[Archived] Nikola Kalinic

[den]

If I was trying to prove his worth, I wouldn't have used statistics that show no goals in the Prem since his signing in the summer.

[Amo]

Why do we even care that we spent 6mil on this guy and he's "not yet ready"? So he'll be superb next year and the year after that. It's not like we're currently struggling and should be thinking about how we could've used the money better. He played against Liverpool and Chelsea and showed that he can penetrate their defence, so that's good enough at this point in time.

Because we all know certain members will grab any stick to beat Sam with.

As expressed, £6m does not buy the finished article these days. Sam gave Kalinic a few minutes here and there (plus League Cup starts) with hardly qualifies as throwing him to the lions. If the guy continues to impress, then Sam will be proven right and anything else will be academical.

[waggy]

I think Kalinic is doing just fine. I've been trying to think of other players who went for a similar fee over the summer and have come up witht the following list:

Benitez (Birmigham) 2 Goals - £8.5m

Tuncay (Stoke) 0 Goals - £5m

Campbell (Sunderland) 1 Goal - £3.5m (although I'm sure that will rise on appearances)

Kalanic (Rovers) 2 Goals - £6m

Doyle (Wolves) 3 Goals - £6.5m

Most of the others have made more appearances than niko as well. Campbell has made 16 appearences for his 2 goals, Kalanic has made 11. He was also unlucky to have the goal disallowed angainst united which was a perfectly good goal.

£6m no longer buys you the finished article, it buys you a young player with potential, that's what we've got.

you missed flecther of your list

[den]

Serious question Maj and Hughesy - do you see any weakness?

To answer my own question, - I haven't seen anything yet to suggest the lad will make it. His finishing has been very poor, as is his ball control.

[Tom]

I thought he was unlucky today, the first chance was a good first touch and good power in the strike, the second he was under a lot of pressure from the defender and he third was millimetres wide. He looks like he can create something for himself with his back to goal.

He must surely start against Brum.

[den]

I thought he was unlucky today, the first chance was a good first touch and good power in the strike, the second he was under a lot of pressure from the defender and he third was millimetres wide. He looks like he can create something for himself with his back to goal.

He must surely start against Brum.

Didn't see his second and third chances. His first chance he snatched at, something he seems to do regularly.

[Bobby G]

Den,

I firmly disagree with you.

His awareness is top-notch. Physically he needs to improve. His first touch is good, but his second touch, largely due to being a striker who wants to score, often lets him down when he could lay it off but turns into a cul de sac.

He offers something none of our other strikers give us.

And finally you should ask yourself why is it that in the few minutes he is always on he is "presented" with more chances than all of our other strikers during the whole game?

[den]

His first touch is good, but his second touch, largely due to being a striker who wants to score, often lets him down when he could lay it off but turns into a cul de sac.

First touch/second touch - all comes down to ball retention.

And finally you should ask yourself why is it that in the few minutes he is always on he is "presented" with more chances than all of our other strikers during the whole game?

Because to be fair to the lad, he works hard and plays on the shoulder of the back players.

[Majiball]

To answer my own question, - I haven't seen anything yet to suggest the lad will make it. His finishing has been very poor, as is his ball control.

I responded, one too many watching the football???

[den]

I responded, one too many watching the football???

Don't drink Maj. Yeah I know you and others responded, just thought I'd have a go.

[Majiball]

[den]

here you go Den.

Yeah, see above Maj.

[RibbleValleyRover]

Good interview with Sam on Radio Lancs, he says that Kalinic is showing everything in training e.g. technique, scoring goals etc but he thinks that he is suffering a bit in terms of confidence and is a bit nervous. He is hoping that a couple of goals in the league will give him the confidence to go on a goalscoring run, he said Niko will be disapointed about some of his finishing today but Sam is happy that he is at least getting into those positions.

[den]

Good interview with Sam on Radio Lancs, he says that Kalinic is showing everything in training e.g. technique, scoring goals etc but he thinks that he is suffering a bit in terms of confidence and is a bit nervous. He is hoping that a couple of goals in the league will give him the confidence to go on a goalscoring run, he said Niko will be disapointed about some of his finishing today but Sam is happy that he is at least getting into those positions.

He does look nervous and that's why he's snatching at everything that comes his way.

He could be one of these player who have a knack of scoring goals. Hope so because he doesn't show any signs yet of having an all round game.

[Bobby G]

He very much so reminds me of Filippo Inzaghi.

[joey_big_nose]

He does look nervous and that's why he's snatching at everything that comes his way.

He could be one of these player who have a knack of scoring goals. Hope so because he doesn't show any signs yet of having an all round game.

Hmm, I disagree. I would say his all round game is very good. He can win things in the air and on the deck, good feet and awareness, good pace, his strength is a lot better than it was previously. He was, like against Liverpool, very compeitive against two big Hull centre halves.

Areas where I am concerned are finishing, obviously, and some of his decision making. Also he lost his balance on a couple of occasions which was frustrating. However I will stick my neck out and say he is going to be a big success. It is only a matter of time till ha starts putting a few of the chances away.

Looks like a very dangerous player imo. Pretty confident he is going to get around 10 goals by end of the season. Probably in line for a start against Birmingham.

[herbergeehh]

He very much so reminds me of Filippo Inzaghi.

A bit too soon, perhaps, but a good comparison all the same.

[Miker]

To answer my own question, - I haven't seen anything yet to suggest the lad will make it. His finishing has been very poor, as is his ball control.

I have to disagree with you as well. I thought he was truly awful against Sunderland, but I've watched him since and he does well and makes chances for himself. Finishing is a different story, but the sort of potential you can see from him right now is frightening.

[Bobby G]

For me players like Inzaghi, Andy Cole, Diego Forlan, all fall into a certain category of strikers. None of them are naturally gifted in the sense that other strikers are but they all instinctively know where the goal is, have a poachers instinct, and miss a few in between their goals. Kalinic is potentially in the same category. You can call them poachers, or what you will, but I have liked what I have seen of him cause he keeps on pushing on and creates things out of nothing. He needs a goal or two and these chances, instead of going inches wide will be inches inside the post.

[dingles staying down 4ever]

To quote the experts, he is finding the right positions.

At least he is getting the half the job right, time will tell if he'll progress though.

It would be easier for him though if he we had other strikers scoring at present but we haven't so the pressure is building on him.

[modes98]

He has already proven he has the finishing ability in the cup games and vs Man U. Had the Man Utd goal not been unfairly ruled out we may have seen a different result yesterday. Confidence is everything to young players. He has a brilliant ability to find space in the box, something that not many players have and managers pay a lot of money for. Kalinic will come good, just be patient.

[waggy]

lets get a striker coach in,just for a few months,teach the guy to finish

[den]

It can't be taught Waggy.

[bellamy11]

It can't be taught Waggy.

Instinct can't be taught. Shooting accurately into a certain area can, surely?

[waggy]

i thinks shearer could learn both nicola and the argie something