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Transfer Check-In: Strikers Edition Part 2
10 Plays30 days ago
Transfer Check-In: Strikers Edition
- Gyokeres
- Ekitike
- Isak
- Woltermade
- Joao Pedro
- Sesko
Game Of The Week: Liverpool Vs. Man Utd.
Recommended
Transcript
Session Continuation and Technical Glitches
00:00:00
Chino Onwuka
Okay, well, we're going to have an impromptu part two. You might have noticed we did have some technical difficulties. Our initial session caught off abruptly, and that's because, you know, like a Willis Reed moment, you know, dusting off the wheelchair and hobbling his way onto the court.
00:00:22
Chino Onwuka
Guess who's back with us? Emeka, what's up?
00:00:25
Ems
Hey, man, I couldn't resist. I miss y'all boys, man, recording this from the traps. From the traps at an undisclosed downtown location at 9.
00:00:35
Chino Onwuka
Honestly, I can i can't lie. This is true dedication, and we are very glad to have you with us. Now now now we're complete. Now we
Early Season Premier League Striker Transfers Review
00:00:44
Chino Onwuka
can go ahead. So just to give you a recap, you know what we're doing is we are sort of doing an early season check-in on the striker transfer merry-go-round in the pram.
00:00:57
Chino Onwuka
So we just finished giving our thoughts on Victor Yokarez. Both Chukwu and I gave him a 6.5. and in terms of his rating so far, saying it's still early, but that those were our thoughts.
00:01:09
Chino Onwuka
And Chukwu was in the midst of discussing his thoughts on Izak and was about to give us his rating there. So go ahead, Chukwu.
00:01:19
Chuku
Yeah, I feel like with, so to kind of summarize, you know, Isak obviously hasn't started off the greatest as far as the goal tally is concerned, but... You know, we know the quality of player he is, and I just think it's a matter of time.
00:01:34
Chuku
You know, Liverpool just got to find their best. Right now, I don't know if the manager knows his best 11. I don't think he does, and I don't think he has the best formation right now because he seems to be struggling big time with that. But I do think, like i said, it's a matter of time before they figure it out. And for now, I'll have to give Isak, if I'm giving Jokoros a 6.5,
00:01:58
Chuku
I'm probably going to give Isak probably 6.5 as well. Somewhere
Liverpool's Formation and Isak's Performance
00:02:04
Chuku
in that range. yeah I was going to say 6, but you know what? 6.5 is enough.
00:02:10
Chuku
is appropriate enough
00:02:12
Chino Onwuka
And I just want to touch on the point you made in terms of fitting Izak and Akira K together. And I guess we'll talk about Akira K in a bit because I think that honestly that 3-4-1-2 or 3-5, you know, that formation I think is good, not just because of.
00:02:31
Chino Onwuka
Isak and Akitsuke getting them both in as strikers. But when you think about you know the issues that Liverpool seemingly have are in terms of integrating all their new players into something that works and is cohesive, then you think, you know,
00:02:46
Chino Onwuka
oh Frimpong and Kerkas, you know, we've seen them struggle a little bit. Maybe wingbacks, they look a little bit better. And then, you know, Wurt's in that number 10 position. Maybe...
00:02:59
Chino Onwuka
Maybe that's the key to, you know, maybe there's some other players that get, you know, left out or doesn't work as well for, but when you think of if they're trying to get the best out of all their new signings, their expensive signings, maybe that three, four, one, two formation is what they should be looking at.
00:03:17
Ems
But, I mean, the thing is, though, who who's the third center back?
00:03:21
Chino Onwuka
Like that, that's a question again,
00:03:21
Chuku
Joe Gomez. Or you can computer
00:03:23
Chino Onwuka
that You know, maybe you can drop someone back, maybe grab, but like, if it's like, okay, how do I, how do I fit both guys into that striker position?
00:03:30
Chuku
Robertson.
00:03:33
Chino Onwuka
Worth is struggling. You know, he's been playing midfield. He's been playing on the wing. You know, his best position is on the number 10. Frimpong is not a right back in the traditional sense.
00:03:44
Ems
Absolutely.
00:03:45
Chino Onwuka
Maybe you play him as a wing forward and Kirk as he's been struggling. So yeah, maybe, maybe that,
00:03:48
Ems
No, absolutely. But...
00:03:51
Chino Onwuka
solve causes issues elsewhere. But if that's what gets the best out of your 300 million attack, then maybe it's a, it's a, it's a decision you have to make.
00:03:54
Ems
Yeah.
00:04:01
Ems
But think about it, though. You're saying get the best of your 30-mill attack, but then you're also benching your highest-paid player. If I'm following you right. Because what's Salah playing?
00:04:12
Chino Onwuka
Good point. I didn't think about that.
00:04:15
Ems
You know? And like, it's funny, like, i mean i was saying it doesn't matter that they didn't get gay, but in hindsight, they really, really should have got gay because I do agree, like, three at the back probably fits, like, the especially Fred Pong and Kerkhez.
00:04:32
Ems
And like, you're going to, you know, they have so many forwards, have I think you could say they have four good class forwards. So, you know, you play two strikers, just rotate between all of them. But you know, could say Joe Gomez. Joe Gomez is made of tissue paper.
00:04:46
Ems
So if you're going to rely on him to play week in, week out, he's going to get hurt. And then if he's hurt, now you can do him grabbing back back there or like shabba slide and like you're really...
00:04:53
Chuku
No, there's other options, bro.
00:04:53
Ems
guess
00:04:55
Chuku
There's Robertson. people do I don't know why people don't sleep on...
00:04:57
Ems
it's fair you could try Robertson, but...
