DMAA

1 hour ago, Frankie said:

The problem we have is we don't really play with a poacher in our side and haven't done so in a long time. Morelos, Roofe and Sakala can all score goals but all were expected to work outside the box to link the play and this will be true for any new signing. Even Colak - arguably a more recognised penalty box type goal-scorer - was having to adapt his game before he got injured. Further back, Jelavic, Miller and Prso also had to link the play with only Boyd the kind of poacher some fans think we need.  Worth noting neither of those players were hardly prolific before they signed but it was their overall quality that seen them arrive and they did score goals.

 

In that sense, it's not a surprise to see any linked players perhaps not have the out and out goal-scorer label we'd like to see. That's not to say we won't sign one as well as a Lammers and/or a Dessers but it's probably unlikely.

 

By way of comparison, Celtic do use more of a poacher in their team and there's no doubt Kyogo has been a fine signing. Would he fit into our style of play? Can we afford a luxury number 9 (both financially and tactically)? Or do you spread your bet into 2-3 players who can all contribute?

 

I don't have the answer unfortunately but I do know signing the correct forward players and turning our possession/chance stats into more goals will be a key part of any success coming our way next season. I'm sure the manager is just as aware...

In my opinion, poachers win leagues in Scotland, and they are underrated by our support, many of whom are fixated on strikers who can “rag doll” defences. 
 

I’m hoping Dessers can be that goalscorer. Or Colak. There are at least signs of encouragement with Dessers on that front, and more of a track record, although still some red flags in his stats (hopefully explained by playing for Cremonese). What I really like in Dessers’ stats is that he’s in the 92nd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty box, and the 90s for carries into the penalty area. And 93rd for goals to shots on target. Somehow he’s managed to be in the 3rd percentile for shots on target % though, which I’m hoping is explained by a tough season near the bottom

of the league. 

25 minutes ago, Devil's advocaat said:

I remember we signed a certain Dane who had struggled in Italian Football, and he turned out not too bad.

Lammers’ career bears no resemblance whatsoever to Laudrup’s though, let’s be honest. The 3 foreigner rule worked against Laudrup at AC Milan. But he played his part (in an team who scored 36 in 34 games) and ended that season with a Serie A winners medal and a Champions League winner. 

6 minutes ago, Sutton_blows_goats said:

Nikica Jelavić - Wikipedia

 

His stats were a bit dugmeat before we spent our entire transfer budget on him and it worked out all right. Sometimes it can.

They weren’t really though. 29 goals in 48 games and then 6 goals in 8 games when we signed him. He was very much on the up. He'd broken into the Croatia squad the year before and had 6 caps and 2 goals when we signed him. But I agree with your point that things can turn around when you move club. 

18 minutes ago, ranger_syntax said:

I've never seen Lammers play so I don't know if he is any good.

 

I've been calculating x-C and x-D. Although the numbers are not high, just now, I can tell you that they are increasing.

That’s encouraging

5 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

He can't be blamed for his xG. He can only take the chances he's given. 

 

What you'd criticise him for is scoring under his xG, which he did last season. But, it's 2 goals from an xG of 4. It's not atrocious. Two goals from an xG of 10 would be atrocious.  

 

Like I've said elsewhere, he looks like a pressing forward in profile. They're not generally goalscorers. 

Yeh, and for the avoidance of doubt (again), I’m not writing him off. I like technical players, and I like his technique on the ball. I'm hoping our trust in Beale is well placed. We could certainly do with more dribblers in the team. Kent has been our go-to for about 5 years and his dribbling success always hovered around 40%. 

2 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

What are the other red flags?

Well, where the goals return is poor you expect to see the creative stats make up for it. That’s not the case here, there are a myriad of creative stats that are very poor, some that are acceptable. 
 

Or you maybe look for signs that he’s been unlucky with goals, but it doesn’t look like he has been unlucky. In the 11th percentile for non-pen xG, also the 11th for shots on target % (the Dutch Kent), 7th percentile for miscontrols another one that stands out. 
 

He's clearly good at dribbling and tackling. 

6 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

You mean one stat: Goals scored. 

Well, his detailed stats are remarkably bad too. Not writing him off, but goals aren't the only red flag. 
 

https://fbref.com/en/players/c283ddef/scout/365_m1/Sam-Lammers-Scouting-Report

1 hour ago, Rousseau said:

Sounds a tad expensive but I suspect that's the going rate in our market, outwith freebies and pre-contracts.

Much more than I’m comfortable with tbh, though I know that’s the way the market is. I’d have preferred to spend 6-7 on one striker than get two in the 3-4 range. Concern is you are in Matondo range which is so hard to get right, and you’d potentially get better value spending more. Celtic had to do this with a few of their successful signings like CCV and Jota. 
 

Of course, very hard to judge early in the window when you are seeing only the first few pieces of the jigsaw.

