Foster

[RVclaret]

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.

Some nice movement, good pressing, use of strength and pace, clever touches here and there… if you haven’t seen them then fair enough but it seems quite a lot have.

[Rileybobs]

Some nice movement, good pressing, use of strength and pace, clever touches here and there… if you haven’t seen them then fair enough but it seems quite a lot have.

I thought he showed a real lack of movement last night. He was incredibly static, particularly in the second half when we were trying to probe. A number of balls were fizzed into the box and he was caught on his heels. He didn’t drag defenders out of position to create space for others. I also thought he was very low-energy off the ball and pressed with far less intensity than we see from some of our other forwards.

[RVclaret]

I thought he showed a real lack of movement last night. He was incredibly static, particularly in the second half when we were trying to probe. A number of balls were fizzed into the box and he was caught on his heels. He didn’t drag defenders out of position to create space for others. I also thought he was very low-energy off the ball and pressed with far less intensity than we see from some of our other forwards.

No more static than Obafemi. He made a move into the box second half, outpaced and outmuscled a defender and then should have shot 1 on 1 rather than a pass. The rest of the movement with this system and role will take time, just like it did with Barnes, for half a season. And I don’t agree with a lack of intensity when pressing, he created the first half 1 on 1 on his own, thanks to his own pressing and then outpaced the defenders to get the shot off (Barnes/Jay probably wouldn’t have been able to).

[Rileybobs]

No more static than Obafemi. He made a move into the box second half, outpaced and outmuscled a defender and then should have shot 1 on 1 rather than a pass. The rest of the movement with this system and role will take time, just like it did with Barnes, for half a season. And I don’t agree with a lack of intensity when pressing, he created the first half 1 on 1 on his own, thanks to his own pressing and then outpaced the defenders to get the shot off (Barnes/Jay probably wouldn’t have been able to).

Yes he pounced on a defensive error but did conspire to make a hash of it. Overall I thought his work rate when the team was both in and out of possession to be below what we have come to expect from this team. And I really fail to see how his movement can be praised last night.

As for Obafemi, this thread isn’t about him so him having a poor game has little do with my opinion of what I’ve seen of Foster up to press.

Like I say, I’m desperate for him to do well, I felt sorry for him last night and VK kept him on for as long as possible hoping he’d get off the mark, but it wasn’t to be. I just think those praising him, including yourself, are doing so based on what you would like to see rather than what you actually have.

[claretspice]

I think AG hit the nail on the head way back on this thread when he pointed out Foster is 22 and has been in the country for 5 weeks. He's coming from a completely different football culture and he's having to adapt to his teammates, a football culture and a country to live in all at the same time.

It's also right that Barnes took quite some time to adapt to the system and was written off by plenty before flourishing, and that Rodriguez has had games when he's looked like a spare part. In one sense - and this will sound odd given how free scoring we generally are - being a centre forward in this team is at times quite tough - we have so much of the ball so high up the pitch, and teams tend to sit deep, and congest the penalty box space, that it doesn't leave much space for forwards to flourish in. Their role at times is almost to be a decoy for others. That was particularly so last night given both the way Fleetwood set up, and the fact that Obafemi played narrow and quite static, and so the Fleetwood defence was able to stay even more compact than normal. That's going to be a particular challenge for someone coming from leagues that tend to be more open, as he has done - and the fact his movement may have appeared a bit sluggish probably needs to be put down to uncertainty borne of that for now.

I think Foster has shown some good signs, and in his short appearances so far he's showing a far more refined link up game than he did on debut. He showcased some nice first time lay-offs last night, pressed well and physically, did OK in the air, showed a bit of strength and showed the odd bit of nice movement to roll his marker (e.g. for the late chance he slipped across goal). Clearly, you'd want more ideally from a £9 million signing, but when you factor in the mitigations and the fact he's clearly a bit hesitant and not brimming with self assurance right now, I think there's slack to be cut.

He definitely needs a goal or two, and if and when he gets that will be the time to judge him better. My hunch is that he may not be a natural goalscorer but that's not uncommon in a modern centre forward and in any event, that's a hunch rather than a firm opinion - it really is early days.

[RVclaret]

Yes he pounced on a defensive error but did conspire to make a hash of it. Overall I thought his work rate when the team was both in and out of possession to be below what we have come to expect from this team. And I really fail to see how his movement can be praised last night.

