Players who've won you over

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:08

Okay - it's time to own up.

Which players did you judge incorrectly, and have later proven to become top players, or very good players? Which players were you totally sure of would never make it, but has carved out a career still?

I'll start with a few of my own.

Micah Richards - Always saw him as a bully, a merchant of brute force, but fair play, he's become an integral part of an impressive City side despite their manager being able to sign whoever he likes. Admittedly, he did play shite as a CB for large parts of his early career, and he still doesn't have much of a brain, but technically he's improved to the point that he combined with his pace and physique is a very very capable full back offensively, and suits City fine. Fair play to the dumb fuck.

David Silva - Thought he was flattering to deceive and lacked end product, and wasn't sure he'd make it in England - boy did he prove me wrong, the fabulous cnut.

Cristiano Ronaldo - At one point, I was screaming to the tele "get rid of this prancing primadonna, Fergie". I think it was the game against Benfica when we went out of the CL, and Ronaldo had an absolute shocker at the back of a terrible autumn. I honestly couldn't see how this kid could learn what to do when he got the ball, he was that bad. Luckily SAF saw it rather differently..

I'll add more as I remember them.

Zen · 8th February 2012, 14:11

Danny Welbeck...thought he was ok, he's actually pretty good with potential to be great,

Blair · 8th February 2012, 14:11

Joe Hart, wasn't convinced of him when I first saw him, but now he looks like he could arguably be the best in the world.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zen

Danny Welbeck...thought he was ok, he's actually pretty good with potential to be great,

This is one of my proud moments.

I always said Danny would be a top class striker, now he's well on his way to become just that.

R.Nilsson7 · 8th February 2012, 14:12

Fletcher is the only main one I can think of really.

I don't understand why most football supporters are so instantly damning towards players all the time.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Nilsson7

Fletcher is the only main one I can think of really.

I don't understand why most football supporters are so instantly damning towards players all the time.

I actually supported Fletcher from an early stage. Always thought he brought something to the table.

What about O'Shea? Don't you just wish he was here still?

Ish84045 · 8th February 2012, 14:14

Fletcher is the first that springs to mind for me. Never advocated for him to be sold, but mever thought he was going to make it - especially out as a right winger. Now he's 1 of our best central midfielders.

Randall Flagg · 8th February 2012, 14:14

Nani

quethenoo · 8th February 2012, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.Nilsson7

Fletcher is the only main one I can think of really.

I don't understand why most football supporters are so instantly damning towards players all the time.

To be fair to us, we can only judge what we see, and dont have the benefit of seeing players in training etc. Although some are clearly more rational/rash about this than others.

On topic, Inzaghi springs to mind, used to think he was utter shit when i first saw him. Clearly a glaring mistake on my behalf.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Flagg

Nani

I had my doubts, but clung to what I'd like to call the "Ronaldo thesis".

Mainly, that a footballer who plays like he's thick will suddenly become amazing. Because he is from Portugal. And can dance.

It worked. Next project: Anderson.

Oh and I never thought Valencia would prove to be the player he's been for us.

In fact, I should apply the "Valencia thesis" to Young - entirely average Premier League winger becoming a consistant assist machine that is undefendable despite only having one leg that is not artificial.

But I don't. I don't think Young will become a regular.

R.Nilsson7 · 8th February 2012, 14:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjen

I actually supported Fletcher from an early stage. Always thought he brought something to the table.

What about O'Shea? Don't you just wish he was here still?

I used to like O'Shea originally but his regressing as a footballer, decreasing physical fitness and the sentimentality shown towards him by he fans made lose all the affection I had for him. The second question doesn't even merit an answer.

Lance Uppercut · 8th February 2012, 14:21

Modric.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance Uppercut

Modric.

Yup, this one for me as well.

Watched him during the Euros of 08, and thought he was amazing. Then he came to England, and after about half a year I gave up on him. He was just so cumbersome and slightly framed I just couldn't see how he was going to become a fabulous CM. So yeah, fucked that one up didn't I.

