Kiko Macheda: Football's future or one-hit wonder?

Daemos

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

event

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

there is so much wrong with this its untrue, but especially the bit in bold

when exactly did he prove to be a great footballer?

Xavi6

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

WTF? 'Proven' my hoop. He played for ten minutes.

Most ridiculous thread I've seen in a while.

CHD

He scored a goal and looked decent, thats all. Chill.

kingshankly

Xavi6 wrote: »

WTF? 'Proven' my hoop. He played for ten minutes.

Most ridiculous thread I've seen in a while.

+1
too many people reading british tabloids

Kimbot

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

event wrote: »

there is so much wrong with this its untrue, but especially the bit in bold

What about this bit? Should it not be Neill?

SlickRic

in before the lock...

nothing to debate.

ridiculous thread. i don't think I could bear to hear his name again for a while. the hysteria is absurd. you'd swear he was the Messiah.

keano_afc

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

Is that not exactly what you're trying to do here?

Unearthly

Nailed on for Ballon d'or 2009

Messi who?

eZe^

Jesus Christ lads, he is unproven and raw potential at the moment, he will be nothing more than that for at least another 3 years, it's ridiculous how in the modern age people are putting this much pressure on 17 year old strikers. The guy can't even legally watch porn ffs.

The most ridiculous thing about this thread is the fact that he has played less than 15 minutes of top flight football. Maybe if this thread was entitled Aguero / Benzema it would have merit a valid discussion.

And don't mention anything about him impressing in the youth system, because that doesn't really count for anything. Bojan scored over 960 goals at youth level and has already been written off by alot of people (total mystic meg, aka richtea said he wouldn't play consistently for a top team ever). There are hundreds of examples of players that looked amazing in youth teams but ended up being washed up failures.

Lets let the Macheda play even 10 bloody matches before we consider discussing this, not 10 fecking minutes.

whatawaster

why isn't there an option called "f*ck knows?"

Chardee MacDennis

OP already making a call on danny wellbeck's future? very dubious points all over the place...

this is whats wrong with football fans these days judging players before they have even finished developing, not every player is a fabregas or rooney, where they come on the scene and dont leave. most players get their toes dipped in the water between 17-20 and their performance makes little or no difference as its the experience that matters.

its a disgrace 'fans' booing Agbonlahor and Lucas and their both still 22 ffs!!

Royale with Cheese

SlickRic wrote: »

i don't think I could bear to hear his name again for a while

Macheda

Macheda

Macheda

Macheda

Daemos

Xavi6 wrote: »

WTF? 'Proven' my hoop. He played for ten minutes.

Most ridiculous thread I've seen in a while.

I tried to make an argument in favour of both sides, but since I think he is being over-hyped, I didn't do a good job of arguing for him.

internelligent

Best player on the planet!

Gerrard Torres Vidic Buffon and ....................Zidane, all rolled into one!
Unfortunately we won't be offered the luxary of seeing how great he can play in goals but honestly, BY FAR THE BEST PLAYER EVER TO GRACE A PITCH. Bow down Pele, Maradona,.............need I go on?

Xavi6

whatawaster wrote: »

why isn't there an option called "f*ck knows?"

Done

elshambo

I miss when football was followed by people who played football rather than people who played computer games

I miss when newspapers/news programmes covered news instead of trying to fill space with cheap pointless football coverage

*

Xavi6 wrote: »

But there is no argument. He IS being overhyped. However, they all get that treatment.

All the hype can do the kid no favours either

Xavi6

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

I tried to make an argument in favour of both sides, but since I think he is being over-hyped, I didn't do a good job of arguing for him.

But there is no argument. He IS being overhyped. However, they all get that treatment.

Daysha

I'll never understand the mindset of people who enter a topic for no other reason other than to redicule a poster just because you don't agree with whether there should be a topic like it in the first place. I mean, if you don't agree with the thread, fair enough, but let the mods decide about what's thread-worthiness and not.

Adamcp898

odds on to be loaned out next season and be nowhere near a United first team in fairness, this never deserved its own thread

Daysha

To answer your question OP, I've seen him play a few reserves games and he does like the real deal. United are always careful about not hyping up a young player too much so when a 17 year old gets comments like he does from Ole Solsjkaer, you know he must be pretty special.

But, it won't be until next season at least when we'll see how far he can actually come. For now, let's just let him go out, make a few sub appearances and see what he can do.

Mr.Nice Guy

It's Kiko time!

It's too early to say what will happen but I have a feeling he will be a very good player. Remember when Rooney scored that cracking last minute goal for Everton against Arsenal there was similar talk. 'Wayne Rooney, remember the name' etc. You sensed you were witnessing someone special and I'm sure a lot of people felt the same way about Macheda. The challenge for Fergie now is to try and dampen the expectation which might not be easy.

~Rebel~

I think he definately has a big career ahead of him.

Normally I would never make a judgement like that on a player after seeing so little of him, but this kids first touch is astoundingly good for a 17 year old. The 3 goals from play he scored this week all involve an absolutely amazing first touch, and that is such a massive advantage as a striker. If you're first touch is good enough, it can take the marker out of the game so easily and make what was a difficult chance that much easier.

