Mo Elyounoussi

[austsaint]

6 hours ago, Lord Duckhunter said:

Doing well?
 

He’s not good enough, if writing it  upsets nods, so be it. Perhaps you missed my posts praising Tino, KWP, OR, etc, seems a bit strange you missed them, as you seem to pay particular interest in my opinions. Odd. 

I think it was S. Clarke who described Redmond as an "almost, but not quite" player.  I think Elyounoussi fits that description too.

[BARCELONASAINT]

Elyounoussi may have come back from Celtic a better player but my god he is not a premiership player and if anyone thinks he has been doing ok then it is a very sad reflection on the alternatives we currently have at Saints.

[Baird of the land]

See he's gone for Surgery & will miss Chelsea game.

[Sheaf Saint]

7 hours ago, BARCELONASAINT said:

Elyounoussi may have come back from Celtic a better player but my god he is not a premiership player and if anyone thinks he has been doing ok then it is a very sad reflection on the alternatives we currently have at Saints.

I take your point, but he's only really deputising for Stu until he returns to full fitness. So we do have better alternatives. 

Given he's only a backup player and will be dropped as soon as Stu is ready to start again, I'd say his performances have been about as good as we could have expected from him.

[Turkish]

14 hours ago, austsaint said:

I think it was S. Clarke who described Redmond as an "almost, but not quite" player.  I think Elyounoussi fits that description too.

He and Redmond are exactly that. It’s always nearly a good ball, nearly scores, creates and opening but misses. There have been loads of players like it technically pretty good but when they do score or make a great pass you feel like they’re as surprised as we are it’s come off finally 

[austsaint]

6 hours ago, Turkish said:

He and Redmond are exactly that. It’s always nearly a good ball, nearly scores, creates and opening but misses. There have been loads of players like it technically pretty good but when they do score or make a great pass you feel like they’re as surprised as we are it’s come off finally 

Yep, good way of putting it..."they're as surprised as we are when things comes off".   I can see why the "nearly" brigade get game time, particularly Redmond - his game against Leeds was a cracker.   How many times though have we seen the follow up flop.

[Winchester Red]

Dilemma coming up.

Time for a new contract?  Has he done enough? Has Ralph unlocked the player we thought we signed to start with?

[egg]

He looked quality last night. Loads of confidence, got his head up, used the ball well, made good runs, and really linked midfield and attack. Worked hard defensively too. Thoroughly deserved his goal. 

[TWar]

59 minutes ago, Winchester Red said:

Dilemma coming up.

Time for a new contract?  Has he done enough? Has Ralph unlocked the player we thought we signed to start with?

I'd offer one of him or Redmond a new contract. Haven't decided which yet. I think we need a new starting AM to play next to Armstrong and then Tella and one of the aforementioned two as back up. 

[Dman]

1 hour ago, egg said:

He looked quality last night. Loads of confidence, got his head up, used the ball well, made good runs, and really linked midfield and attack. Worked hard defensively too. Thoroughly deserved his goal. 

If we’re going to continue to play with 2 ‘10’s’ rather than out and out wingers / forwards, He is by far (Armstrong aside) our  most suited to that role. 

I think he’s done alright this season, if I’m honest. Seems to be playing with confidence. 

Id give him a new deal and f**k off Redmond, Theo and Djenepo (if we can find a buyer for any of that tosh). 
 

Still an area we need improvement in though. 

[tajjuk]

He's certainly done better than he ever previously has and goes to show that the scouts who originally picked him up were not wrong, there is a player there. He's certainly contributing and is a decent member of the squad. 

As said above I think Armstrong aside he is the next best that actually suits what those positions need to do, our other options are too 'wingery' and seem less comfortable getting in the box and in the no.10 spots. 

Does show what a bit of confidence and game time does to a player as well, he's had a much better year what with the cup game obviously doing much for his confidence, on the back of a good spell at Celtic and some good performances for his national team. 

An area we need improvement though, depending on finances, I'd personally say we need 2 more in those positions that are hopefully direct upgrades, leaving Armstrong, Tella and one other from the squad, probably from Mo or Redmond (who has had a better season), with Walcott and Djenepo should go. Whether we can offload them is a different matter and might be a case of cashing in on him whilst he's in decent form, there have been a few rumours about teams wanting him. 

