Bij #peczwolle wil Schreuder nog altijd een aanvaller. Eerder grepen ze al naast De Leeuw en ook Oskar Zawada (voormalig #fctwente) heeft voor een andere optie gekozen. Hij gaat spelen voor Wellington in Nieuw-Zeeland.
Bij #peczwolle wil Schreuder nog altijd een aanvaller. Eerder grepen ze al naast De Leeuw en ook Oskar Zawada (voormalig #fctwente) heeft voor een andere optie gekozen. Hij gaat spelen voor Wellington in Nieuw-Zeeland.
Google Translate isn't the best but I think this suggests Zawada opted for us over PEC Zwolle? If a top tier Dutch side was chasing him, that makes me feel a bit more confident in him.
PEC Zwolle were relegated last term, but I understand the sentiment. Feels just like yesterday that Thomas was around those ways turning heads and the club were winning a couple of trophies - No mean feat for a club of it's size.
Still, good signs if we can beat out European club sides for a signature.
Last Friday edition of the popular Polish sport portal says that the signing of Zawada by the Nix is "imminent" and that The Nix considered his height (192cm) ahead of his otherwise modest goalscoring qualities. The article commented that Zawada actually had no club since his contract with Stal Mielec expired last June. He scored 3 goals in 10 appearances there, which was in 2022 only, after returning from his incomplete season at Jeju (2021-2022) early this year.
What was said about his past though was that although he was in the junior Wolfsburg squad he never made it to the first team there, and only ever played for the reserves. After his transfer to Twente he then ended up playing for the 2nd German league Karlsruher FC before he returned to Poland.
Interestingly, Zawada is a bloke who was consistently selected for the age group Polish national teams, with his most consistent spell from U17 (2012) through U21 (until 2017). These are also the same years that he played abroad. Once he turned 21 he effectively played in Poland only, with only the season (2021-2022) at Jeju elsewhere, and 10 appearances only. So it could be that he did not prosper once he returned from Germany, and might have been found wanting at Jeju after not developing much while in Poland. This could mean he fits into Ufuk's selection plan of bringing in potentially promising guys who never managed to make good of their early promise. As he is 26 he is not a kid anymore but I am cautiously optimistic as Ufuk has a proven ability to turn dust into gold. And another tall player could partner up Kraev beautifully.
The strategy of signing players who were promising but never quite lived up to their potential in Europe is a good one. The A-League has a few things going in it's favor to get these guys performing: 1. It's more patient/less cut throat as the risk of bad performances is lower than in Europe (no relegation, top 6 into finals, etc). 2. The teams are more supportive and less competitive as the squads are thinner, so, coupled with 1, the players get a good run of games even if they're not performing. 3. The teams are built around their foreign signings, meaning their strengths are played to and their weaknesses augmented.
And, as everyone has said, the Phoenix have a bit of a track record now of signing these guys and getting them to a point where they're performing.
But, I worry that it's a huge risk to sign three players with this strategy, I doubt all three gambles will pay off.
The strategy of signing players who were promising but never quite lived up to their potential in Europe is a good one. The A-League has a few things going in it's favor to get these guys performing: 1. It's more patient/less cut throat as the risk of bad performances is lower than in Europe (no relegation, top 6 into finals, etc). 2. The teams are more supportive and less competitive as the squads are thinner, so, coupled with 1, the players get a good run of games even if they're not performing. 3. The teams are built around their foreign signings, meaning their strengths are played to and their weaknesses augmented.
And, as everyone has said, the Phoenix have a bit of a track record now of signing these guys and getting them to a point where they're performing.
But, I worry that it's a huge risk to sign three players with this strategy, I doubt all three gambles will pay off.
Always a risk I guess, but so far as I'm concerned Kraev has already proved his value, so the risk is reducing!
The strategy of signing players who were promising but never quite lived up to their potential in Europe is a good one. The A-League has a few things going in it's favor to get these guys performing: 1. It's more patient/less cut throat as the risk of bad performances is lower than in Europe (no relegation, top 6 into finals, etc). 2. The teams are more supportive and less competitive as the squads are thinner, so, coupled with 1, the players get a good run of games even if they're not performing. 3. The teams are built around their foreign signings, meaning their strengths are played to and their weaknesses augmented.
