Foster

[nil_desperandum]

I reckon he will score on Saturday . Let him settle in. A bit like Churlinov being written off by quite a few. He’s barely featured due to injury , is of a similar age, and has never played in England before. Some take longer than others to settle.

I'd like him to score on Saturday, but based on last night, Dervisoglu currently looks a far better option from the bench.
Personally I'd give Foster more time on the training ground. His time will undoubtedly come.

[Dark Cloud]

I honestly felt that VK played him last night praying he'd score and break his duck against lower league opposition. He even kept him on way longer than I thought he would (well after Obefemi) and again I thought that was in the desperate hope he'd get lucky and get something, which unfortunately he didn't so I'm guessing his confidence would dip even further.

[CoolClaret]

I always like to look on different sites to look at how our players are rated after a game vs what we see as fans

I’m not sure what metrics they use but a few sites have Foster ranking a lot higher than a lot of posters gave him.

I suppose playing as a line striker against 3 centre half’s sat in all game is quite challenging.

I don’t want to write him off at all - one glimmer of hope
Is that Kompany actually played against him in Belgium and obviously managed against him so he must have seen something - and from what Kompany has done so far in terms of recruitment and ability to spot a ‘diamond in the rough’ well then the odds are in our favour.

[123EasyasBFC]

Foster wasn’t great but in the final 3rd last night neither were Vitinho brownhill twine zaroury or obafemi

[Devils_Advocate]

I always like to look on different sites to look at how our players are rated after a game vs what we see as fans

I’m not sure what metrics they use but a few sites have Foster ranking a lot higher than a lot of posters gave him.

Its a fair point because had either Jay or Barnes played like Foster did last night I think the focus would have probably been more around some of the nice little touches he did and the lack of service he got.

Same with one poster blaming Obafemi for Zaroury being ineffective when I thought Zaroury wasn't very good and struggled to beat his man, made some poor decisions and hit some bad crosses.

I guess once you've shown what you can do and put in good performances like Zaroury, Jay and Barnes you get a bit more leeway from the fans cos they know you're a good player whereas a new player has to prove themselves a bit more.

[boatshed bill]

I'd wait until next season before making too much about Foster.
We don't know what work is going on... diet, conditioning, and then there's tactics

[GodIsADeeJay81]

Once he's "Kompany fit" he'll be fine.

[claretonthecoast1882]

1 month in the country and about 2 hours football is plenty of time for an expert to judge a player... at least it seems that way

[Lord Beamish]

1 month in the country and about 2 hours football is plenty of time for an expert to judge a player... at least it seems that way

So little to complain about this season. The picking gnat sh1t out of pepper types will always find something.

[Walkerpool]

I was in the Bob Lord lastnight and he's got some really nice touches and played one great ball across the six yard box but he's beatings himself up over every little mistake he makes. We need to get behind him and fingers crossed he comes good

[TopCat]

Need to be 3-0 up on Saturday so we can give him the last half hour.

[Walkerpool]

Unfortunately I just don’t see a player in him. He’s obviously trying too hard but I watched his movement more closely tonight and he was very statuesque. For balance Twine and Obafemi were just as poor tonight and didn’t do themselves any favours. I hope I’m wrong but those 3 players won’t make the grade.

I can agree on Foster but Twine was the best attacking player for us lastnight.

[nil_desperandum]

1 month in the country and about 2 hours football is plenty of time for an expert to judge a player... at least it seems that way

I agree that some people are making ridiculously premature judgements about Foster, but I think that the majority of the posters are more critical of the way Kompany is using him and playing him. He obviously needs more time on the training ground and in practice games, and throwing him into a team that has about 7 changes is harsh, or bringing him on at the end of "dead" games after we've made changes is not ideal.
I would say that Kompany has got 99% of decisions correct this season. No one is perfect, and although I can understand why he might want to give Foster game time, and for him to get a goal, I believe that he is raising unfair expectations of this promising player.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

He did well to make the chance for himself last night and only chose the wrong option by not lobbing the keeper earlier when he was more off his line.

If we play through balls to him and cross onto his head that would help enormously. Passing side to side constantly at the back is not going to get him a goal.

Looked like the whole team was under instructions not to shoot from outside the box or cross in from the wings last night. He could have probably nicked one if they had started doing that.

[bpgburn]

Foster wasn’t great but in the final 3rd last night neither were Vitinho brownhill twine zaroury or obafemi

I think anyone would struggle in that rammed final 3rd.

[gtclaret]

A centre forward who I've never seen have a shot or header of any type. Looks out of his depth to me.

He does, on many levels, some on here say that they can see potential, I must be missing something

[Swizzlestick]

I think the point above is worth reiterating that he actually did very well to make the chance for himself. Do get the impression that he's beating himself up too much after missing chances and he becomes more ragged as a result. I'm not convinced he's a dud, I think there's a player there, it'll just need some work, both physically and mentally.

[Quicknick]

I think the point above is worth reiterating that he actually did very well to make the chance for himself. Do get the impression that he's beating himself up too much after missing chances and he becomes more ragged as a result. I'm not convinced he's a dud, I think there's a player there, it'll just need some work, both physically and mentally.