00:04:58
Chuku
Robertson is playing through at the back for Scotland, too.
00:05:01
Ems
But wouldn't it have been really helpful if they had Gahee instead?
00:05:04
Chuku
It would have been, but i mean, we're working on what do they have right now.
00:05:06
Ems
That's what i'm saying. Like, i I thought it was not a big deal, but turns out maybe it was a big deal. But hey, I get that thought recently about them playing three at the back. The issue is like I kept going back to you still end up leaving out either Isaac, Eketike, or Salah.
00:05:22
Ems
Damn, you know?
00:05:23
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, you're right. And maybe at least, maybe that's a better rotation they can do between the three of them, you know, versus what it's now. And so back to my, Chuka's already said a lot of what's going on with Isak. You know, I think there's multiple things there. The team's not settled. They're still all adapting to each other.
00:05:40
Chino Onwuka
you know, he missed a lot of the preseason.
00:05:41
Chuku
i
00:05:43
Chino Onwuka
You know, maybe there's some pressure with the but the price tag. And honestly, again, we'll speak about it more in just a bit, you know, better striker had The better signing has been the other striker so far. The better striker has been the other signing. you can say it either way.
00:06:02
Chino Onwuka
so he's you know And given the stats for Jokerez. So, so far for Izak, he's played a couple of games for them now.
Hugo Ikitike's Impact at Liverpool
00:06:12
Chino Onwuka
Only has one goal in the Carabao Cup.
00:06:15
Chino Onwuka
And so with all that being said, just so we can pass it on Mecca to give more of his thoughts, I'm going to have to give him a five. Again, this is not saying he's not going to come good by the end of the season or, you know, the rest of what he does in his career with Liverpool not going to be good. We're just solely rating it on the first couple of games of the season, a very early check-in. But why don't you consider the price tag that he went for, all the drama around it, all the cascading effects.
00:06:45
Chino Onwuka
He's played in the Prem before, so none of this is new to him. His only contribution is one goal in the Carabao Cup. Right now, if you were to say who's the better striker for them, it's Akira K. So for that, I would give him a five. Emeka.
00:07:01
Chino Onwuka
meca
00:07:02
Ems
I mean, hey, five is generous if anything. I'm going to say, like, you factor in price tag, expectations, and drama.
00:07:13
Ems
You guys said Yokoz is 6.5, and yeah, I think that's fair. Funny enough, think I would have said six. I thought I was higher than everybody else. If I'm saying Yokoz is a six, Eastlake has to be like a three or four. He's done nothing.
00:07:25
Ems
And I don't want to hear this excuse of, oh I didn't have a preseason. Brother, you're the reason why you didn't have preseason. No made you go on strike. So, You can't have it both ways. You want to go on strike, and go on strike. But then guess what?
00:07:35
Ems
You go into a team that spends 150, the British record on you. They need goals. They need forward play. And he's done, you know, a lucky Carabao Cup goal and a fluke assist.
00:07:48
Ems
That's literally it. And he's been playing. He's been playing some decent minutes sometimes. Like he's not like cameos off the bench. He's been playing and starting and, giving them nothing so hey i look at like you said this is all just a preliminary check-in right now like i expect him fully to get his feet under him and have a great second half of the season hopefully he doesn't it but like for right now absolutely yeah i'm with you this is three or four out of five i say 3.5 i guess like he's been by easy to say he's been the biggest disappointment of all transfers so far i think that's fair to say am i right
00:08:24
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, definitely, for sure. So then we're going to turn over to the guy we've constantly referenced, especially in comparison to Isak, and that is Hugo Ikitike.
00:08:36
Chino Onwuka
Just in terms of his stats so far, I believe he's at, what, six goals for Liverpool right now. He's got...
00:08:47
Chino Onwuka
me just double-check.
00:08:48
Chuku
So, yeah.
00:08:48
Chino Onwuka
I know I looked earlier...
00:08:56
Chino Onwuka
Yep, he's got five goals for them, three goals in the Prem. And honestly, hindsight is fifty fifty or 100-100 or 20-20.
00:09:09
Chino Onwuka
If it wasn't Izak, I think Hugo is the striker that I wish Arsenal had signed. Emeka, you missed this part, but I was saying that what I was looking for you know was either a striker or a potential...
00:09:24
Chino Onwuka
a superstar striker, a potential superstar striker, and Kitsuke is looking like that so far. Signed at a very heavy price tag from N-Track Frankfurt. you know and Lots of drama surrounding his signing as well.
00:09:40
Chino Onwuka
Newcastle wanted him seemingly to replace Isak. Liverpool come in, swoop him in Later, they still sign Isak, but he has been really good for them. he scored five goals.
00:09:54
Chino Onwuka
know, scored in the community shield, scored in their first game of the season. And he's just looked good. He, he is the, you know, the striker seemingly more in the, in the arsenal mold of old. And we think of some of the strikers we've had your Nelkas, your Henri's, your Debayos.
00:10:12
Chino Onwuka
And I think it's been a surprise, you know, people knew of his ability. You know, he he'd already had a a big move to PSG. That didn't work out.
00:10:24
Chino Onwuka
You know, redeveloped himself at Frankfurt. Now he's adapted to the Prem. Really, really good. and and In fact, in terms of all their big-name signings, he's by far been the best one. So, you know, i have to give him an 8 for sure. I think he's been really, really good.
00:10:41
Chino Onwuka
but Some of my concerns with him were, you know, when you looked at Some of his underlying metrics, he took a lot of shots, but he didn't necessarily score from all of them. And, you know, when you think of the Bundesliga, that could be a concern, but I think he's erased all of those doubts.
