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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Riversider on March 23, 2017, 01:26:11 PM

Title: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Riversider on March 23, 2017, 01:26:11 PM
If Chelsea offered us Kalas in the summer for £8 million, would you take them up on it ?
I'm not sure I would,
Three months in to the season I would have ripped their arm off, but in my humble opinion since the turn of the year he has been all over the place and at times looks a liability, going from looking calm and measured to panicky and indecisive ,
So for me it's two brand new centre backs for next season (along with other positions)
And it's vital that we get it right this season as we've gone through a heck of a lot of centre backs these last 3 or 4 seasons ,
Oh for a 25 year old Tony Gale and Chris Coleman .
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Bassey the warrior on March 23, 2017, 01:57:42 PM
Yes I would. He's exactly what we need and still with room to develop. He's made mistakes but all players do. I also think Madl should start, big fan of him.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: MJG on March 23, 2017, 02:10:14 PM
Yes
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: FPT on March 23, 2017, 02:39:06 PM
Stats, results, and the eye says we're a better team when Tomas Kalas plays. What we need to consider is that he's still only 23 years of age and playing in an open expansive team where more often than not, he's been the glue at the back when our central defenders are frequently exposed. It's like when Pep said about John Stones, "it's not easy being a centre back with this manager (meaning himself)." If we were playing 442, two banks of four and defending on our own penalty box and counter attacking, he'd look like one of the supreme defenders in the division. Tomas Kalas is a huge part of our success this season both in shoring the defence and continuing our style of play.

£8m is pricy, but with that you're getting already a good central defender that can play for you today whilst still having Premier League potential. We let him go back to Chelsea, we'll need two quality ones again and chances are, that'll cost you more than £8m anyway. Brighton spent £5m on Shane Duffy and were fortunate to have Lewis Dunk come from the academy to partner him because as we saw... he'd cost you more than £5m. Newcastle spent £10.5m on Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley in the summer, as well as £4m on Jamaal Lascelles two years previously. Aston Villa spent £11m partnering Tommy Elphick and James Chester.

Even then £8m is a completely speculative figure, Chelsea may not want to sell, they may want more, they may accept less, they may think £8m is enough for both Kalas and Piazon. Until multiple reports come out, we can't really debate the value because this figure has been made up.

It also depends on the finances of the club. If we only have, say, £15m to spend without sales included on players, Kalas fills a need, but on that "£8m" it's more than half of the summers budget when we still have to find a partner for him, as well as get the midfield some depth and sign a striker or two.

Anyway, I would be very keen on keeping Tomas Kalas at the football club, and would be even happier if we were to partner him with someone like Dani Ayala (who we allegedly made an offer for in January but rejected by Middlesbrough). Relegation for Boro would probably put Ayala back into their starting eleven but someone of that ilk (a legitimate defender and a strong leader) would benefit the entire team, but the defence in particular.

Very, very, very, very interesting 5/6 months ahead of us with the play off race and a summer window no matter what division we're in.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: AlexW132 on March 23, 2017, 02:48:48 PM
My biggest worry is how injury prone he is
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: FFCFOREVER on March 23, 2017, 02:59:38 PM
I would definitely take him for 8M but as has been said would pair him with Madl.When they play together there seems to be a bit more calmness about the lad.Maybe he is carrying a niggling injury which is hampering his performances somewhat.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Woolly Mammoth on March 23, 2017, 03:24:46 PM
Most Definitely⚽️
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Riversider on March 23, 2017, 03:34:38 PM
As has been pointed out the figure of £8 million is purely speculative , who knows it may well be £12 million or more,
Where it would get interesting is if they were to come in for Sessegnon , Kalas and Tammy Abraham , plus a bit of cash on the proviso that Sessegnon joins us on loan for 2 seasons (at least) then it all takes on a new dimension .
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Mince n Tatties on March 23, 2017, 03:42:40 PM
Actually think he has been poor since he came back from injury.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 23, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Just as you shouldn't judge a book by the cover or the first few pages, so you shouldn't judge a player's ability on selected game sequences.  Kalas looks a really good defender in the making and I'd take him from Chelsea at a realistic price for where he is in his career.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: justinfromga on March 23, 2017, 04:47:19 PM
Quote from: FPT on March 23, 2017, 02:39:06 PM
Stats, results, and the eye says we're a better team when Tomas Kalas plays. What we need to consider is that he's still only 23 years of age and playing in an open expansive team where more often than not, he's been the glue at the back when our central defenders are frequently exposed. It's like when Pep said about John Stones, "it's not easy being a centre back with this manager (meaning himself)." If we were playing 442, two banks of four and defending on our own penalty box and counter attacking, he'd look like one of the supreme defenders in the division. Tomas Kalas is a huge part of our success this season both in shoring the defence and continuing our style of play.

