Here's the difference, and it is subjective call I'll admit, but in my estimation, whilst those players are good players, Keane never got a chance, Johnson 'was' quality for the first 3 seasons, so no worries there, Balotelli? A headache at the best of times and if we had the pick of a City player whilst he was there, i doubt he'd be first choice. But Downing, proven quality? Nowhere near. You can't say Downing was ever quality; not for us and not for Boro (was it?)
We will have to agree to disagree on Johnson, he has been sh*t since the day he signed as far as I'm concerned. (I'm not just saying this either, I've always felt it). Keane was given plenty of chances but wasn't up to it for Liverpool, some players just don't fit certain clubs. Keane was one of them for us, Shevchenko/Torres/Kezman/Crespo/Mutu for Chelsea. Balotelli, while I think he always been sh*t, is
perceived to be quality. Downing, again while I think he's always been sh*t, is
perceived to be quality. He'd had a decent year at Villa and has been a revelation for West Ham since we sold him.
And after Downing's early games for us, some were raving about him. I remember him being hailed for his performance against Arsenal in particular.
This is my point about
perceived proven quality. Some get all the hype when they don't deserve it and we buy them. I'd put Lukaku in that category right now. He's somebody I would of loved for us to get in the summer. But this year, I wouldn't go near him - after his big money move. Everton fans would of felt they were getting
proven quality and had paid for it but he's been a massive disappointment for them this term.
Yes. What other proven quality is there? I'm not trying to be clever, I'm being genuine. I'm sorry but it's painfully obvious to me which players are proven quality and which are potential or just decent signings.
Cold hard truth though, is that all the proven quality are either playing for other Prem teams (the usual suspects) or Barca and Madrid.
But this is not going to devolve into a 'what is proven quality' debate. My point was that FSG don't go anywhere near it, and only seem to go for potential quality.
What other proven quality is there out there? Well truth be told, none. As I've said, some players just don't work out at certain clubs. Look at Ronaldo, one of the world's greatest players but for years at United he was considered a flop and it looked like we got lucky by not buying him when Houllier had the chance. Even if he did come here, who's to say he'd be the player he is now? I've already listed plenty at Chelsea. The uproar that was on here when we missed out on getting Villas-Boas as manager and look how he has faired as a Premier League manager.
But this is not going to devolve into a 'what is proven quality' debate. My point was that FSG don't go anywhere near it, and only seem to go for potential quality.
I'll disagree they only go with potential. I think if anything they're more guilty of going for "flavour of the month" type players who've just had a decent six months to a year.
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