20 Aug 2014 18:51:06
Unsure how to rate him as a player, however I can't think of a realistic target who would be a better option tbh. Just going off who I can think of:

- Cavani, falcao, benzema, & Higuain - grouped this together as although better options just don't see any of them being realistic! All £40 + fee from established European clubs and would demand high wages I don't think we could afford.

- mario £17m/loan - bad side is attitude and work ethic which can't be overlooked. However; 1 in 3/4 goals a game, great ability/athleticism, can score any goal, BPL/CL experience, only 24 and one of the best penalty takers going (giving us Stevie, lambert, mario, and based on nationality can) with massive potential.

- huntelar £10-12m - great technique, good goal record and CL experience. But, lacks speed to match our style, no BPL experience, around 30 and can only play up top

- bony £20m (possibly £25+) - better goal record, good ability, good attitude, BPL experience, good in air/from distance. But, lacks pace and don't see how he would fit in with our style (more on this later).

- lacazette £15m - tbh only seen glimpses but looks a skilful, speedy forward who can play anywhere up top and would be the lowest wages. But 1 in 5 in the French league with no BPL wouldn't be as safe a bet as bony or mario

- eto free+big wages - just no is the wrong side of 40 and don't think he can cut it anymore.

From our options bony and mario are the best two we could get. A good argument can be made for bony but just can't see how he fits in. He can play as a 10 but with continho, sterling and lallana wouldn't, so has to play up top and don't see how you can fit him and Sturridge together due to the pace at which we attack. With him Sturridge sterling coutinho playing don't see it working.

Mario would be better suited could play as two up top and has the ability and athleticism to be part of a front 3 (with coaching), just a big concern on getting him to press and controlling his attitude.

Is a risk but think he can slot into our starting eleven or replace Sturridge if injured. If we got bony or stick with what we have and lost Sturridge I think the whole system we play would have to change. Not the best option but is the best option I can see that's available.