£8m is pricy, but with that you're getting already a good central defender that can play for you today whilst still having Premier League potential. We let him go back to Chelsea, we'll need two quality ones again and chances are, that'll cost you more than £8m anyway. Brighton spent £5m on Shane Duffy and were fortunate to have Lewis Dunk come from the academy to partner him because as we saw... he'd cost you more than £5m. Newcastle spent £10.5m on Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley in the summer, as well as £4m on Jamaal Lascelles two years previously. Aston Villa spent £11m partnering Tommy Elphick and James Chester.

Even then £8m is a completely speculative figure, Chelsea may not want to sell, they may want more, they may accept less, they may think £8m is enough for both Kalas and Piazon. Until multiple reports come out, we can't really debate the value because this figure has been made up.

It also depends on the finances of the club. If we only have, say, £15m to spend without sales included on players, Kalas fills a need, but on that "£8m" it's more than half of the summers budget when we still have to find a partner for him, as well as get the midfield some depth and sign a striker or two.

Anyway, I would be very keen on keeping Tomas Kalas at the football club, and would be even happier if we were to partner him with someone like Dani Ayala (who we allegedly made an offer for in January but rejected by Middlesbrough). Relegation for Boro would probably put Ayala back into their starting eleven but someone of that ilk (a legitimate defender and a strong leader) would benefit the entire team, but the defence in particular.

Very, very, very, very interesting 5/6 months ahead of us with the play off race and a summer window no matter what division we're in.

I think it really does depend on the clubs transfer budget for the summer.  We have needs all over the pitch and we can't afford to blow it all on one player.  So in a world of unlimited funds and pre-set prices I would absolutely take Kalas for 8m.  But we aren't in that world.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: cmg on March 23, 2017, 05:05:41 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on March 23, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Just as you shouldn't judge a book by the cover or the first few pages, so you shouldn't judge a player's ability on selected game sequences.  Kalas looks a really good defender in the making and I'd take him from Chelsea at a realistic price for where he is in his career.

Yes. Agree. We know he's a pretty good player, minor fluctuations of form can be expected of any defender who isn't Paolo Maldini.

£8m (which is purely conjecture) might be a bit steep, but we need a player like him and £8m is not beyond our means.

The question surely is: would Chelsea be willing to let him go?
They currently play 3 at the back. Pick from Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Zouma and Terry.
They will need to replace one, possibly two, of those for next season.
They may, of course make a big name signing.
If they look to their own ressources they have, at u23, Davey, who probably won't make it and three teenagers including Chalobah who is excellent but at 17 probably too young for the PL.
This leaves 5 on loan (!). Christensen (20), regular in Bundesliga, will probably be promoted next year.
Hector (24) also plenty of B'liga time.
Omeruo (23) regular in Turkey top league and for Nigeria.
Miazga (21) regular in Eredivisie but seems to be rated inferior to Ream by USA.

Kalas would probably rate as no.2 on this list so we might have a fair chance of persuading them to part with him. Depends, maybe, on how much more mileage they think they can get out of Cahill.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 23, 2017, 05:18:55 PM
Quote from: cmg on March 23, 2017, 05:05:41 PM
Quote from: toshes mate on March 23, 2017, 04:09:24 PM
Just as you shouldn't judge a book by the cover or the first few pages, so you shouldn't judge a player's ability on selected game sequences.  Kalas looks a really good defender in the making and I'd take him from Chelsea at a realistic price for where he is in his career.

Yes. Agree. We know he's a pretty good player, minor fluctuations of form can be expected of any defender who isn't Paolo Maldini.

£8m (which is purely conjecture) might be a bit steep, but we need a player like him and £8m is not beyond our means.

