Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 18/03/26...

[WhiteJC]

In defence of Joachim Andersen
Our Danish centre-back is, statistically, Fulham's best defender - by a lot.

Yes, Joa (and maybe the ref) lost us the Southampton game and, yes, it is terrifying to see any player with speed run at him, but he is not, according to stats, a bad defender. Instead, he ranks as one of the league's (and Fulham's) best in terms of total defensive contributions.



Total defensive contributions refers essentially to the total number of clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles (CBIT). Joa has accumulated almost a hundred more this season than the next player on Fulham, Sander Berge ,who has 293 CBIT. It's not close.

If you look at the data as CBIT per 90 for the Fulham squad (regardless of total starts), Cuenca edges out Andersen with a total of 10.76 CBIT per 90 compred to Joa's 10.30, but Andersen is still a lot better than the rest of the club.



Based on the numbers, it's not clear if Diop, for example, is a one-for-one replacement for Joa (even though he is faster and bigger). And, in addition to making an inordinate number of clearances, blocks, interceptions and tackles for Fulham, Andersen is one of the the best in league in making long passes, which is critical for Fulham because of our passing-challenged goalkeeper. He's currently, third best in the league with 5.5 accurate long balls per 90.



While he's very good at a lot of things, Joachim Andersen is not perfect. He is relatively slow for the Premier league. As I mentioned previously, FIFA ratings gives him a pace rating of 39, the same as 38-year-old Tim Ream. He can - and has - been beaten by attackers with pace, like what happened with Southampton when Joa ran back and pushed a faster attacker running by him and gave away a penalty - and the game.

In his book How to Win The Premier League, Ian Graham writes about when Liverpool looked to acquire Andy Roberston and the data team, which he led, expressed concerns about Robertson's defensive abilities. Jurgen Klopp overruled them because he wanted Robertson's offensive strengths on the team despite his apparent defensive weaknesses. As Graham writes, "Rather than demanding the perfect player, he (Klopp) was willing to find creative solutions to maximize each player's strengths and to minimize their weaknesses."

Joachim Andersen is a very good defender with a real weakness: his speed. Marco has managed this by protecting him with strong and aggressive defenders who can help recover like Kenny Tete. This is especially important given that our goalkeeper was rated the slowest player in all of the Premier League. Fulham's problem, though, is really our defensive depth. Timothy Castagne is a fine player but is he really fast enough (and a good enough tackler) to protect Joachim Andersen? And, yet Marco Silva doesn't have many other options if Kenny Tete is not available.

Ironically, Fulham, even more than Liverpool because of the club's relative financial constraints, needs to construct a winning squad with imperfect players but can't always afford all the options needed to manage the weaknesses of these players. We, as a result, have to live with some risk if we want to win.

So, yes, maybe we could replace Andersen with Diop to deal with the lack of speed in the back, but we might be giving away what we need to win in other areas as well. And, based on Andersen's stats - relative to the league - he might not be the first puzzle piece on the board that Fulham should look to replace.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/in-defence-of-joachim-andersen

[WhiteJC]

Wales 'cannot afford to lose' Wilson, says Bellamy
Craig Bellamy has underlined Harry Wilson's importance to Wales by describing the Fulham attacking midfielder as a player his team cannot afford to lose.

Wilson has been in sparkling form for club and country this season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old has also been outstanding for Wales for a sustained period, with 12 of his 17 career international goals coming in the past three years.

Wilson gave Bellamy a scare when he injured his ankle playing for Fulham against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month - but returned to action last weekend and declared himself fit for Wales.

Bellamy's side face Bosnia-Herzegovina in a World Cup play-off semi-final at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday 26 March, with the winners hosting Italy or Northern Ireland in the final five days later.

"He [Wilson] is definitely one of those players," said the Wales head coach.

"We do have a big squad and we keep trying to improve that, and we have to because the reality is the biggest squads stand a better chance to qualify.

"But we're still fragile. There's still one or two players we can't afford to lose. I'd like us to get out of that situation, and Harry's definitely turned into one of those players.

"You look at our goals, you look at our assists, he's played a huge part in that department. When he hasn't played, you can see the difference."

Wilson's return to fitness was particularly timely for Wales, who are without Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies, Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore and centre-back Chris Mepham – on loan at West Bromwich Albion from Bournemouth – for these play-offs because of injury.

The former Liverpool and Bournemouth winger scored a hat-trick when Wales last played, demolishing North Macedonia 7-1 in November to secure home advantage against Bosnia.

Bellamy hopes other players can step up to fill the void should Wilson ever be unavailable, as the Fulham man has done since Gareth Bale – Wales' greatest player of all time, by common consensus – retired in 2023.

