Niasse off the mark on full Hull debut

Thursday, 26 January, 2017 81comments  |  Jump to most recent
On-loan striker Oumar Niasse scored his first goal in Hull City colours when he made his first start for the Tigers in their EFL Cup semi-final second leg match against Manchester United this evening.

The 26-year-old joined Hull until the end of the season in a deal earlier this month and he tapped home what proved to be the winner on the night but it wasn't enough to keep his side in the competition.

United went through to the final against Liverpool's conquerors Southampton 3-2 on aggregate thanks to Paul Pogba's second-half equaliser.

Niasse, a £13.5m acquisition from Lokomotiv Moscow almost a year ago who could join Hull for £10m in the summer, also hit the crossbar in a lively display.  



Reader Comments (81)

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Mike Gaynes
1 Posted 27/01/2017 at 00:07:34
He did more than score the winning goal. He drilled a header off the crossbar, cracked a volley that De Gea could only parry, and had two very nice runs on the dribble, drawing a dangerous free kick with one. And he played the full 90. All against a full-strength Man Utd side.

Whatever the reason that Koeman banished him after half a preseason game, it wasn't evident tonight. He may not be worth what we paid for him, but he looked every bit of a competent Premier League player.

Drew Shortis
2 Posted 27/01/2017 at 00:21:58
I was trying to watch bits of this match, partly to see how well Niasse did as I feel he has been extremely harshly judged based on practically zero playing time for the Toffees.

I obviously don't know the circumstances of the rift between him and Koeman, but I have been impressed that he hasn't let his head drop, has kept on working hard for the U23s, and has now seized his first real opportunity with a goal and a Man of the Match performance.

Ultimately whatever you think of the fee paid or the quality of the Russian league he was their Player of the Season and banged in a decent number of goals. He clearly wasn't hopeless.

Fingers crossed he can continue to impress for Hull and convince Koeman to change his mind. If this does not happen for whatever reason at least we will have a more marketable asset and we will be able to recoup some of the fee paid and he will be able to find a club willing to offer him a similar contract.

Either way (and I would prefer the first option) best of luck to the lad!

Karl Masters
3 Posted 27/01/2017 at 01:07:29
I wonder if we will ever find out the real truth about this player?
John Mckay
4 Posted 27/01/2017 at 01:13:42
Shame what happened to him, the way he's been treated. Good luck to the lad.

I hope he proves everyone wrong. He never slagged the club off either.

David Ellis
5 Posted 27/01/2017 at 01:41:37
I hope he does well and we get the £10m. His attitude has been first class.
Gordon Crawford
6 Posted 27/01/2017 at 02:11:46
Delighted for the lad. All the best and keep banging them in.
Anthony Dwyer
7 Posted 27/01/2017 at 02:26:17
I watched the game and Niasse is as crazy a player as I've seen.

Yes, he scored; yes, he hit the bar, but he gets that ball and runs straight into people, plus some of his crosses were unreal, some of the worst I've ever seen on a pitch, even at grass roots Under-7s.

I am sure people will argue his case, I have in the past, but I seen a very lucky man on the pitch for Hull who must not believe his luck getting Premier League wages etc.

His goal was pretty much open, although his run was well timed, and the header against the bar was instinctive.

Interesting to see what happens, but to me Niasse looked more like Bambi on ice than a footballer.

Alan J Thompson
8 Posted 27/01/2017 at 05:12:29
Anthony (#7); Your observations might explain the comment on BBC website that Niasse was MotM not just for his goal or hitting the woodwork but for the "nuisance" he made of himself when Man Utd were in possession. One man's nuisance is another man's pressing.
Mike Gaynes
9 Posted 27/01/2017 at 07:26:27
Anthony #7, you are a real beauty, mate.

Here it is the guy's FIRST full game in a top league... EVER... in a side he just joined and probably doesn't know everybody's name, and in their biggest game of the season he scores a goal and barely misses two others against the third best defense in the Prem. While pressuring them for the full 90, no letup, right to the end.

And all you can say is that his crossing is a disaster, and dismiss everything else he did as luck and instinct. Yeah, right.

If Kate Upton walked in on you naked, the only thing you'd comment on would be her bad pedicure.

I saw a player who knows his stuff. His runs were intelligent and well-timed, he knows how to separate from a defender, and his first touch is better than Rom could ever dream of. And yeah, his crosses are awful. So what?

Tell you what, even with the rough edges.. I've got a tenner that says Niasse scores more goals for Hull the rest of this season than anybody besides Rom will score for us... more than Kev, or Barks, or Valencia. Even Coleman. You in?