The question surely is: would Chelsea be willing to let him go?


We could always offer them Stearman as a swap...... :-)
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: FPT on March 23, 2017, 06:45:35 PM
Quote from: justinfromga on March 23, 2017, 04:47:19 PM
I think it really does depend on the clubs transfer budget for the summer.  We have needs all over the pitch and we can't afford to blow it all on one player.  So in a world of unlimited funds and pre-set prices I would absolutely take Kalas for 8m.  But we aren't in that world.

And on that justinfromga, we go into a whole separate discussion on players for next season... We don't know the status of Jozabed's Fulham career, we don't know whether Scott Parker will retire or not, could the club decide Ragnar Sigurdsson is a bust a try to cash in whilst he's still old enough to produce? Do Wolves want Richard Stearman back, or could we interest teams elsewhere in him? Can Lasse Vigen Christensen be the squad player he really should be? We still have an option to sign Chris Martin, can we trigger that to try to sell him for profit? Will Tom Cairney and/or Ryan Sessegnon be tempted by the lights of the Premier League? Is it possible to keep the current loanees (even if we tried)?

So many questions go into this window if remain a Championship side, and then getting promotion is a different ball game.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Wearethewhites on March 23, 2017, 10:05:18 PM
Honestly, no. Think he's overrated personally. He's ok, but believe we can do better if we look, and for less money. Good ball player, but lightweight, and as mentioned above, injury prone.

If I was a betting man, I reckon the Club will pass on him in the summer.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: filham on March 23, 2017, 10:55:14 PM
£8m for a Champions League defender, surely not, but everyone knows be have defensive problems so we will be subjected to rip off asking prices.

Since Hangeland and Hughes left we have failed completely to fill the two centre back positions and Kalas seems the best so far. Surely there must be a defender operating in the lower divisions who can do a good job and would come to us at a reasonable price.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Carborundum on March 24, 2017, 06:44:28 AM
We need two starting defenders of Kalas' quality or higher.  One of them needs to be bigger than Kalas, or we will continue to struggle against a certain style of play and will be targeted.

Given that he's not our player and will be a target for any number of clubs this summer, I'm not investing too much hope in us signing him, but would welcome it if it happens. 
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 24, 2017, 09:44:21 AM
Quote from: filham on March 23, 2017, 10:55:14 PM
£8m for a Champions League defender, surely not, but everyone knows be have defensive problems so we will be subjected to rip off asking prices.

Since Hangeland and Hughes left we have failed completely to fill the two centre back positions and Kalas seems the best so far. Surely there must be a defender operating in the lower divisions who can do a good job and would come to us at a reasonable price.

Agree.  I also believe SJ feels that Ream is the best partner for Kalas as their play is complementary together and with the full backs and defensive midfielders.  I don't think Chelsea's asking price for Kalas will be quite as high as this thread guesses; I also don't feel he will be on Chelsea's radar as a future squad performer and surely that will affect decisions made in the summer.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 24, 2017, 09:56:19 AM
Quote from: Carborundum on March 24, 2017, 06:44:28 AM
We need two starting defenders of Kalas' quality or higher.  One of them needs to be bigger than Kalas, or we will continue to struggle against a certain style of play and will be targeted.

I certainly feel height is an issue we have struggled with all season in set pieces etc.  But we have also struggled with positional cover because of our style of play which suggests we need speed too.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Tonywa on March 24, 2017, 10:20:56 AM
Rather depends in which division we are playing. I would try to keep him if we remain in the Championship, but not if we managed to get promoted.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: ffcwickford on March 24, 2017, 10:28:32 AM
Definite buy and will probably be below the £8m being mentioned here. His partnership with the 'amazingly berated' Ream here - who I think complements him so well.

I am a season ticket holder and watch them very closely, I think Kalas is playing through a slight problem probably for the cause of the playoffs and probably why he only played internationally for 45 minutes during the week.

Madl is also a good call, I have been a little surprised by Sigurdsson's difficulties but expect that to improve during the next season if we retain him.

Zahore (Cardiff City - bloody monster!) would definitely be on my buy list well ahead of Martin, who should be returned to Derby at the end of OUR season, and/or maybe, a sneaky loan bid for Tammy Abraham and the outright purchase of Lucas Piazon from Chelsea.

