Cronky

"React quickly", "That basic speed off the Mark" ;D He's slow as F**k, that's one of his main downfalls. That was why I said earlier he'll never make a good fullback, because of his speed. He's slow for a full back I agree but isn't that slow for a centre half Exactly. He's one of those defenders like Jose Enrique who falls into an in-between category - his size makes it difficult for him to turn quickly enough to be a great full back, but he's a bit small to be a good CB. It's a bit of a problem because I think smaller full backs can get targeted in the air at the far post. Dummett brings something to us as a CB that Mbemba I think can also provide, only better. The sort of situation I can think of is when there a cross to the near post, and the centre back has to win the race with the opposition striker to get there. Dummett is the one of our 4 CBs who is most likely to win it.

Dummett isn't that great in the air, although I think he's improving, but unique among our CBs, he can react quickly to danger, and intercept or block because he has that basic speed off the mark.

My goodness that's an impressive video. Had only seen the one's with his finishing previously. What a beast of a 20 year old. His strength, hold up and link up play in that is ridiculous. Geez. Not sure how we've managed to get this guy. Yeah, he looked technically sound and not exactly slow either. What's not to like?

This is a player who really would benefit from an extended loan spell. It's difficult to give an inexperienced player the responsibility of the anchor role in midfield, in the Premiership, and partnering him with Tiote didn't give him much of a chance. I saw him play in a reserve game and he was head and shoulders above everyone else. He needs that intermediate level between that and a Premiership first team to develop further. Admittedly it's a while since I saw him, but I'd be surprised if he was ready for the step up right now.

Nicely put. I'm still hopeful that there's a will to change that a bit over the next few weeks.

Our midfield struggles to play penetrating possession football. Wiljandum will improve that, but apart from him and Colback (yes, I know), we are technically quite weak and other clubs are leaving us behind in that area. So yes, I agree with your general point.

Sounds about right. Bye bye Papiss.

But his Auntie Florrie and Uncle Bert still haven't given the club a once-over. How can he make a decision now?

Time to move on, Papiss.

Because he's a decent player. So you'd have him start over anyone else we have at CM? What I meant was, with everyone fit, he'd have a place in McClaren's first team. That's how I interpreted 'first choice'. I could see him and Wijnaldum working well together. Are you high? About 5'11. Quite tall if I lived in Southern Spain. Duh, I'm 6'0. But you're from the North (Barcelona I assume, or are you like our own prawn sandwich parade-manu?)... Yup, Barcelona born and bred, but nowadays average height is pretty much the same all over Spain. I'm tall for a Spaniard, though. So I'm right then. (As usual)

Because he's a decent player. So you'd have him start over anyone else we have at CM? What I meant was, with everyone fit, he'd have a place in McClaren's first team. That's how I interpreted 'first choice'. I could see him and Wijnaldum working well together. Are you high? About 5'11. Quite tall if I lived in Southern Spain.

Because he's a decent player. So you'd have him start over anyone else we have at CM? What I meant was, with everyone fit, he'd have a place in McClaren's first team. That's how I interpreted 'first choice'. I could see him and Wijnaldum working well together.

Because he's a decent player.

Naa, I'm not saying that. He looks like a talent, but it's a gamble with his temperament. I'd assumed at first that it was the player that was messing us about, but that might not be the case. what do you know about his temperament? Well nothing for certain, just impressions. The nickname 'El Loco', problems with overweight, daft goal celebration, queries over workrate, generally seems a bit full of himself based on some clips. Out of interest, did you question any of the posters earlier in this thread who described him as 'mad'? should have stopped here tbh as for the second part no i didn't but i didn't really notice those posts because they weren't against the entire grain of the thread in not wanting him because of his 'temperament' as you seem to be Did I say I didn't want him? I only said he was a gamble. For the record, on the limited knowledge I have, I'd take the gamble. In our position, we can't avoid the occasional risk and the atmosphere around the Premiership might motivate him.

Naa, I'm not saying that. He looks like a talent, but it's a gamble with his temperament. I'd assumed at first that it was the player that was messing us about, but that might not be the case. what do you know about his temperament? Well nothing for certain, just impressions. The nickname 'El Loco', problems with overweight, daft goal celebration, queries over workrate, generally seems a bit full of himself based on some clips. Out of interest, did you question any of the posters earlier in this thread who described him as 'mad'?

Naa, I'm not saying that. He looks like a talent, but it's a gamble with his temperament. I'd assumed at first that it was the player that was messing us about, but that might not be the case.

Hmm.... perhaps he wants to come here for those sentimental reasons, but those around him - club, agent and pater - are trying to get him to opt for a mutually more lucrative step. Ben Arfa all over again.

Great signing. Looking forward to him and Colback © in centre mid. Deal with it. It's going to happen.

Yeah, we need to tread carefully. I always hate it when a player's dad is involved, either as an agent or spokesman. It's a bad idea to mix roles like that and usually causes problems. The word 'entourage' is a bit off-putting as well. You wonder how many voices this lad is listening to. Possibly he's not the sharpest tool in the box.

I hope this isn't a taste of things to come with this player. Hopefully it's just his agent trying to get the best possible deal. Yes, the dressing room needs characters, but that doesn't include egotistical jerks.

I just wonder whether the player is jerking us around a bit. There's been a story that he'd rather go to Roma, but they want to wait and see if they can get Dzeko instead.

We'd score one, maybe two every game and concede about five. Really? If you look at the Benefoot article, it talks about Wijnaldum's ability to protect a defence. Colback can defend, and Sissoko and Ayoze are hard workers.

What about - Wijnaldum Colback Sissoko De Jong Ayoze Mitrovic Dreamy.

I can hardly believe this signing is happening. I’ve lost faith in Tiote and Anita in the midfield, and believe it or not, when I saw Wijnaldum at the World Cup, playing in that role, I thought he’s just the player we need. We would really benefit from someone in that position who’s a bit more technical. There’s been a fair bit of debate going on about his role, but Dutch players are trained to be versatile, and I think / hope he’s been brought in with the anchor position in mind, or maybe as one of two in a 4-2-3-1.

Odd little story here - http://www.insidefutbol.com/2015/07/09/aleksandar-mitrovic-stalls-newcastle-amid-roma-interest/220873/ Sorry to be a dampener.