Those saying it is a gamble are right, it is. Those who are saying we paid over the odds are right, we did. That said, a fella posted yesterday (and apologies I can't remember who it was) that if it was a choice between getting a bit ripped off on the price and buying him, or buying nobody and not getting him or anyone else till the end of the season it was a no brainer. He was on the money on that one. We absolutely had to get a striker, and I'm over the moon it's this kid.
As far as the gamble goes, we are gambling I suppose that he firstly continues to develop, and secondly doesn't throw a wobbler in a nightclub. He's not suddenly going to become bad at heading it, so both offensively and in defending corners and set pieces we are bound to improve that much is a given. He's not suddenly going to stop trying I wouldn't have thought, so he'll continue to be good at holding it up, giving us an out ball, bringing other players into it etc etc.
The genius of the signing for me is the stuff which surrounds it. He is absolutely definately going to be Englands chosen target man through to the European Championship, where he will play alongside Rooney up top and the best of our midfielders all around him. This is definately going to improve him as a player, it's unavoidable. Also, he's got Suarez playing alongside him who will at the very least share the scoring burden, and very likely outscore him. That's excellent as the pressure won't build if he goes a game or two without registering. Next, we've nicked him just before he explodes if indeed it is going to happen. The ONLY way we can compete in the market with the Manchester clubs is if we outsmart them, get in sharpish, duck and dive a bit. I really think we've done a good deal here.
Remember when the mancs paid 30 mill for Rio Ferdinand (years ago it was) and everyone said it was too much etc etc. Well he's been one of their best players for absolutely years, the cornerstone of their title challenge year on year. This kid might be that for us as well in a couple of seasons, 35 mill might look cheap then.
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