Mark Gonzalez

[RafaShanks]

Just watched the extended highlights of the Fulham game on Sky. I have to say Mark was attrocious today and looks completely out of his depth, which he has done since he came back from injury.

 

I know it's only his first season, but I can't see any positives in his game to suggest he's gonna be a success here. Been the biggest disappointment of Rafa's signings in the summer, especially after all the hype with his Sociedad loan spell.

 

I can't see where he's gonna fit in either with Leto arriving and possibly another left winger, if Rafa gets rid of Harry.

 

Am I being completely harsh on him?

[Guest Snorky]

Been a rough first season for Mark, I think he'll stay.

[Guest Yozza]

I think you are being maybe a little too harsh.

He has had one full (ish) season under his belt and has shown in flashes this season what he is capable of.

I for one would be disappointed if he were sold in the summer after just one year as I believe he has a lot more to offer.

 

I understand where you are coming from though, he has under produced all too often when given his chances.

Hopefully there is a lot more to come from him though...

Edited May 5, 2007 by Yozza

[kenny7]

If there is no improvement within the first 5 - 6 months of the new season, then he may well be on his way. Should still be able to make a profit on him.

Regardless of that I hope he has a great season, next season, adding much needed pace and direct running to our attack.

[realtarragona]

I wouldn't be sorry to see him leave. He's had about two decent games all season. The only attribute he seems to have is pace and he doesn't even use that properly. It'd take one seriously huge improvement if he was to end up being part of the side in the future.

[Maldini]

It wasn't hype, he was brilliant for Sociedad last season, he looks like he thinks he's not good enough for us.

[Bootle Buck]

Why do so many feel the need to give players the benefit of the doubt when he has had many opportunities to impress. If we are going to build a side that will challenge for the league title we need better options in the squad trhan Gonzalez. He is completely out of his depth and totalling lacking any confidence. Maybe he should have spent another season in Spanish Football to get his confidence levels up.

[kenny7]

Why do so many feel the need to give players the benefit of the doubt when he has had many opportunities to impress. If we are going to build a side that will challenge for the league title we need better options in the squad trhan Gonzalez. He is completely out of his depth and totalling lacking any confidence. Maybe he should have spent another season in Spanish Football to get his confidence levels up.

 

 

Because numerous players have had poor first seasons with a new club and gone on to be successful players with that club, equally there are players that never make it certain clubs. However we'd be looking pretty sick if we sold in the summer, and Gonzalez went on to be a success. Lets wait and see, the risk is low, as I can't imagine him being on large wages.

[Zoob]

I saw a fair bit of him last season, and even when he had just come back from injury, he looked good. He's obviously got skill - the goals he's scored last season (and the few he's scored this season) have shown this. His all round game for Sociedad was also pretty decent.

 

He has also got blistering pace - something that he's not been able to show very often due to injuries. As much as anything, he could do with some sessions with a shrink, as it's obvious that he has absolutely no confidence at the moment, and doesn't trust the skill he undoubtably has.

[Kite]

Why do so many feel the need to give players the benefit of the doubt when he has had many opportunities to impress.

Soooooooo glad people like you are not making decisions about who stays and goes.

[Guest spk]

definitely. it takes time to adapt and rafa knows this. the guy was awesome in spain and is now having to learn a new league. historically rafa has given all of his signings two years so i'd say with absolutely certainty he will be with us next season. jesus, where would chelsea and united be if they hadnt given drogba and ronaldo time!

[Will]

Without reading ANY of the responses

 

YES HE WILL FECKING BE HERE NEXT SEASON - ARE YOU INSANE?

[Gunga Din]

Without reading ANY of the responses

 

YES HE WILL FECKING BE HERE NEXT SEASON - ARE YOU INSANE?

 

why are you so sure he will stay. i'm not, i dont think he has settled at all, and wouldnt be surprised if he is sent out on loan or even sold. i also dont think Bellamy will be here next season either

[Will]

Why do so many feel the need to give players the benefit of the doubt when he has had many opportunities to impress.

