I do know what you mean, but then again dropping him into some of the worst team performances and set ups the Prem has genuinely seen in multiple years for only dozens of minutes, later in games, in a position that isn't his natural position, is probably not incredibly conducive for a 20 year-old's first games at that level in their career to display exactly what they can do. He does actually have to receive the ball for that, for a start.
Now, with Ranieri in, and King out for a considerable time, the door really could be open for JP to play regularly for us now as part of a front 2
Yep, a manager like ranieri will get the best out of him. Xisco didn't have a clue. It's like having a new signing.
Is there any indication that King actually will be out for "considerable" time? The fact he tried to run it off and was at least jogging OK, despite not being able to carry on, probably suggests it's not anything long term.
Was decent when he came on, admittedly they had taken their foot off the gas by then. Still, whenever King is out, I reckon he'd be our next best CF option, played there for most of last season, and neither Sarr nor Dennis work in that role
Yes, he has the ability to control the ball however it is hit to him, which will be vital for us considering we'll be under regular pressure.
Not only looks a little taller but his core strength looks greater. He has so to speak timber. Have to say what an impressive cameo. But then we all knew that having watched him in the Champioship he has a bag of tricks to bamboozle the best. He really has phenomenal ball control. His vision is also excellent and he really does pick his head up now to have a look compared to when he was playing a couple of years ago. The skill for the third goal needs a little more looking at. A nonchalant bit of chest control followed by an impudent casual flick to provide a perfectly weighted ball into the path of Dennis. No prosaic holding off the defender with a simple ball back to Kucka before running in behind. I daresay it reminded of the greatest player of them all Diego Maradona and what he would do. Now I am not saying Pedro will be the next Maradona more so he is a striker but he will be going places. The confidence and ability at his age is remarkable. I hope we see lots more of it this season and I am sure we will if we play off the front foot. Indeed Pedro could play anywhere across the front comfortably. From the wing, tucked in behind a central striker or indeed at the head of a diamond given his skill set. I do wonder if he will play off or alongside King in a 4-4-2 at some point given that Claudio loves that set up. I think the two would make a great tandem given their abilities. Something to certainly consider.
I thought any one of JP, Cucho or Sarr could have come off, the yellow probably swayed it though with the way the ref was performing. He didn't really have a lot going on in front of him. I think he'll do well if Ranieri wants to play 4411/4231 but the whole team needs a lot of work. Personally I don't think we can get away with only two midfielders so he may have to get his minutes from wide or challenging King for the striker spot.
Yes, it seemed the frustration at discovering being pushed over from behind with a two-handed shove was not a foul, when the follow-up innocuous challenge apparently was led to him putting in a couple of injudicious tackles. I'd also say that he played a couple of balls behind the Southampton line as they attempted to push up that I doubt anyone else in our squad would have seen, let alone play.
Presses well bla bla bla. Shame he's absolutely useless with the football and has about as much chance of scoring as Foster.
IMO the problem wasn't JP or Cucho , whoever but the set up . 4-2-3-1 with JP playing as a no.10 saw us overun in MF Sarr spent too much time during the first half tracking back . Our best player needs a certain amount of freedom . If he sees "danger" then deal with it but generally should concentrate on being an "outball" player .
We're not good enough to play like that, unfortunately for Pedro it greatly limits his opportunities in this team, the only ways I think he plays is if King gets injured or out wide when Sarr and possibly Dennis are at the AFCON
I agree . We need a system which may not include all our "best" players . As much as I dislike Manure , their destruction of Spuds on Saturday night is the way to go . IMO.
The balance of the side was completely wrong and Ranieri has to take the blame for that. His two changes at Half-time were crap as well. The tinker man did a great job at Everton with the changes, this time he f**ked it up royally! JP should be starting either out-wide or through the middle as a number 9. Definitely not in the 10 role. Leaves too much for Sissoko and Kuca to do, especially when your two wide players are Sarr & Cucho. Nice to play that system/players if you're going to dominate the ball but Southampton completely overran us. Managers fault, certainly not JP's.
Judging from his latest IG post, I think his father just passed away. May not see JP this weekend if he returns to Brazil.
From Leventhal's deep-dive article on his background a few months ago, isn't his father a former pro in Brazil who JP has no contact with anymore? If so, he might not be inspired to make that kind of journey. Equally, that could be completely wrong, and he could be desperate to go regardless, of course.
So very sad to hear this tragic news. Obviously I share my condolences to Joao and his family. I'm sure the club will support him fully during this very difficult time.
It looks like he's back in training, I think he plays the final pass to Louza here. https://twitter.com/WatfordFC/status/1456252392761081859?t=fIBIigL_vKmylFtXVSHk5Q&s=19
With Kucka out, I wonder if we'll go back to the 4-2-3-1 that we played against Southampton for our next game with JP as a #10? Not that it worked very well, but we don't have many midfield options!
Couldn't help but have a lump in my throat for him, breaking down after scoring. I'm so happy for him he could pay tribute to his step dad.