Xavi6

Daysha wrote: »

I'll never understand the mindset of people who enter a topic for no other reason other than to redicule a poster just because you don't agree with whether there should be a topic like it in the first place. I mean, if you don't agree with the thread, fair enough, but let the mods decide about what's thread-worthiness and not.

Nobody has attacked the poster, only what has been posted.

Nothing wrong with that.

Diabhal Beag

Macheda palyed 1 good match. Judge him when he has played more than a handful of fixtures and decide whether he is god or not.

Daysha

Xavi6 wrote: »

Nobody has attacked the poster, only what has been posted.

Nothing wrong with that.

Thanks for the heads up

All I'm saying is, if you don't agree with the thread, why post in it in the first place?

_blank_

Going to be some player.

The skill and ingenuity to score that goal, the balls it took to come off the bench and rescue Manchester's season, the way he kissed the camera and give the two fingers to a title rival team's captain.

Everything points to superstardom.

I'm doing a sex wee just thinking about it.

_blank_

Little Shyte wrote: »

Macheda palyed 15 good match minutes. Judge him when he has played more than a handful of fixtures and decide whether he is god or not.

fyp

Xavi6

Daysha wrote: »

Thanks for the heads up

All I'm saying is, if you don't agree with the thread, why post in it in the first place?

In the interest of balance?

Des wrote: »

Going to be some player.

The skill and ingenuity to score that goal, the balls it took to come off the bench and rescue Manchester's season, the way he kissed the camera and give the two fingers to a title rival team's captain.

Everything points to superstardom.

I'm doing a sex wee just thinking about it.

Daemos

Little Shyte wrote: »

Macheda palyed 1 good match. Judge him when he has played more than a handful of fixtures and decide whether he is god or not.

That's what I'm trying to point out with this thread. Admittedly, I did it in a convoluted way, but at least my point is getting across.

Headshot

Des wrote: »

Going to be some player.

The skill and ingenuity to score that goal, the balls it took to come off the bench and rescue Manchester's season, the way he kissed the camera and give the two fingers to a title rival team's captain.

Everything points to superstardom.

I'm doing a sex wee just thinking about it.

so you've dumped Ando already?

gosplan

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

he has proven to be a great footballer

So what's the thread for then??

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

he delivered with the best goal in years

:pac::pac::pac::pac::pac:

My favourite bit of nonsense on the subject was this.

Federico Macheda is the star protégé of Manchester United's former super-sub turned reserve team coach and on Sunday afternoon the 17-year-old Italian suggested he is modelled very much in his mentor's ruthless image.

Wow, he's gonna be Man U's next super-sub! I'm sure it's all he's ever wanted.

LuckyLloyd

Hey guys, think about the opinions of Utd fans on Anderson. 15 games to become a legend, the future of their midfield. And another 30 to become an average mucker, and possibly a long term beaten docket.

In my humble opinion, it takes seasons to properly estimate a footballer's true worth. And is naive to ignore the countless careers that have peaked and troughed as years went by.

Pigman III

Little Shyte wrote: »

Macheda palyed 1 good match. Judge him when he has played more than a handful of fixtures and decide whether he is god or not.

Hardly 1 good match, he's been killing in reserves this season, you might say "No, In First Team PL football", but a match is a match and I'm judging him on all the matches he played in reserves too - which I see alot of on MUTV.

Mitch Connor

He has great potential, and has been impressive for the U18's and reserves over the last year. His recent reserve performances have been particularly impressive as he has been playing up front on his own. He is tall, quick, good in the air, well built with good control and a very composed finisher. He has the attributes you would want in a 17 year old striker. What impressed me most on Sunday was that he simply didn't look out of place, and, imo, actually helped improve the overall performance of the side in his time on the pitch.

However, he has only played 20 or so minutes at the top level - plenty of players have impressed over longer periods and fallen away, Francis Jeffers and Neil Mellor would be two examples that pop immediately to head.

He has potential, but that really is all it is at the moment, and he has a long way to go yet. IMO he certainly has a chance, and a very good one at that, but i won't be pinning next years title's hopes on him.

A big indicator is the fact Fergie selected him, and turned to him early in the game, so not as an act of desperation in the dying moments of the match. Everyone around the club rates him too, with Ole giving him a glowing reference recently.

Highsider

LuckyLloyd wrote: »

Hey guys, think about the opinions of Utd fans on Anderson. 15 games to become a legend, the future of their midfield. And another 30 to become an average mucker, and possibly a long term beaten docket.

In my humble opinion, it takes seasons to properly estimate a footballer's true worth. And is naive to ignore the countless careers that have peaked and troughed as years went by.

Agreed. I think someone went as far as to call Anderson God. Tabloid footy fans imo.

Helix

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

he has proven to be a great footballer

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

he delivered with the best goal in years

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers

jesus christ

cringeworthy

Unearthly

Highsider wrote: »

Agreed. I think someone went as far as to call Anderson God. Tabloid footy fans imo.

It was almost like we were taking the p!ss or something.

m@cc@

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance?

