20 with us which would override issues he has with his overall game.

True. But with Barnes in particular... the trends are consistent even if he’s better/worse. Finishing is consistently excellent Xg, getting the ball in attacking areas and progressive carries good to great. Aerial duals good. Expected assists, passing both in terms of creativity, progression and accuracy, shot creation, beating a man, average to poor. Leicester must have some great finishers, he always exceeds expected assists.

Based on what? Head down, run and shoot.

‘He’s a grafter’ why do people say this?

To paint a fuller picture. Barnes doesn’t get on the ball much in general. From the stats you can see why he is accused of going missing. When he does get on the ball he’s giving it away a lot and he’s not even attempting progressive passes while doing so. And he’s lazy to boot. Bur he gets into good positions and is an excellent finisher off both feet (and good in the air apparently). HES NOT A GOOD FOOTBALL PLAYER. BUT HES A GOALSCORER. The idea that he’s coming to sit on the bench is fanciful imo. Howe has signed 2 wingers. Both quick and direct. This is what he wants atleast.

Joelinton does make good runs at LW. Better than ASM and Gordon imo. He’s a good ball carrier too. He’s handy at rounding keepers but generally his finishing is poor and he’s not a cute player. I expect he’ll compete at CM and compete with Barnes at LW although I hope ASM stays.

It’s a bit like Darren Bent. A fine 9 in his day that guaranteed goals. I think Barnes is a fine player for a top 5-8 side. But at the highest level, you need a more rounded game. He’s not hardworking or industrious. Not a passer, creator, not even especially great ball carrier. But he does score and a good amount. But there’s a reason he’s not really had a look-in for England, his overall game is limited. I think he’s better/more productive than what we have and he starts for us. And I think he might be able to get 15+ with us which would take him to another level. And Eddie will make sure he works. But I don’t rate him like that as a player.

It’s how Eddie wants it tbf. Interesting to see how it pans out. He’s almost always been proven correct.

Same issue in midfield. Bruno is the only one with that top level cuteness. Just as a fan of football. More than anything I wanted another player with the sheer ability of Bruno and Isak. To break a line with a cute pass, drop of the shoulder or quick feet.

Gordon is similar in terms of poor dribbling and a reliance on a 1-2. Eddie likes that type of football though, that is clear. i don’t.

What happens when he doesn’t play? Or.. like began to happen a lot towards the end of the season, teams man mark him and lessen his impact on a game?