I had my doubts about Smalling as well come to think about it. Mainly because every time I'd seen him at Fulham since we signed him, he'd score an own goal, allow Neil Mellor to somehow score despite not being in the Premier League, or cause the universe to implode.

He's turned out alright.

amolbhatia100 · 8th February 2012, 14:24

One of the most frequent kind of threads of the caf.

DanNistelrooy · 8th February 2012, 14:25

Lucas Leiva
Evra
Valencia

Solius · 8th February 2012, 14:28

Valencia.

Randall Flagg · 8th February 2012, 14:30

Drogba, not only as a player ... I really had proper hate for him too. But he grew on me

Ray Peterson · 8th February 2012, 14:31

Zamora. I saw him a couple of times at Craven Cottage and I can honestly say he treated me to the 2nd and 3rd worst displays I've ever seen from a pro footballer. Wayward passing, awful first touch, shooting into the stands etc. Suddenly he seems to have developed into a semi decent player, and his performances in the Uefa Cup under Roy Hodgson were like he had an Evil Twin that was better at football, but only played on Thursdays.

For the record, the worst performance was from the ex-QPR legend that is Marc Nygaard.

Annihilate Now! · 8th February 2012, 14:32

I think I finally might have to admit that Scott Parker is a pretty good footballer...

But not just yet mind...

Brophs · 8th February 2012, 14:33

Controversially, Vidic. Even though I knew he'd be better when he settled I thought he looked really poor in his first six months or so with us. I genuinely didn't think he had the pace to be a top PL centre half.

I still reckon I might be right.

Oldham · 8th February 2012, 14:34

Evra
David Silva

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Peterson

Zamora. I saw him a couple of times at Craven Cottage and I can honestly say he treated me to the 2nd and 3rd worst displays I've ever seen from a pro footballer. Wayward passing, awful first touch, shooting into the stands etc. Suddenly he seems to have developed into a semi decent player, and his performances in the Uefa Cup under Roy Hodgson were like he had an Evil Twin that was better at football, but only played on Thursdays.

No. Bobby Zamora is still Bobby Zamora. Big, useless, and about as potent in front of goal as Sir Bobby in bed these days. Might be slightly excaggerated but you get the idea.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Annihilate Now!

I think I finally might have to admit that Scott Parker is a pretty good footballer...

But not just yet mind...

Aaah, yes. Scottie. The Leo look-a-like, handsome bastard.

I think he's had a better season this time around than last year, when he for no apparent reason won the football writer's player of the year.

Could be that I was hellbent on calling him mediocre last season though, but thinking of it, I did try and tell everyone that would listen that he'd be average for Spurs.

Fucking Scott Parker. He's actually pretty good at this football lark.

Man-United · 8th February 2012, 14:36

I've been very impressed by Youness Kaboul, never thought he would be such a good player. Happy for Spurs that they have him with King injured so much.

Do you agree about Kaboul? Must admit I've not seen him an awful lot, but the times I have done this season he's looked class.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man-United

I've been very impressed by Youness Kaboul, never thought he would be such a good player. Happy for Spurs that they have him with King injured so much.

Do you agree about Kaboul? Must admit I've not seen him an awful lot, but the times I have done this season he's looked class.

This is probably the most outstanding example of a player proving to be, in actual fact, quite good at football after being written completely off by yours truly.

Thinking about it, basically the entire Manchester United squad as well. Except Jonny Evans.

charlenefan · 8th February 2012, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solius

Valencia.

Valencia for me as well

I can't remember when in his debut season I said it but I remember saying I'd prefer someone like Lennon, turns out the 09/10 season for Lennon was a one off whereas now he's over that injury Valencia is showing that his first season form was anything but a one off

MikeUpNorth · 8th February 2012, 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brophs

Controversially, Vidic. Even though I knew he'd be better when he settled I thought he looked really poor in his first six months or so with us. I genuinely didn't think he had the pace to be a top PL centre half.