If he was a dud, I'm certain Kompany and Bellamy wouldn't have been so impressed by him.

[Foshiznik]

People seem quick to forget that his two clear cut chances last night were both created by himself. If that's not worth something then we might as well call out the rest of the team for not scoring too.

[NottsClaret]

Do get the impression that he's beating himself up too much after missing chances and he becomes more ragged as a result. I'm not convinced he's a dud, I think there's a player there, it'll just need some work, both physically and mentally.

Agree with all this. He looks a bit too desperate to get a goal here, overthinking everything at the minute.

[Rileybobs]

I think it's fair to say that he has been pretty awful so far whilst acknowledging that he deserves to be given a lot more time.

[RVclaret]

I think it's fair to say that he has been pretty awful so far whilst acknowledging that he deserves to be given a lot more time.

I personally don’t think it’s fair to say he’s been pretty awful at all. Not set the world alight but by no means awful.

[JarrowClaret]

I think there are some really odd comments on here I didn’t see the whole of the second half, but from what I saw in the first he will be fine. Clearly still adjusting I thought he harassed the defence and did okay on the ball the chance he got for himself by harassing the defence was fine until the finish chose the wrong option but that happens I think he will be okay GIVEN TIME. I have read quite a few players written off early in their time with us I will list a few.

Rodriguez
Heaton
Mee
Pope
Austin
Defour
Tarkowski
Mcneil

There are more but these didn’t turn out too bad, let’s get behind him and help him adjust rather than criticise and write him off after a few appearances.

[burnleymik]

To be fair, I am not seeing many writing him off or saying he shouldn't get more time. I think people were just hoping to see a little more out of him, especially as the way the majority of our other new signings have hit the ground running.

[Foshiznik]

I think it's fair to say that he has been pretty awful so far whilst acknowledging that he deserves to be given a lot more time.

If he had been awful he wouldn't have created his chances yesterday. There are definitely clear signs that he has quality imo but horses for courses.

[Rileybobs]

I personally don’t think it’s fair to say he’s been pretty awful at all. Not set the world alight but by no means awful.

Fair enough, opinions etc. But I can't think of a single positive thing I've seen from him so far, so I think 'pretty awful' is a fair summary. That said, I've also said that he deserves a good amount of time to get used to the pace of play and the system he's required to play in.

[dermotdermot]

Foster is getting all the flak but I, myself, wasn’t at all impressed with Obafemi.

[Foshiznik]

Foster is getting all the flak but I, myself, wasn’t at all impressed with Obafemi.

Completely agree. If he hadn't scored that goal, he would have been less impressive since joining than Foster.

[alf_resco]

The "amateur experts" (there's an oxymoron for you) on this board are an embarrassment.

[BigGaz]

Been saying since day 1 that despite his fee, he is very much a project whereas Obafemi was the ‘oven ready’ one.

Foster has mitigating circumstance and he does need a bit of patience but equally it’s not being unfair to point out that he’s not looked up to scratch yet.

I feel a slight oversight may have been to not air that, because peoples perceptions and expectations have not been met, largely due to the transfer fee.

[Foshiznik]

The "amateur experts" (there's an oxymoron for you) on this board are an embarrassment.

If you are embarrassed by fans giving an opinion either for or against their team, then you must get embarrassed often.

[boyyanno]

I think it's fair to say that he has been pretty awful so far whilst acknowledging that he deserves to be given a lot more time.

Completely agree with you.

[boyyanno]

The "amateur experts" (there's an oxymoron for you) on this board are an embarrassment.

Imagine knowing what an Oxymoron is but never hearing of irony.

[boatshed bill]

When he was clean through he didn't look quick vs League 1 opposition. But I'm willing to give him time as he might not be fully match fit. At the moment, I'm surprised at the amount we spent on him.

Are Championship strikers (dribbling) expected to be faster than L1 defenders?

[jojomk1]

Barring injury, Barnes starts in front of both Foster and Obafemi at Blackpool on Sat which sums the current striker situation up
I would even say Barnes would be more effective than either in the Premier League next season
Foster, given his 4.5 year deal, is one for the future and a loan back to a Championship side next season would be of more benefit to him than warming the bench at our matches - he's not going to find a new level in just the next three months especially if not playing in competitive games
Obafemi is also not looking like can take over from Ash or that he is likely going to succeed in the Prem next season - I just hope we have not committed to buy

[randomclaret2]

The "amateur experts" (there's an oxymoron for you) on this board are an embarrassment.

We all fall into that category on here. We're fans expressing our opinions.

[Stan Tastic]

He did well to make the chance for himself last night and only chose the wrong option by not lobbing the keeper earlier when he was more off his line.

If we play through balls to him and cross onto his head that would help enormously. Passing side to side constantly at the back is not going to get him a goal.

Looked like the whole team was under instructions not to shoot from outside the box or cross in from the wings last night. He could have probably nicked one if they had started doing that.

Did you actually watch the match? They shot from outside the box and crossed from the wings constantly the entire game.
He's struggling to adapt because he's playing in tighter spaces against packed defences, which he wouldn't have been whilst playing for Westerlo.