Gareth Clark
10 Posted 27/01/2017 at 07:31:46
I think Niasse did very well.

Lots of running & held the ball up really well.

John Paul McGurk
11 Posted 27/01/2017 at 07:36:31
I would love him to do well... I really would... but he needs to just try and play through the middle and not go out wide like he did twice in the 2nd half and well it was embarrassing (blankets over the head).
Liam Reilly
12 Posted 27/01/2017 at 08:11:39
Good luck to the lad; hope he does well but he's not the answer to back up/partner maybe even a replacement for Rom.

Don't get the "where's the money" comments. The club is spending, slowly and building a new team. It's not all going to be solved in Koeman's first January.

Dan Egerton
13 Posted 27/01/2017 at 08:16:48
"He did more than score the winning goal. He drilled a header off the crossbar, cracked a volley that De Gea could only parry, and had two very nice runs on the dribble, drawing a dangerous free kick with one. And he played the full 90. All against a full-strength Man Utd side.

Whatever the reason that Koeman banished him after half a preseason game, it wasn't evident tonight. He may not be worth what we paid for him, but he looked every bit of a competent Premier League player."

100% agree. I never thought it fair to judge a player pre-season/slightly injured/without having a run of first team games.

Adam Luszniak
14 Posted 27/01/2017 at 08:56:33
Mike Gaynes – you're offering a tenner that a striker will score more than a defender. Blimey where's my wallet.
Anthony Dwyer
15 Posted 27/01/2017 at 09:10:27
Mike Gaynes,

I'm not anti-Niasse mate, and I'm not saying he's not equally as good as Kone or Valencia, or maybe even better, In fact I was one of the fans voicing my frustration that he wasn't given a chance after doing well for the U23s.

I also credited Niasse with instinctive heading ability, and good positioning to finish up chances.

But IMO I don't see Niasse as a Premier League striker, I don't see Niasse as a £13m man, I see Niasse as a player who most probably couldn't lace the boots of the likes of Jermaine Beckford, who himself at best is a Championship player. Call me harsh, but that's my honest opinion on first viewing.

Hopefully he proves me wrong, hopefully he comes out of the loan deal with a glowing reference, a bag of goals, allowing us to demand a half decent fee, or even a new striker, but frankly I don't see it.

As for your bet, mate, I will take you up on it, call it a pint bet for the final game of the season as I might as well lose to a blue as I lose enough bets to red shite supporters each season !

We don't have anyone scoring after Rom, that's clear as can be, but I'd still expect Ross, Mirallas or/and Coleman to outscore Niasse.

Here's to hoping I'm wrong.

Anthony Dwyer
16 Posted 27/01/2017 at 09:18:31
Or a tenna, Mike, whatever you prefer.
Shane Corcoran
17 Posted 27/01/2017 at 09:32:57
Anthony, I agree completely. He might improve with more game time but he was like a new-born calf rambling about the place.

I know your opinion might hurt poor Niasse's feelings and it's important that someone like Mike points that out to you, but I agree.

Hope he does well, scores a dozen goals, keeps them up and changes Koeman's mind. But on first showing, despite what the stats will say, he looked out of his depth.

Chris Gould
18 Posted 27/01/2017 at 09:38:47
Not good enough for any team with ambitions of getting into the top 6. Koeman recognised this. Very much doubt there is any more to it than that.
Good luck to him, but I do not think he is as good as Valencia, who I also don't think is good enough for us.
Anthony Hawkins
19 Posted 27/01/2017 at 10:13:35
I wonder if Niasse is in a similar bracket as Peter Crouch? Everything says he's not a great footballer and shouldn't be that good, BUT he is.

Crouch's technique and physique is far from a top players typically composure but he gets the goals.

Glad Niasse has found a team that wants him and lets him play.

Franny Porter
20 Posted 27/01/2017 at 10:26:04
I like him simply for the fact the he never stops smiling and wears baseball caps perched on the top of his head. He looks a proper simpleton.
Ian McPherson
21 Posted 27/01/2017 at 10:44:32
He reminds me of that great player George Weah's cousin. Let's cut our losses and let him stay there. When I seen him play for us I was expecting him to catch the ball at one stage.
Joe Digney
22 Posted 27/01/2017 at 10:53:15
Haha, Franny... I think he's just happy to be here.
David Price
23 Posted 27/01/2017 at 10:55:29
Kate Upton has bad pedicure????
Dam, another one crossed off the list.
Brian Furey
24 Posted 27/01/2017 at 11:27:30
I always find it interesting how many fans seem to play the Devil's Advocate role and want ex Everton players to do well when they move on to other clubs in some attempt to prove that we were wrong to let them leave. Current players in mind could be Niasse and Naismith with maybe Deulofeu as well for some.

