Samu Saiz Conundrum

[Cjay]

The little Spaniard divides opinion.

This time last season he was hailed as a little gem, a bargain, some said he was the best player in the league.

However there was an underlying frustration even then.

His passing was often erratic, his habit of holding on to the ball was all to often.

But he would beat 2 or 3 players and play a great pass and then all was forgiven.

The spitting incident turned the tide even more and its possible that he has never really recovered.

There have been good games since, but there have been far more frustrating ones.

Indeed over the last 12 months he doesnt makes double figures when adding goals and assists together.

In his offensive role thats quite poor.

But then you could argue his presence creates room for others to thrive by attracting attention to him with his dribbling.

Or you could argue that he is capable of great moments, the pass to Berardi vs Blackburn for example.

But the stats dont make good reading, 2 assists in 14 league games as a number 10 is poor.

He averages less passes then Klich and Pablo Hernandez and yet his passing accuracy is worse then both.

He is the most dispossessed player by nearly double. He is 2nd for most poor touches.

However he is 2nd best for key passes but 1st for shots taken with 0 goals in the league.

Adam Forshaw came on and made a greater impact then Saiz yesterday and even Phil Hay is suggesting the time has come for Saiz to be dropped.

There is no doubt Saiz has talent. His dribbling and ability to take the ball on the half turn is very good.

But his finishing and passing is questionable at best.

At 27 players are reaching there peak.

Is it time to give Saiz a rest and maybe the kick up the ass he needs?

Or do his positives outweigh the statistical negatives?

[Haighy]

I said at the game last night that I'd rest him, or drop him, for a few weeks.
He's slowly losing form every week.
However he does play better i think playing with Hernandez.
Tough call... but yes I'd rest him.

[dezzy]

Think a little rest would do him no harm, class player, but seems to be forcing it too much and he looks frustrated, think when Pablo plays, teams have to watch him just as much which opens more space for Saiz.
Hope they both play Saturday and rip Forest apart!!

[paddy parrott]

Look at the conundrum like this.. If BEILSA don't figure this out well we ain't going too.

[The Subhuman]

No Saiz no first goal last night, excellent work to receive hold off a challenge and then deliver a good pass to Pablo giving him space and room to nail the cross. Stays in for me Forshaw doesn't have the attacking nous

[Cjay]

I think id rest Saiz myself.

He has been frustrating for a while and while he has made telling contributions there has been more occasions where a good move had ended because he has over played or mishit a pass.

Also Forest away from home play 2 holding midfielders on occasion, Saiz wouldn't get a kick.

[BGwhite]

Stays in for me as well. Give him a few games with Pablo but if there's no improvement he has to be dropped, in the meantime Forshaw gets more and more match fit ready to step in full time.

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[1964white]

Forshaw for Saiz

[pembswhite]

I think that other championship teams would prefer to deal with Forshaw rather than the potential for brilliance that Saiz can bring . So for me he stays . He’s also far less of a tosser than last season- no major histrionics and no spitting ( that we know of )

[The Subhuman]

Forshaw for Saiz

Klich for Saiz, Forshaw for Klich if we have to.

[The Subhuman]

I think that other championship teams would prefer to deal with Forshaw rather than the potential for brilliance that Saiz can bring . So for me he stays . He’s also far less of a tosser than last season- no major histrionics and no spitting ( that we know of )

For me too, we're playing well and if it ain't broke ...

[Dalton]

I think people are looking into this too much. There is no big deal if a player doesnt start a match. I dont really see the difference between a player coming on at half time or starting the game. In a squad like Leeds and a playing style like Leeds a quick rest week may bring back his zip.
And Saiz would benefit hugely playing defenders that have played for an hour

[LUFC_BOS]

My take on this, Saiz just had a rest during the international break. Agree with faaip, 1st goal was a result of Saiz attracting defenders and passing to a free Pablo.

Saiz's ability causes defenders to be drawn to him, opening up space for others. Also cannot see MB making changes, seems like he sticks with certain players, Saiz is one of them.