I still reckon I might be right.

I'm kind of the same.

Ray Peterson · 8th February 2012, 14:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjen

No. Bobby Zamora is still Bobby Zamora. Big, useless, and about as potent in front of goal as Sir Bobby in bed these days. Might be slightly excaggerated but you get the idea.

I did say Semi Decent, and this is bearing in mind that I thought he was one of the worst professionals I'd seen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Man-United

I've been very impressed by Youness Kaboul, never thought he would be such a good player. Happy for Spurs that they have him with King injured so much.

Do you agree about Kaboul? Must admit I've not seen him an awful lot, but the times I have done this season he's looked class.

I agree about Kaboul, he's having a good season. I still find his eyebrows disturbing though.

Annihilate Now! · 8th February 2012, 14:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjen

Aaah, yes. Scottie. The Leo look-a-like, handsome bastard.

I think he's had a better season this time around than last year, when he for no apparent reason won the football writer's player of the year.

Could be that I was hellbent on calling him mediocre last season though, but thinking of it, I did try and tell everyone that would listen that he'd be average for Spurs.

Fucking Scott Parker. He's actually pretty good at this football lark.

Yeah... I thought he would be average too, as like you I thought he wasn't anything special last season and won that award for no apparent reason...

Also, I think the fact that I can't ever remember him ever playing well against us has something to do with it... Nobody truly impresses me until they do well against United!

As much as it annoys me to say it, he's been pretty good at Spurs this year... and he was tremendous against Liverpool on Monday.

Kevin Prince Boetang is another one... I thought he was shite at Portsmouth, but then I don't think anyone could have predicted then that he would ever fit into an AC Milan side fairly comfortably.

NJ1979 · 8th February 2012, 14:42

Fletcher, Danny Murphy, Fellaini.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Peterson

I agree about Kaboul, he's having a good season. I still find his eyebrows disturbing though.

He's the most Egyptic looking man alive. This is racist.

Repeating my earlier point about me not thinking any signing would make it at United, except possibly David Bellion, who I was convinced would become a hit, I'm still not sure if I think Rio Ferdinand has made it.

Lassana Diarra is also a slightly more gifted footballer than I thought(I reckoned him to be about as good as a frozen bit of cheese). Of course I will never admit this.

And Fellaini is absolutely shite, whoever said that. At least that will remain my conviction for the foreseeable future.

towcester_red · 8th February 2012, 14:45

Fletcher has to be the classic one

Neutral · 8th February 2012, 14:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oldham

Evra
David Silva

Interesting. I knew he was going to be a great fit for City. Always looked to have that extra bit of time on the ball. I wanted him or Mata so badly at United

Plechazunga · 8th February 2012, 14:48

Lucas Leiva is a much better player than I thought

Still badly overrated by dippers mind

marjen · 8th February 2012, 14:51

Silva is one of my biggest cases of irritation, as my old man, who I'm almost always convinced is a far inferior judge of players than me, told me he was going to be great during the Euros in 08.

Then again, he said the same about some russian full back that year(not Jerkoff, Plechaznowski or something), and he later turned out to end up cleaning houses for housekeepers or something like that.

Cina · 8th February 2012, 14:53

Ryan Giggs circa 2007

B19 · 8th February 2012, 14:54

Proud to say Lucas is not on my list. Always backed him to become a player.

I was fairly certain Chelsea had bought themselves a yard dog when they signed Drogba.

Freak · 8th February 2012, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randall Flagg

Drogba, not only as a player ... I really had proper hate for him too. But he grew on me

Same. Always felt he was a cunt on the field. But despite that, my respect for him as a footballer has grown year on year. Quality player.

The Taurean · 8th February 2012, 14:56

Has to be Valencia. Never expected him to make such an impact for us. I was happy to be proven wrong.
As regards to Silva, its hard to digest the fact that he is at City when having rated him rightly.

