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No mind Chriskels. Meanwhile he and the woman dey Akpu joint now dey knack isiewu with betrer stout ![]() komekn: |
Hand dey scratch u Danielnino00: |
“England was never going to give me a chance to play for the senior team, that’s the difference. Nigeria gave me the pathway to play for their senior team,” Aina was quoted as saying in an Instagram Live interview by the Punch. “I probably would have made it there at some point but Nigeria told me I can make it here now, it was a no-brainer.” — goal |
The stats show where Ndidi is better and otherwise. You are making a different argument. If you need more physical presence and players to win aerial duels in the midfield your go to man is Billing. That’s also important to help a team keep possession. Billing has played more as a CM than DM in this current season. So here is a place for Billing in other areas when needed. Blueelf: |
LONG READ: Just how did Reading FC capture Ovie Ejaria? By Adam Goodwin Three point five million pounds. It can’t get you much these days, especially in footballing terms. It could get you half of Patrick Bamford, roughly 4% of Paul Pogba, or Kylian Mbappe’s right foot. Or, if you like, just over 85,000 chicken balti pies at the Madjeski Stadium. But it’s also the same amount of money Reading are set to pay Liverpool for Ovie Ejaria at the end of the season, and nobody can seem to work out why. Named as the 70th Best Teenager in The World 2017 by FourFourTwo and dubbed the ‘English Pogba’ on infamous Netflix series Sunderland ‘Til I Die, Ejaria has always been highly-rated, so what led to the Royals purchasing him for such a steal? Having been released by Arsenal at 16 and reportedly rejecting PSG to join Liverpool in 2014, Jurgen Klopp gave Ejaria his first senior appearances during pre-season of the 2016-17 season. After impressing the German, he earned himself multiple appearances for the first team throughout the following campaign. In March 2017, Klopp said: “I saw [Ejaria] playing a few times and having him around for four days and seeing him in small spaces in the sessions against the ‘adults’ was very important for him and for me. “There’s no doubt about the attitude, there’s no doubt about quality - it’s only a question of are they already ready or not? If not, then they still have time. If yes, then lets make the next step.” Ejaria’s former Liverpool under-23 boss Neil Critchley added: "He has these real ‘wow’ moments which just make you smile because it’s brilliant to watch. “When he is faced with a defender one-on-one in the penalty area, you sort of feel sorry for the defender because you know there is only going to be one outcome.” Despite high praise from his Reds bosses, two loan spells before a switch to the Royals ended his five-year spell in Merseyside. The Independent journalist and Liverpool fan Karl Matchett watched the midfielder closely during his time at Anfield and says that it was through no fault of his own that Ejaria wasn’t successful at the club. “It didn't work out because we moved up a few levels very quickly and left him behind. Some players just develop a little slower and maybe he needed some time and experience,” said Matchett. “He was one of the first few to be given a chance under Klopp, so I think that heightened the excitement around him along with some of the bits he'd done at youth level. “There was no doubting the talent, it was just the usual questions of consistency and maturity.” With the arrivals of Mo Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, there was no room for Ejaria in Klopp’s plans. He made his first loan switch in the 2017/18 January transfer window, when he moved to Sunderland on Deadline Day. The Black Cats were 23rd in the Championship when he made the temporary switch to Wearside, with the club looking to bounce back from finishing bottom of the Premier League the season before. He made 11 appearances at the Stadium of Light but couldn’t prevent them from suffering a consecutive relegation. His only goal for the club came once their fate had already been sealed, as he poked home from close-range against champions Wolves. Matthew Crichton, a writer for Sunderland fan site Roker Report, insists that it was just wrong place, wrong time for Ejaria at the Stadium of Light. “We were battling to avoid relegation and needed experienced heads. Instead, we signed the likes of Ashley Fletcher, Jake Clarke-Salter and Ejaria on loan. That trio all enjoyed poor spells with the club but are now playing regular Championship football, so I would say Ejaria just was not the player we needed at that point,” Crichton said. “It was unrealistic to believe a 20-year-old could be thrown straight into the first team, having never played regular senior football, and instantly hit the ground running, especially in the position we were in. “We weren’t the right club for him to be thrown in at the deep end. I think the pressure of playing a lead role in front of 40,000 people at a club fighting relegation was too big of an ask.” Despite a disappointing spell at Sunderland, Ejaria was one of a few youngsters who new Rangers boss Steven Gerrard turned to, as he looked to bolster his squad with some loanees from his former club. He started brightly, scoring in consecutive games away to Motherwell in the Premiership and a crucial goal against Russian team Ufa in the Europa League, helping