I cant see Pennington or Rufer being displaced. Wonder if Pennington will be pushed to play further forward. I wonder how good this new guy is? I was sorta hoping for an attacking creative mid.
Could be an auckland signing and they just got the clubs mixed up...?
But looking back to the start of the season we lost lewis and ugarkovic (spelling...). So another DM is probably still needed... imagine if rufer got injured ...
Could be an auckland signing and they just got the clubs mixed up...?
But looking back to the start of the season we lost lewis and ugarkovic (spelling...). So another DM is probably still needed... imagine if rufer got injured ...
Could be an auckland signing and they just got the clubs mixed up...?
But looking back to the start of the season we lost lewis and ugarkovic (spelling...). So another DM is probably still needed... imagine if rufer got injured ...
AWs play in UAE tourney, 22nd (Egypt) & either 25th (3rd place playoff) or 26th March (final).
Nix play games 16th March - Sydney (H) & Roar 29th March (H). So unless he plays 180 mins plus in the UAE, Rufer should be okay for that Roar game.
But yes if either him or Pennington got injured long term would be a big loss. I had hoped by now Conchie would be getting some regular mins. He looked so good at the U20 WC last year.
From memory some of the best Visa signings under Talay, were actually identified by Chiefy. So if Salas is coming, have faith it's a well scouted signing.
Youstin Salas has followed a Nix fan account on Instagram btw.
Here. We. Go
Him following the official Nix account 7 months ago started the whole thing. Then the same Twitter account reported on it, which then got put on Costa Rican ESPN. So don't count those chickens just yet.
Happy we are adding depth to our team. I must admit I am a wee bit concerned that he will be more of a bench player - I like his highlights but I'm unsure how good the costa rican league is. Looks like he is a top performer there but I think the A-League may be a step up in quality? Either way, excited to see him in action.
For those who aren't aware, Piney mentioned the reports in his weekly ZB Nix podcast thing recorded and released today, almost anticipating it would be made official by the time it was published. So surely he has heard something from somebody, I doubt he is just parroting internet reports
Happy we are adding depth to our team. I must admit I am a wee bit concerned that he will be more of a bench player - I like his highlights but I'm unsure how good the costa rican league is. Looks like he is a top performer there but I think the A-League may be a step up in quality? Either way, excited to see him in action.
Good luck Youstin!!
With suspensions and injuries, and exhaustion, you’d think he’s definitely going to get plenty of game time.
Happy we are adding depth to our team. I must admit I am a wee bit concerned that he will be more of a bench player - I like his highlights but I'm unsure how good the costa rican league is. Looks like he is a top performer there but I think the A-League may be a step up in quality? Either way, excited to see him in action.
Good luck Youstin!!
With suspensions and injuries, and exhaustion, you’d think he’s definitely going to get plenty of game time.
I think also we've seen when Chiefy wants to play a more defensive-minded line up with the 3 DMs so he should start over Al-Taay. But it will be hard for him to displace Rufer or Pennington atm.
Happy we are adding depth to our team. I must admit I am a wee bit concerned that he will be more of a bench player - I like his highlights but I'm unsure how good the costa rican league is. Looks like he is a top performer there but I think the A-League may be a step up in quality? Either way, excited to see him in action.
Good luck Youstin!!
With suspensions and injuries, and exhaustion, you’d think he’s definitely going to get plenty of game time.
I think also we've seen when Chiefy wants to play a more defensive-minded line up with the 3 DMs so he should start over Al-Taay. But it will be hard for him to displace Rufer or Pennington atm.
The story does report that the Nix had previous interest in Salas but didn't get past the talking stage how ever Is now happening. Transfer market also says he can play right back. Good to have depth especially nearing finals and for any suspensions or injury. We know Pennington will have a 5th yellow soon
Maybe it's a reverse Latino Gael Sandoval signing.
From memory Sandoval an AM was tried as a DM - mainly because the Nix had Rufer & Lewis out injured long term. Maybe Chiefy sees a skill set in Salas that can see him play further forward. Or that almost hybrid role that Lewis could play, that neither Rufer or Pennington really can.
Edit - just read the above post that he can also play RB. That probably makes more sense, as with Payne suspended the backup options are limited. Anyway in Chiefy we trust.
Being of half Peruvian heritage, Italiano probably speaks some passable Spanish - which will help the Costa Rican boy fit in. Italian linguist Pennington and Kraev (couple seasons in Portugal) - not dissimilar languages - will know some basic Espanol as well.
Cool comment from Kenny there :). Always good to see older retired players speaking highly of the club, nice to think they enjoyed their time here.
Anyone else find the graphic really funny? Don't get me wrong, looks all good for a slap dash job but I'm cracking up that they've just pasted Youstin's head onto Kosta's body
Interesting the article mentions nothing about purchases; just the loan deal. Reckon they're keeping that part under wraps or was it never happening in the first place?
So where does he play... you assume he will be psuhing for a starting spot so who drops out?
Ball/Old as the attacking midfielder with him playing in a 10 type role Rufer/Pennington as one of the 2 DM's Payne as the RB? Surman - with Payne shifting in to make space for him?
With the team going so well - whoever does lose their spot will feel a little unlucky.
Interestin signing. Not a strong endorsement for the youngsters in mid and Rb in the squad. Would think he is preferred to Al Taay and Pennington/Old to battle the box to box role (mainly on the left with LKH/Sutton not as attacking as Payne), Rufer to remain in the middle. Given the position of the team on the ladder and length of contract, the owners probably don't mind throwing some cash at this whereas reluctant before season start.
So where does he play... you assume he will be psuhing for a starting spot so who drops out?
Ball/Old as the attacking midfielder with him playing in a 10 type role Rufer/Pennington as one of the 2 DM's Payne as the RB? Surman - with Payne shifting in to make space for him?
With the team going so well - whoever does lose their spot will feel a little unlucky.
Doubt anyone drops out. He'll get plenty of time off the bench.
Chief has said the team needs depth for the push into the finals and that he covers right back as well as a 6 and a 10.
He's a DM/RB - at least that's where he played in the World Cup in 22. So backup for Rufer/Pennington maybe considered ahead of Al-taay. Given his visa doesnt come through till after the Bribane game he may be considered a bench option for Feb 6 to cover DM/RB. he's only here on loan till the end of the season, unless there is a buyout clause tucked away if he's successful. With Rufer and Pennington very likely to get suspended within the next few games he'll be needed.