Maybe it's cos they feel sorry for the lads, especially Naisy seemed to be a very kind considerate lad who did lots of charity work etc. but in reality their records as players are not great. Yes, they work hard and I think maybe that's why Niasse has had some success in his career to date.

It looks like he's very raw skill wise and doesn't have much subtly about him but when a player has pace and is willing to work his ass off then of course he'll be effective to some extent and many fans will appreciate his hard work ethic much more than a very skillful player like Deulofeu but who will not put in the same effort.

Bilyaletdinov, McGeady and Niasse all seemed to do well in Moscow yet all three struggled in the Premier League. That would appear to signify that they do OK at a certain level but, when up against top quality opposition, they struggle. I presume Niasse is happy to play with Hull as he probably can stay with his wife near Manchester and still play for a Premier League club. I think he'll do OK if they go down to the championship but the lad might have to decide does he take a pay cut to play each week or stay with us and play U23s.

Oumar Niasse: ‘It's really sad. I don't think I deserve this'

Who is Lokomotiv striker Baye Oumar Niasse?

Eugene Ruane
25 Posted 27/01/2017 at 11:29:12
Ian # 21 - 'He reminds me of that great player George Weah's cousin. Let's cut our losses and let him stay there.'

Well firstly a completely different kettle of footballers entirely.

Regarding Weah's 'cousin', Souness received a phone call purporting to be from Liberian international and former FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah. 'Weah' tells Sourpuss that Dia's his cousin, has played for PSG, and played 13 times for his country. All of this is completely invented bollocks - the phone call to Souness was made by a fellow university student of Dia's, suggesting that he should give Dia a chance with Southampton. Gullible nob-head Souness is convinced, and (without any due diligence) signs Dia on a one-month contract.

Whatever Niasse's shortcomings, he did score the winning goal against the world's richest club last night and is a professional footballer.

He has played for Everton, he has played (for Lokomotiv Moscow) in the Russian top flight.

Secondly (and let me explain this for the zillionth time) re 'cutting our losses', it's not up to us, it's his choice completely.

His choice to go on loan or stay, his choice to accept a move to another club or stay.

And his choice (should he choose to) to say "You scouted me. You brought me here, you agreed to my wages, you agreed to a 4½-year deal. So, if you don't want another Winston Bogarde on your hands, wind your fucking necks in." (nb: Which is exactly what I'd say in his situation.)

Rob Halligan
26 Posted 27/01/2017 at 11:41:45
Ian (#21). Should Hull decide not to keep Niasse come the summer, then he returns to us, and his £50k/wk wages, for the next 3.5 years, which we be obliged to pay him, until as such a time another club decide to take a chance on him.

Like Eugene says, I'm sick to death of hearing the phrase, "Let's get rid of the deadwood" – It's not that simple. It will only happen if another club want him and sign him.

I've never heard of a player being sacked for being shit, because at the moment that's the only way the likes of Niasse, McGeady, Gibson and maybe Oviedo are going to leave the club.

Marc Carran
27 Posted 27/01/2017 at 12:29:42
Not this again!

"He was harshly judged without Koeman seeing enough of him". I think we saw enough of him before Koeman's arrival. Bambi on Ice springs to mind.

"He never slagged the club off"
Apart from moaning about not getting a locker, which meant he had to carry some extra stuff his man bag or Louis Vuitton washbag, he REFUSED to go on loan before the Hull move.

"He scored, he played well, he was a nuisance"
The same people saying he hasn't had a chance to show his "ability" or worthiness, are now doing the exact same and judging him on one performance. Credit for him causing a kerfuffle and working hard and chasing the ball, but there is more to that in football, especially a club like ours and the quality that we need.

John Wilson
28 Posted 27/01/2017 at 13:25:39
Let's play statistics.

In only 2 Premier League games (with another one competing against an A team Man Utd in the semi-final of the EFL Cup) of Niasse's life:

1) He provided an assist in the first game;

2) In his second game, he did some good runs etc but nearly scored in final third with a reverse volley from behind (shows excellent timing as the ball only bounced once; excellent aerial ball judgement; excellent eye/ body/ movement co-ordination);

3) He had an excellent game (last night) for Hull with some excellent runs and getting into really good positions (Neville believed Niasse stopped a strong Man Utd side from playing their usual game); he also has amazingly powerful header potential as his shot literally rattled the cross-bar.