00:10:59
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, he may not have sort of the the the the precision nuclear strike ability of, you know, your Jokerez, your yeah Liam DeLapps, your Sescos and the way they can strike a ball, but with his tech, with his ability,
00:11:16
Chino Onwuka
with the amount of chances he can create for others and himself, you know, the numbers will all align and we're seeing that so far. So I will give him an eight. Emeka, what are your thoughts on Hugo Iquitsuke?
00:11:29
Ems
oh I mean, you you kind of you kind of nailed everything. like He is, outside of a tall German that going to talk about later, I think he's been the best signing of all the strikers.
00:11:40
Ems
I can even argue he's been the best, but he's... I saw him last year in the Europa League when Frankfurt played Tottenham, and I was not impressed. I watched that fixture with eye on him because I heard all the hype, and you know I'm not tapped into the French League, the German League like that.
00:11:56
Ems
So was like, let me see what he's about, and I was not impressed, but damn, seeing him, he took the league by storm. Just the combos of size, pace, skill, like, whew, what a signing. And I'm with you. He definitely is in the Arsenal mold and like, man, you can't help but wonder if we got it, what it would look like.
00:12:17
Ems
Not that I'm disappointed too much of Yoko Reyes, but yeah, it's clearly different levels.
Woltamare's Rise at Newcastle
00:12:22
Ems
8.5 out of 10, I'd say. He's been like but one of the few bright spots in Liverpool this year. Looking fantastic.
00:12:29
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, definitely, definitely. Chuku, how about you? Anything to add? What rating would you give him?
00:12:36
Chuku
Oh, man. Ekotike. I mean, funny enough, I mean, for those who are willing to listen, Ekotike on my top. He was one of my top guys outside of Yorchores.
00:12:49
Chuku
But I just thought the price tag for him, though, was a bit excessive. But Hey, what do I know? Because all of a sudden, he's living up to those price tags, man. I mean's every time I've seen him, he's looked techie on the ball, man, living up to his name.
00:13:04
Chuku
Like a techie, bro. This guy is, yeah, he he looks like a problem. He looks like a problem. I mean, easily, I'll have to say 7.5, in my opinion. i mean, I think, i want to say 8, but let me just...
00:13:19
Chuku
you know For now, 7.5, I think, is is a fair enough rating. He's been definitely clear of the other high-profile strikers that though I guess have been bought during the summer transfer window.
00:13:33
Chuku
so Yeah, no, I'm a fan. i enjoy his game. And mean, I know back to the earlier point about the transformation change and trying to fit all your attacking options.
00:13:45
Chuku
Look, I'm of the opinion, man. you just got figure it out, man. You got pay the big bucks for a reason. So you got to figure it out. You got to figure out a way to get to have Isak, Akatiki, Havertz, sorry, Havertz, Wurtz and...
00:14:01
Chuku
Salah in the same team. You got to figure it out, man. I don't know what how going to do it, but it has to be done. And, you know, either way, yeah, Eketika has definitely been a huge bright spot for Liverpool's side that, you know, we've seen haven't really been playing the best, you know, best ball on the pitch, but have still been able to find ways to, you know, get points, you know.
00:14:29
Chuku
I mean, they're sitting second place on the table, you somehow with some of the games we've seen. And he's definitely been, he's played a huge part as to why they're sitting that high.
00:14:39
Chuku
So, yeah, I can take his a baller.
00:14:42
Chino Onwuka
So next we're going to go to another import from the German Bundesliga. You know, Newcastle, their there their first choice was Kitsuke. He went to Liverpool and sort of, they seem to be striking out left and right on a lot of their targets.
00:15:02
Chino Onwuka
And they almost bumbled their way into the BFG. If you don't know what that stands for, you can Google it. won't say it on the pod, and they signed Woltamare.
00:15:17
Chino Onwuka
You know, at the time of the signing, I think I was pretty familiar with him because he's someone that had been on my radar and maybe people, not too many others were as aware of him.
00:15:29
Chino Onwuka
You know, they just knew he was tall, but what abilities did he bring? And again, seemingly overpriced, but, you know, Newcastle were, were,
00:15:40
Chino Onwuka
between a rock and a hard place, and it's something that they had to do. And suffice to say, you know, I don't want to preempt anyone's thoughts, but you know what, Chukwu, let's just go to you. What are your thoughts on Walter Mare so far?
00:15:56
Chino Onwuka
The signing, how he's played, what he looks like compared to what you initially thought, and as well your your rating of him.
00:16:06
Chuku
Yeah, no, I would have to fall in that category of one that wasn't too familiar with his game prior to Newcastle signing him. I mean, I heard the name. I've heard about him, you know, because, you know, his name was being brought up about a lot within Bayern circles. i thought I always thought Bayern Munich were the ones that were going to buy him. And, you know, I never thought he was – like, i didn't think he was – At the stage where he was ready to be like leading the line for you know a contending team, I thought he was more of like a project player. you know that no that what I thought it would be a situation where Bayan buys him, sits on the bench you know behind Harry Kings of the world, makes little appearances here and there, and then, you know, one to watch for the future type of deal.
00:16:52
Chuku
But, man, he has been he's come in. you know he's definitely coming And he's had some serious impact for Newcastle so far. And I definitely think, like at least as of right now, he's looked to me at least as a top three, top striker signing so far you know at this moment in time, if I had to rank him.
00:17:14
Chuku
I mean, am i having honestly, I might have him second, to be just behind... Eketike. But either way, it's still early. You know, but I've been impressed with the with the guy, man. He's been he's he's looked the part.
