He's the complete footballer, good at everything, outstanding at heading. Unfortunately because of his build, pace may become a problem in a couple of seasons playing up front. I could then see him doing an Arthur Horsfield, converting into a great centre half, or even a king pin midfielder in the mould of Graham Moore or Mark Aizlewood.
The men is head and shoulders above everyone else and not just when he jumps, but what I like most about him is he plays with true passion and fight and lifts the team.
As good a player as he is, i think he's definitely improved over the year. Whether it's because he's proved himself now so relaxed a bit but he's settling more on the ball and going looking for it short and turning etc. That was one bit of his game that didn't seem as strong as the rest earlier in the season and he didn't hold play up enough. There's also the fact that he doesn't have pace and isn't a goal poacher but he's not that type of striker. He's a target man and a bloody good one.
I remember hearing a quote from CP earlier in the season where he said that when speaking to opposition managers after each game big Yann was the player they all asked/commented about. They could all see that he's way above L1 standard.
There were rumours about how he didn't gel with his team mates at Leicester and seemed a bit of a loner so seeing and listening to his recent interviews are music to our ears I reckon. He's clearly in a MUCH happier place on and off the pitch and is really starting to form a bond with the club and us fans....it's fantastic to see.
I personally think he's the most important player we have in our present squad. He's completely changed the way we set up the team and subsequently play and when fit, probably the first name on CP's team sheet....
...and you can put your mortgage on him being even better next season. TOP player.
He is simply too good for league one, and it shows. I genuinly don't think we would have been dominant league champions with Hayes and BWP up front all season.
(that's not to say I don't think we would have been promoted, just that we wouldn't be sitting here debating whether we'll get to 100 points on Saturday or the week after!)
I think another big think is that he hasn't got the protection from league one refs that he deserves and opponents have been using unfair tactics to stop him. With better quality refs in the higher league, we could see even more from him next season.
A team of players with Yann's work rate and dedication to getting the ball, play on through injury would go real far in todays world, real real far. Some of the balls he knocks down to BWP and co., I reckon the likes of Drogba would be proud of.. beast.
Wasn't it reported early on, or even it was Chris Powell who said it straight to an interviewer, that when Powelly was in negotiations with him to come to us, Powelly made it clear that he had to make a lot bigger effort to fit in with his team mates. Either way living in London makes it a lot easier for friends and family to visit, without losing hours messing around with Midlands connections.
As much as we want him linking attacks, I'd also like him on the penalty spot during counter attacks instead of having to make them. I don't think pace will be an issue for hims, as he ain't got loads and his brain is so much better than 99% of footballers. He'll make a couple of yards for himself by reading the game.
Wasn't it reported early on, or even it was Chris Powell who said it straight to an interviewer, that when Powelly was in negotiations with him to come to us, Powelly made it clear that he had to make a lot bigger effort to fit in with his team mates. Either way living in London makes it a lot easier for friends and family to visit, without losing hours messing around with Midlands connections
Was indeed Powell:
"He told me that he wanted to stay in English football, which I said was fine, but warned him that this was his last chance and he would have to change his outlook and, perhaps, look at his character around others.
"The response has been great. He is such a technically good player at League One level."
Wasn't it reported early on, or even it was Chris Powell who said it straight to an interviewer, that when Powelly was in negotiations with him to come to us, Powelly made it clear that he had to make a lot bigger effort to fit in with his team mates. Either way living in London makes it a lot easier for friends and family to visit, without losing hours messing around with Midlands connections
Was indeed Powell:
"He told me that he wanted to stay in English football, which I said was fine, but warned him that this was his last chance and he would have to change his outlook and, perhaps, look at his character around others.
"The response has been great. He is such a technically good player at League One level."
speaks volumes about how much of a good man manager SCP is. Big man love for both of them
Quite simply the best signing (relatively at the appropriate league level) we have ever made since I have supported the Addicks.
He has been the missing link which was needed to create a record making team. I am not saying we couldn't have made it without him but he has made the crucial difference between a fighting chance and a racing certainty.
If he suffered previously with a bit of Gallic arrogance or disdain, CP as tamed him brilliantly.
I never thought I would enjoy watching a target man play as much as I do Yann. I've never seen an attacking player at Charlton as strong in the air as him. The quality he has at his feet he is probably the most skilled at the club.
Absolutely astonishing that a player of his quality was still out of contract in September.
Comments
There were rumours about how he didn't gel with his team mates at Leicester and seemed a bit of a loner so seeing and listening to his recent interviews are music to our ears I reckon. He's clearly in a MUCH happier place on and off the pitch and is really starting to form a bond with the club and us fans....it's fantastic to see.
I personally think he's the most important player we have in our present squad. He's completely changed the way we set up the team and subsequently play and when fit, probably the first name on CP's team sheet....
...and you can put your mortgage on him being even better next season. TOP player.
A team of players with Yann's work rate and dedication to getting the ball, play on through injury would go real far in todays world, real real far. Some of the balls he knocks down to BWP and co., I reckon the likes of Drogba would be proud of.. beast.
As much as we want him linking attacks, I'd also like him on the penalty spot during counter attacks instead of having to make them. I don't think pace will be an issue for hims, as he ain't got loads and his brain is so much better than 99% of footballers. He'll make a couple of yards for himself by reading the game.
"He told me that he wanted to stay in English football, which I said was fine, but warned him that this was his last chance and he would have to change his outlook and, perhaps, look at his character around others.
"The response has been great. He is such a technically good player at League One level."
Blades didn't know if it was Good Friday or Bonfire Night !
He has been the missing link which was needed to create a record making team. I am not saying we couldn't have made it without him but he has made the crucial difference between a fighting chance and a racing certainty.
If he suffered previously with a bit of Gallic arrogance or disdain, CP as tamed him brilliantly.
http://forum.charltonlife.com/discussion/47753/for-sale-stand-up-for-the-champions-t-shirts-mugs-and-post-cards-for-sale#Item_14
Absolutely astonishing that a player of his quality was still out of contract in September.
Yann......................you are the man.