Of course, he also scored his first goal ever for the Premier League in the final 3rd, where he was massively under pressure – notwithstanding the game being televised, too.

Niasse has excellent timing as I said previously; he also has amazing pace. Notwithstanding, but certainly not least, he also was fit enough to race around the pitch for a full 90 minutes and still have the energy to get himself into position to score, in which he did. Not bad for fitness considering his proper first game for Hull and really the second at Premier League.

Niasse is also over 6 ft in height. He may not have Lukaku's build/ strength but Lukaku does not have Niasse's athleticism. Watching Lukaku on the ball, is like a body-builder trying to swim sometimes. Lukaku does not have the build to defy gravity, he looks awkward, and sluggish. If it were not for Lukaku's strength, he simply wouldn't be the player/ scorer he is today.

So Niasse has his obvious weaknesses, "woeful" to quote Hull's commentators where Niasse put in his seldom crosses. Niasse, is not the best crosser in the world but as a striker, he can score goals. Niasse is also a confidence player (like Barkley), look at his confidence when he scored. He may be able to improve his crosses over time. If Beckham's practice can make him world-class, then am sure Niasse can improve them for Premier League at least. Let's remember we're Everton, we're no elite Premier League team at this point.

The probability of Niasse scoring in any of Hull's games this season based on his current performance is likely 3-1 (ie, out of 3 games, he scored 1). There is also a strong probability that if he were not to score in each game, there will certain be several on target attempts by him (potentially 2 in every 3 games, ie he had 2 on target attempts over 3 games). So, every two games, there will be at least 1 or more attempt on target.

Not so bad for the alleged disaster Koeman made Niasse out to be.

More than anything else, Niasse is a hungry player and he will put the effort in.

Denis Richardson
29 Posted 27/01/2017 at 13:46:16
Hope the lad does well simply to get him off our books and get some cash back for him. Something stinks about the whole transfer from Moscow, followed up by the guy not wanting to move because his girlfriend liked Manchester. They'd hardly have been living in poverty in Istanbul on £2.5m a year!

He simply isn't good enough for EFC and we need to get some other gullible fuckwit to take him and his £55k/week wages off our hands. Thankfully Hull have saved us 6 months' wages, now we need to get some of the £13.5M fee back as well.

I know not all transfers work out but this one truly was odd given the manager didn't want to play him and didn't even look at him before he was signed. I wonder how much Kenwright had to do with this in actual fact and not Martinez.

How, in this time, can a player be signed for such a high fee and on such high wages, without the manager ever having seen him play live? That – along with the Gibbo extension promise when he's had his feet up for 4 years – beggars belief.

Eddie Dunn
30 Posted 27/01/2017 at 13:55:00
I am not convinced by the fuss that this young man has scored a tap-in. He is a pro-footballer. In the cup, amateur players score goals against pro teams. It doesn't mean that they should play at a higher level.

Koeman has had a good look at the boy and come to his conclusion. The romantics on here would love him to prove the doubters wrong. He won't – he's not very good.

Frank Crewe
31 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:08:07
He's scored a goal. Good for him. If he scores more goals for Hull then maybe Koeman will reconsider his decision. We'll see how things are at the end of the season.
Mike Gaynes
32 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:08:27
Anthony (#16), a pint sounds good. Hope to collect when I come over to Goodison in April.
John Wilson
33 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:11:51
If I were a good university student, would that make me a good university lecturer? Koeman is not a psychologist -– a manager is not perfect at spotting potential where that potential may not be so obvious, ie, Lukaku's obvious.

Koeman – as he is not a psychologist – does not know what goes on in a player's head. Koeman is no rocket scientist; he was an excellent football player.

In any event, at whose or which standard does Koeman compare another prospective Everton footballer to? Is it for instance the professional standard; the Everton standard; the Premier League standard; or the Koeman professional standard?

I do not think Koeman is an expert at spotting underlying talent which may be hidden owing to various problems. To be fair footballers are generally not the most intelligent people in the world, yet when they aspire to management, apparently these congenital/ genetic traits just randomly change to where they are omniscient and cognitively gifted. Koeman – stick to your job and let intelligent people do theirs.

Eugene Ruane
34 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:23:32
Frank (#31) – 'I am not convinced by the fuss that this young man has scored a tap-in.'

