First team football for the prolific Braiden Graham looks a long way off

This idea a youngster can't play Number 9 is absurd. The notion he'd be played as a winger is the same thing we've seen with Moyes for every marginally skillful midfielder from Arteta and Osman through to Armstrong.

If they dare to be creative stick them on the wing. Small-minded overly negative attitude that gives you a permanent glass ceiling.

We had a player who was turned down by several clubs as a youngster because of his size, little curly Alan Ball, and Colin Harvey in the San Siro was no overgrown weightlifter either, but then neither were asked to chase, unsupported, long hoofs down the middle.

We might not like what he saids, but he is giving an informed opinion from inside the club. There are very few lads coming through at 18 and playing centre forward. That is fact.

Personally I hope he gets minutes this season, and then a good loan next season where he's playing every game in a technical league like Holland or a progressive team in the championship.

We paid a record fee for Tony Cottee, a small striker who could score goals, Graham has the potential to become a very good goalscorer and provider starting now not talking about a loan deal the season after next— This from the U21 teams manager— talk about holding a player back, Jesus, give the lad a go now, he might get those missing goals that get us into Europe, Moyes is the manager of the first team, use that astute knowledge, wisdom and experience that some media are saying you’ve got and you did say “ we are not scoring enough goals” — Not many people know that do they— except everyone who watches us!

Graham's build reminds me of Jeffers. More technical than Franny, but a similar wiry, slight frame. A player that suffered chronically with glass ankles, presumably from impact injuries.

Jeffers played with Big Kev, in a 442, like Cottee. The big man absorbing much of the punishment. Who would provide that help? Can you put Graham up against 6 foot 5 sprinters, can you expect him to cope physically?

442 is practically dead, can you see a return? I think I struggle as the gaps and running stats, have sadly killed it I think.

I like what I see Dave, but patience might be the best way on this one. Certainly Tait's angle.

They can all see him getting a chance. But like many home grown players, Ratcliffe, Gerrard, Carragher, waiting their time before plsying in their preferred position.

Is that the 5 foot 9 inch Mcavennie?

I’m not sure a big frame is essential when you’ve got a few other qualities in your game, said it before and maybe Jimmy Greaves was a one off but he was among the best goalscorers and footballers I ever saw.

Again I understand patience is a virtue but I bet it gets frustrating as well.

Btw, I watched Real Madrid destroy Man City playing 4-4-2 in the week.

I loved watching Jimmy Greaves, for me, the best goalscorer ever to play for England, if you look at goals per game he is way better than the rest.

Jimmy had everything; he could go past a couple of defenders and most of his goals were passed into the net.

We were lucky to see all those classy players that played back then, and let’s not forget you were allowed to tackle from behind in those days.

Defenders always let attackers know in the first few minutes by clattering into the back of them. Best stop — it’s getting like All Our Yesterdays.

Not putting pressure on the lad like, but smaller things have happened before.

Yeah, I do.

Wayne Rooney, man boy: 5'-9".

John Oster, choir boy: 5'-9".

McAvennie, Scottish hot head. Like David Speedie etc.

A bottler or a battler?

What did you think of Braiden's character when you met him?

Rooney or Oster?

Look at his picture at the top of the page, and consider he will be up against 6'-5" centre-backs, built like middleweights, that can sprint 100 m in just over 11 s.

They won't be holding back just because he's a kid. It is a binary decision: he is either ready or he is not.

If you think you want him in that situation, in front of 50k, 60k people, millions at home, then go for it.

Experienced coaches are currently disagreeing with you. And that's all that matters really.

Which 6'-5" centre-back can run 100 m in 11 s?

Each post refers to his physical stature.

Van de Ven is around that height. How do you know he can run 100 m in 11 s?

It was mentioned earlier in this thread: "4-4-2 is practically dead. Can you see a return?" I watched Real Madrid destroy Man City playing 4-4-2 in the week.

Funnily enough, I had a chat with a man whose football knowledge I greatly respect a few weeks ago. His opinion was that one of the Top 5, with money to spend, would win the Premier League by playing 4-4-2.

What are your thoughts on that?

Player Top speed (km/h) Date Opp.
Micky van de Ven 37.38 km/h 31/01/24 Brentford

vs

Elite Average Speeds: Men average 10.44 m/s (37.58 km/h or 23.35 mph during a WR run.

He has been clocked as the fastest player in Germany and England, and I know how quick rugby wingers are in comparison like Rees Zammit. It will be over 11 seconds, but not by much more.

If Rees Zammit's numbers are to be believed, he did 10.42 s over 100 m for a drinks promotion. Impressive, but that gets you 8th in the UK athletics squad.

There are some seriously quick players around these days; sadly, not many in a blue shirt.

Luckily enough, Braiden Graham won't be playing against any rugby players, so just the two games per season against Spurs.

I will leave it to the big football brains to assess whether Braiden Graham has the football IQ to thrive in the Premier League. He seems to have the most potential for that role as anyone else we have.

Press high or defend from your halfway line. A mixture of both but, more importantly, a few little tweaks here and there, for different times throughout the game.

I managed a team of lunatics once and used to start 4-5-1 but usually switched to 4-4-2 when we were defending a lead. Eight men, solid and compact, leaving two upfront to go chasing when we were clearing our lines and it used to be quite successful.

Real Madrid played the formation beautifully in the week v Man City.

Although he seems to have a quiet nature, that doesn't mean he isn't able to look after himself, like Armstrong v Fernanadez or going back to All Our Yesterdays (Thanks, Brian) Colin Harvey giving Denis Law plenty when Denis came at him with the verbals.

And yeah, my point on Ratcliffe, Gerrard and Carragher was exactly what you said. Got minutes on the pitch in wider positions, way before playing in their long-term positions.

It was interesting that Tait mentioned playing 11, rather than 7. I assume better off the left wing rather than the right wing. Which is a shame, as that's the opportunity currently.

There is only one way to find out if he is capable.

I am not advocating he starts, just an introduction here and there, 10 or 15 minutes initially.

There is no doubt that the young man has talent, but he needs speed first to get away from the bruisers to allow him to show off his finishing skills.

Let’s leave it to the professionals and not put too much pressure on the young man just yet.