As for Obafemi, this thread isn’t about him so him having a poor game has little do with my opinion of what I’ve seen of Foster up to press.

Like I say, I’m desperate for him to do well, I felt sorry for him last night and VK kept him on for as long as possible hoping he’d get off the mark, but it wasn’t to be. I just think those praising him, including yourself, are doing so based on what you would like to see rather than what you actually have.

But it was still good pressing that led to the error.

As for praising, I rated him a 5 on the ratings which is poor, as there was more bad than good, but you asked to point out the glimpses of talent and over the course of his appearances so far there has been enough to warrant that, from what I have seen.

[gtclaret]

I've watched Foster closely, like so many others I'm desperate for him to do well. I trust VK judgement and want to believe he will come good. At the moment, he looks way out of his depth, I think the comment about saying that some people on here are seeing what they would like to see, rather than what is happening is spot on.

[welsbyswife]

I think Foster's problem is fear of the run off areas. He's too worried about getting injured if he has to leave the playing surface. It really needs sorting.

[Rileybobs]

But it was still good pressing that led to the error.

As for praising, I rated him a 5 on the ratings which is poor, as there was more bad than good, but you asked to point out the glimpses of talent and over the course of his appearances so far there has been enough to warrant that, from what I have seen.

Fair enough. Must say I’ve seen very little but hopefully he’ll come good. His difficulty will be how much he has to step up next season.

[Silkyskills1]

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.”

Not written him off. Just pointed out his many shortcomings on show last night.

[Lowbankclaret]

At the moment I'm struggling to understand how he might fit our system. As you say he probably looks best with some space running to goal, but with the way we play we'll rarely get a striker into those positions. We're better off with a striker whose natural game is to drop deep and link play, not one who needs a lot of training in it.

I can only think we've got one eye on the PL and are thinking we'll be defending deeper and our strikers will get more space to run at goal?

Interestingly you’re having a go at him after having a go at me for saying he was not good enough. How times change in a few weeks.

[claretlegend]

Nimani*

I really want Foster to do well and agree he should be given much more time... But this made me laugh, because so far, it's so true.

Come on Lyle, you can do it!

[ksrclaret]

Interestingly you’re having a go at him after having a go at me for saying he was not good enough. How times change in a few weeks.

No im not having a go at him. Im evaluating what I’ve seen from him so far.

You saw fit to say you’d seen enough of him after 30 mins to suggest he’d never be good enough. You supported your assessment by comparing his ineptitude to Diego Penny.

[Lowbankclaret]

No im not having a go at him. Im evaluating what I’ve seen from him so far.

You saw fit to say you’d seen enough of him after 30 mins to suggest he’d never be good enough. You supported your assessment by comparing his ineptitude to Diego Penny.

I did, and he has played far more minutes than penny now.

Now lots are writing him off.
Just saying

[ksrclaret]

I did, and he has played far more minutes than penny now.

Now lots are writing him off.
Just saying

Yes and they’re joining you as a complete numpty.

You’ll notice the majority are saying he’s been poor so far but needs to be given far more time due a range of factors that sensible folk are able to take into consideration. Just saying.

[JMU81]

Things sometimes take time. Many players over the years have taken time to settle into new squad and adjust to new surroundings. I work with a lot of Blackburn fans and remember when they signed Diaz for 7 million from forest.....he was terrible for quite a while and labelled a flop.

[TopCat]

Kompany is not concerned on where he is currently.
He says what he sees every day in training is not transferring to the pitch, but it will come.
Good enough for me.

[tarkys_ears]

He hasn't had a lot of gametime so I'm not overly concerned.

He had a few nice touches but was a bit sloppy with his finish after the breakaway.

Other than that, there wasn't a right lot to celebrate about anything in the final third - especially the crossing and passing around the box, so he's hardly one up for receiving solo flack.

How he performs in the league with a full strength squad behind him will surely be different.

[Jakubs Tash]

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 am completely rational and balanced when it comes to my views, thanks. Just because you disagree does not mean I am not.

As others have said, I haven’t written him off, I just pointed out some of the basic attributes that a footballer shows quite quickly - especially when they cost so much money.

I haven’t seen the ‘glimpses’ that you have and I’ve been to every game he’s played for us so far. I am willing him to do well and have found myself praising him when he even just manages to look after the ball which is quite damning in itself.