Can see George Williams and Stephen Humphrys and a few U18s and U23s breaking through next season and LVC and Woodrow both being available and useful additions should we make the playoffs. Grimmer and Burgess possibly to leave or be loaned out again but to League One this time at the start of next season. Tunnicliffe is out of contract and if Parker does decide to retire he is our enforcer and with no transfer fee - it is a no brainer.

Stearman surplus to requirements and possible transfer back to Wolves as Lambert seems to like him rather a lot!

I have no problems in the goalkeeping situation, but maybe Marcus needs some regular game time and go out on loan for first team games in the Championship, with a 24hr recall should injuries occur, leaving Jesse Joronen/Marek Rodak to understudy Button.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Twig on March 24, 2017, 01:03:09 PM
All over the place? No.  Should we take him on a perm? Yes.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Riversider on March 24, 2017, 01:36:08 PM
To all the people saying the price won't be as high as £8 million, why ?
He's a Chelsea player and current Czech international , why would he go for less ? Makes no sense to me.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Horsfield_No9 on March 24, 2017, 04:59:44 PM
If we could get him for 4m yes but never 8m. Ream seems to always be a lot busier, not saying he's better but just wonder why it's always Ream back their mopping up and under pressure.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Carborundum on March 24, 2017, 10:19:50 PM
Quote from: Horsfield_No9 on March 24, 2017, 04:59:44 PM
If we could get him for 4m yes but never 8m. Ream seems to always be a lot busier, not saying he's better but just wonder why it's always Ream back their mopping up and under pressure.
If I were a striker, I'd know which one to stand next to.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Twig on March 25, 2017, 07:46:25 AM
Quote from: Statto on March 24, 2017, 05:39:39 PM
I'd fully expect him to cost £8m

Remember Brighton wanted more than £6m for Dunk, and that was a couple of years ago

Kalas is exactly what we need - someone who can both defend and pass reasonably well. I can't think of another second tier defender who can do both those things, let alone one we could get without getting our pants pulled down

Injuries are a concern but I think we have to accept the only way we'll get someone of Kalas' calibre is if they've got some sort of defect.

If we can't get him, let's be honest the next best option will be a big lump like Dunk, Duffy, Hanley or Danny Baath, or another Tim Ream. I

That pretty much sums it up, unless we can unearth a talent from overseas that none of us have foreseen.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: @jolslover on March 25, 2017, 10:18:20 AM
Yes I would definitely have him for 8mill
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: New Kid on the Block on March 26, 2017, 07:31:35 AM
I'd have Kalas in a second, and if he wanted to join us, I think Chelsea would let him go. I'd be surprised if they saw him as a regular starter for them. He may not want to stay here if we don't get promoted, although he has gone on record to say he's happy here. Fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 26, 2017, 08:04:22 AM
Quote from: New Kid on the Block on March 26, 2017, 07:31:35 AM
I'd have Kalas in a second, and if he wanted to join us, I think Chelsea would let him go. I'd be surprised if they saw him as a regular starter for them. He may not want to stay here if we don't get promoted, although he has gone on record to say he's happy here. Fingers crossed.

That is my feeling and I have my fingers crossed too.  I also believe the valuations on here are too high because (a) true transfer values are hardly ever reported by Fulham and many other clubs, and are always of the sensational side of honest and truthful.  The bigger problem is wage demands.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: valdeingruo on March 26, 2017, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: Statto on March 24, 2017, 05:39:39 PM
I'd fully expect him to cost £8m

Remember Brighton wanted more than £6m for Dunk, and that was a couple of years ago

Kalas is exactly what we need - someone who can both defend and pass reasonably well. I can't think of another second tier defender who can do both those things, let alone one we could get without getting our pants pulled down

Injuries are a concern but I think we have to accept the only way we'll get someone of Kalas' calibre is if they've got some sort of defect.

If we can't get him, let's be honest the next best option will be a big lump like Dunk, Duffy, Hanley or Danny Baath, or another Tim Ream. I

We also have to factor in Chelsea will be looking for central defenders during the summer too. They could see him as the perfect cover for Cahill and Zouma if the later himself doesnt leave.