00:17:28
Chuku
You know, he even scored a nice goal against us, you know, with that header. oh You know, yeah, he's a presence. He's a presence. And for a guy his size, I know this is probably said often enough when we talk about Watamade or when we talk about him.
00:17:44
Chuku
Basically, like, he just moves differently, man. He moves like he's like... 5'11", but this dude is like, what, over 6'4"? Like, what? How tall is he?
00:17:54
Chino Onwuka
six six
00:17:54
Chuku
He seems 6'6". That's just incredible. Like, yeah, he he moves differently. So, yeah, I mean, so far it looks worth the money that Newcastle spent.
00:18:05
Chuku
And yeah i look it seems like he's only going to get better with time. So, you know, very intrigued to see where, you know, where his game takes him. But so far, so good. He's been, he's definitely looked the part for them.
Joao Pedro's Chelsea Transfer and Performance
00:18:18
Chuku
So one to keep an eye on for sure.
00:18:22
Chino Onwuka
So what what rating? I know you said you probably have him maybe second behind Akitsuke, but what rating would you give him?
00:18:27
Chuku
Yeah, I'll give him a solid seven. I think seven is fair. A solid seven.
00:18:32
Chino Onwuka
Okay. Emeka, how about you? What are what are your thoughts on Woltamare, especially considering what you knew or didn't know about him before he moved to Newcastle?
00:18:44
Ems
Like Chukwu said, the only thing I really knew about him was that he was the young German striker who was just earmarked to go to Bayern. And the brief things I saw was that for a big guy, he has great feet and he's terrible in the air.
00:18:59
Ems
So it's my shock when it comes to the Premier League and all these scores headers. Because that was literally like the number one thing against him, that he was terrible in the air apparently. I don't know. Maybe I'm just... in a good mood, I've been blown away by him.
00:19:13
Ems
And usually it's the guys who play well against Arsenal are always the guys who I like. And he played fantastic against Arsenal. And man, he, the Volta Messi thing, like actually, like Chukwu said, the, the,
00:19:24
Ems
The ball skills he has for a guy that tall, it's unbelievable. He's Peter Crouch 2.0, all right? Don't even say that an insult. People underestimate how good Peter Crouch was back in the day. the The passing, the playmaking, everything. and I'm giving him an 8.5, even a borderline 9 out of 10, because they signed him to be the Young Project, and then they also signed Wisa to be the vet, take things early.
00:19:49
Ems
Wisa has been injured the entire season. So out of, you know, they thrust him into that position. prematurely lead the line, carry us, and he's excelled in that. He's been fantastic.
00:19:59
Ems
And I can't wait to see him play with another striker because I think he's a type of guy who would look fantastic in a two-up front. Like, his interplay, link-up is fantastic.
00:20:11
Ems
Things he does, like, it actually blows my mind to see his dribbling and playmaking. And on top of that, he's scoring goals. And he's scoring headers. This is weakness. I also want to give a quick shout out to Eddie Howe because I think there's not enough track record to say Eddie Howe can coach a striker.
00:20:25
Ems
Like, Colin Wilson back in Bournemouth was doing everything. Isak comes in. He's doing big numbers. Even Colin Wilson in Newcastle for the start it was doing big numbers. Like, Eddie Howe can coach a striker. And think the German national team should be pretty happy that, you know, their weakest position, I think, is number nine moving forward. And now they've got a you know young prospect shaping him up a little bit.
00:20:46
Ems
Like, sir He's so good. He had the Bayern leadership talking, hey man, who spent all this money? I'm telling you right now, a lot of teams we're spending will be looking at him to spend big money on him in the future. Like, I could see him going for $120 million, $130 million in two seasons if he keeps this up. Like, this combination of size, skill, goal scoring. Like, I'm just a fan of this guy, man. Like, oh, my goodness. I it i know his signing is great, but I'm truly jealous.
00:21:14
Ems
I'm truly jealous Newcastle got him. Like, he looks fantastic. So, yeah, I'm 8.5. By far, to me, the best signing striking of this of the season so far. And, hey, now that we've played them, I hope he keeps it up because, man, he's fun to watch.
00:21:29
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, I have been really impressed with him so far. I've been pretty aware of him, you know, just coming off the end of last season. as I started looking about for but potential striker signings, you know, sort of the... It was always, you know, Izak, Yoko Rez, Sesko.
00:21:49
Chino Onwuka
And then, you know, as I kept doing more research, Wotamare's name started coming up and I started looking into him more and that's when I understood... you know, you first you see that six six size and so you sort of stereotype him a little bit and then as you start to read more and watch more about him, then you see, oh no, he's not what you think. You know, he's a very, very technical player for his size.
00:22:11
Chino Onwuka
You know, is' mobile can bring his team into play and just a fantastic player. And then he had sort of his his Euro 21 performance and it was like, okay, yeah, now I can see, i can see everything.
00:22:24
Chino Onwuka
coming together for him. And like you guys, I thought he was going to Bayern for sure. So, you know, well done to Newcastle for for finding something that worked out for them. Sometimes that's just the way with transfers.
00:22:35
Chino Onwuka
Your plan a your plan B doesn't work. You go to plan C and, you know, you strike gold. And so he's got, think, four goals for them now. You know, scored his first goal for Germany. So it's been quite quite a season for him so far.
