I'm assuming this was Souness' 'Ali Dia' signing for NUFC. "Honest Graham, he's Shearer's cousin, just look at how similar the names are"
I can't believe Siem De Jong is being discussed as potentially coming back, let's just cut our losses on that walking disaster - signs, pulls his hamstrong straight away, lung collapses while breathing, nearly gouges his eye out on a pole straight afterwards, then breaks his hand while wiping his nose, accidently cuts his leg off while having dinner, gets run over by a tank when going to buy the morning paper, etc... I remember the Beano had a cartoon strip about him - http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lf2gCDuEGkE/TTCs7ai4sSI/AAAAAAAABDE/sTLfYX-6Bpc/s1600/scan0001.jpg Saviet, hmmm I dunno, pretty unproven in the Prem really.
Why would Rafa have sent them away last year and suddenly decide they are good enough this year? I don't see them staying unless he can't find them a new club.
I agree, however in de jongs case he had to prove his fitness first. Staying fit I think he could be a good player for the squad. Thereby stands the problem though, will he stay fit? Same applies to Aaron's who I suspect will be loaned out to prove himself if we can get another winger in as rumoured
Totally agree with that. I don't doubt De Jongs ability but his fitness was questionable, I assume he stayed fit last season so why not give him a crack? Also his injuries have been freaking injuries rather than recurring hamstring problems for example
I just don't know where he's meant to be going to play. The game will just pass him by in the number 10 position, he's not a number 9, and in central midfield I don't think he can tackle well enough. I suppose he could be back up to Shelvey's 'quarterback' role?
He's a number 10. Admitted he doesn't have speed of movement but he is an intelligent player and has a footballing brain which can easily make up for his lack of pace especially with others to do the running for him such as Murphy and Gayle. His main question mark is his fitness. Hopefully the freak injuries he's had won't continue and he'll have an injury free run to show what he can do.
But not the pace. Not really good enough for the Premier League in that respect. Rafa will know this, I'm sure.