15 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

Kent has signed for Fenerbahce.

I’ve waited so long for this day. 

1 hour ago, Rousseau said:

Transfermrkt only has him playing left of a back-three this season - FBref doesn't have an option to compare him to FBs.

 

Trusty looks similar (compared to CBs, then FBs), better defensively - slightly, but that might be explained by a more defensive Birmingham side - but Panzo looks better with the ball at his feet. Panzo is two years younger.

 

 

As you say, hard to compare as they’ve played at opposite ends of the table, and I’m not clear on exactly what those stats are in terms of frequency vs success. More detailed stats would be good. Trusty looks the better player defensively, 99 for blocks is interesting compared to 17. If it’s just frequency then it doesn’t mean a huge amount. I remember for some reason it was an area Katic was rubbish in though, whereas Helander had great stats for it. That’s the kind of thing that is hard to notice with the naked eye but the stats tell a story. 

3 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

You're better getting your stats from Opta, not a betting site.

 

@Bill - LOOK AWAY!

 

Panzo:

 

Thanks, I’ve been missing these since Caskie has gone quiet on Twitter. Aerial duels is worrying for me. That's critical in Scotland. It's by far the biggest threat the diddy teams in our league carry, and they also play long ball. Going by the other duals stats, he seems a similar profile to Davies in that he doesn't enjoy duels, albeit he's hopefully more athletic and better on the ball. I said the same about Davies last summer based on the stats.
I note this graph compares him to centre backs, and I think he's player left of a back 3 and left back on occasion which may explain why  some of the attacking stats are so good. 

1 minute ago, Rousseau said:

Ordinarily, yes, but it's Quagliarella! He was clocked as one of the fastest players in Serie A at 38!! 

That’s impressive. I reckon it's the olive oil in the Italian diet. 

3 hours ago, Rousseau said:

I was thinking about the way in which we take to certain rumours. It's often illogical, and then we pick and chose the stats that suite our position.

 

I don't like Dessers. Mainly because of his age, but also I think he's just a goalscorer that does nothing else. 

 

Whereas Lammers is not a goalscorer, younger, his technical ability looks superb, his link-up play looks good, he presses, he puts in the defensive work. He also quite tall and fast. 

 

If it's a straight choice, I much prefer Lammers.

 

It's fascinating how we see things differently. 

I’m unsure about Dessers too. Not a fan of spending millions on players with very limited scope to be sold on for more. I know some people hate it when you say that, but it’s just where we are as a club, generally the bigger money needs spent on young players and you can get better value in the bosman market for older players. 
 

Like Colak, he could well score plenty in a league like ours. Certainly looks to have ability. It’s wait and see for me with Dessers I suppose. 

3 hours ago, Rousseau said:

I don't think his lack of minutes is that telling, to be honest.

 

At Sampdoria he had Quagliarella and Gabbiadini in front of him; two legends, almost - certainly the former. Lammers was just a back-up to them. 

 

Secondly, you're comparing the minutes from players that play 38 league games and another 20 games in cups. Lammers plays league games only, and a very short run in the domestic cup.  

 

If you just compare his league minutes, he's played over 600 minutes more than Jack.

The fact that he finished the season backup to a 40 year old doesn’t really help to be honest. 
 

Yeh I’m aware that Rangers players play more minutes of course, but it still gives a good reference point. Ryan Jack had another season badly interrupted by injuries, he never really got a good run of starting games. Sands was away in January and didn’t play that much. 
 

I can absolutely see good technical ability in the videos so it could turn out a good signing, but for a few million I’m just skeptical. 

Not impressed with Lammers. Lack of goals is one thing, but his inability to play games anywhere since Gerrard's first season here has alarm bells ringing in my head. If he had performed well at any of those clubs in the past 5 years he'd at least have played regularly.  I understand the market we shop in, but do we need to take risks like this?

By far his best season in terms of minutes alone was this season, which is good, but he played 200 minutes less than Ryan Jack, and only 250 minutes more than Sands, who left in January and wasn't a nailed on starter. And the other sign of that spell not going that well is his minutes trailing off as the season went on. He was playing in Serie A, so we can cut him a bit of slack, but Sampdoria were miles adrift at the bottom of the league so he wasn't playing for a good team. 
 

I'll probably get grief for being negative, but that's pretty much what I'm here for. 

14 minutes ago, Frankie said:

Have to admit, I'm still not sure about Colak. No doubt he can score goals and I think his overall play was improving just before he got injured but the fact he then disappeared for pretty much the rest of the season means I think I'd rather move him on if possible.

 

We really need 2-3 strikers capable of contributing and competing with each other. We relied on Morelos for too long and whilst Roofe is undoubtedly a good player he's completely unreliable.  Sakala is useful but perhaps best as a wide forward; not a first choice striker.