00:22:51
Chino Onwuka
Like you said, Emeka, the thing that he started doing that has surprised a lot of people and myself is his aerial game. and And so if he combines all his other qualities and he's now that threat, you know, aerially with his height, then, oh, that's a problem. So I'm going to give him an eight for sure. i still i still give Akitsike a bit of a leg up over him just because I think he's,
00:23:20
Chino Onwuka
to me, a bit more of a surprise than Woltomare was. And especially the fact that he's outshining a player like Isak so far and making them rotate and causing them to question, you know, where does he play, who plays. So, but I think he's been a fantastic signing. And I think, you know, things were looking really precarious for Newcastle there, but I think with him, you know, I think they've established themselves firmly as a top four, top five team in the Prem and,
00:23:50
Chino Onwuka
If they can manage to get a handle on their finances and build from there, then, you know, that's another big threat. Another big, big threat in the prep.
Benjamin Sesko's Challenges at Manchester United
00:24:00
Chino Onwuka
Okay, next we're going to move on to Joao Pedro. And I guess I'll go first for him. he He's a little bit of a different scenario because he moved two from Brighton to Chelsea in June And so was able to play at the Club World Cup and was a huge factor in them winning that competition, scoring a couple of goals there. And then, you know, to start the premiership season, started off with two goals early on.
00:24:32
Chino Onwuka
But since those two early goals, it's been a bit of a mixed bag for him and for Chelsea as well. You know, they've sort of had a little bit of of a wobble there before, you know, playing well against Liverpool.
00:24:46
Chino Onwuka
And so since that early period, the goals haven't really come for him. you know, there have been some red cards, but I think this is a really good signing for for Chelsea. He's a young player.
00:24:58
Chino Onwuka
Prem proven, brings bags of ability. i think what I would say is a bit different from him than a lot of the other strikers we've discussed is I think he's a little bit of a 9.5.
00:25:09
Chino Onwuka
of a nine point five you know he's not your your He's not your typical target man. He's a little bit like a Jesus where he plays striker, but you're going to see him in multiple positions on the field. can also play on the wing, can play you know as a support striker, maybe with another focal point up top. So I think it's it's a it's a good signing. you know The thing with Chelsea is that...
00:25:39
Chino Onwuka
you know
00:25:41
Chino Onwuka
him coming in and, you know, maybe would have discussed the lap as well, if not for his injury, but is he an upgrade the way I view it is how much of an upgrade is he above Nicholas Jackson?
00:25:56
Chino Onwuka
Because I think we've talked on this part a lot that yeah, he seemed to miss some easy chances once in a while, but I think the consensus on this part is that Nicholas Jackson was a really good player and an underrated player. And so,
00:26:10
Chino Onwuka
How much of an upgrade did they make there? So anyway, with that, you know, just considering his contributions at the Club World Cup, you know, his early start to the season, how, you know, he's really theirre their only option up front and he's had to carry the load sort of in a similar way that Yoko has has, and, you know, a lot of his recent games, they've gone down to 10 men, you know, really early and their coaches, you know,
00:26:37
Chino Onwuka
been really pragmatic in some of his substitutions and so he's had to work off scrap so I will I'll give him a a 6.5 as well Chukwu what would you rate Joe Pedro
00:26:51
Chuku
Yeah, I think Ja Pedro for me is definitely the same. I view him similarly to how view Jacores in the sense of like, I still think there's more to come. And I think with him, it's just adjusting to a new team. i feel like you know he shown he showed and a lot of quality during the Club World Cup during in the summer.
00:27:15
Chuku
Hasn't really been able to bring that momentum from the preseason into the season as of yet. We've seen little of lowton and low partss of it, but just not enough consistency.
00:27:27
Chuku
But I think that's probably going to come with time. But yeah, for now, he's shown enough flashes for me that I think still warrants a little above average rating. So 6.5, think it's fair.
00:27:42
Chuku
Yeah, 6.5.
00:27:42
Chino Onwuka
Okay, and Emeka, how about you? What are your thoughts on the job Pedro signing and how he's done for Chelsea so far?
00:27:49
Ems
I have a quick quiz for you guys. So in the month of August, Ja Pedro, I'm not counting the, first of for all, I'm not counting the Club World Cup. Say what it is, I don't care. Technically, it was last season.
00:28:00
Ems
So this season, in the month of August, you know, he played three games. He scored two goals, had two assists. Fantastic start. Since the September international break, Ja Pedro has played six games.
00:28:14
Ems
He started five of them, came off the bench in one. Can you guess how many shots he's had in those six games?
00:28:21
Chino Onwuka
Ooh, shots.
00:28:22
Ems
Not goals, shots.
00:28:25
Chino Onwuka
Two.
00:28:26
Ems
Chico?
00:28:28
Chuku
How many shots? I mean, the way of phrasing it has me thinking is probably to be a lot lower than what people should have originally think. So I would say one.
00:28:40
Ems
Two.
00:28:42
Chino Onwuka
Wow.
00:28:42
Ems
Two shots in six games. Five starts.
00:28:45
Chino Onwuka
Wow.
00:28:46
Ems
Like you said, Chano, he is not a nine. I think it's clear to say this now. is not a nine. And Chelsea selling Nico Jackson a ridiculous decision. Or loaning him out, whatever.
00:28:58
Ems
It was a ridiculous decision. Because you could play them together. You could play DeLapp, Nico, and Jao Pedro together easily. I don't know why they forced him out. Maybe some FFP concerns. I don't know.
00:29:10
Ems
What it is clear to me is he's not a nine. And they're forcing him to do it, and he's just it's just not his game. He just does not. And I learned my lesson with Hoyland because, you know, that used to be the thing with Hoyland as well is that he had a terrible shots. And then I think it was Alan Shearer who was like, if you're not getting shots as a striker, that's on you.
00:29:30
Ems
Like you, that means you're not making runs. That means you're not making yourself available. Like if you play 90 minutes as a striker for a big six side, you should be getting shots in a game. It's just that simple. So I'm, you guys are are generous to me. He's a, he's a five.