secure their spot in the Europa League group stages. However, a costly mistake in the Old Firm derby against Celtic was the beginning of the end for Ejaria in Scotland, as he failed to track the run of Oliver Ntcham, before the Frenchman netted the game’s winning goal. Sky Sports journalist and Rangers fan Andrew Dickson says, despite undoubted ability, Ejaria’s lack of fight let him down. “Rangers fans love players who show commitment on the park, often showing genuine forgiveness for a lack of skill if someone makes up for that with effort and determination, but Ejaria arguably gave them the opposite,” Dickson explained. “He had the talent yet didn’t apply himself nearly as much as it was thought he would. In a league where character pays off, he didn’t show it enough to make the progress both Rangers and Liverpool hoped for. “He ultimately grew unsettled in Glasgow and wanted to leave so when he did, it left many fans of the opinion he lacked the mental and physical strength to be deemed a success at Ibrox.” As mentioned, Ejaria struggled to settle across the border and, despite being involved in almost all of Rangers’ league and European games, the 21-year-old decided to cut his loan short at Rangers. Reports from Scotland at the time claimed that he didn’t like the physicality in the Scottish Premiership, which led to plenty of criticism from pundits and fans alike. This wasn’t helped by Ejaria unfollowing Rangers on Instagram and deleting all reference to them from his profile before a crucial Europa League tie against Villarreal in December. Upon Ejaria’s return to Liverpool in January, Gerrard said: “Am I disappointed he’s gone? Yes. Do I think it’s the right decision? No, because I think he had an incredible opportunity here. “I have to accept the decision. I’m sad about it, I wish him all the best. He’s a nice kid, very quiet. He told me it was 100 percent football reasons and I have to respect that.” Despite being back at Liverpool after two unsuccessful loan spells, the midfielder was brought in by then Reading boss Jose Gomes in an attempt to remain in the Championship. Along with the other successful loanees brought in by Gomes, Ejaria helped the Royals avoid the drop, leading to calls from fans to bring him back for at least another season. The Reading owners were unconvinced however, despite Gomes’ desperation to re-sign him for the 2018-19 campaign. A deal was eventually completed to bring him back on season-long loan on literally the last minute of the transfer window. And, within that, the club also agreed to make the transfer permanent at the end of the current campaign for just £3.5m. Ejaria has continually wowed Reading fans ever since arriving at the Madjeski, with his nimble footwork and skills that have seemed almost impossible to pull off. He’s made midfielders of the highest order look silly with nutmegs, flicks and dragbacks and, on his day, he’s impossible to stop. However, there are still many Reading supporters who are continuously frustrated by his dilly-dallying on the ball and reluctance to play the easy pass at times. And, highlighted by his time in Scotland, someone that is 6ft and 165lb shouldn’t be shrugged off the ball as easily as does. These faults were echoed by others who have watched him at his previous clubs, heavily praising his technical ability and his close control, but criticising his lack of physicality and a tendency to be far too meek on the ball. At 22, Ejaria is still a few years from his prime though, and it seems unlikely that these things will remain a problem. Before the season was suspended, it was evident that the midfielder had begun to improve on some of those faults and Royals fans can only imagine how dangerous he could be if he were to bulk out slightly. “He’s still figuring out his role. He’s a good dribbler so sometimes it’s too easy for managers to shove him out wide, but he’s always been a midfielder and that's where he belongs,” says youth football expert Connor Rowden. “To keep improving, he just needs to keep finding the balance between trying to carry the ball and moving it quickly. Once his one-on-one skills are isolated to times they're actually needed, he'll be more efficient and more productive. “I think he can be a good Premier League midfielder and, therefore, get in contention for an England cap at some point. I think playing for a top side is probably a step too far, but who knows. “Like with most players, it's all about the fit and the right coach as to if he hits his ceiling.” Reading have a history of bargain hunting. The signatures of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long for a combined fee of around about £75k spring to mind but, more recently, Andy Yiadom and John Swift both being brought in on free transfers also looks like shrewd business. But perhaps the capture of Ejaria for, let me remind you, £3.5m could better all of those, especially if he can continue impressing in Berkshire and begin to fulfil the potential that was expected of him. Cue the Liverpool board scrambling to see if they can cancel that permanent transfer clause… —ReadingChronicle |
If Billing eventually turns out for us and he can translate his club performances to the national team, he would add something we currently lack in midfield. And that is aerial duels. He could prove a good addition. Let's wait and see. Another comparison with Ndidi from a different stats tool.