[Turkish]

6 minutes ago, tajjuk said:

He's certainly done better than he ever previously has and goes to show that the scouts who originally picked him up were not wrong, there is a player there. He's certainly contributing and is a decent member of the squad. 

As said above I think Armstrong aside he is the next best that actually suits what those positions need to do, our other options are too 'wingery' and seem less comfortable getting in the box and in the no.10 spots. 

Does show what a bit of confidence and game time does to a player as well, he's had a much better year what with the cup game obviously doing much for his confidence, on the back of a good spell at Celtic and some good performances for his national team. 

An area we need improvement though, depending on finances, I'd personally say we need 2 more in those positions that are hopefully direct upgrades, leaving Armstrong, Tella and one other from the squad, probably from Mo or Redmond (who has had a better season), with Walcott and Djenepo should go. Whether we can offload them is a different matter and might be a case of cashing in on him whilst he's in decent form, there have been a few rumours about teams wanting him. 

 

#les'slegacy

 

[Ex Lion Tamer]

2 hours ago, tajjuk said:

He's certainly done better than he ever previously has and goes to show that the scouts who originally picked him up were not wrong, there is a player there. He's certainly contributing and is a decent member of the squad. 

As said above I think Armstrong aside he is the next best that actually suits what those positions need to do, our other options are too 'wingery' and seem less comfortable getting in the box and in the no.10 spots. 

Does show what a bit of confidence and game time does to a player as well, he's had a much better year what with the cup game obviously doing much for his confidence, on the back of a good spell at Celtic and some good performances for his national team. 

An area we need improvement though, depending on finances, I'd personally say we need 2 more in those positions that are hopefully direct upgrades, leaving Armstrong, Tella and one other from the squad, probably from Mo or Redmond (who has had a better season), with Walcott and Djenepo should go. Whether we can offload them is a different matter and might be a case of cashing in on him whilst he's in decent form, there have been a few rumours about teams wanting him. 

It's a really tricky one because I think Moi and Redmond have both done enough to get new contracts as squad players, but with Tella and Armstrong taking up the other spots, you would ideally want another fresh young face in the the squad with big potential. Perhaps Tella could be classed as a striker, leaving space for another no.10

[Nordic Saint]

Our best midfield is Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu & Elyounoussi. When they play, we are a match for anyone.

Elyounoussi is a gutsy player and really shows his worth when we are up against it in away games. He played the full 90 minutes and scored goals in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle, the 3-2 win at West Ham and, of course, the 3-2 win at Spurs. He also scored in our away cup games at Newport and Swansea. In fact, he has played in every one of our away wins this season.

Edited 10 February, 2022 by Nordic Saint

[notnowcato]

1 hour ago, Ex Lion Tamer said:

It's a really tricky one because I think Moi and Redmond have both done enough to get new contracts as squad players, but with Tella and Armstrong taking up the other spots, you would ideally want another fresh young face in the the squad with big potential. Perhaps Tella could be classed as a striker, leaving space for another no.10

I agree with you on Moi and Redmond.  I'm not convinced yet that Tella will kick on to become a Premier league player. 

[Teddeer]

I think he linked up really well with Perraud last night. If they can maintain that kind of partnership they'll be formidable down our left side.

[SaintTex]

9 hours ago, Dman said:

Id give him a new deal and f**k off Redmond, Theo and Djenepo (if we can find a buyer for any of that tosh). 

i mean, yeah.

Mo with 7 goals in all competitions the season. Those other three this season combined?   2 goals.

[Sheaf Saint]

4 hours ago, notnowcato said:

I agree with you on Moi and Redmond.  I'm not convinced yet that Tella will kick on to become a Premier league player. 

I'm sure there is still more to come from Tella. Didn't Ralph claim last season that he is the most technically gifted player in the squad? He's still very raw and will get better with game time, I'm certain of it. 

