I get what you are saying but at this stage of pre season for 2 of the 3 (and maybe 3 of the 3) seasons in this division people have been saying this or similar. I could be wrong but I think we’ll end up in the top half at least and probably be on edge of playoffs.
Well, I'm not sure whether your question itself constitutes an argument or not. Or whether it is itended to be an argument in the first place. But if you send me £20, I'll consider it further.
I was impressed with Fab at how he came back from that injury last season, when it looked like his season was over at first. He showed a real determination to come back and be part of the Play off chase, and yet he still mostly gets criticised. I was also thinking when watching Portugal's older players struggling in the Euros. I wonder if he will be part of their squad at Euro '28.
There's a 16 year old banging 30 yarders in for Spain. Jalo won't get anywhere near the full Portugal squad. In my opinion.
I've been hearing this from certain factions every close-season for about the last 20 years, but the last time we finished as low as mid-table in L1 was 11th in 2014-15, which was very much a season of rebuilding. We went up the season after. Prior to that, our last season as low as that was 2005-05, and again we went up the season after. You may well be right that the upcoming season will be transitional, but that's a pretty bold assertion to make when the squad won't even be finalised for another 6 weeks.
Not while he's done nothing so far. I fear that had he shown even a modicum of higher level talent then he wouldn't be scratiing around with us.
Yamal is a once in a generation talent. By your logic, nobody will get near their national side if they're not doing the same. Most players, even top internationals, are still developing at Jalo's age. I'm sure you remember how much of a footballer Ivan Toney looked like when he was playing for us. Ditto Jon Walters.
id say it’s uncontroversial to say it’s a season of rebuilding with 6 first teamers from last season gone albeit 2 loans. We have almost no quality at all upfront. We need some decisive action in The transfer market.
How can he do anything regularly though, from the bench. And then for example, only coming on in the 87th minute, in a home Play off Semi final.
Players do develop at different rates. Some kids develop, others plateau, others burn out. Jalo does not to me look like a slow burner. I hope he is.
Think Jalo at the minute would be better playing wide right in a front three where he could receive the ball to feet more and face up the defenders but now playing centrally he’s involved in tough physical battles with centre half’s which at the moment he’s coming off second best.
It still amazes me though how good some of those younger Spanish players were. Not just in playing, but having a massive impact as well on winning them the trophy!. I do agree with the idea that if your 'good' enough, then your 'old' enough, etc. But at 16, that's unbelievable!!.
Nowt wrong with fans concerned about strength in depth but equally nowt wrong with cutting club some slack at the moment too. Two weeks left, 5 of window. Be patient. Dont get your knickers in a twist, dont let your gast get flabbered, and don't run around in panic like headless chickens. Praise or slag the board off in September when we'll either be better than Spain or worse than Bury Ladies (no disrespect to Bury women intended)