On full display again without Nicolas Jackson...
No Jackson; no darting or depth movements, no hold-up play, no chances created, no variety. Attack looking much worse off and disjointed, especially Palmer. Every single time Nico doesn't start up top against top level sides, notable difference shows.
Gives opposition defences a hell of a time with the thankless work he does upfront. Offers substantially more than anyone else in attack on and off the ball, a fulcrum up top. Hard to grasp for the dummies.
I was banking on him being fit for this whole run.
Hopefully he's back for the following league match against Brighton away, so that there's a direct comparison and further evidence.
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Maresca on Jackson' absence: "Sometimes I think you need to play some games without players to realise how important they are. Off the ball, his pressing is always very good and on the ball he is a threat always."
Say it louder for the dummies in the back that take him for granted.
George should start some matches, keep Sancho on his toes. Blindside movements provided when he came on was refreshing.
There was no harm in bringing on all of Josh, Ishe, George earlier, they would have all provided energy and purpose... that's on Maresca.
And there we have it
posted on 8/2/25
Comment Deleted by Article Creator
posted on 8/2/25
I've come to the conclusion that Neto is a painfully average player. Head down type of player, no nuance to his play.
posted on 8/2/25
Yep he was massively missed. Some massive gaps in that Brighton backline that we failed to take advantage off.
The team is completely out of form atm. We have a championship standard defence and a attack that is carried by one man who's overall game has also taken a nosedive.
posted on 8/2/25
Problematic!
posted on 9/2/25
Dunno why he didn't play yesterday. When I saw he wasn't even on the bench, this is exactly what went through my head.
"Of course! Aggressive high line team & Jackson's not there. Why would he be?"
posted on 9/2/25
comment by Chelseamf™®© (U1677)
posted 9 hours, 49 minutes ago
I've come to the conclusion that Neto is a painfully average player. Head down type of player, no nuance to his play.
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Tbf our most cute winger (Sancho) ain't pulling up any trees right now either.
posted on 9/2/25
The difference is Sancho has shown tangible quality offensively, Neto hasn't shown anything to suggest he's good enough. Doesn't know how to create separation from marker or even have a viable change of direction in his locker. He's a head down, predictable knock the ball into space, blind cross, hit and hope player. Dislike those type of players.
That's what's 50m gets you. Need both him and Felix gone permanently in the summer, then sever ties with Mendes.
posted on 9/2/25
Sancho' big drawback is he doesn't take shots when presented with the chance.
posted on 9/2/25
Fair, Neto's one of those players who if he was a unit, it would transform him completely. Or if he was defensively good would be credible as an aggressive wing back.
I don't mind him, but I do prefer the Sancho's.
posted on 11/2/25
Hi Mf,
Can i ask your opinion regards us a cohesive squad, opposed to a group of individuals with various players of various abilities?
Imo, our currently player buying/ transfer policy is not at all conducive for a club that requires the consistency to build a top 4 level EPL & UCL side.