Edited 10 February, 2022 by Sheaf Saint

[Turkish]

What a transformation in this fella. Gone from looking like a guy whose won a competition to play for his team to a vital part of the side. Very good again today. 

[S-Clarke]

4 minutes ago, Turkish said:

What a transformation in this fella. Gone from looking like a guy whose won a competition to play for his team to a vital part of the side. Very good again today. 

Certainly improved, looked a better player than I remember him most of this season. The Celtic move done him the world of good.

He's being really well coached though, that much is clear. I think it's the first time Ralph has really had to work on him as he's been out on loan all of his time here. 

He's not the quickest, but he has a good brain and ability to find space in between the lines.

[mcbendy]

Moi is so much better than Redmond. Him and Stu are the ones. 

[Saint_clark]

On 09/11/2020 at 14:30, Saint_clark said:

If we signed a player from Celtic who had got 14 goal involvements in 18 games people would be buzzing.

 

On 09/11/2020 at 22:07, Lighthouse said:

Yes and then when we watched him actually try and replicate that for us in the Premier League, we’d be thoroughly disappointed.

10 goal involvements in 19 games in all competitions this season 😎

[Dusic]

So much better this season and in the last two games especially has been really good.

But...the conundrum...with 18months left on his contract, what do we do this summer?

A.) Sell for whatever we can and buy someone else

B.) New contract, assuming a 3 year extension (should he be open to it of course)

C.) Do nothing, keep him next season and then allow him to leave on a free at the end of the season

I would say C is poor business, still not sure B is really the right thing unless he is fantastic for the rest of the season, so would still say A is the favourite at this point, but B not ruled out.

Productivity wise, #10 is still our weakest area and if we make a good signing there then I think two of the current options need to go. Walcott and Djenepo probably most likely, so if that happens maybe we could keep Moi and still add there.

Edited 13 February, 2022 by Dusic

[northam soul]

With all the so called 10s we have on our books Walcott and Djeneppo need to disappear in the summer.

Armstrong, Ely, Tella, Redmond and one new signing of decent quality from the other two’s wages.

 

 

[ant]

9 hours ago, mcbendy said:

Moi is so much better than Redmond. Him and Stu are the ones. 

Would personally argue that this season is showing they're quite different instruments. Overall it's just nice to have options and a little more depth.

Redmond has been far more likely to contribute assists, whereas Elyounoussi possesses the greater goal threat.

(0G, 5A for Nathan in the PL; 2G 6A overall. 3G, 1A for Moi in the PL; 7G 3A overall).

[Saint_clark]

1 hour ago, Dusic said:

So much better this season and in the last two games especially has been really good.

But...the conundrum...with 18months left on his contract, what do we do this summer?

A.) Sell for whatever we can and buy someone else

B.) New contract, assuming a 3 year extension (should he be open to it of course)

C.) Do nothing, keep him next season and then allow him to leave on a free at the end of the season

I would say C is poor business, still not sure B is really the right thing unless he is fantastic for the rest of the season, so would still say A is the favourite at this point, but B not ruled out.

Productivity wise, #10 is still our weakest area and if we make a good signing there then I think two of the current options need to go. Walcott and Djenepo probably most likely, so if that happens maybe we could keep Moi and still add there.

He's absolutely earned a new contract for me. Question is whether he wants to sign one after we made him spend so long in the wilderness.

[david in sweden]

3 hours ago, Dusic said:

So much better this season and in the last two games especially has been really good.

But...the conundrum...with 18months left on his contract, what do we do this summer?

A.) Sell for whatever we can and buy someone else

B.) New contract, assuming a 3 year extension (should he be open to it of course)

C.) Do nothing, keep him next season and then allow him to leave on a free at the end of the season

I would say C is poor business, still not sure B is really the right thing unless he is fantastic for the rest of the season, so would still say A is the favourite at this point, but B not ruled out.

Productivity wise, #10 is still our weakest area and if we make a good signing there then I think two of the current options need to go. Walcott and Djenepo probably most likely, so if that happens maybe we could keep Moi and still add there.

You've given a good selection of possibilities, but we can wait and see if he develops further this season.....or....