I think Beale coming in didn’t help him. Beale knew Morelos’ game inside out and how he fits into his system. If GVB had stayed, Colak would probably have returned to being first choice. As it happened, one injury ruined his season. For me, Colak is ideal as a number 2, because he’s a reliable goalscorer.
 

I’ve defended Sakala because he’s here and out of the players available, he's often been one of the better options. His pace and goalscoring ability give us something different. But we absolutely need better than Sakala.

16 minutes ago, Frankie said:

Dessers is an interesting rumour.

 

At 28 he's not a project but someone experienced and talented enough to go straight into the starting XI. Alongside the acquisition of another younger striker to bring genuine competition for places and, well, more goals than we scored this season I'd be happy.

There’s still Colak too. I wouldn’t be opposed to one big signing up front, with a wide forward who can also play up front in emergencies (like they have with Abada). A young striker as 3rd choice would be better but I’m sure it’s practical for us. 

2 hours ago, BEARGER said:

Swansea City Blocks Morgan Whittaker’s Move to Rangers Amidst Managerial Uncertainty

 Rangers Newshub

2 hours ago

Swansea City has recently halted Morgan Whittaker’s potential transfer to Rangers until they finalize the appointment of a new manager. The current head coach, Russell Martin, is expected to join recently-relegated Southampton. This development puts Rangers in a predicament, relying on the decision of a future manager as they seek to bring Whittaker to their team. Whittaker’s impressive performances on loan at Plymouth Argyle have caught the attention of several clubs, including Rangers.

Russell Martin, a former Ibrox centre-half, issued an apology to Rangers fans after the January transfer window. The Swansea boss expressed his strong bond with Morgan Whittaker and acknowledged the messages he received from Rangers fans urging him to let the player go. Martin, who sympathized with their sentiments, explained that the final decision was not within his control.

With Russell Martin on the verge of departing Swansea for Southampton, Rangers face uncertainty in their pursuit of Morgan Whittaker. According to Football Scotland, Rangers are willing to submit another bid for the talented left-footed player. However, Swansea has made it clear that they will not entertain offers until they appoint a successor to Martin. This decision is grounded in the belief that the new manager might consider Whittaker an integral part of the team’s future plans.

Morgan Whittaker showcased his potential during his loan spell at Plymouth Argyle, where he made a significant impact. In just 19 starts in League One, Whittaker netted nine goals and provided seven assists, contributing to Plymouth’s success as the eventual champions of the third tier. His outstanding performances caught the attention of Michael Beale, the Rangers boss, who identified Whittaker as a top transfer target. However, Beale might face competition from Steven Schumacher, head coach of Plymouth, who has expressed a keen desire to secure Whittaker’s services permanently.

Reports suggest that Morgan Whittaker has a strong inclination towards joining Rangers. The club has already bolstered its squad with the signings of Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling this month. Whittaker’s versatility, goal-scoring ability, dribbling skills, and exceptional left foot make him an attractive prospect for the Scottish club. Jobi McAnuff, a former player for Cardiff, Crystal Palace, and Watford, highlights Whittaker’s immense potential and believes that securing him would be a brilliant signing for Rangers.

Swansea City’s decision to block Morgan Whittaker’s potential move to Rangers until they appoint a new manager has added a layer of uncertainty to the transfer saga. While Rangers remain eager to acquire Whittaker’s services, they must wait for Swansea’s managerial situation to be resolved. Whittaker’s loan spell at Plymouth Argyle has undoubtedly raised his profile, attracting interest from both Rangers and Plymouth’s head coach, Steven Schumacher. As the transfer drama unfolds, Whittaker’s desire to join Rangers, along with his remarkable abilities, makes him a highly sought-after talent with the potential for a promising career ahead.

Not a fan of spending money on Whittaker. I’d rather spend more money to buy a quality right forward.

It looks like smart business. As far as I can tell, he doesn’t offer anything like the threat Tav does going forward, but he’s strong defensively and potentially a very good option for center-back cover. 

We earn more points for a win than Real Madrid, at least we have over the past 5 years. The points are based on how many teams are in Europe from your country. That’s why going from 4 to 5 teams in Europe has been bad for us. It has diluted our points further. Scotland’s current position in the rankings is unsustainable and we’ll slide down the rankings pretty quickly now. 

Knowing our luck...

"Jack tore both calves while doing sprints up sands dunes under Clarke's instruction and John Souttar ruptured his Achilles while trying to help him up. Both will now miss the full season."

It’s not a case of his contract being extended.

18 minutes ago, Rousseau said:

Bottling it!

 

0-2 down...

Incredible. I thought Bayern would be winning it comfortably again. A shame if Dortmund don’t because it’s good to see monopolies broken. 

Playing in Kent’s position there. When was the last time Kent did that?

Have to say I enjoy Sakala scoring so many when he gets so much stick. A strange player, but he creates chances that most of our forwards don’t.