The arrival of Robbie Keane through the portals of Villa Park did not end up in a dream start when Villa played at home against Everton. Instead, Keane came on to play a cameo role for some 10 minutes and everyone was left waiting for the next match to see whether he still had any magic in him.
Magic? It certainly looked like it judging by the method employed in his scoring brace at Wolves, both from outside the penalty area. He certainly has not forgotten where the goalposts lie and hit two first-class strikes, leaving little doubt that he’s earned his lolly already.
Already I am wondering what is the longer-term gain if he’s only going to be available for another six matches. If something about his scoring skill were to rub off onto the likes of Gabby and Ireland (both of whom have scored some beauties in their time, but have been short on regularity) then his sojourn with Villa will have been of great value. On the other hand it could leave the players feeling that they have something to prove on his departure and that pressure could be negative in its effect. We’ve had enough negatives for one season, thank you!
Going by his display at Wolves, and though I had doubts about him before, it seems only sensible to me that every attempt should be made to keep Robbie for a couple of years. It will no doubt cost Villa’s owner a packet, but if the return is a collection of match-winning goals, then it will have been money well spent during this period of transition and re-grouping that has been thrust on Villa’s faithful. Keane certainly seems to still have skills to offer the Premier League and it will only raise the morale of the club’s supporters with, presumably, a restoration of the attendance figures. The argument seems to be augmented by the rumour that Heskey is to leave in the summer. Though Heskey has been disappointing, scoring-wise at least, his experience will be a loss and needs to be replaced by someone who is preferably better. Is Keane that man?
There is, of course, a further corollary to this argument. Hitherto we have been seeing Bent as virtually out on his own up-front. With Keane’s additional presence it would mean that opposing defences will have double-trouble to worry about. And Keane (I hear) is not slow on telling his midfielders how he wants the ball. Perhaps he will wake up our midfield a bit.
I kinda look forward to Ireland, Keane and Bent playing together. How about you?
.
Magic? It certainly looked like it judging by the method employed in his scoring brace at Wolves, both from outside the penalty area. He certainly has not forgotten where the goalposts lie and hit two first-class strikes, leaving little doubt that he’s earned his lolly already.
Already I am wondering what is the longer-term gain if he’s only going to be available for another six matches. If something about his scoring skill were to rub off onto the likes of Gabby and Ireland (both of whom have scored some beauties in their time, but have been short on regularity) then his sojourn with Villa will have been of great value. On the other hand it could leave the players feeling that they have something to prove on his departure and that pressure could be negative in its effect. We’ve had enough negatives for one season, thank you!
Going by his display at Wolves, and though I had doubts about him before, it seems only sensible to me that every attempt should be made to keep Robbie for a couple of years. It will no doubt cost Villa’s owner a packet, but if the return is a collection of match-winning goals, then it will have been money well spent during this period of transition and re-grouping that has been thrust on Villa’s faithful. Keane certainly seems to still have skills to offer the Premier League and it will only raise the morale of the club’s supporters with, presumably, a restoration of the attendance figures. The argument seems to be augmented by the rumour that Heskey is to leave in the summer. Though Heskey has been disappointing, scoring-wise at least, his experience will be a loss and needs to be replaced by someone who is preferably better. Is Keane that man?
There is, of course, a further corollary to this argument. Hitherto we have been seeing Bent as virtually out on his own up-front. With Keane’s additional presence it would mean that opposing defences will have double-trouble to worry about. And Keane (I hear) is not slow on telling his midfielders how he wants the ball. Perhaps he will wake up our midfield a bit.
I kinda look forward to Ireland, Keane and Bent playing together. How about you?
.
