I like ESR and want him to do well, at his best he is a delightful footballer to watch. I also think his naturally shy and languid demanour unfairly work against him.
I thought he actually employed an admirable pressing game for much of his time on the pitch last season, he looked relatively fit, sharp and hardworking. But it seemed to come at the expense of the rest of his game.
In flashes he has also shown some great Sessegnon type movement and eye for goal, some wonderful one touch football that not many others in the team can produce, and some decent link up play. The real frustration is that he doesn't seem to be able to put it all together into a 90 minute performance. For someone of his technical ability and price tag he should be raising the teams ceiling not coasting under it.
I'm not sure what the answer is, he's had plenty of time and opportunities now, and I had hoped that the new manager and style of play might spark something for him. It's still early days in this new era, so still chance for him to do something. But if it doesn't happen this season, then it's probabky never going to, so agree we would have to cut our losses and free up the squad space.
Fingers crossed good things will happen for him and us.
As he joined in 2024, half his transfer fee is probably written off so he is on the books for £15 to £20m. Given the competition and Arbeloa's tactics, i would sell in January. He has talent but isn't consistent, however much he has technically.
I can't remember ever seeing him complete 90 minutes? Unfortunately I don't think he is up to the physical demands of PL football. It would make sense for all involved if he moved somewhere where the spotlight is on him and the pace/demands of the game align. He needs to be playing every week. Personally - I don't think that is the prem.
I think you are overly generous . He is simply not that good a player. He is definitely 3 or 4th choice for 10 behind King, Palacios and even Iwobi If was played there. Then look back 5-10 years where would he sit when you throw in Cairney, Pererra, Fabio etc . Probably bottom of the list . He is overweight and has been since joining . He does not work consistently hard enough and his composure in the final third is haphazard . He has had long enough .. Time to go. A journeyman
I recall when we signed the pundits / BBC etc said it was the signing of the season! Never believed it and it so sad to say but so far the poor lad is worst high cost signing since Steve Marlet . I love how Muniz wants to fight for his position . I just dont see this from ESR . What is it physical , lack of confidence , still Gunners home sick , attitude . ? ESR must also be on mega wages . This next 3 months has to be his last chance . Arbeloa who expects high performance , commitment and dam hard work will either break him or make him . I really hope its the latter but i fear its the former and if so its new pasturers .
He seems a likeable lad - started well at Arsenal but by the time Arsenal sold him to us injuries had seriously hampered his development and he was living off his early reputation. Clearly a “moments” player who unfortunately probably not fulfil his initial potential like many other players before him. It doesn’t mean he’s not trying or doesn’t care about Fulham , it’s just the way it is. Wouldn’t matter that much at one of the big 6/7/8 clubs but at a club our size, we can’t afford our big money signings to flop. Hope he proves us wrong but I see him playing in the championship - no PL team will touch him currently
I like ESR and want him to do well, at his best he is a delightful footballer to watch. I also think his naturally shy and languid demanour unfairly work against him.
I thought he actually employed an admirable pressing game for much of his time on the pitch last season, he looked relatively fit, sharp and hardworking. But it seemed to come at the expense of the rest of his game.
In flashes he has also shown some great Sessegnon type movement and eye for goal, some wonderful one touch football that not many others in the team can produce, and some decent link up play. The real frustration is that he doesn't seem to be able to put it all together into a 90 minute performance. For someone of his technical ability and price tag he should be raising the teams ceiling not coasting under it.
I'm not sure what the answer is, he's had plenty of time and opportunities now, and I had hoped that the new manager and style of play might spark something for him. It's still early days in this new era, so still chance for him to do something. But if it doesn't happen this season, then it's probabky never going to, so agree we would have to cut our losses and free up the squad space.
Fingers crossed good things will happen for him and us.
As he joined in 2024, half his transfer fee is probably written off so he is on the books for £15 to £20m. Given the competition and Arbeloa's tactics, i would sell in January. He has talent but isn't consistent, however much he has technically.
I can't remember ever seeing him complete 90 minutes? Unfortunately I don't think he is up to the physical demands of PL football. It would make sense for all involved if he moved somewhere where the spotlight is on him and the pace/demands of the game align. He needs to be playing every week. Personally - I don't think that is the prem.
I think I have seen him do it once . Palace away last season … I think
I think you are overly generous . He is simply not that good a player. He is definitely 3 or 4th choice for 10 behind King, Palacios and even Iwobi If was played there. Then look back 5-10 years where would he sit when you throw in Cairney, Pererra, Fabio etc . Probably bottom of the list . He is overweight and has been since joining . He does not work consistently hard enough and his composure in the final third is haphazard . He has had long enough .. Time to go. A journeyman
I recall when we signed the pundits / BBC etc said it was the signing of the season! Never believed it and it so sad to say but so far the poor lad is worst high cost signing since Steve Marlet . I love how Muniz wants to fight for his position . I just dont see this from ESR . What is it physical , lack of confidence , still Gunners home sick , attitude . ? ESR must also be on mega wages . This next 3 months has to be his last chance . Arbeloa who expects high performance , commitment and dam hard work will either break him or make him . I really hope its the latter but i fear its the former and if so its new pasturers .
He will be retired by the time he’s 30
He seems a likeable lad - started well at Arsenal but by the time Arsenal sold him to us injuries had seriously hampered his development and he was living off his early reputation. Clearly a “moments” player who unfortunately probably not fulfil his initial potential like many other players before him. It doesn’t mean he’s not trying or doesn’t care about Fulham , it’s just the way it is. Wouldn’t matter that much at one of the big 6/7/8 clubs but at a club our size, we can’t afford our big money signings to flop. Hope he proves us wrong but I see him playing in the championship - no PL team will touch him currently
I think he has to go we have plenty of better players in the number 10 position so sell him and bring in another centre back to partner Nafingruber
That should have read Affengruba