"We haven't had anyone to quite move into that role. I do believe that's a matter of time," said Bellamy.

"But at this present moment, especially the form he's been in this season, we just hope he's fit."



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cz7g4xdzzggo

[WhiteJC]

'Our aspirations': Why Marco Silva feels Burnley game is 'crucial' for his Fulham side
Marco Silva has labelled Fulham's game against Burnley next Saturday as "crucial" to his side's European aspirations.

The Cottagers' 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday sees them remain 11th in the Premier League table, only three points adrift of Brentford in seventh.

Fulham, who haven't qualified for Europe since 2011, only have the league to focus on after being dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton in the last round, following Silva's much-criticised decision to make nine changes.

That means they can fully focus on their league campaign, which sees them host Scott Parker's side at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

Coming into the game off the back of a first clean sheet since December, Silva is keen to take full advantage.

"A clean sheet is something very important for us," he said.

"I have to say that's been missing and probably playing a big part in some games for us when we are not able to win the game, to not concede as well.

"We move on for a game before the international break that is going to be crucial if you want to fight for something more. It's going to be crucial to our aspirations."

Beyond Saturday's game, both sides don't play against for three weeks due to a combination of the international break and the FA Cup quarter finals.



https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/our-aspirations-why-marco-silva-feels-burnley-game-is-crucial-for-his-fulham-side-5936883

[WhiteJC]

[size=4Winner named in Everton and Fulham race to sign PSV striker Ricardo Pepi[/size]
Everton have been linked with a move to sign PSV striker Ricardo Pepi for several weeks.

It was reported during the January transfer window that David Moyes was 'fixated' on signing a centre-forward.

PSV's Ricardo Pepi was on Moyes' radar, but ultimately, Everton decided against making a move mid-season.

The Toffees are expected to go back in for a number nine this summer, so interest may have been reignited in the USA international.

However, Fulham have already beaten them to it.

Fulham reach 'verbal agreement' to sign Everton target Ricardo Pepi
Fulham were rivalling Everton for Pepi's signature during the winter window, and had a £26m bid rejected.

The Cottagers haven't dropped their interest and have continued to work on the deal ahead of the summer.

Now, Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Marco Silva's side have already reached a 'verbal agreement' to sign the Toffees target for around £31m.

Romano's X post read: "Fulham reach verbal agreement to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, here we go!

"Formal steps to follow for €36m package deal agreed between clubs. Personal terms also agreed.

"Pepi could undergo his medical at Fulham in the upcoming days."

Everton will have to look elsewhere, and they have been drawing up a list of striking targets recently.

Atletico Madrid frontman Alexander Sorloth has been linked to the Toffees, and so too has AZ Alkmaar's Troy Parrott.

Parrott is reportedly available for just £15m, so that'd be a pretty-risk signing worth exploring.

The Republic of Ireland international, who has netted 27 goals in 39 outings this term, is open to returning to England.

Moyes had scouts watching Parrott during the international break last autumn.



https://www.everton.news/winner-named-in-everton-and-fulham-race-to-sign-psv-striker-ricardo-pepi/

[WhiteJC]

'Here We Go' - Fabrizio Romano Confirms USA Star Will Join Fulham in £31m Deal
Fulham have reached a verbal agreement to sign United States forward Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.

The Cottagers have long been linked with a move for the American attacker and they came close to landing him last month, but now they look set to finally land their man.

Fulham boss Marco Silva has often been left frustrated by the club's transfer business, including last summer, as he looks to try and take the club forward from their current mid-table placing.

The Portuguese manager will want to add quality to his team ahead of next season, especially if he is to commit his future to the club in the coming weeks, with his contract at Craven Cottage due to expire at the end of the campaign.

Ricardo Pepi Set for Fulham Medical
Posting on X on Tuesday afternoon, Romano says that Fulham have reached a verbal agreement over a £31m ($41m) package deal with Dutch giants PSV.

Personal terms are also agreed between the Premier League side and the 23-year-old Texan.

With a deal now agreed, the forward could undergo his medical at Fulham in the upcoming days before completing his move ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Pepi Showing His Potential
After scoring 16 goals in 59 appearances for FC Dallas, the 18-year-old secured a dream move to Europe with German club Augsburg in 2022.

It was a transfer that didn't work out though, with Pepi really finding his feet in the Netherlands instead.

His form during a loan spell with FC Groningen convinced PSV Eindhoven to part with €9m to sign him in 2023, and he has been a huge success.

The now 23-year-old has netted 39 goals in 95 games for the Dutch giants, including 13 in 27 appearances this term.

It was form that nearly saw him join Fulham for £32m during the January transfer window, before a deadline day switch to Craven Cottage collapsed because PSV couldn't source a replacement in time.