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maybe you have comprehension problem.. You have said Ndidi will NEVER be benched if he is fit and available. And I am suppose to argue with you on that? That kind argument no get head and tail. Danielnino00: |
Reminds me of #MeToo. But nothing go happen here. Humility017: |
Please tell me who said Billing will bench Ndidi instantly, or in any timeframe? Then let me ask again, please tell me who said Ndidi will never be benched till eternity? Follow the discussion. . Danielnino00: |
Make una calm down. There are processes to these things. If our authorities are genuine to take up the case and do an investigation names no go drop? Leave matter. Our own Na just to type for internet. barackodam: |
The issue is not about if Sarki is good enough. Let’s not turn a blind eye to what is a reality in Nigeria. Modified Somebody is speaking out and we are here questioning his football abilities. jihday: |
Who has said that Billing will bench Ndidi here? Andrew yiu dey fall my hand. Let people make their predictions. But when they say it as if they are certain, then you can criticize. Make una stop this FB tag. They are Nigerians. Let’s not be like racists to our own andrewbaba44: |
Iwobi is deadly in his good day. Don’t forget his friendly performance against England. And was it Brazil or Ukraine friendly, that lively assist. . And also WC qualifier against Zambia. Sometimes he just turns off. I stand by my word as long as he has not reached his peak, we will be so glad we stole him. vision4everlan: |
There is no where in my post I criticized Ndidi. Stop typing like an internet warrior. Modified At it the end it all boils down to who is the SE coach. All we are giving here is our personal opinions. Provoker: |
Iwobi needs to improve in some areas. If he can he will proove a massive steal from England jihday: |
He is an untouchable because he is unchallenged. Until he has competition then we can have that conversation. It’s not underrating jihday: |
Iwobi because of a lack of AM, yes. Collins, though a natural LB, isnt better than Aina. jihday: |
Firstly, I’ve never used the word threat here. I’ve only said I expect Billing to compete and not just be a push over. It’s not like Ndidi is miles ahead based on every club stat. So let’s wait and see. Danielnino00: |
Guy ive been saying the same thing here. It’s on record. Never suggested otherwise. daveP: |
Which is why I said we have to wait until Billing plays for Nigeria. It can go either way. No be by club comparison. andrewbaba44: |
Agreed elyte89: |
Do you mean what Ndidi is to Leicester...? We need to separate club football from national team football sometimes. When Ndidi misses out playing for us in some matches, do we feel his absence? andrewbaba44: |
No, not yet. May be due to how Rohr is using him. But which player(s) belong to that class as it stands at the moment? elyte89: |
Let me correct that Ndidi will face fierce competition from Billing if the latter switches allegiance as rumors are suggesting. Ndidi does not deserve an untouchable status in SE yet. But let’s see Billing play first for SE. elyte89: |
In Nigeria it’s a matter of whether one has conscience or fear of God, regardless of whether one is in high places or not. Egunje is a way of life in Nigeria. Humility017: |
The problem with those old men is that they are not living with the times. Several non African nations have had foreign coaches. If he is saying we should not recruit them just because they are white, he is very much on point. Our recruitment must be strategic, not tubu mess am. ZikTzu: |
No be English media dem be? Why OGN and ANS no analyze Sadio Mane? If Eze switch, that chapter go close. barackodam: |
QPR's Ebere Eze: EFL Future Star Ebere Eze is set to be a future star in English football after impressing for QPR. Here, Sky Sports' EFL pundits Don Goodman and Danny Higginbotham assess Eze's attributes and tell us why he is such a special talent... How impressive has he been for QPR this season? Goodman: "He's QPR's standout player. There are other players that have had strong seasons but I think the difference in him this season is that his end product has increased dramatically. That goes to the fact that his decision-making is getting better with experience. To score 12 goals, eight assists, is streets ahead of anything he's ever achieved before. When you just look at his end product and the fear that he puts into defenders - he causes absolute mayhem. I'm very excited to see how his career progresses; it's looking really promising." Higginbotham: "One of the things I've been impressed with this season in particular is his work-rate. I think those are the questions that were asked of him before in terms of being brilliant going forward but will he help out coming back? As the season went on, we started to see that he was starting to become more of a team player and I think that's just