I would say that playing against low block teams won’t help his performances as there’s no space in behind but that’s no excuse for not getting his basics right.

I really hope he is a huge success for us and it is a matter of time, as others keep saying. Fingers crossed he can soon get a goal and this might lift some weight from his shoulders. He doesn’t seem to be playing with much confidence at the moment.

[fatboy47]

At the end of Dyches first part- season at Burnley there were quite a number of posters on this board (or maybe its predecessor) claiming that we'd need better than Danny Ings to compete seriously in the championship the following season, especially given that Austin was going to be leaving.

Some of you should actually read this twice and then just have a little think about it.

And maybe then note the very similar styles of both players.

[Sproggy]

https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/f ... t-26372760

Kompany told LancsLive: “They will learn loads 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.”

[Foshiznik]

https://www.lancs.live/sport/football/f ... t-26372760

Kompany told LancsLive: “They will learn loads 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.”

I f'ing love Vinny.

[beddie]

I f'ing love Vinny.

Except for the tackle on Lennon a few seasons back at the Etihad only a few minutes into the game when Moss gave him a yellow, I’ve often thought had it not been City at home and VK, anywhere else that would have been a red. I’m not bitter or anything.

[Foshiznik]

Except for the tackle on Lennon a few seasons back at the Etihad only a few minutes into the game when Moss gave him a yellow, I’ve often thought had it not been City at home and VK, anywhere else that would have been a red. I’m not bitter or anything.

Unfortunately as fans of a small club sitting at the top table against all odds and the private wishes of the big wigs running it, we unfortunately will always have to contend with this sort of thing. That said, it was bs but i think it's fair to say VK has made up for it in spades!

[ŽižkovClaret]

Give the lad time

[tiger76]

This lad needs to be given more time to settle and get used to playing in Vinny's system, he's shown glimpses of his ability so far, and as others have mentioned he is still only 22 and getting used to adapting to a new country and the pace of the game in England.

Worth noting neither Ings or Vokes exactly impressed during their first 6 months, and if I recall they were also coping plenty of flak on the message board.

It might even be that we don't see the best of Foster until next season when he's enjoyed the benefits of a full pre-season, plus the influence of Bellamy's coaching.

[gawthorpe_view]

A few times on Wednesday, Foster did a flick-on for Obafemi but he'd gone a fraction too soon and the ball went behind him.
With practice on the training ground and game time the understanding hopefully will come, and if they click it will be very effective.

[claretspice]

Except for the tackle on Lennon a few seasons back at the Etihad only a few minutes into the game when Moss gave him a yellow, I’ve often thought had it not been City at home and VK, anywhere else that would have been a red. I’m not bitter or anything.

Definitely a red card that for me and interestingly quote similar to the incident on Wednesday night - I was surprised how many thought it was not a red.

[gawthorpe_view]

Definitely a red card that for me and interestingly quote similar to the incident on Wednesday night - I was surprised how many thought it was not a red.

I've not seen it since, but at half time they showed the incident from behind the goal and it definitely was a straight red from that angle.

[Darnhill Claret]

I seem to remember De Bruyne and Salah not being that great first time round. They've both been OK after a certain amount of time. Potential isn't always realised immediately.

[NottsClaret]

Worth noting neither Ings or Vokes exactly impressed during their first 6 months, and if I recall they were also coping plenty of flak on the message board.

Vokes had some particularly bad games early on. One away at Huddersfield, he 'ran' like Neil Armstrong on the moon. I confidently wrote him off on the way back.

[Iloveyoubrady]

Massive overreaction. He played well, linked play nicely and won a few good challenges pressing well.
Yes he should probably have scored, but his effort wasn’t bad, just went for the chip a touch early.
Just looking at some of his good hold up play, combined with his great strength and athleticism, I’m sure he’ll be a success…

[Bosscat]

Massive overreaction. He played well, linked play nicely and won a few good challenges pressing well.
Yes he should probably have scored, but his effort wasn’t bad, just went for the chip a touch early.
Just looking at some of his good hold up play, combined with his great strength and athleticism, I’m sure he’ll be a success…

Just posted on a different thread ... am watching the game again on i-player and Foster certainly has the tools in his box ... lets give the lad a chance ... VK knows a helluva lot more than a few on here ... We are in a great position to allow the lad to get up to speed and get that vital 1st goal.