Jesus fuicking christ - what kind of stupid question is that?

 

BECAUSE WE ARE SUPPORTERS OF THE CLUB? Maybe?

[stressederic]

It's a happy day in Will's household, as our resident Tigger discovers the caps lock key.

[Will]

why are you so sure he will stay.

Because he has had an injury-hit first season after we have fought so hard to get him here. That's why

 

And so will be given a second chance. Unless Rafa is a knee-jerk twot

 

It's a happy day in Will's household, as our resident Tigger discovers the caps lock key.

What exactly is your point?

[stressederic]

What exactly is your point?

 

I don't actually have one. You were shouting at everyone else and I felt left out.

[Gunga Din]

Jesus fuicking christ - what kind of stupid question is that?

 

BECAUSE WE ARE SUPPORTERS OF THE CLUB? Maybe?

 

whats with all teh caplocks tonight William, you angry?

 

you can be supporters of the club and still call someone for being crap, it doesnt make you a bad fan. (not that i'm saying Gonzales is) but just because he plays for us doesnt meant people cant look at him and say he wasnt good enough. you used to be on here defending the likes of Diao, Diouf and Cheyrou, players who were never fit to wear the shirt, Stevie Wonder could see they werent good enough, but for you, because they played for us, they were almost above critisism

[Will]

I don't actually have one. You were shouting at everyone else and I felt left out.

 

OK - good point

[alias75]

The kid can play, anyone that saw him in La Liga last season knows the potential he has. He hasnt shown anything like that form for us...YET.

 

It would be stupid to sell him after 1 season in which hes been injured and not played a lot, let him get a full pre-season and hopefully he gets some confidence in the pre-season games. I still think hes playing low on confidence and still trying to earn the respect of his team mates.

 

Pennant was in a very similar position at the start of the season but hes had the game time to turn it around and now he looks a different player confidence wise, i think Gonzalez needs that chance too.

 

The problem is going to be will we sign a left winger in the summer, and if we do that will limit the game time for Gonzalez. Hopefuly pre-season will be his chance to get some confidence.

[Gunga Din]

Because he has had an injury-hit first season after we have fought so hard to get him here. That's why

 

And so will be given a second chance. Unless Rafa is a knee-jerk twot

What exactly is your point?

 

so if Rafa gets rid of him he is a kneejerk twot?

 

was he a kneejerk twot to get rid of Cisse, injury hit and all that, Morientes? Josemi? Nunez?

[Will]

whats with all teh caplocks tonight William, you angry?

 

you can be supporters of the club and still call someone for being crap, it doesnt make you a bad fan. (not that i'm saying Gonzales is) but just because he plays for us doesnt meant people cant look at him and say he wasnt good enough. you used to be on here defending the likes of Diao, Diouf and Cheyrou, players who were never fit to wear the shirt, Stevie Wonder could see they werent good enough, but for you, because they played for us, they were almost above critisism

Oh, you are still on this "Will never criticises anything" bulls*** now are you?

 

I am not defending González (not Gonzales ) FFS - I am saying he will still be here next season. He will not be sold this summer. That is my point.

[George Costanza]

I don't think he will be here next season. Likewise Garcia but for different reasons

[£440,000]

From what I saw from him last season here I hope he plays because if he can find his form and adapt to the English game then he's definitely got a place at the club.

[Will]

so if Rafa gets rid of him he is a kneejerk twot?

 

was he a kneejerk twot to get rid of Cisse, injury hit and all that, Morientes? Josemi? Nunez?

Hmm, I think you will find that Cissé was with us for 2 seasons

 

And I think you'll find we didn't chase Nando, Josemi or Tony for over a season

 

If Tony had stayed for example, I would certainly not have moaned, as he would have come in handy last season

 

I don't think he will be here next season. Likewise Garcia but for different reasons

The García who is getting a new contract you mean?