03 Sep 2026 00:05:47
Ok, can anyone shed some proper info on Braiden Graham, as he looks like he may have to be thrusted into the first team squad with immediate effect?
All I know is he’s scored plenty for the U21’s and can make something out of nothing, I just hear that he’s very lightweight and would not cope with the demands of the Premier League.
I don’t watch much of the 21’s and have not really followed his progress to date. Anyone who can shed more light on this I would be most grateful. Is he ready for the step up or do we need to dip into the free market.
03 Sep 2026 00:35:58
He's got quick feet, clever movement, he's not particularly quick when it comes to running, but he has good reactions and can turn quite well.
The argument against him being lightweight is "Michael Owen". First of all, he's not Michael Owen, he's not even got Owen's speed. Secondly, unlike in Owen's day, most teams nowadays have at least one athlete at the back who is quick, so the days of just bursting past defenders who move at the speed of molasses are long gone (usually) . Hence why nearly every team has a big athlete upfront (try and think of a team that doesn't and is successful) except those with exceptionally gifted forwards like Alvarez.
He's certainly not ready to lead the line, he's too small, too weak and hasn't got any outstanding physical or technical attributes.
But, off the bench against tired legs, to get inbetween defenders or be a menace, I don't see why not. If he has someone that will stay up with him (like Alcaraz or George) then he could maybe start if we absolutely had to because Barry is injured or tired.
Sadly I think he'll go down the Tom Cannon route, a talented finisher who in the right lower league team could be a solid goalscorer, but not more than that. But tbf a year ago I didn't even really expect that, so he is improving.
03 Sep 2026 02:32:08
He would be very good as a dual striker with a big partner. Unfortunately, Moyes does not use two strikers. He does know how to score, which is in short supply. We will never know how good he could be if he is not used.
03 Sep 2026 09:41:07
He's a young lad at the start of his career. Normally he would have been loaned out now. To throw him into the first team could potentially ruin his development, unless the supporters were willing to cut the lad some slack and not expect miracles from him. He is not another Rooney.
03 Sep 2026 10:37:37
Stick Dixie Keane up top.