In praise of Rodrigo Muniz

C Block · October 25, 2026, 11:47:13 AM

I'm only posting this as nobody else appears to have mentioned it either on here or on X,
If you look back at the goal yesterday it came from a corner, that corner came about in part because of the physical presence of Rodrigo Muniz, it was only a little thing but he jumped with the keeper to deny him the chance of taking an easy catch, and in doing so the keeper tipped the ball behind for a corner,
I honestly don't think I've seen Garcia close enough to the keeper to challenge him all season, he literally carries no physical threat whatsoever.
He gets a lot of abuse on here so I just wanted to hi-light something that tends to go unnoticed.

Kimbleman · October 25, 2026, 11:59:48 AM

I just can't believe the closest thing we have as a number nine is kept on the bench by Garcia.

FFC In Oz · October 25, 2026, 12:33:05 PM

Both of our strikers (not including JKA) seem to be really good at many of the intangible kind of qualities. Garcia is solid with his pressing and makes a lot of clever runs, Muniz as you point out is a really tricky physical presence to come up against and his awkwardness can make it difficult for defenders to battle with him.

Unfortunately neither seem to actually possess the main quality strikers need - putting the ball in the back of the net

LittleErn · October 25, 2026, 12:57:29 PM

Quote from: C Block on October 25, 2026, 11:47:13 AMI'm only posting this as nobody else appears to have mentioned it either on here or on X,
If you look back at the goal yesterday it came from a corner, that corner came about in part because of the physical presence of Rodrigo Muniz, it was only a little thing but he jumped with the keeper to deny him the chance of taking an easy catch, and in doing so the keeper tipped the ball behind for a corner,
I honestly don't think I've seen Garcia close enough to the keeper to challenge him all season, he literally carries no physical threat whatsoever.
He gets a lot of abuse on here so I just wanted to hi-light something that tends to go unnoticed.

Quote from: FFC In Oz on October 25, 2026, 12:33:05 PMBoth of our strikers (not including JKA) seem to be really good at many of the intangible kind of qualities. Garcia is solid with his pressing and makes a lot of clever runs, Muniz as you point out is a really tricky physical presence to come up against and his awkwardness can make it difficult for defenders to battle with him.

Unfortunately neither seem to actually possess the main quality strikers need - putting the ball in the back of the net

Agree with both the above. I have been critical of Muniz for a long time, but in his cameo yesterday he looked sharper than I have seen him before. The speed with which he closed the keeper down was a revelation to me. I will watch him against CP in midweek with renewed interest.

St Eve · October 25, 2026, 01:18:25 PM

Maybe there will be an opportunity to play them both at some time

FFC In Oz · October 25, 2026, 02:09:31 PM

Quote from: St Eve on October 25, 2026, 01:18:25 PMMaybe there will be an opportunity to play them both at some time

For two minutes before taking GG off

Hugh Janus · October 25, 2026, 02:21:29 PM

Garcia has been unconvincing so far but it's very early days. Muniz has had 5 seasons. He hasn't scored a Premier League goal since early August 2025. He won the corner yesterday by putting a very poor keeper under pressure but I still think he is no where near Premier League level. I wish that wasn't the case.

cookieg · October 25, 2026, 02:56:43 PM

On the flip side when we needed to keep the ball in the last few minutes with the ball at his feet rather than head for the corner he hit the ball straight to their keeper who started another attack which fortunately didn't cost us but easily could have.

Fulham 442 · October 25, 2026, 03:05:11 PM

I've said on another forum that Muniz should start next match.

Whitestone · October 25, 2026, 03:15:20 PM

Quote from: Fulham 442 on October 25, 2026, 03:05:11 PMI've said on another forum that Muniz should start next match.

I'm sure you'll get your wish as it's against Palace in the cup.

KentFulham · October 25, 2026, 04:15:05 PM

Quote from: Fulham 442 on October 25, 2026, 03:05:11 PMI've said on another forum that Muniz should start next match.

Why? We havent lost in 4, why change Muniz in?

Hatch007 · October 25, 2026, 04:17:56 PM

Erm ... because he hasn't scored since Wimbledon and subsequently missed some very simple chances.

Muniz literally can't do any worse and has scored in both games that he's started this season!

Apart from the above, no reason whatsoever 🙄

bahay18 · October 25, 2026, 05:13:20 PM

Muniz has to start the next game . Garcia just played all 3 promoted clubs and failed to score , he wont get 3 easier games . To say muniz hasbt sxored since Aug 2025 is a little harsh , the guy just hasnt been fit . In the 2 runs he was given when fully fit he scored plenty and his finishing was excellent . Deserves his chance now .

C Block · October 25, 2026, 05:23:49 PM

Garcia this season in the Premier League this season,
673 minutes played
1 Goal
No assists
And he's played Sunderland, Manchester United, Ipswich, Hull and Coventry in that time
I think it's fair to say we need to sign a striker in January despite the money spent on Garcia.

alfie · October 25, 2026, 05:27:26 PM

Quote from: Hugh Janus on October 25, 2026, 02:21:29 PMGarcia has been unconvincing so far but it's very early days. Muniz has had 5 seasons. He hasn't scored a Premier League goal since early August 2025. He won the corner yesterday by putting a very poor keeper under pressure but I still think he is no where near Premier League level. I wish that wasn't the case.

Can't say he has had great service from crosses.

howitis · October 25, 2026, 05:41:25 PM

Whatever the answer is, it's definitely not
Muniz !!

C Block · October 25, 2026, 05:51:10 PM

Quote from: howitis on October 25, 2026, 05:41:25 PMWhatever the answer is, it's definitely not
Muniz !!

He definitely deserves a chance though,but after saying that I don't think he'll get a chance as I can't see Arbeloa dropping Garcia.

Southdowns White · October 25, 2026, 06:09:48 PM

People are going to shoot me down for this but, if after 5 years Muniz still can't cut the mustard he should be gone from the club. I'm sure he's a lovely bloke and his heart is in the right place, but please get a striker who can do what strikers do.

Mullers OG · October 25, 2026, 06:23:54 PM

Muniz does what centre forwards should. He challenges for high balls, physically imposes himself and scores with his head (in both games he's started this season).

As with all supporters I hope Garcia comes good but at the moment IMO Muniz is the better option.

Andrew · October 25, 2026, 07:08:22 PM

I do not understand the criticism of Muniz. He was playing really well, got injured and took a while to get fit and has barely had a chance this season. He looked good yesterday scored in both cup games and represents a proper physical presence. He deserves a few games as starter... I like Garcia but he is clearly not being used to show his undoubted talent but he doesn't appear to be a centre forward .

Time for Muniz to have a chance

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In praise of Rodrigo Muniz