I don't believe he's what we need at the moment, but a couple of points.

1) You have to be in the right place to score tap-ins. Barcelona bought a tap-in expert from us in 1986 who didn't do too badly and I remember Ian Rush scoring a shed load of goals very similar to the one Niasse got last night.

2) Fuss? I see no fuss, just a few people prepared to look at the facts rather than stick rigidly to an opinion they formed after watching 15 mins of the player when he first arrived.

Geoff Evans
35 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:37:33
Don't know about his skill on the pitch, but his attitude off it is class. Wish him all the very best, top man.
Mike Gaynes
36 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:38:00
Brian (#24),

Niasse hasn't "struggled in the Premier League" like Bilyaletdinov and McGeady. He hasn't even played in the league yet. 7 cameo appearances only so far. Bily had 59 Premier League appearances, Aiden 31. Way too soon to judge Niasse on that scale.

John Wilson (#28), gotta ask what planet you are orbiting with this:

"Lukaku does not have Niasse's athleticism. Watching Lukaku on the ball, is like a body-builder trying to swim sometimes. Lukaku does not have the build to defy gravity, he looks awkward, and sluggish."

Umm... WHAT??

Lukaku on the ball is the 1812 Overture. He's one of the most dynamic forwards in the world. In addition to his strength, he has extraordinary and seemingly effortless pace, outstanding balance and remarkable dribbling ability for a man his size. Go to YouTube and pull up the Chelsea goal last spring, and then please name five other players in the world who could have done that. Awkward and sluggish? Mamma mia.

Frank Crewe
37 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:40:07
Eugene (#34),

"Frank (#31) – 'I am not convinced by the fuss that this young man has scored a tap-in.'"

I never said that. You are referring to Eddie (#30).

Ray Roche
38 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:42:46
Mike Gaynes (#32),

If you have a drink with every one who's offering you one, you'll be taking your liver home in the cargo hold.

Mike Gaynes
39 Posted 27/01/2017 at 14:59:44
Ray, I only hope they don't run me out when they find out I don't actually drink now!
Anthony Dwyer
40 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:11:36
Don't worry, Mike, got a feeling you will be the one buying the ale anyways if you keep backing Niasse. 😉
Eugene Ruane
41 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:14:03
Frank (#37) – I stand (ie: sit in my bills eating a chicken sandwich) corrected.

Eddie, see Frank's post.

Ray Roche
42 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:14:27
That's OK Mike, just ask for the money instead.
Alan Bodell
43 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:31:59
Mike (#36),

That's classic, "Lukaku on the ball is like 1812 Overture', ha ha that has to be one of funniest ever shouts on this forum.

Forget the goal he scuffed against Chelsea in the cup last year when they all backed off him without a challenge and if you watch him every game and not just the TV highlights then you must see his woeful first touch and inability to hold up play to bring in support?

Thanks for making me laugh, Mike.

Eddie Dunn
44 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:54:41
Eugene (#34). True, you have to get in the right place, but "fuss"? Yes, there is a fuss as this whole thread is about that very thing.
Marc Carran
45 Posted 27/01/2017 at 15:56:46
Lukaku is a woeful player? Well his first touch mustn't be that bad if he's scoring plenty of goals and making records. How on earth can anyone talk about Niasse and move onto Lukaku is crap?
Phil Smith
46 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:04:08
Anthony Hawkins (#9), you saying "Crouch's technique is far from a top players" is crazy! For the size of him, he has a great touch and technique. Just have a look at some (especially the one he scored for Stoke against Man City – Zidane-like...) of his goals:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRp6k9ZnaYM

Eugene Ruane
47 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:11:08
Eddie (#44) – so every thread on TW is a fuss?
Mike Gaynes
48 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:11:40
Alan (#43), read much?

Obviously not.

I didn't say a word about scuffed shots, first touch or hold up play.

I also didn't say anything about his work rate, lack of anticipation, sour expressions or anything else that drive me crazy about him.

All I talked about was his world-class brilliance on the ball. The rest you invented.

Glad you had a laugh, but I can't take the credit. You amused yourself on that one.

John Pierce
49 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:30:52
Tony Dwyer, spot on. Mike Gaynes, wide of the mark for me.

Sure it was his first game but, he was out of control, nothing calm or intelligent about his play. His game if it exists is based on physique and power.

Even in the odd cameo he got last year, he ran around like a nutter. He might cut in the Championship based on his size and graft.