00:29:46
Ems
Yeah. Five, even maybe even a four at 4.5.
00:29:49
Chino Onwuka
Like, the thing with me is, again, of those you mentioned, what, six games, like, what, three of them, they've been down to 10 men early.
00:29:49
Ems
He's not been great.
00:29:56
Chino Onwuka
So I think that probably plays an impact. And especially with the decisions Maresca has made in those games, like, honestly, not like I've seen him work really hard.
00:29:59
Ems
Yeah. Fair.
00:30:06
Chino Onwuka
But yeah, they've been in playing seven defenders and guy up front.
00:30:11
Ems
No, that's a fair as a fair point to raise. i I'll concede that. I just think as a number nine, man, like you can't be having multiple games where don't shoot the ball once.
00:30:23
Ems
And he's playing 90 minutes in these games. I don't care if you're down to 10 minutes. At some point, just take a chance, do something. what are you out there for then? There's only so much link-up you can do. And it's also one thing if he was doing this and Chelsea were winning.
00:30:36
Ems
This is during a stretch when they were losing three games in a row. And, hes you know, he's playing 90 minutes up front and he's doing nothing for them. So, you know, again, I feel for him because it's a square peg in a round hole.
00:30:47
Ems
And also, in fairness, I'll give him credit. He started off the season hot and he looked fantastic at the Club World Cup. But man, and also in fair, it it just coincides with when Cole Palmer was hurt and he's their best creative force. So I think he's losing that as well. But man, I can only go off what I'm seeing and what I'm seeing, it's concerning. And you know that, I'm judging him harshly because they bought him and they sold Nico Jackson. And I just don't understand it play out.
00:31:14
Ems
I just don't understand it because my goodness, you can easily play them together. Easily play them together. And anyhow, he's just, I know we're doing this as as a number nine segment, and don't to tell you, man, he's on number nine.
00:31:26
Ems
So, you know, he's definitely going to be better as the season progresses. If the lap comes back, he's not playing up front all the time, every game. He can rotate and rest. He can, you know, fill in for Palmer as a 10.
00:31:39
Ems
Like, he's going to be better eventually, but... My goodness. From where it started at, and the hype I'm sure Chelsea fans had seeing him at the Club World Cup to what he's been doing recently, it's been a drop-off.
Reflecting on New Striker Ratings and Expectations
00:31:53
Chino Onwuka
Okay, and I'm sure maybe this is the reason why you made yourself available tonight. But last but not least, going to round up with Benjamin Sesko, who moved to Manchester United.
00:32:07
Chino Onwuka
you know After seemingly looking like Arsenal could be an option for him, moved to United for a similar story from the players coming from Germany, a pretty substantial fee.
00:32:19
Chino Onwuka
Emeka, what are your thoughts on Sesco so far and what rating would you give him?
00:32:24
Ems
Good old Benjamin Tesco. I you know had a thing at the earlier earlier episode where I was really just flabbergasted he didn't take a penalty when you United it got kicked out. Oh, he took the last penalty when it got kicked out, and I was harsh on him.
00:32:40
Ems
Like, you can see the talent is there, and he's playing with a joke of a manager and a joke of a system. don't want to be too hard on him, but playing one game a week...
00:32:54
Ems
I need more than what he's showing me. In fairness to think United have kind of learned that, you know, it doesn't have to be pretty. Just put in the, you know, his last recent goal was just a jammy long throw. We forced it in. Like he's a physical striker. Like you can see the tools he has, but for what he's shown,
00:33:13
Ems
but I was expecting by now, not all about you, channel but for me, I was expecting by now he'd have one of those trademark rocket shots. Like, that's what I've been waiting for. Like, that's the Sesco I'm looking for. Like, he's a, his ball striking was his thing. and I don't see him twatting the balls like that anymore.
00:33:27
Ems
And it's just, without that, what he is showing, and I mean, a lot of that, in fairness, is that he's playing for a dreadful unit United team. But I don't know, man. Like, if I'm if i'm giving Pedro a five, I think I gotta give Sesco five, too. Like, it's It's not horrific. It makes your eyes bleed and like, oh God, but it's also not, you know, encouraging.
00:33:48
Ems
And a lot of that again is just the team he's playing with. Fairness, it is what it is. But I just want to see more. Like as much as I like making fun of be United, I like when young players are good.
00:34:00
Ems
I like watching good football. And I want to see you guys in the Premier League shine. I want to see one of those Sesco Rockets. I want to see him one in from 35 yards. Like, that's the Sesco I'm trying to see. it So far, thankfully at least, he hasn't shown it for United. yeah, don't know, man. i think think you I think that five is generous, but going to him a five just because he has scored some goals. He's got himself in the mix.
00:34:22
Ems
You know, I'll give him that. But, yeah, so far it's not been pretty. What you thinking, Chino?
00:34:29
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, i would i would yeah i would I would give him a six only because, you know, for some reason, and, you know, we we saw it with a lot of these guys because of the way their transfer sagas went, maybe they didn't have a full preseason. And so strangely enough, especially when you consider sort of the weaknesses United have, he wasn't starting a lot of the earlier games and you know, we were sort of surprised at that, and a lot of United fans were surprised at that. So, know, in comparison to all the other guys, I think he's started the least amount of games. So, yeah, he has two goals, but that's in in in four starts. and
00:35:07
Chino Onwuka
And, you know, he he has broken his duck. He has scored now. And when you factor in the context that he's playing with, especially in comparison to the others, you know, you have I'm factoring that in. And, you know, talking to a lot of United fans...
