Phil Jones = new Roy Keane?

[Gav back in the championship]

Just because you pay more it doesn't mean they're overrated. None of those players you mention are rated by English fans, fans of those clubs or the English press... In fact, none of those players you mentioned are regular players in the England team any more. You pay more because they are British playing in the British league for a number of reasons. None of those are "overrated".

Yes i see what your saying just depends on what your definition of over rated is really like i see it as for example r madrid paid £12 mil for ozil who just had an amazing world cup whereas city paid £24 mil for barry who was rated as one of the best mids by some in the prem at the time around the same time what makes barry worth that much more? Its mainly all hype more than anything i just hope zaha doesn't end up the same ive seen some compare him to a young ronaldo hate when people do that

 

[Crayo]

Yes i see what your saying just depends on what your definition of over rated is really like i see it as for example r madrid paid £12 mil for ozil who just had an amazing world cup whereas city paid £24 mil for barry who was rated as one of the best mids by some in the prem at the time around the same time what makes barry worth that much more? Its mainly all hype more than anything i just hope zaha doesn't end up the same ive seen some compare him to a young ronaldo hate when people do that

Ozil was a German player playing in a different league AND was coming to the end of his contract. Gareth Barry was a British player under full contract. You pay more for a player who is British if they're playing in the British league, lol. It's just the way it is unfortunately.

Zaha is a good player but he's not the new Ronaldo. British press like to hype things up sometimes; all media do that however.

 

[seabs]

Zaha is a good player but he's not the new Ronaldo. British press like to hype things up sometimes; all media do that however.

I can honestly see him flopping tbh, he's a good player don't get me wrong and he's in the best possible hands with Ferguson but I can see it just not working, especially when you think of the fee involved.

The boy hasn't had too much of a great season in all honesty ( a few stats if I may offer them)

Warning attempted Sabermetrics

Spoiler

He's not even listed on the list for assists or goals this season (bear in mind he's been played in a forward 3 of a team which has been doing very well, Glenn Murray has scored 24 times and Zaha is playing with him but has only picked up a few assists, don't quote me as I can't find the stats but he's around 6 I think, not a great return for a good team in the league below what he's stepping up to)

He's English with a lot of trickery which IMO is similar to the importance of team home runs in Moneyball (yep I've been reading that and now I'm interested in Sabermetrics and attempting to apply the theory to football to see if it's applicable really, trying to keep this as objective as possible) It's a greatly over rated stat which isn't a strong example of how well a player is doing. The whole being more than the sum of it's parts if you will. Plus he has pace which is becoming the most desirable trait in football IMO, the theory seems to be pick up the naturally athletic guys then teach them how to use the ball after.

I guess we'll have to wait and see how he progresses and I really hope he becomes a megastar (it would be great for England if he did which is something I can never hate)

Thomas Ince or even Antonio would have been the better bets IMO, they've both got similar traits but have performed much better over this season and in Ince's case before I believe (Antonio was a wild card but in a poor team as a right winger he's still listed in both the top scorers and assister in the league. ) Zaha has contributed around 12 goals from 58 for palace ( 50/12 = 4.83 so we'll class that as his score.)

Ince has contributed 27 from 50 for Blackpool (50/27 = 1.85)

Antonio 15 from 38 (38/15 = 2.5)

As attacking players checking their out put is the most effective way of providing a basis to their current and potential ability plus they're all playing similar roles as wide attackers.

* I pulled the stats from here

http://espnfc.com/stats/scorers?league=eng.2&cc=5739

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/championship/table

 

[Crayo]

Whilst I agree that there is a high potential for him flopping, I tend not to look at stats for players brought in for development. Ronaldo wasn't an assist/goal king when he was at Porto. He was just a fast kid who had great potential, as he found it easy getting around players and showed vast amounts of skills/talent. Whether Zaha scores much or assists much at the moment is sort of irrelevant for me, because I can see the pace/skill he possesses and potential. There is no one I trust more than Sir Alex in bringing out potential, so naturally I'm optimistic.

BUT, considering the fee involved, I can see him flopping and being the next Nani.