Sewelly The Geordie · 8th February 2012, 14:58

Welbeck
Koscielny
Steven Taylor
Bale
Richards
Milner (compared to what I thought of him at NUFC)

Sewelly The Geordie · 8th February 2012, 15:01

Oh, and Sammy Eto'o too to an extent.

Remember watching him for Mallorca against us (around the time we were linked to him too) and he had a shocker. Then at Barca obviously he was a fabulous goalscorer but I was still never convinced by him and I remember him missing many chances early in his Barca career.

It was only when he went to Italy that I realised what a brilliant all-round player he is. Absolutely world class, rolls royce of a footballer and I feel daft now for underestimating him.

8th February 2012, 14:08	#1 (permalink)
marjen Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: at the back post, lurking around, waiting for an easy tap-in. Posts: 3,625	Players who've won you over Okay - it's time to own up. Which players did you judge incorrectly, and have later proven to become top players, or very good players? Which players were you totally sure of would never make it, but has carved out a career still? I'll start with a few of my own. Micah Richards - Always saw him as a bully, a merchant of brute force, but fair play, he's become an integral part of an impressive City side despite their manager being able to sign whoever he likes. Admittedly, he did play shite as a CB for large parts of his early career, and he still doesn't have much of a brain, but technically he's improved to the point that he combined with his pace and physique is a very very capable full back offensively, and suits City fine. Fair play to the dumb fuck. David Silva - Thought he was flattering to deceive and lacked end product, and wasn't sure he'd make it in England - boy did he prove me wrong, the fabulous cnut. Cristiano Ronaldo - At one point, I was screaming to the tele "get rid of this prancing primadonna, Fergie". I think it was the game against Benfica when we went out of the CL, and Ronaldo had an absolute shocker at the back of a terrible autumn. I honestly couldn't see how this kid could learn what to do when he got the ball, he was that bad. Luckily SAF saw it rather differently.. I'll add more as I remember them.

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8th February 2012, 14:11	#2 (permalink)
Zen First Team Sub Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Prophetville! Posts: 6,383	Danny Welbeck...thought he was ok, he's actually pretty good with potential to be great,

8th February 2012, 14:11	#3 (permalink)
Blair Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 3,983	Joe Hart, wasn't convinced of him when I first saw him, but now he looks like he could arguably be the best in the world.

8th February 2012, 14:12	#5 (permalink)
R.Nilsson7 First Team Regular Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: The light behind your eyes Posts: 17,440	Fletcher is the only main one I can think of really. I don't understand why most football supporters are so instantly damning towards players all the time.

8th February 2012, 14:14	#7 (permalink)
Ish84045 raisa84045 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: "WhatF*ckingWhat" Posts: 2,667	Fletcher is the first that springs to mind for me. Never advocated for him to be sold, but mever thought he was going to make it - especially out as a right winger. Now he's 1 of our best central midfielders.

8th February 2012, 14:14	#8 (permalink)
Randall Flagg Scarlett woman ( Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn ) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 16,681	Nani

8th February 2012, 14:21	#12 (permalink)
Lance Uppercut First Team Regular Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NOBODY, calls Dugan a turd. Posts: 19,765	Modric.

8th February 2012, 14:24	#14 (permalink)
amolbhatia100 Has excellent taste in women Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: india Posts: 27,702	One of the most frequent kind of threads of the caf.

8th February 2012, 14:25	#15 (permalink)
DanNistelrooy First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Manchester Posts: 6,720	Lucas Leiva Evra Valencia

8th February 2012, 14:28	#16 (permalink)
Solius Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Fucker shits Posts: 40,587	Valencia.

8th February 2012, 14:30	#17 (permalink)
Randall Flagg Scarlett woman ( Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn ) Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 16,681	Drogba, not only as a player ... I really had proper hate for him too. But he grew on me

8th February 2012, 14:31	#18 (permalink)
Ray Peterson Reserve Team Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: meh Posts: 2,488	Zamora. I saw him a couple of times at Craven Cottage and I can honestly say he treated me to the 2nd and 3rd worst displays I've ever seen from a pro footballer. Wayward passing, awful first touch, shooting into the stands etc. Suddenly he seems to have developed into a semi decent player, and his performances in the Uefa Cup under Roy Hodgson were like he had an Evil Twin that was better at football, but only played on Thursdays. For the record, the worst performance was from the ex-QPR legend that is Marc Nygaard.