I think if we cant get Kalas for a reasonable sum, it would be good businees as it would be one less player to have to learn the system.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Riversider on March 27, 2017, 02:21:15 PM
Quote from: andersons11 on March 26, 2017, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: Statto on March 24, 2017, 05:39:39 PM
I'd fully expect him to cost £8m

Remember Brighton wanted more than £6m for Dunk, and that was a couple of years ago

Kalas is exactly what we need - someone who can both defend and pass reasonably well. I can't think of another second tier defender who can do both those things, let alone one we could get without getting our pants pulled down

Injuries are a concern but I think we have to accept the only way we'll get someone of Kalas' calibre is if they've got some sort of defect.

If we can't get him, let's be honest the next best option will be a big lump like Dunk, Duffy, Hanley or Danny Baath, or another Tim Ream. I

We also have to factor in Chelsea will be looking for central defenders during the summer too. They could see him as the perfect cover for Cahill and Zouma if the later himself doesnt leave.

I think if we cant get Kalas for a reasonable sum, it would be good businees as it would be one less player to have to learn the system.


Just my opinion but I don't see him being anywhere near good enough to play for Chelsea and the Champions League.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: valdeingruo on March 28, 2017, 12:24:44 PM
Quote from: Riversider on March 27, 2017, 02:21:15 PM
Quote from: andersons11 on March 26, 2017, 08:14:09 PM
Quote from: Statto on March 24, 2017, 05:39:39 PM
I'd fully expect him to cost £8m

Remember Brighton wanted more than £6m for Dunk, and that was a couple of years ago

Kalas is exactly what we need - someone who can both defend and pass reasonably well. I can't think of another second tier defender who can do both those things, let alone one we could get without getting our pants pulled down

Injuries are a concern but I think we have to accept the only way we'll get someone of Kalas' calibre is if they've got some sort of defect.

If we can't get him, let's be honest the next best option will be a big lump like Dunk, Duffy, Hanley or Danny Baath, or another Tim Ream. I

We also have to factor in Chelsea will be looking for central defenders during the summer too. They could see him as the perfect cover for Cahill and Zouma if the later himself doesnt leave.

I think if we cant get Kalas for a reasonable sum, it would be good businees as it would be one less player to have to learn the system.


Just my opinion but I don't see him being anywhere near good enough to play for Chelsea and the Champions League.

Chelsea may see it the same way, but keep him anyways. Easier to keep a player on the bench than go out and spend a couple million to find a player to do the same to.
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: Riversider on March 28, 2017, 02:03:26 PM


Just my opinion but I don't see him being anywhere near good enough to play for Chelsea and the Champions League.
[/quote]

Chelsea may see it the same way, but keep him anyways. Easier to keep a player on the bench than go out and spend a couple million to find a player to do the same to.
[/quote]

If you think that Chelsea might agree with me , I.e "he's not good enough to play for them in either the Premier League or the Champions League"
Why then would they want him on the bench ?
That makes no sense whatsoever !
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: toshes mate on March 28, 2017, 02:55:15 PM
Kalas will become good enough to play in PL and CL but he has a lot of maturing, hard work and cutting out of weaknesses to do before he gets there.  As it stands if a replacement for him would cost Chelsea £2m then why would Chelsea expect Fulham to pay more than that for the man himself?
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: epsomraver on March 28, 2017, 03:01:37 PM
makes me laugh when people say he is all over the place and injury prone, I am sure he doesn't invite a kick in the leg, if he didn't mix it then he wouldn't be injured so much so what do you want? as to being all over the place and the comparisons to Hangeland, Kallas hasn't had a regular centre partner or a consistant back line all season and a suspect GK at times, Brede was partnered with Hughes , one of the best readers of the game we have ever had and he had a world class GK behind him
Title: Re: Is Kalas what we need for next season ?
Post by: valdeingruo on March 28, 2017, 03:32:26 PM
Quote from: Riversider on March 28, 2017, 02:03:26 PM


Just my opinion but I don't see him being anywhere near good enough to play for Chelsea and the Champions League.

Chelsea may see it the same way, but keep him anyways. Easier to keep a player on the bench than go out and spend a couple million to find a player to do the same to.
[/quote]

If you think that Chelsea might agree with me , I.e "he's not good enough to play for them in either the Premier League or the Champions League"
Why then would they want him on the bench ?
That makes no sense whatsoever !