As for the comment about  no.10   ( No! - not Bojo ) ..but this keeps coming up in threads but I don't think that Ralph's 4-2-2-2 formation 

really give a creative place for a traditional No10 .   The emphasis on wing-backs brings the ball quickly to the final third and creates chances

( KWP and Perraud are in their element now), but the formation is so fluid that we don't really have anyone to fit that special role effectively. 

[Whitey Grandad]

There’s an extensive article on him in The Times this morning (paywall I’m afraid),

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mohamed-elyounoussi-after-games-id-help-dad-in-the-pizzeria-fans-would-say-didnt-you-just-score-cl3wlv8xz

 

For those who can get access it’s an interesting read. They mention his goal at Tottenham and here’s a question for you all. In the build up to that goal which two Saints players did not make a pass? 

[CB Fry]

1 minute ago, Whitey Grandad said:

There’s an extensive article on him in The Times this morning (paywall I’m afraid),

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mohamed-elyounoussi-after-games-id-help-dad-in-the-pizzeria-fans-would-say-didnt-you-just-score-cl3wlv8xz

 

For those who can get access it’s an interesting read. They mention his goal at Tottenham and here’s a question for you all. In the build up to that goal which two Saints players did not make a pass? 

Yes, is a nice read. He thinks (and he's probably correct) that the Newport game saved his Saints career. I think likely he would have been moved on without that performance.

 

[Saint_clark]

5 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

There’s an extensive article on him in The Times this morning (paywall I’m afraid),

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mohamed-elyounoussi-after-games-id-help-dad-in-the-pizzeria-fans-would-say-didnt-you-just-score-cl3wlv8xz

 

For those who can get access it’s an interesting read. They mention his goal at Tottenham and here’s a question for you all. In the build up to that goal which two Saints players did not make a pass? 

Forster and Broja?

[Whitey Grandad]

16 minutes ago, Saint_clark said:

Forster and Broja?

Afraid not.

[The Cat]

An absolutely lovely bloke and nicest player at the club according to a mate who works there. Always stops for a chat with people no matter what role they do.

[Saint_clark]

Missed a big chance today (though Salisu was doing his best to put him off) but otherwise another great performance. 

[The Cat]

1 hour ago, Saint_clark said:

Missed a big chance today (though Salisu was doing his best to put him off) but otherwise another great performance. 

Did one delicate flick in the second half which was absolutely sublime. He's consistently putting in decent performances now.

[S-Clarke]

Gives us balance I think, looks a much better player. He's very intelligent in the sense of the gaps and space he picks up, much the same as Armstrong - so those two together create a bit of a formidable attacking unit for us, especially with the pace/power/strength of Broja and Adams through the middle.

[Master Bates]

Wants to stay at Saints.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-like-stay-player-reveals-desire-longer-spell-southampton-says-saints-yet-open-renewal-talks/

[Dman]

he’s not the best player in the world, a righted footed knock off tadic, but I like him. works hard, seems to be a decent lad and has the right attitude (and started to chip in with a few goals which is nice). 
 

Deserves a new deal in my opinion. Especially when you consider we’ve given deals to the likes of Theo and Long for seemingly nothing, in not too distant history. 

[Charlie Wayman]

13 minutes ago, Master Bates said:

Wants to stay at Saints.

http://sportwitness.co.uk/i-like-stay-player-reveals-desire-longer-spell-southampton-says-saints-yet-open-renewal-talks/

He has done well since his return from Celtic and has cemented his place in Ralph's Best XI displacing Redmond and Djenepo in doing so.

It seems to me he is a better fit in the preferred 4-2-2-2 formation than the two wide men who conflict with the wing backs when attacking so reducing the number of bodies in the box and limiting attacks to crosses from the wings. With Ely and Armstrong tucking in to provide bodies in the box and reinforcing the midfield we seem to create far more chances even though our finishing still leaves a great deal to be desired.

It is refreshing that he sees his future here and a welcome relief from the usual prime donna wannaway types that we usually get lumbered with. Give him a contract!

[saintwbu]

Just shows sometimes players really do need time to adapt - he’s taken longer than most in fairness, including a two year loan to another country, but still he’s turning out to be a good player for us. I hope we give him a new deal.