8th February 2012, 14:32	#19 (permalink)
Annihilate Now! First Team Sub Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Argh Posts: 7,365	I think I finally might have to admit that Scott Parker is a pretty good footballer... But not just yet mind...

8th February 2012, 14:33	#20 (permalink)
Brophs Brewlio's fugly sister Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Why don't we just kill Badger? Posts: 27,706	Controversially, Vidic. Even though I knew he'd be better when he settled I thought he looked really poor in his first six months or so with us. I genuinely didn't think he had the pace to be a top PL centre half. I still reckon I might be right.

8th February 2012, 14:34	#21 (permalink)
Oldham Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Xmurfs Posts: 1,789	Evra David Silva

8th February 2012, 14:36	#23 (permalink)
Man-United First Team Sub Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,602	I've been very impressed by Youness Kaboul, never thought he would be such a good player. Happy for Spurs that they have him with King injured so much. Do you agree about Kaboul? Must admit I've not seen him an awful lot, but the times I have done this season he's looked class.

8th February 2012, 14:42	#29 (permalink)
NJ1979 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Stupid Birmingham via super North Wales. Posts: 1,716	Fletcher, Danny Murphy, Fellaini.

8th February 2012, 14:45	#31 (permalink)
towcester_red Reserve Team Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: wayne rooney wonderland Posts: 3,951	Fletcher has to be the classic one

8th February 2012, 14:48	#33 (permalink)
Plechazunga Phones, soup, paint, chairs and computers are troubling. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Where Albert Stubbins scored a diving header Posts: 47,728	Lucas Leiva is a much better player than I thought Still badly overrated by dippers mind

8th February 2012, 14:51	#34 (permalink)
marjen Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: at the back post, lurking around, waiting for an easy tap-in. Posts: 3,625	Silva is one of my biggest cases of irritation, as my old man, who I'm almost always convinced is a far inferior judge of players than me, told me he was going to be great during the Euros in 08. Then again, he said the same about some russian full back that year(not Jerkoff, Plechaznowski or something), and he later turned out to end up cleaning houses for housekeepers or something like that.

8th February 2012, 14:53	#35 (permalink)
Cina I hate everything Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: :noitacoL Posts: 13,939	Ryan Giggs circa 2007

8th February 2012, 14:54	#36 (permalink)
B19 From YNWA Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The name is B19 Posts: 10,944	Proud to say Lucas is not on my list. Always backed him to become a player. I was fairly certain Chelsea had bought themselves a yard dog when they signed Drogba.

8th February 2012, 14:56	#38 (permalink)
The Taurean First Team Sub Join Date: May 2009 Location: Nothing is so common as the wish to be remarkable. Posts: 5,572	Has to be Valencia. Never expected him to make such an impact for us. I was happy to be proven wrong. As regards to Silva, its hard to digest the fact that he is at City when having rated him rightly.

8th February 2012, 14:58	#39 (permalink)
Sewelly The Geordie Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The palm of Mike Ashley's hand Posts: 2,589	Welbeck Koscielny Steven Taylor Bale Richards Milner (compared to what I thought of him at NUFC)

8th February 2012, 15:01	#40 (permalink)
Sewelly The Geordie Reserve Team Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The palm of Mike Ashley's hand Posts: 2,589	Oh, and Sammy Eto'o too to an extent. Remember watching him for Mallorca against us (around the time we were linked to him too) and he had a shocker. Then at Barca obviously he was a fabulous goalscorer but I was still never convinced by him and I remember him missing many chances early in his Barca career. It was only when he went to Italy that I realised what a brilliant all-round player he is. Absolutely world class, rolls royce of a footballer and I feel daft now for underestimating him.