00:35:25
Chino Onwuka
You know, they are seeing how much he's he's bringing. know, one of the reasons why I like Cesco, almost called him Tesco for some reason, is, you know, yeah, he's young. Yeah, he's developing. me Yeah, he was a little bit more raw than the other guys, but there was a lot that he could bring. You know, when we were looking at him as possibly a solution for Arsenal, we said, hey, with his size, you know, aerially, he's going to be able to bring a lot.
00:35:54
Chino Onwuka
to the table and, you know, in, in build up play as well with his hold up play with his technique. And you're starting to see that, you know, with United in the last couple of games and, you know, United fans are beginning to become a little bit excited because they think they might have something there.
00:36:10
Chino Onwuka
And so I think with that, you know, I, I definitely give him a six it's, he scored two goals, you know, in a team that barely scores. Is there more to come from him?
00:36:22
Chino Onwuka
Like Emeka said, you know, you're always looking to see more because he definitely has a lot of the raw attributes to to explode. It's just that he made the the right decision in going to the place that could bring that out of him. So, you know, with all of that, I'd id definitely give him give him a six. But, you know, in hindsight, when you look at all the guys that have come to the Prem,
00:36:45
Chino Onwuka
If there's one, you know, Sesco is the one I was really, i really wanted the beginning. If there's the guy I'd go for now Akitsuke. Chuku, what are your thoughts on Sesco?
00:36:54
Chuku
Yeah, Cesco, I mean, I know I climbed on him early, but has looked to, you know, grab some form, at least when it comes to scoring some goals.
00:37:06
Chuku
I mean, it was easy. i was goingnna Prior to that, I feel like it was easy to give him a five, we he even a four. But with the recent stretch of games and the form he's managed to find, i mean, I think – A six is a fair for now.
00:37:26
Chuku
I do still think you know he hasn't looked the best in in a United shirt, but you know he's found ways to be effective, at least in the in the box. you know Found a way to be a poacher. the end of the day, you know he's paid to put the ball back of the net. so He's done that the last couple games, and you know if that continues, good on him.
00:37:51
Chuku
But I still think, you know, I'm not sure if he's going to be able to get his best form at United, but... You never know. you know things might Things might change.
00:38:03
Chuku
And, you know, as someone that came from a different league, he's always going to take time to adjust, especially being a younger player as well. So, you know, can only imagine – can only see improvement from here.
00:38:17
Chuku
So we'll see how it goes. But, yeah, no, six is a fair – I believe it's a fair rating. So, guys.
00:38:25
Chino Onwuka
So if i was if I was to round what, you know, the discussion we've had, it seems like, you know, starting at the top, you know, we have, you know, Ikitsuke and Woltamade in terms of, you know, clear line of the strikers who have, you know, really impressed us, maybe been risen above expectations.
00:38:45
Chino Onwuka
Then in terms of guys who have, you know, performed decently, not the brightest of starts, but they have contributed and, you know, maybe there's more to come. You have Yoko Ress and, you know, to some extent, to some extent, Sesco. And the guys that were maybe a little bit more disappointed in are Joel Pedro and Isaac, surprisingly enough. So that's just, you know, our thoughts are our what we've seen, what we've noted, you know,
00:39:19
Chino Onwuka
In mid-October, it's still very early in the season. I'm sure maybe we'll check back in, you know, mid-season and again at the end of the season. And if this is something you guys like, maybe we can do this for some other positions, you know, as well.
Preview: Liverpool vs. Manchester United Match
00:39:34
Chino Onwuka
Or maybe not even just new signings. So, with that, you know, this is so funny. You know, we we thought that this was going to be a short, quick episode just to get something out. And...
00:39:45
Chino Onwuka
I'm pretty sure we're already at an hour. So we're just going to round up really quickly. And we're just going to quick preview of our game of the week. And this is a a derby. We have Liverpool versus Manchester United. So boys, what are your predictions for this game?
00:40:07
Chino Onwuka
You know, it's it's it's it's always it's the Northwest Derby. As someone who has a lot of family in Manchester, who has family that are both Manchester United fans and Liverpool fans, I can tell you that these two teams, these two fans do not like each other. These are the two most successful and popular andpopular teams in England.
00:40:33
Chino Onwuka
The game is taking place at Anfield.
00:40:38
Chino Onwuka
Chuka, I'll start with you. What is your prediction for the game?
00:40:42
Chuku
I think this has to be a get-right game for Liverpool, man. There's no way. There's just no way they lose to United at home. It's impossible. impossible can see them draw points, like draw, but to lose, I don't buy it. So...
00:41:03
Chuku
i don't buy so Even the draw, that's more of like just talking myself to believe United can do something for us.
00:41:14
Chuku
But in all honesty, I just think this is a get-right game for Liverpool. I think they find a way, Salah always finds a way to eat whenever it comes to playing against United.
00:41:25
Chuku
And the manager just has to find formation that works for his club. In my opinion, you know, you got to find a way have Isak and Akitike on.
00:41:38
Chuku
But, I mean, at the end of the day, it might seem one of Isak or Akitike is going to be the one that's going to start and the other one is going to on the bench because the manager has his favorites, Cody Gapbo being one of them.
00:41:54
Ems
If you had to pick one, who' would you start between the second, I can take it because United.
00:41:58
Chuku
I think you have to start at Isak, man. You got to find a way to get Isak on form because don't spend that kind of money to have him just sit on the bench and be a warm-up.
00:42:08
Chuku
Like, this is a dude that...
00:42:10
Ems
You can say the same for I can take it up.
00:42:12
Chuku
hey But I could take it as a young lad coming from a from a different new league. Isak has been someone that know is already supposed to be labeled as Premier League proven.