Cumbersome and raw, not a player with any kind of silken touch to his game. Not for me, but it was fun to watch.

John Pierce
50 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:34:37
Crouch a much better player than most. 100 goals in the prem, decent.

My brother, a RS, took me to watch them play Galatasary in the ECL he scored 3 including a bicycle kick.

Never touch himself too seriously and remember him waltzing round our keeper at the 'Street end?

Decent player

Alan Bodell
51 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:41:26
Mike, as Vic Reeves used to say, let me stop you there. I never said you mentioned his 'multi lack of' qualities that I bought up but it was the 1812 overture thing (excuse me i'm still pissing myself) and now you just added to it with his 'world class brilliance' on the ball.

The brilliance that brought in the big clubs clambering for him last year when his pimp agent and him were screaming for the exit door?

Ray Roche
53 Posted 27/01/2017 at 16:56:55
And today's "WTF?" prize goes to Phil Smith who has managed to shoe horn Crouch and Zidane into, not just the same thread, but the same sentence!! ;-)

Crouch is an okay journeyman player who, I'm astonished to hear, has scored 99 goals in the Premier League for his ten clubs. As well as 22 in 42 England appearances.

Stats look good but would we have bought him? Come to think of it, I once scored a Zidane like, overhead volleyed goal but the only thing we have in common is that we're both past it.

Adam Luszniak
55 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:21:18
Alan. Lukaku is class with the ball at his feet, and when he is on form his first touch is excellent as is his hold up play. His pace is blistering (he left Hector Bellerin for dead when we beat Arsenal). The best thing Martinez did for this club is buy Lukaku.
Dave Williams
56 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:30:31
I don't think there was anything suspect about signing him. I would guess someone saw a video and signed him without scouting him properly.

This has happened down the years –Moyes bought a centre-backin Kroldrup who couldn't head the ball and very much like Martinez with Niasse he refused to pick him because he knew what would happen.

Niasse reminds me of Paulo Wanchope – Man CIty and Derby County player who was all arms and legs, very ungainly but scored goals. I'm sure Koeman saw enough of him in training to decide he wanted better and you certainly couldn't see him as a starter in a side fighting for Top 4 which is what Koeman is aiming for but let's hope he does well and if there is nothing here for him then we get most of our money back.

Jim Hardin
57 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:33:15
Have read the comments about Niasse's lack of finesse. I guess this is alluding to the awkward manner in which he moves? He has the grace of a rhino it is true (knocked Jones backwards though) but if people look at where he puts the ball with his touches maintaining control, as well as a couple of well-placed passes into the box (not the crosses but actual on the grass passes), they were very good.

Too often, we equate fluidity in movement with "good touch" or "silky skills" Similarly, an awkward person is not seen as having a good touch or skills. I think Niasse falls into this category for some who will never be able to look past the awkward part of his game. In this respect, he is like Crouch, who is a bit gangly and looks at times like a cartoon character getting ready to run where not all of him starts or stops at the same time.

I think Niasse has more to offer than Koeman saw, but not enough to earn a spot at Everton.

Mark Morrissey
58 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:38:27
Been waiting all day to see what TW has had to say about Niasse last night. I thought it would be headline news not buried here as an afterthought.

He garners a lot of conflicting opinion on here or in fact his situation does but whatever happens he won't be playing for us again so I just hope he scores bagfulls and we can then recoup the monies paid.

Good luck to him and good luck to us!

Eddie Dunn
59 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:42:37
Eugene (#47).

I wasn't thinking that all TW threads were a "fuss", but when you look at the meaning of the word...

Fuss. "a display of unnecessary or excessive excitement, activity, or interest."

I suppose they all are.


Brent Stephens
60 Posted 27/01/2017 at 17:48:27
Jim #57 yes, looking awkward can be deceptive. Bolasie looks real awkward to me but isn't a bad player. Fred Pickering was the biggest-looking carthorse I've ever seen but his conversion rate was excellent. I would imagine it was better than Alex Young who was gracefulness personified and one of my all-time favourites.

Maybe I'll take to Niasse. Well...

Eugene Ruane
61 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:02:14
Dave (#56) – 'Moyes bought a centre-back in Krøldrup who couldn't head the ball'

Well...according to rumour.

Always thought it strange that a feller who couldn't head a ball was snapped up by Fiorentina and went on to play 6 seasons in Serie A with them (and they qualified for Champions League in two of those seasons).

John Pierce
62 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:11:05
Jim Hardin, can't agree there.

