Do great goals make a player great.....or just memorable?

[david in sweden]

I considered that those spectacular, dare I say ..unforgettable goals that made the headlines are often an exception rather than the rule and have cost is a lot of money and stress over the years.

 

 

I can go back to the infamous sale of Martin Chivers (to Spurs) and part-ex deal with us signing Frank Saul (a Cup Final goalscorer with Spurs) -- alas he was less than brilliant with Saints.

 

Later ...we had the oft-repeated tale of Charlie George. Arsenal's darling and one-time Cup Final hero.. his rather short stay with us was both expensive and embarrassing to recall.

 

Let's move onto ...Agustin Delgado .....(now don't cringe). Equadorian international striker who had a hot season and scored goals against Brazil - no less. However, Gordon Strachan was less impressed.

 

More recently there was Tadanari Lee's extra time winner for Japan in the Asian Cup. Unfair to judge him on a few Saints performances before his bad injury, but a sad ending to that story nevertheless.

 

Few people will argue that Danny Osvaldo's goal v. Man City earlier this season was a masterpiece, but what about the rest of his rather short time with us? ....not worth many extra lines on here.

 

Which (sadly) brings us to Victor Wanyama. Playing in an above average Celtic side, scored that historic goal against Barca in Champions League and was famous overnight, and his value rocketed.

 

Most players who are in a good side[/b)....also look good...as did Victor along with half-a dozen others in our Autumn whirlwind start, but am I being too critical to suggest that his wonder goal may have clouded our judgement in laying out £12 million for his services?

 

It's not the £12 million I'm concerned about so much (the Liebherrs can afford that) but does he really look Premiership standard ?...........

I do hope he improves and becomes worth his place because since his return, he has looked a little less than average to me, and we don't need any more passengers our rather small present squad.

 

When we gasp at the sight of such amazing goals, does it seem to colour our judgement when we eventually buy that player and expect him to repeat the exercise every other week?.

 

Older fans will recall that fantastic Brian O'Neil left-footed effort from distance, but he was never going to repeat it, though he tried often enough....and we had to wait years for Frannie Benali's ONLY goal ------and though everyone admits it was a class strike - but (sadly) would never to be seen again.

 

Let's try and keep some perspective in future and look at goals in total.....rather than from distance ...before we start to acclaim a great goalscorer and then pay out a fortune to sign him.

Edited 8 March, 2014 by david in sweden

[Toon Saint]

Thought he scored a header from a corner vs. Barca?

 

Wonder performance, but not a wonder goal.

[melmacian_saint]

I think time is important for him.

 

He clearly looks either too anxious or not very focused, which seems to lead to the poor passing decisions or the times he gets caught out. He also relies heavily on his fitness and that doesn't seem at its best.

It's clear that he wants to impress but he is probably thinking about it too much and not getting down to business.

 

If I think he will be a world star? He can certainly make it to those CL regulars, and that really is where the money we paid for him comes from. He is young, a good prospect and at his position the signs and aspects for improvement are clear and can be easily identified. Passing and time on the ball can be improved and learned at 21-22. Focus on that (as we seem to have done with others players and their issues very recently) and he will start showing his potential. He's had a good run already and it's about making sure we develop on his mistakes.

 

I'm much more worried about Ramirez, who has not shown much improvement on what we saw he was lacking, and apart from the odd tricks and the occasional impact sub moments really hasn't had much of a run of form.

[david in sweden]

Thought he scored a header from a corner vs. Barca?

 

Wonder performance, but not a wonder goal.

 

 

not in the top bracket admittedly, but ANYONE who can score against Barca is surely going to have some sort of a reputation for the rest of his career.