[jrgbfc]

Early days but he looks nowhere near good enough to play in the Championship yet, never mind the Prem. Although tbf I don't think having Obafemi up there with him last night did him any favours, they both seemed to want to take up the same positions and get in each others way.

[equinox]

I think, as Burnley fans, we're well qualified to know a dud when we see one.

[RVclaret]

I think, as Burnley fans, we're well qualified to know a dud when we see one.

[boatshed bill]

Foster is getting all the flak but I, myself, wasn’t at all impressed with Obafemi.

TBH I wasn't impressed at all. Vitinho carried the ball well but we lacked the ability to fashion really good chances in the box.
Sure, we had lots of shots, so what? Fleetwood kept us out very well.

[BleedingClaret]

I'd like him to score on Saturday, but based on last night, Dervisoglu currently looks a far better option from the bench.
Personally I'd give Foster more time on the training ground. His time will undoubtedly come.

Agreed I think Brentford Dave looks like a proper striker

[Jakubs Tash]

I’m not writing him off just yet - however, he was clearly bought with a view on playing in the PL and he’s struggled against League One defenders.

All this talk about his age, moving countries, change of culture, change of tactics and all the info he has to take on board (same with most of our other foreign imports since June)….but does that make him look ponderous, have an awful touch, get shrugged off by defenders etc?

He’s meant to be fast - I haven’t seen him run by anyone yet.
He’s a big lad - I haven’t really seen him use his strength to his advantage.
He’s quite tall but hasn’t been impressive in the air.
His first time passes/lay offs seem to leave the ground instead of fizzing towards his teammate.
He’s not troubled the goalkeeper once yet.

All of the above are just basic parts of a footballers make-up which, regardless of all the new tactics and info he has had to take on board, he should at least be showing glimpses of after an £8/9m outlay.

I hope he comes good…

[RVclaret]

I’m not writing him off just yet - however, he was clearly bought with a view on playing in the PL and he’s struggled against League One defenders.

All this talk about his age, moving countries, change of culture, change of tactics and all the info he has to take on board (same with most of our other foreign imports since June)….but does that make him look ponderous, have an awful touch, get shrugged off by defenders etc?

He’s meant to be fast - I haven’t seen him run by anyone yet.
He’s a big lad - I haven’t really seen him use his strength to his advantage.
He’s quite tall but hasn’t been impressive in the air.
His first time passes/lay offs seem to leave the ground instead of fizzing towards his teammate.
He’s not troubled the goalkeeper once yet.

All of the above are just basic parts of a footballers make-up which, regardless of all the new tactics and info he has had to take on board, he should at least be showing glimpses of after an £8/9m outlay.

I hope he comes good…

Not writing him off just yet, then prevail to pretty much write him off.

He has shown glimpses as most rational people on this thread have pointed out.

I'm just glad Kompany is an intelligent football person and sees the bigger picture:

“Loads [they will learn] and you can tell, there’s things not quite coming off. But that’s the last thing I worry about because I can see them in training and they score for fun and if you’ve got the tools, the worrying thing would be if they couldn’t do the running because that’s something I can’t just put that on top.

“The running is there, the attitude is phenomenal, and the rest, we’re patient. If they scored with every touch they had, they wouldn’t be with us, so we’ll try and enjoy the journey because there will be moments as well where they surprise us and we’ve got to give them that time. That’s why we’ve got the senior players as well to take away that pressure.”

[fatboy47]

Some flashes of real talent from Foster..clearly signed to give us strength on the counter attack in the Prem

..the way he nicked the ball on the half way line and left 2 defenders for dead was impressive..and similiarly in the 2nd half he found great space a couple of times....its a tough ask when a team defends as deep and narrow as FT.. Way too much traffic around the box for his style.

I like the cut of this blokes gib and genuinely think he'll be one of our best signings come this August..I think he'll start against City in the QF.. him, Obaf and Tella may have the pace to punish them on the counter.

[Rileybobs]

Like everyone, I’m desperate for him to do well, but what exactly are these ‘glimpses’ or ‘flashes of talent’? I think the only thing that I can recall off the top of my head was him getting onto a through ball and pulling a good ball across the goal-line.

We can’t write him off, and VK has so much credit in the bank that it’d be crazy to go against his judgement - but I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that Foster’s contributions so far have been pretty much on a level with the much pilloried Frederic Nimano.

[Rileybobs]

Nimani*

[forzagranata]

It's early days of course but it has to be said that the signs so far aren't encouraging.

VK has done so astonishingly well in the market that we have now got used to expecting every signing to be a good 'un but obviously recruitment is full of misses as well as hits.

Part of me wonders if he wasn't one identified by Pace's 'data team' rather than VK's scouting network but I've no idea if that is the case.

Hope that this is just premature doubts and he turns out to be a cracking striker but he's not had a great start.

[HagridsHut]

Obafemi was trying to be too clever with it, trying to impress or what?

[NottsClaret]

Part of me wonders if he wasn't one identified by Pace's 'data team' rather than VK's scouting network but I've no idea if that is the case.

Didn't VK go out to watch him just before we signed him? Maybe it was someone else.

Either way, I'm in the 'he'll come good' camp.