I touched on Crouch earlier in the thread. You rightly point out the style may be wanting in both players, yet I can see quite clearly Crouch had the technical proficiency, a football brain that Niasse doesn't.

Often we judge a player quickly and on little evidence. This case is no different but often what the eye or gut tells us from first look isn't too far from reality.

Most people on the site have been around football in all its guises for some time, I'd say most on the thread think Niasse is a player wth much to improve on?

The real issue here is was he dealt with in a way anybody would like to be treated? The comment from both Koeman and Niasse suggest not.

Sure there are some murmurs of off field issues, but in light of the Baxter storyline you'd think Everton could have moved him on in a more professional and human way.

Tony McNulty
63 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:12:55
Talking of first touches.

I don't know if anyone else remarked on it but I thought Lookman's first touch when he scored his goal was superb.

Instantly he had the ball under control with the outside of his foot. Looked very skilful and totally natural.

I hope it wasn't a fluke or I haven't put a curse on him for all time.

Eugene Ruane
64 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:22:53
Tony (#63) – agree, absolutely superb it was. Didn't really notice at the game but have watched it a few times since and it is a thing of beauty (specially given his age, the debut circumstances and that he'd only been on a couple of minutes).
Oliver Molloy
65 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:23:43
The guy is hungry to prove our manager has got it wrong and good luck to him I say , but I will trust Koeman.

Hopefully it's a win win for all concerned.

Mike Gaynes
66 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:36:08
Alan (#51), I repeat, watch the Chelsea goal again and name me five players in the world who could have done that. Watch the Wigan clincher again... maybe 20 players could have wrestled that ball away, roasted two defenders and put that away. Like I said, brilliance.

And yes, the brilliance that produced a £57 million bid from Chelsea. They weren't bidding on him for his subpar heading or clanky first touch or intelligent running. The bid was because with the ball at his feet running at a defender he is one of the best on the planet.

Mike Gaynes
67 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:39:13
Eugene/Tony, I was also struck by the calm accuracy with which he slotted the shot through the keeper. Combination of skill and preternatural composure.
Darren Hind
68 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:46:54
66 post's already on this thread after his first goal?

Who could have seen that coming?

If he keeps banging them in, ToffeeWeb will go into meltdown

Pete Edwards
69 Posted 27/01/2017 at 18:51:26
I wouldn't mind being treated like he has for 55 big ones a week! Where do I sign!!!
John Pierce
71 Posted 27/01/2017 at 19:55:59
Darren, no game this week. 😔 Obviously we TW characters need something to get our teeth into!
Guy Hastings
72 Posted 27/01/2017 at 20:19:54
Guardiola walked into City determined to make his mark - not only in the dressing room but with the board, so exit Joe Hart.

Koeman walks in, looks around and realises he's got no-one who's 'statement expendable' in the dressing room but as a statement to the board says, 'here's what I think of your £13m signing'.

I've just read Cruyff's autobigraphy. Read that and you'll know where Koeman's at. Pragmatic? You fucking bet.
Dave Williams
73 Posted 27/01/2017 at 21:05:16
Eugene (#61) do you know something on that one? I recall he was a tall lad so not being able to head the ball was a strange one but it was the only explanation I heard.
Len Hawkins
74 Posted 27/01/2017 at 22:19:47
Franny (#20),

Blimey he can't be faulted if he wears his baseball cap on top of his head, shows an intelligent streak there! I blame the kit man for laying his boots out the wrong way round... he could have been a Goodison hero had he had them on the correct feet.

Marc Carran
75 Posted 27/01/2017 at 22:34:24
John Pierce (#71) – You might be missing the fact (like a lot of people are) that he had the chance to go on loan (before Hull)), albeit a drop down in the league, but he refused... yes, refused.

We've had signings in the past and present who may realise they have to persevere their ego and drop down a league, especially when that's the first chance to prove their attitude or their "ability" to others that may be watching.

The only so-called "unprofessional" thing that I can see (that you may call it so) is not giving him a locker, boo-hoo? Is that what you're calling harsh? Maybe he has to carry his stuff in his manbag or washbag instead of putting it in his locker? What's the problem here??

Kevin Dyer
76 Posted 28/01/2017 at 11:12:40
Eugene @61 Something definitely weird about the whole Krøldrup saga. Not looked it up but I believe he was playing for Udinese, one of the best Serie A defences at the time we signed him. I think we paid £6m, good money at the time yet he plays just once for us?