And, as everyone has said, the Phoenix have a bit of a track record now of signing these guys and getting them to a point where they're performing.
But, I worry that it's a huge risk to sign three players with this strategy, I doubt all three gambles will pay off.
Always a risk I guess, but so far as I'm concerned Kraev has already proved his value, so the risk is reducing!
Hard agree with that, excited to see what Sasse can do on Wednesday.
Set pieces should be exciting this year wtih Kraev, Wotton and Zawada all good sized lads.
True, and if Waino can keep scoring headers like that last one against City, he might profit the most!
For heading consistency sake we could do worse than just fielding guys named Oskar:
The cross from Clayton Lewis and the header from Oskar Van Hattum 🤩
What a goal for Van Hattum on Wednesday night! 🤙#COYN! 🔥
The strategy of signing players who were promising but never quite lived up to their potential in Europe is a good one. The A-League has a few things going in it's favor to get these guys performing: 1. It's more patient/less cut throat as the risk of bad performances is lower than in Europe (no relegation, top 6 into finals, etc). 2. The teams are more supportive and less competitive as the squads are thinner, so, coupled with 1, the players get a good run of games even if they're not performing. 3. The teams are built around their foreign signings, meaning their strengths are played to and their weaknesses augmented.
And, as everyone has said, the Phoenix have a bit of a track record now of signing these guys and getting them to a point where they're performing.
But, I worry that it's a huge risk to sign three players with this strategy, I doubt all three gambles will pay off.
Always a risk I guess, but so far as I'm concerned Kraev has already proved his value, so the risk is reducing!
I think that it is a risk. We've actually signed 4 players, none of whom have produced anything of any significance since before Covid.
On the other hand We've got a first class bunch of young lads. So who cares. I can't wait until Wednesday. Can't wait for the season to start. And I'm an old man and Wellington are only my adopted team since moving in for retirement. Thanks for having me anyway guys. I was hoping that our replacement for Piscopo would have some Italian heritage. Maybe next year.
Realistically, if Kraev is better than Sandoval, Sasse is better than Piscopo and Zawada is better than a terminally injured Hooper, then we’ll have an immense and improved team. None of them need to be world beaters, they just need to be better than the very good, but sometimes lacklustre players they’re replacing.
Personally I reckon on paper the new boys are all improvements on what we had, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out on the pitch.
Realistically, if Kraev is better than Sandoval, Sasse is better than Piscopo and Zawada is better than a terminally injured Hooper, then we’ll have an immense and improved team. None of them need to be world beaters, they just need to be better than the very good, but sometimes lacklustre players they’re replacing.
Personally I reckon on paper the new boys are all improvements on what we had, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out on the pitch.
Plus the academy guys are all a year further on. I don't see any of them not improving year by year so far.
Realistically, if Kraev is better than Sandoval, Sasse is better than Piscopo and Zawada is better than a terminally injured Hooper, then we’ll have an immense and improved team. None of them need to be world beaters, they just need to be better than the very good, but sometimes lacklustre players they’re replacing.
Personally I reckon on paper the new boys are all improvements on what we had, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out on the pitch.
"Sasse is better than Piscopo".... Well we'll see. I doubt it. Hopefully he'll suffer fewer injuries.
I'm sceptical of below top level south Americans. He played briefly in Turkey, so presumably Talay has some good advanced knowledge of him. Fingers crossed. It would be a massive result if he is as good as Piscopo.
Looks like Oskar Zawada got an early ankle injury while at Jeju United last year. That hampered his ability to make regular starts. At least he will be joining us with plenty of pre season still to get upto fitness.
Jeju United Season Review 2021. Most Disappointing Player Oskar Zawada
Oskar Zawada (center) spent most of the season out with an ankle injury. The Polish forward joined Jeju in the winter transfer window prior to last season, and the club paid 350,000 euros to attain his services. There was a lot of optimism surrounding him following his arrival at the club, but he never panned out as expected.
He spent much of the season either injured, not in the squad, or on the bench. In fact, he made only ten total appearances for the club, and registered just one assist over that span. It is doubtful as to whether he will remain with the club. His market value has plummeted to 200,000 euros since the beginning of the season.