Pepi has 13 goals in 34 caps for his country ahead of the 2026 World Cup this summer, and he will be hoping to make Mauricio Pochettino's squad and make a big impact in his home country as the USA look to make history.

What Are Ricardo Pepi's Best Traits?
GIVEMESPORT asked ChatGPT to summarise Pepi's best traits ahead of his transfer to Fulham, and this is what it said:

    Intelligent off-ball movement and positioning
    Clinical finishing with strong poacher instincts
    Ability to score a variety of goal types
    Effective link-up play and combination passing
    Solid hold-up play using his physical frame
    High work rate and pressing from the front
    Good spatial awareness in the box
    Composure in front of goal



https://www.givemesport.com/fulham-fabrizio-romano-confirms-ricardo-pepi-transfer/

[WhiteJC]

Fabrizio Romano: Fulham agree £31m deal to sign player, medical could happen in next few days
Fabrizio Romano has said that Fulham have already agreed their first signing of the summer well in advance, and he could have an imminent medical.

Marco Silva's side have been something of an enigma this season.

Sitting 11th in the Premier League with 41 points, the Cottagers have never quite kicked on to the level their squad suggested they might at points this term.

A 2-1 win over Tottenham and a 3-1 victory at Sunderland recently showed what they are capable of at their best, but a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham, an FA Cup exit against Southampton and Sunday's toothless 0-0 draw at Nottingham Forest — failing to register a single shot on target — are a reminder that consistency has eluded them throughout.

With Burnley at home next and a run-in that includes Liverpool and Arsenal, there is still plenty to play for in the top half as Silva, who faces an uncertain future, ponders his long-term west London stay.

But while results on the pitch have been mixed, business behind the scenes is heating up rapidly — and this afternoon Fulham made the statement of intent their supporters have been waiting months for.

Fulham agree £31m deal to sign Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven
Indeed, Romano has now confirmed that Fulham have reached a verbal agreement with PSV Eindhoven to sign USA international striker Ricardo Pepi in a £31m package deal.

Personal terms have also been agreed with the 23-year-old, and the Texan could undergo his medical at Craven Cottage within the coming days.

The deal brings an end to one of the most drawn-out transfer sagas of the season.

Fulham first identified Pepi months ago, submitting multiple bids that were repeatedly knocked back by PSV. A deal appeared done at the January deadline — with a fee agreed between the clubs — only to collapse at the final hurdle when PSV were unable to source a replacement in time.

Pepi, who had broken his forearm in a league game against Excelsior in January, remained in Eindhoven to recover while Fulham regrouped and returned to the table.

He has since made a scoring return to action and has 13 goals in 27 competitive appearances this season.

PSV, who contracted him until 2030, had been holding out for closer to £36m — but the two clubs have now found common ground, and Romano's confirmation puts this firmly in the done deal category.

Pepi represents a genuine coup.

The El Paso-born forward broke through at FC Dallas before moving to Augsburg, where a difficult spell was swiftly followed by a transformative loan at Groningen.

His subsequent permanent move to PSV for just £7m in 2023 now looks like a bargain, with the Eredivisie giants set to almost quadruple their investment.

He is a powerful, penalty-box forward with 39 goals in 95 PSV appearances — mobile, good in the air, and tailor-made for the kind of wide, direct football Fulham play at their best.

With Raul Jimenez out of contract in the summer, Pepi arrives at exactly the right moment — and with a World Cup on home soil for the USA coming this summer, he will be desperate to hit the ground running.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fabrizio-romano-fulham-agree-deal-to-sign-ricardo-pepi/

[WhiteJC]

PSV and Fulham reach outline agreement on Pepi — American striker set for Craven Cottage
Fulham are closing in on the signing of Ricardo Pepi, with the long‑running move from PSV Eindhoven now nearing completion.

Multiple Dutch sources, including De Telegraaf, report that PSV Eindhoven have reached a verbal outline agreement with Fulham. It will be one of the Dutch club's biggest outgoing deals in years.

Transfer fee and contract details
The deal is valued at €36m, with performance‑related bonuses potentially taking the total cost to €40m. PSV have also secured a sell‑on clause as part of the agreement.

For PSV, the sale represents a major financial boost ahead of the summer window and underlines Pepi's rapid development since arriving in Eindhoven.

Fulham's long‑running pursuit
Fulham's interest in Pepi dates back several months. During the January transfer window, Fulham submitted an offer that PSV considered seriously.

They ultimately decided to delay Pepi's departure, though, as they were unable to secure a replacement before deadline day. Even then, though, the expectation was clear; Fulham would return in the summer offering similar terms. That has now come true.