00:42:25
Chuku
He's spent more spend more of of a bag to get him in. There's just no way. you He has to be. He has to play. I mean, he has to play. And that's just how I look at it. And, you know, with Eketike, I just think you're going to get more negative press starting Eketike and having Isak on your bench than you would starting Isak and having Eketike on your bench. I just think...
00:42:55
Chuku
I mean, don't get me wrong. It's a stretch it almost could be a lose-lose. There's always going to be some complaints about why he's in so-and-so starting versus whatever. But I just think the lesser evil of the two is starting Isak and benching Neketike.
00:43:14
Chuku
Even though, in my opinion, she should be finding a way to play both. But I just don't think the manager is going to be up to playing both. And I just think... Cody Gakpo is going to find a way to start. and yeah oh Either way, regardless of who starts, I just think Liverpool will have enough to come away with three points. and I'm going to predict a 3-1 Liverpool.
00:43:41
Chuku
one live
00:43:44
Chino Onwuka
Okay.
00:43:44
Ems
Yeah, like you said. You know, like Chukwu said, man, that's why they make the big bucks.
00:43:45
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, Mecca, yeah, go ahead.
00:43:49
Ems
Arnie Sly, got to make some shake. up I want, or know listen, Ruben Amarin, I'm talking to you directly. If you beat Liverpool, I will not make any jokes about you. I will not bring up your negative goal difference. I will not call you Ruben interim for at least a month.
00:44:04
Ems
Do this for me. Help the boys out. Sadly, I'm with you, Chukwu. It's a get-right game. 3-1 Liverpool. I think Salah loves to score. He needs to get right. like It's just a classic get-right game.
00:44:15
Ems
Although I will say, though, Man United, for some reason, tend to get these random results against Liverpool. So I'm hoping they pull something out, you get a sneaky draw or something. But yeah, it's funny. We've done game of the week. was checking it.
00:44:29
Ems
Liverpool games like the last three times. And I've always picked Liverpool to win. They always draw points.
00:44:32
Chino Onwuka
I was going to say, like, for all our thoughts that Arsenal have had a really tough start to the season, our game of the week seems to almost always involve Liverpool so far.
00:44:34
Ems
people
00:44:42
Ems
I mean, that we had a tough start. they're having a tough middle. That's why, you know, even Zell.
00:44:45
Chino Onwuka
Yeah.
00:44:46
Ems
And I always pick them to win, and they draw points. I'm hoping it kind of continues. But, hey, 3-1 Liverpool, get right game. Yeah, let's let's be real here.
00:44:57
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, for me, I think You know, just to point to Emeka, the question you asked, I think they have to start Izak again. You need to get him get him going. That's, again, you paid $150 million. These are the sort of games that, you know, you want him for.
00:45:13
Chino Onwuka
he knows United. He knows what to expect. You know, you get him going with the crowd backing you. He scores a couple against United. That could be a rocket ship. If it doesn't work out, then, oh, wow, I guess I have to bring Akira from the bench. And I think, again, that's just a... Chukuse lose-lose, to me, that's a win-win in that, you know, if one guy isn't firing, he can still bring on the other against tired legs and he can, you know, cause problems for that.
00:45:42
Chino Onwuka
Emeka, like you, I've pretty much...
00:45:43
Chuku
Just to clarify, when I say lose lose sorry when i said I meant lose-lose in the sense that there's always going to be someone complaining about who this is.
00:45:51
Chino Onwuka
Yep, yep. I get you. I was just, yep, bouncing off that.
00:45:55
Chuku
No worries, all good.
00:45:58
Chino Onwuka
Like you have picked Liverpool for pretty much all the games. And I don't know, for some reason, you know, to your point in that, Man U seemed to somehow scrape a result against them. i I honestly like Liverpool should win this game. They're at home. But something within me is just saying two two It's just going to be weird one where maybe Liverpool dominate and United hit.
00:46:23
Chino Onwuka
I don't i don't know why this case, but I'm thinking...
00:46:26
Ems
From your lips to God's ears, fam.
00:46:28
Chino Onwuka
Sorry?
00:46:30
Ems
From your lips to God's ears. i hope you hope that tutu's right.
00:46:31
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, I don't know why, but I'm like, you know what? Something crazy going to happen. Maybe a refereeing decision, mistake or something. Some team's going to feel really hard done by. Some team's going to feel lucky. And so, yeah, 2-2 is my call.
00:46:50
Chino Onwuka
So that is our game of the week. Is there anything else you guys want to quickly touch on again, guys? Like we've mentioned, You know, we are going to get this out and then very soon, next couple of days, we are going to be doing our NBA preview. It's something we're really looking forward to. I know we're all excited for the season, so stay tuned for that. So, guys, anything else you want to mention or address?
00:47:16
Ems
Star D5, don't Netflix right now. Apparently, it's really good this season. Go watch it.
00:47:20
Chino Onwuka
Oh, you already know. You already know what my plan was for the weekend. So excited for that. That's just another thing to to get us, you know, excited, you know, anticipatory for for the NBA season. so thanks for thanks for joining us. Thanks for the chat. Thanks for the discussion. Thanks for the sacrifice.
00:47:39
Chino Onwuka
Thanks for all y'all who are listening. We love y'all. You know, it's it's so cool when, you know, out and people say, oh, you know, I love what you guys are doing. I listened yesterday. I thought you guys, it was funny when you guys said this.
00:47:52
Chino Onwuka
Oh, i disagree with you on that. So we love hearing from you guys. We appreciate your listening. So looking forward to catching you guys next time on another episode of The Love of the Game.