He suffered an ankle injury early in the year from which he never really recovered, and that raises significant questions about his fitness levels. Whether he will get a second chance remains to be seen but it would be no surprise if he leaves the club in the winter.
Realistically, if Kraev is better than Sandoval, Sasse is better than Piscopo and Zawada is better than a terminally injured Hooper, then we’ll have an immense and improved team. None of them need to be world beaters, they just need to be better than the very good, but sometimes lacklustre players they’re replacing.
Personally I reckon on paper the new boys are all improvements on what we had, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out on the pitch.
"Sasse is better than Piscopo".... Well we'll see. I doubt it. Hopefully he'll suffer fewer injuries.
I'm sceptical of below top level south Americans. He played briefly in Turkey, so presumably Talay has some good advanced knowledge of him. Fingers crossed. It would be a massive result if he is as good as Piscopo.
It’s certainly a big if, but at the same time, I never really got the hype for Piscopo. Sure, he’s magic on his day and can pull some tricks out the bag that other players just can’t do, but 16 goal contributions (8G, 8A) in 57 games isn’t exactly mind blowing for a guy that was supposed to be our key creative player for a time. In his 3721 minutes for the Nix, that boils down to 0.38 goal contributions per 90.
For reference, Uli clocked in at 0.69, Sandoval 0.62, Ball 0.45, Waine 0.44, Sotirio 0.47, Singh 0.55. He does narrowly beat out Max Burgess with a 0.35 (smaller sample size) and Callum McCowatt with a paltry 0.21 though.
With the track record Uffie has established with his imports and the level Sasse has played at, I would expect him to better that 0.38 number. That being said, he is still somewhat unproven and we have no idea what his form will look like, whether he’ll suffer any injuries or whether he’ll mesh with the team/Aotearoa life. Kraev on the other hand, I’m very confident he’ll be in the 0.5+ range (touch wood).
Realistically, if Kraev is better than Sandoval, Sasse is better than Piscopo and Zawada is better than a terminally injured Hooper, then we’ll have an immense and improved team. None of them need to be world beaters, they just need to be better than the very good, but sometimes lacklustre players they’re replacing.
Personally I reckon on paper the new boys are all improvements on what we had, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out on the pitch.
"Sasse is better than Piscopo".... Well we'll see. I doubt it. Hopefully he'll suffer fewer injuries.
I'm sceptical of below top level south Americans. He played briefly in Turkey, so presumably Talay has some good advanced knowledge of him. Fingers crossed. It would be a massive result if he is as good as Piscopo.
It’s certainly a big if, but at the same time, I never really got the hype for Piscopo. Sure, he’s magic on his day and can pull some tricks out the bag that other players just can’t do, but 16 goal contributions (8G, 8A) in 57 games isn’t exactly mind blowing for a guy that was supposed to be our key creative player for a time. In his 3721 minutes for the Nix, that boils down to 0.38 goal contributions per 90.
For reference, Uli clocked in at 0.69, Sandoval 0.62, Ball 0.45, Waine 0.44, Sotirio 0.47, Singh 0.55. He does narrowly beat out Max Burgess with a 0.35 (smaller sample size) and Callum McCowatt with a paltry 0.21 though.
With the track record Uffie has established with his imports and the level Sasse has played at, I would expect him to better that 0.38 number. That being said, he is still somewhat unproven and we have no idea what his form will look like, whether he’ll suffer any injuries or whether he’ll mesh with the team/Aotearoa life. Kraev on the other hand, I’m very confident he’ll be in the 0.5+ range (touch wood).
I like the stats and won't argue.
I also agree that Kraev looks like an excellent signing.
Dont get why Hooper is continually under rated by people. Yes he was injured a lot but when he did play, we will be bloody luck if any of the new guys can match his stats. No stats for him
If piscipo got a constant run without injuries he'd likely be very effective. He had some very good games for us towards the end of last season. But,he's definitely replaceable.
Dont get why Hooper is continually under rated by people. Yes he was injured a lot but when he did play, we will be bloody luck if any of the new guys can match his stats. No stats for him
Hooper season 1: 8G, 5A, 1106’, 1.06 contributions per 90
Hooper season 2: 4G, 2A, 650’, 0.83 contributions per 90
Unbelievable contribution rates but as we saw last season, the most important attribute is the player actually being on the pitch.