[Iloveyoubrady]

Just posted on a different thread ... am watching the game again on i-player and Foster certainly has the tools in his box ... lets give the lad a chance ... VK knows a helluva lot more than a few on here ... We are in a great position to allow the lad to get up to speed and get that vital 1st goal.

Exactly - he’s got everything to become a proper all round striker. Didn’t even do badly just missed a chance which does happen…

[dougcollins]

Except for the tackle on Lennon a few seasons back at the Etihad only a few minutes into the game when Moss gave him a yellow, I’ve often thought had it not been City at home and VK, anywhere else that would have been a red. I’m not bitter or anything.

It was Jon Moss - say no more.

[Lowbankclaret]

Yes and they’re joining you as a complete numpty.

You’ll notice the majority are saying he’s been poor so far but needs to be given far more time due a range of factors that sensible folk are able to take into consideration. Just saying.

At the end of the day, time will be the judge.

[Superjohnnyfrancis]

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.

No they didn’t it was only the last ten or so minutes when they were desperate. Tippy tappy stuff around the box endlessly before that.

[Targetman]

Except for the tackle on Lennon a few seasons back at the Etihad only a few minutes into the game when Moss gave him a yellow, I’ve often thought had it not been City at home and VK, anywhere else that would have been a red. I’m not bitter or anything.

I remember that tackle well, I think it was actually only a few seconds into the game and thats what saved him from the red card.

[pureclaret]

I remember that tackle well, I think it was actually only a few seconds into the game and thats what saved him from the red card.

striaght red for me

[RVclaret]

Good article today in the Athetic analysing Foster so far.

Looks like Andy agrees with the more positive messages on here, which is good, because he's pretty knowledgeable with football.

https://theathletic.com/4287379/2023/03 ... -analysed/

'One of modern football’s biggest problems is a lack of patience. Opinions are formed almost instantaneously on whether someone is up to scratch. Foster has played 285 minutes in a Burnley shirt, so passing judgment with any finality is unfair.'

[boatshed bill]

Good article today in the Athetic analysing Foster so far.

Looks like Andy agrees with the more positive messages on here, which is good, because he's pretty knowledgeable with football.

https://theathletic.com/4287379/2023/03 ... -analysed/

'One of modern football’s biggest problems is a lack of patience. Opinions are formed almost instantaneously on whether someone is up to scratch. Foster has played 285 minutes in a Burnley shirt, so passing judgment with any finality is unfair.'

Are we definitely going to sign Obafemi?

[RVclaret]

Are we definitely going to sign Obafemi?

Yeah, the loan was basically a guaranteed permanent deal in the summer.

[TopCat]

Yeah, the loan was basically a guaranteed permanent deal in the summer.

And so we should, I think he will only get better. Give him some time down the middle, not out wide.

[jlup1980]

I hope there's a player in him, but like virtually everyone else, I've not seen anything to get excited about yet. Having said that, I'd like to see him start vs Wigan. He hasn't started a game with our proper 1st team yet so it would be interesting to see how he gets on. We might find we have a different player on our hands, especially if he gets the boost of a goal.

[Falcon]

Athletic Article on Foster

https://theathletic.com/4287379/2023/03 ... -analysed/

(Behind paywall)

[Falcon]

Non-paywall link:

https://archive.ph/SzMik

[elwaclaret]

People seem to forget Stan complaining Robbie Blake played like he was wearing diving boots after a similar period. Far too early to judge Foster sensibly.

[Hipper]

Unlike the author of the article of seen no more in Obafemi then Foster apart from the two goals. If anything Foster seems to fit in the team better. Of course I'm not writing either off.

[scouseclaret]

People seem to forget Stan complaining Robbie Blake played like he was wearing diving boots after a similar period. Far too early to judge Foster sensibly.

Blake was injured when we signed him. There was little doubt he was a good player.

[boyyanno]

Good article today in the Athetic analysing Foster so far.

Looks like Andy agrees with the more positive messages on here, which is good, because he's pretty knowledgeable with football.

https://theathletic.com/4287379/2023/03 ... -analysed/

'One of modern football’s biggest problems is a lack of patience. Opinions are formed almost instantaneously on whether someone is up to scratch. Foster has played 285 minutes in a Burnley shirt, so passing judgment with any finality is unfair.'

Did you read it?

It pretty much consistently acknowledges that he's been poor in the first team so far but needs time.

Is that not what others said?