As you say, he goes on to have a good career at a top Italian side, so what happened with us? His top-flight career before and after Everton suggests he was good enough. My theory is some kind of massive personal fallout with Moyes or someone else influential at the club. Nothing else makes sense.

Geoff Williams
77 Posted 28/01/2017 at 11:27:30
Like many on here, I watched the match just to see how Niasse would perform. He was slightly better than I expected and he took his goal well but anyone who thinks he is a Premier League player is mistaken.

Any professional footballer is capable of moments of excellence so one shouldn't be surprised that he did a few good things – just watch some semi-pro matches to get my drift.

Marc Carran
78 Posted 28/01/2017 at 12:16:03
Kevin Dyer (#76),

He publicly stated that he found it hard to adjust to the Premier League.

Not sure what it is with some folk on here, but there's a lot of folk who don't do any research. Niasse got offered a loan deal before Hull and yet very few people know about this.

Also, I'm sure Krøldrup's words on his Everton "career" have been in an article on here...

Dale Rose
79 Posted 28/01/2017 at 15:27:52
I watched the game out of interest. He was OK but he doesn't suit our style of play, so can see why he has gone. He did quite well in the box but there was a lack of skill elsewhere he didn't seem able to keep the ball or hold other players off. Having said that I hope he does well and keeps Hull up.
Barry McNally
80 Posted 29/01/2017 at 12:50:52
Niasse rested today, keeping his powder dry for midweek!!
John Wilson
81 Posted 30/01/2017 at 16:53:52
Stop all this bourgeois crap. I suppose the only people who can afford to go to Everton matches are the bourgeois so these persons seem to have the autonomy in terms of commentary.

Niasse was just not given the time because Everton were not interested in the lad. 'Not suited for our style.' Excuse me, but who gives a crap how graceful Niasse is on the pitch as long as he can score, which apparently he can.

Patrick Murphy
82 Posted 30/01/2017 at 17:02:28
John (#81), I've seen a fair number of players during my time watching Everton and Niasse is one of the least comfortable players I have laid eyes on. Denis Stracqualursi was limited but looked 'interested' he was also not good enough for Everton.

Perhaps, I'm wrong and Niasse is hiding his talent or needs to settle into England before he takes off and becomes the next Drogba £ I don't think that will happen though. He may prove to be as good as Kone or slightly better or in other words not good enough for a club that wants to move onto the next level.


John Wilson
83 Posted 30/01/2017 at 20:56:30
Patrick, (#82). Everton are not comfortable to watch either. Everton, although it pains me to say it, are an average team at best at this stage. Their strengths are stopping goals going in, defending, but their obvious weakness is not being able to score goals except largely through Lukaku.

If we had a better scoring record, and showed consistency (which we have not except for the last few games or so), we would be the right side of the top 6 rather than the wrong side. We are only in 7th position because we did well against the Premier League's lower tier teams at the start of the season.

Niasse may not be the most sophisticated, graceful player on the ball, he may not have the class of Lukaku. He may not pirouette across Goodison Park's pitch like the finest ballerina. Nevertheless, and here I repeat, Niasse can score goals. Valencia cannot: where goals = 'points, and points = prizes.

I predict Niasse on his current performance at Hull, banging in lots of Goals for them. As for Everton, after their games it'll be Koeman – in Comical Ali mode – either telling us of a positive Everton instead of an average, dismal lack-lustre performance. Or if they play well, it's not likely they'll score enough to win because they never invested in sufficient strikers.

Patrick Murphy
84 Posted 30/01/2017 at 21:06:57
John, I've read all of your posts tonight and I get it, you're very very unhappy with the club for not buying a striker or for letting the prolific Niasse leave on loan. Koeman has made his decision and there's little we can do apart from moan and groan.

You are obviously less than impressed with the Dutchman and that's your privilege, I was feeling pretty happy after the Palace match but I suppose thinking we had turned a corner is silly of me and a lot of others.

I'm also looking at the bigger picture and there's a chance that Everton FC will need some cash to get the new stadium up and running and therefore that might be more of a priority than pushing the boat out in this window. If a new stadium isn't announced by the summer at the latest and we still haven't invested in a forward player I'll join you in decrying the manager and the club.

I have a hunch and that's all it is, that those who wish that Koeman was elsewhere may be smiling in the summer as the Dutchman heads off to his spiritual home after doing the dirty work for Everton this season by removing those who weren't going to take Everton forward – but we'll have to wait and see on that.

Anyway Everton with or without another striker are probably not going to be relegated and unfortunately are unlikely to break into the top six.


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