No.

RasTa

I heard Real are already after him. 80 million transfer in the summer is agreed.

Dave!

Lock this thread.... jesus what a ridiculous thread

shane86

CHD wrote: »

He scored a goal and looked decent, thats all. Chill.

Steve Staunton managed a butchering of a decent Swedish team on his debut.

Paul McShane largely held off a decent Czech side on his debut.

Nuff said.

iregk

I love it, a kid scores one goal and all of a sudden he is the saviour of football.

Now I may be alone but what I saw was a kid playing for 15mins with feet shaped like an old 50 pence and hit one lovely strike. Its very similar to problems Martin O'Neill said encapsulate football these days. A player plays well for 3 games and their agent is banging down his door looking to double his contract.

This chap had 15mins of below average football but scored. Had that shot gone wide/over, we wouldn't even be discussing the chap.

Mitch Connor

iregk wrote: »

I love it, a kid scores one goal and all of a sudden he is the saviour of football.

Now I may be alone but what I saw was a kid playing for 15mins with feet shaped like an old 50 pence and hit one lovely strike. Its very similar to problems Martin O'Neill said encapsulate football these days. A player plays well for 3 games and their agent is banging down his door looking to double his contract.

This chap had 15mins of below average football but scored. Had that shot gone wide/over, we wouldn't even be discussing the chap.

Rubbish from start to finish imo.

He came on and did very well. HE got involved in a lot of attacks, tracked back and did defensive work, linked the play to other players well (don't know why you are implying he demonstrated consistently poor touch). The goal was obviously a highlight, but the highlight of a very good performance, for 25 minutes.

And to top off your rubbish post, most aren't claiming he is any kind of savior, look at the freaking poll in this thread for a clue.... Jeez....

cournioni

Its impossible to tell after 15 minutes of first team football but he certainly looks a prospect after those 15 minutes of football. He completely dominated Villa for the time he was on the pitch and he scored a cracking goal which is similar to what he does in reserve football week in week out.

We will just have to see, but his body language from that game tells me that he is going to be a player. He looks like a proper Italian striker.

iregk

Mitch Connor wrote: »

And to top off your rubbish post, most aren't claiming he is any kind of savior, look at the freaking poll in this thread for a clue.... Jeez....

For a start I agree with how the poll is going, lets see more of him. I never said everyone is proclaiming him to be the saviour. Obviously someone thinks he is worthy after putting a thread together on him.

Lastly, while your entitled to view his performance differently but what I saw was a player with a bad touch that isn't a very good passer of the ball either. That said he is 17!!!! The last time I heard this about a United player was one Gary Cooke, the new Geroge Best was what fans and pundits screamed after 5 mins on the pitch and one back flick. Look how that ended.

Personally I think your post is rubbish from start to finish, but thats why its a beautiful game, it stirs debate.

Mitch Connor

iregk wrote: »

For a start I agree with how the post is going, lets see more of him. I never said everyone is proclaiming him to be the saviour. Obviously someone thinks he is worthy after putting a thread together on him.

Lastly, while your entitled to view his performance differently but what I saw was a player with a bad touch that isn't a very good passer of the ball either. That said he is 17!!!! The last time I heard this about a United player was one Gary Cooke, the new Geroge Best was what fans and pundits screamed after 5 mins on the pitch and one back flick. Look how that ended.

Personally I think your post is rubbish from start to finish, but thats why its a beautiful game, it stirs debate.

Terry Cooke i assume (back heel flick past the defender in a one/two against Bolton (i think, maybe City) followed by a cross to Giggs?)

citytillidie

DaPoolRulz wrote: »

Wanted your opinions on what you think of the kid.

On one hand, he has proven to be a great footballer, despite his young age. As a product of the Lazio youth setup, Man United clearly saw a spark in him, and he delivered with the best goal in years. And under Fergie's guidance, he could blossom into a world-beater.

On the other hand, however, can we really judge someone's skill based on one performance? Remember Liam Mellor for Liverpool? Or more recently Danny Welbeck for United. He scored one great goal. How many matches has he played since? How many goals? How many great performances? Macheda is odds-on to not start tonight, and odds-on to not be in Italy's 2010 World Cup team.

So, what do you think? Is Macheda destined to be one of the all-time great footballers, or is he just the latest in a long list of over-hyped teenage prospects?

Never heard of Liam Mellor, just Neil Mellor, who scored some very important goals for Liverpool before getting injured. Now playing with PNE.

Cant really judge this guy on 5 mins of frantic football from Sunday have to give him more time

iregk

Mitch Connor wrote: »

Terry Cooke i assume (back heel flick past the defender in a one/two against Bolton (i think, maybe City) followed by a cross to Giggs?)

Indeed. I just came back on to change it as I realised I got it wrong. Was reading an article about Apres Match at the same time and posting!!!

eZe^

Jesus Christ, by the sounds of it Kiko will probably win WPOTY...

iregk

eZe^ wrote: »

Jesus Christ, by the sounds of it Kiko will probably win WPOTY...

Rumor has it he has made the short list for World Soccer's 10 greatest players of all time poll.