Perhaps I’m the only one a little nervous about this. Gooch was truly terrible during his loan spell at Newcastle United and, as the dramatic end to the season in Belgium showed, hasn’t stopped making silly mistakes. This report says that Mick McCarthy’s passed on signing him. Somebody suggested to me that he’d be the perfect replacement for Hangeland should the worst happen this summer. I told him he should go into stand-up comedy as he’d be a natural. Perhaps I’m being a bit harsh – money wouldn’t really be an issue as Onyewu is available on a Bosman – but I think we should be setting our sights a bit higher.
Onyewu eyes English return
by Dan | May 20, 2009 | Uncategorized | 9 comments
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His problem has always been giving away bad fouls. Free kicks close to the penalty area give you a huge attacking advantage, and we can’t have this from a centre half. Hangeland and (especially) Hughes are really good about not fouling. I think that may be a big key to our success defensively, so I’m not sure if Onyewu would be a good fit for our system.
Or maybe he’s a player who would benefit greatly from Roy’s training methods? No doubt he’d be a very good player if he could learn to tackle.
I’d take Onyewu as a compliment to Hangeland…not as his replacement. When Gooch is good, he’s very good….every bit as good as Brede. When he’s bad…he’s very bad.
I have a feeling that if we got him, roy would be able to train him to be every bit as efficient as Hangeland and Hughes.
In terms of his spell with Newcastle, what defender has looked good there, ever?
Colin: You are certainly right about the timing of tackles re. Hughes and Hangeland. Would you believe that Hughes hasn’t been booked since he played against Fulham (for Aston Villa) in December 2005? I’m sure Roy could bring Onyewu on but it would take time. I’d like to think he’s lining up better targets.
Jason: It’s the bad that worries me. As good as he could be, he seems to be very hit and miss. I’m not sure that’s he anywhere close to being as good as Hangeland.
Fulfan: Maybe Aaron Hughes? 😉
I disagree. I’ve followed him for years with the U.S. Nats and when he’s on top of his game, he can hang with the best center backs in the world. The problem is, he’s overly aggressive…which hurts us. In fact to be frank, when I see the Nats play, I’m always worried about him and Boca.
Carlos has improved on his game since playing for Rennes and perhaps Gooch could do the same given the right coach and right system. Not saying he fits Fulham’s system though.
If we do make a run in Europe next season, we will need a deep bench. Gooch playing behind Hangeland could be what the big man needs to improve his game. Maybe not. Who knows.
There’s really only one American I would like to see added to Fulham’s roster, but I dare not speak his name for I will be hammered by Fulham supporters & USA Supporters alike. However…this nameless figure would be a nice fit due to his pace and the fact that he can truly play the midfield or up front.
Onyewu one of the best centre backs in the world? That’s pretty funny. He’s far too error-prone to be considered anything of the sort.
Is this nameless American Landon Donovan by any chance?
In Jason’s defence, Mike, he did say when he plays at his best he can hang with the best centre backs in the world. I must say that I haven’t seen as much of him as Jason must have done, and when I have watched him he hasn’t impressed me. That doesn’t mean that he couldn’t do it in the Premier League – or rather – that Roy could coach him to a level where he could be the number three centre back behind Hangeland and Hughes.
I’d also have gone for Donovan as the mystery American.
He has to be speaking of Donavan because Cooper is a forward only and there is no way Adu could play in the EPL. He isn’t able to handle physical play well enough to make his mark in the EPL.
Thanks for that thought Army of Dad.
Last time I checked Adu was struggling to get game time in Europe anyway. I doubt we’d be in for Donovan at this stage but I could be proved wrong.