Dont get why Hooper is continually under rated by people. Yes he was injured a lot but when he did play, we will be bloody luck if any of the new guys can match his stats. No stats for him
Hooper season 1: 8G, 5A, 1106’, 1.06 contributions per 90
Hooper season 2: 4G, 2A, 650’, 0.83 contributions per 90
Unbelievable contribution rates but as we saw last season, the most important attribute is the player actually being on the pitch.
I feel like all of our imports are bigger punts than Uffie has taken previously. A guy like Davila had huge pedigree. Same with Hooper. Even Sandoval and Hemed had more plaudits in their careers than the guys we've signed.
Only Kraev really stands out at all in that regard.
I'm a little surprised, I get the feeling we had to go to the 3rd/4th options on our lists.
Obviously won't be playing tomorrow night but hoping we can make it to the semi finals when by then he will most likely have his visa and be pretty settled in.
Good to see this finalised! I'm picking him and Kraev to do very well - not so sure about Sasse yet.
Any more goss on Reid?
I wonder (hope, dream) that they have it all ready to go, but want to announce it close to the All whites game? Maybe he could play that and have a guest appearance with us for 10 games, do they still do that?
But looking at what he made in the EPL, the guy doesn't really need to work again in his life.
Press release says that this is our last signing too. Guess the Reids were just starting their property investment portfolio
While I doubt we were ever looking to sign Ried, they said that us signing a centre back would depend on how much money we have left over after signing the striker, so it doesn't seem like Zawada is a budget option if he's consumed what was left of our budget.
Good to see this finalised! I'm picking him and Kraev to do very well - not so sure about Sasse yet.
Any more goss on Reid?
I wonder (hope, dream) that they have it all ready to go, but want to announce it close to the All whites game? Maybe he could play that and have a guest appearance with us for 10 games, do they still do that?
But looking at what he made in the EPL, the guy doesn't really need to work again in his life.
I was surprised by how good Sasse's touch was when he came on in that cameo.
Reading the press release led to couple thoughts: - This guy could be a real handful for opposition defences to mark. This will be good for the rest of our attacking line (which has a fair bit of pace), regardless of whether Zawada is a profilic goal scorer for us or not. - Zawada talks about wanting to develop under Ufuk's coaching + signing a two year deal... maybe Uffie is considering sticking around. (This could just be wishful thinking...but we live in hope) - Comes across as someone who is keen to really give it a go here...
Squad is looking pretty well-rounded with some good depth. Can't wait for the season to get underway proper, as well as seeing how we go in the cup... great season coming up... COYN
Good to see this finalised! I'm picking him and Kraev to do very well - not so sure about Sasse yet.
Any more goss on Reid?
I wonder (hope, dream) that they have it all ready to go, but want to announce it close to the All whites game? Maybe he could play that and have a guest appearance with us for 10 games, do they still do that?
But looking at what he made in the EPL, the guy doesn't really need to work again in his life.
I was surprised by how good Sasse's touch was when he came on in that cameo.
Hope that continues.
Really hard to go off a few minutes, but he looked really quick in the one run he made... fingers crossed
Welcome to Wellington Oskar! Think he'll fit in well here, very well rounded side, with depth across the pitch. Anticipating exciting things to come from this squad for the season ahead.
Have to say that this has been the most well paced and thought out off-seasons we've had in a long time, if not ever. No massive clear out and rebuild as has been the norm of seasons gone by. And we've upgraded and strengthened considerably.
Even after the disappointment of how last season finished, what we did do was build depth by playing the youngsters. In turn, this coming season we've now got more experience, and we've got genuine competition for spots in the XI across the board.
Press release says that this is our last signing too. Guess the Reids were just starting their property investment portfolio
Big vote of confidence in Finn Surman as he likely becomes first drop CB and Payne starting at RB. A opportunity he definitely earned in the back half of last season.
Press release says that this is our last signing too. Guess the Reids were just starting their property investment portfolio
Big vote of confidence in Finn Surman as he likely becomes first drop CB and Payne starting at RB. A opportunity he definitely earned in the back half of last season.
What did Elliot do to deserve to be dropped? Other than play magnificently 🙄.