[Saint Garrett]

I'm growing more fond of him, certainly wasn't his biggest fan. 

Seems to be a good fit for the system and certainly now worthy of a place in our squad.

[Dark Munster]

If he gets a new deal I hope he doesn't do a Saganowski.

[SNSUN]

He's a good squad player and I would keep him but he should not be first choice in AM and that's the problem. Redmond and Moi should be back ups to Stu and a new 10. In every position on the pitch bar full back (and arguably CM though you could say we could upgrade on Romeu) we're one player short of having a great first team. Fingers crossed we get the recruitment right in the summer.

[Lighthouse]

I'm going to be unpopular and say I still don't rate him and I'd look to sell in summer. He's had a period of looking better, much like Vest last year, but in the last few games I'd say he has dropped back again. Overall, I just don't think he's that good and I'd rather lose him, Walcott and Djenepo and use the wages on two better players.

[Turkish]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

I'm going to be unpopular and say I still don't rate him and I'd look to sell in summer. He's had a period of looking better, much like Vest last year, but in the last few games I'd say he has dropped back again. Overall, I just don't think he's that good and I'd rather lose him, Walcott and Djenepo and use the wages on two better players.

No one will take Walcott, we are stuck with him for another season. We might get a small fee for Djenepo as hes got a year left and no doubt on big wages compared to the sort of club who’d want him. I’m up in the air on Elyanoussi looked like a joke of a player when he first joined and eight months or so in 4 years of adequate don’t make him a a nailed on extension. Maybe an extra year or two rather than a long term deal but if we can get a decent fee I think we’d take it

[S-Clarke]

1 hour ago, Lighthouse said:

I'm going to be unpopular and say I still don't rate him and I'd look to sell in summer. He's had a period of looking better, much like Vest last year, but in the last few games I'd say he has dropped back again. Overall, I just don't think he's that good and I'd rather lose him, Walcott and Djenepo and use the wages on two better players.

I know what you mean, but I still think he's more than a capable player for our squad. I'd hope/expect us to bring in a starter or two in that number 10/wide role in the summer, but I'd still like Ely in and around the squad.

Moussa, Redmond maybe look to move on. Potentially even a loan for Tella to get him regular football, as I'd hate to see him stagnate.

[Singapore Saint]

6 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

I'm going to be unpopular and say I still don't rate him and I'd look to sell in summer. He's had a period of looking better, much like Vest last year, but in the last few games I'd say he has dropped back again. Overall, I just don't think he's that good and I'd rather lose him, Walcott and Djenepo and use the wages on two better players.

He makes goals and scores goals, 'nuff said.

[benjii]

10 hours ago, Lighthouse said:

I'm going to be unpopular and say I still don't rate him and I'd look to sell in summer. He's had a period of looking better, much like Vest last year, but in the last few games I'd say he has dropped back again. Overall, I just don't think he's that good and I'd rather lose him, Walcott and Djenepo and use the wages on two better players.

Agreed. He's currently better than Walcott and Djenepo but so is everyone. He's a decent finisher and a hard worker but really not effective enough on the ball.

Edited 26 March, 2022 by benjii

[Lighthouse]

10 hours ago, Turkish said:

No one will take Walcott, we are stuck with him for another season. We might get a small fee for Djenepo as hes got a year left and no doubt on big wages compared to the sort of club who’d want him.

I think both could be loaned out if nothing else. Some mug will probably take a punt on Theo like we did, except without all that faux nostalgia about coming home. Djenepo will probably end up abroad somewhere, albeit with us paying a slice of his wages.

5 hours ago, Singapore Saint said:

He makes goals and scores goals, 'nuff said.

He may have been in the right place for a handful of tidy finishes but aside from that I just don’t think it’s true. Too many games just pass him by.

[Charlie Wayman]

16 hours ago, Dark Munster said:

If he gets a new deal I hope he doesn't do a Saganowski.

Glass is half full old chap.

[Dark Munster]

7 hours ago, Charlie Wayman said:

Glass is half full old chap.