added extra bonuses for him as the season's gone on. "After QPR went to Elland Road and got beat by Leeds, Bielsa was asked who his man of the match was and he said Stuart Dallas because for him to deal with and put up with a player like Eze who, in his opinion at that time, was a world-class player, that's an unbelievable compliment from a world-renowned manager. I just love the way that he plays with the sense of freedom. He makes so much time and space for the players around him as well because he attracts two or three of the opposition players to him and that leaves his team-mates free." What are his strongest attributes? Goodman: "He's the first QPR player under 21 to get 10 goals since Adel Taarabt. What a talented player he was. But he had a questionable mentality. He should've been playing at a much higher level than he's gone onto do. What's going to separate Eze is that desire, that work ethic for the team, that will to be a team player. I think that could pull him to higher levels than Taarabt. "When you get faced with a player of his talent who's going to commit you, he opens doors, not just for himself but for other people. I liken him a little bit to Adama Traore - different players in that Traore is probably a bit more explosive but when you've got a player that runs at defenders, once you get past a defender, the rest of that defender's team-mates have got decisions to make. Do they leave their man to close him down? At what point do they go? Is it right to go? If they don't go, will he smack one in from 25 yards? It asks questions of the opposition and it's a defender's worst nightmare." Higginbotham: "He's a very difficult player to play against. One of the things QPR are always looking for is if they can get the ball to Eze because, as a defender, you don't want him facing one-vs-one. He creates a real problem. If I'm a defender playing against him and I know that he's going one-on-one against me, I want help. So therefore what you are doing is bringing one of your team-mates over to try and give you the cover, to try and give you the help but that then leaves QPR players free either high up the pitch, across the pitch from him. "He's such an intelligent player as well. We know he plays in that No 10 position - he has the iconic No 10 shirt, which has been worn by some legendary players in times gone by - but he's capable of drifting out to the left and taking players into areas they don't want to go into." QPR boss Mark Warburton said he's capable of playing for a top six Premier League side. Do you agree? Goodman: "I'd be shocked if he's not in the Premier League next season. Obviously, the coronavirus outbreak is going to have an impact, but I wouldn't imagine it would deter anybody from paying decent money for a player like him. He's learning very quickly. He's always had that ability but the decision-making has just got better and that's the key - you can have all the ability in the world but if you get into that final third and you are constantly making the wrong choices, you are not going to be as effective as you should be. "So when Warburton - who trains with him day in, day out and has worked with so many good players in his time as a coach - says that he's pretty confident that Eze has got the ability and will go and play for a top-six club, I'm not going to argue with him. He's got all the ability in the world. When he gets on the ball, the crowd get off their feet. There's an expectancy and he hasn't let them down. Last season, QPR had a real struggle for goals; this season they are the third top goalscorers in the Championship behind Brentford and West Brom and he is a massive, massive part of that." Higginbotham: "I think that he can. What we've seen over the years is that top players in the Championship flourish even more so in the Premier League and the reason I say that is that when we look at the Championship, it is one of the most exciting leagues in the world, but it is 100 miles per hour. I think a player like Eze will be afforded more time and space in the Premier League because he's not going to be seen as the main man and I think at QPR at the moment, a lot of people are saying that if you stop Eze, you stop a lot of what QPR are trying to do. "He's going to have more intelligent players that will understand the ball he wants to play, the runs they want to make. If you are a manager out there looking at the moment, I think he's a player ready-made to make that step up into the Premier League." -skySports |
Ejaria always had Nigeria as his first choice. andrewbaba44: |
If this is accurate...
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Based on this EPL player Comparison tool. Ndidi has an edge over Billing in passing and defense, and a slight edge in attack . Both players are at par in vision. While Billing is better in dribbles and physicality. Cc charlesemeka85
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