The deal for Pepi is now moving quickly. Pepi is expected to travel to London in the coming days to complete a medical and agree personal terms.

If completed, the move would make Pepi one of the most expensive American players in football history. For PSV, the timing is ideal. The club can now plan the summer window with clarity, knowing a major sale is secured early.

A major step for club and player
Pepi's development in Eindhoven has been closely monitored across Europe. He has impressed with his finishing, off‑the‑ball movement and mentality. His record of 39 goals and eight assists in 95 appearances highlights his consistency at club level.

The Premier League represents a significant step up, and some observers have questioned how quickly Pepi will adapt.

But Fulham clearly believe the 23-year-old has the profile to thrive in England's top flight.

After months of talks and a January near‑miss, the move now looks set to be completed, with all parties aligned.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/psv-and-fulham-reach-outline-agreement-on-pepi-american-striker-set-for-craven-cottage/

[WhiteJC]

"Marco Silva" – Tottenham player on manager who got most from him
Tottenham Hotspur's João Palhinha established himself in the Premier League during an outstanding spell at Fulham, where he became one of the competition's most reliable defensive midfielders.

The Portuguese international arrived from Sporting in 2022 and quickly became a cornerstone of Marco Silva's side. Across two seasons, he made close to 80 appearances and scored eight goals. Yet his real impact came through his defensive output.

Palhinha led the Premier League for tackles in both the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns. He recorded 147 in his first season and followed that with 152 the year after. Few midfielders matched that level of consistency.

On top of that, he regularly contributed around two interceptions per game and ranked among the league's most active players for ball recoveries.
 
Those numbers help explain why Fulham were able to compete so effectively in midfield. They also provide context to a player who adapted quickly to the demands of English football.

Fulham success not by chance
That impact did not happen on its own. The Tottenham player is clear that Marco Silva played a central role in extracting those performances.

"He was very important for me. He helped me a lot since the first day," he said during the Jogo Pelo Jogo podcast in Portugal.

The Tottenham player repeatedly points to Silva's communication and clarity as decisive factors. From the beginning, he felt he understood what was required.

"He always gave me confidence and explained clearly what he wanted from me."

That trust translated into consistency on the pitch. Palhinha highlights how clarity from the bench simplifies decision-making during games.

"When you have that clarity, everything becomes easier on the pitch."

There is also a strong sense of personal connection in the way he speaks about the Fulham manager. The relationship went beyond tactical instruction and helped him settle quickly in a new league.

Other managers and influences
João Palhinha's development has also been shaped by several other coaches, particularly during his time in Portugal.

He singles out Rúben Amorim as another major influence. The midfielder praises both his communication and his ability to manage players.

"His communication was top. He is a coach with a lot of quality."

He also leaves little doubt about Amorim's future prospects. "I am sure he will succeed anywhere", he said.

Elsewhere, Palhinha references his experiences under Thomas Tuchel and Vincent Kompany. His comments there are broader, centred on adapting to different tactical ideas and demands.

"Every coach has different demands, and you need to adapt."

José Mourinho is mentioned more briefly, mainly in relation to media exposure rather than daily coaching work.

Our take: Tottenham spell is good, but not inspiring
It is worth noting that João Palhinha does not mention former Spurs manager Thomas Frank in these reflections. That says a lot about his North London spell until now, especially under the Danish coach.

Even though he is a regular starter when available, the Portuguese midfielder still can't compare his current form to what he displayed at Fulham.

These comments offer useful insight into the conditions that have previously allowed Palhinha to perform at his best.

His time at Craven Cottage showed how effective he can be when he feels trusted and clearly guided. Replicating those elements could be key if Spurs want to see the same level of consistency in north London.



https://sportwitness.co.uk/marco-silva-tottenham-player-on-manager-who-got-most-from-him/

[WhiteJC]

USMNT Striker Ricardo Pepi Headed to Premier League Side Fulham: Report
After months and months of rumors, it now appears as if USMNT striker Ricardo Pepi will finally have a new home.

The PSV talisman is reportedly going to leave Holland for Fulham in the English Premier League. The report comes from famed soccer journalist Fabrizio Romano. Romano mentioned that the two sides are in agreement on a deal worth approximately $41.5 million.

Fulham made no secret about its desire to ink the talented 23-year-old goal-scoring dynamo. The two sides previously aimed to come to an agreement before the current campaign began. As it currently stands, Pepi will join Fulham after the World Cup this summer.

The Texas native flourished as a professional. He began his career with FC Dallas as a 16-year-old. Pepi later parlayed his strong performance domestically into a move to German side Augsburg, and later to FC Groningen in Holland. However, Pepi's career took off once being signed by the Dutch giant PSV in 2023.

Pepi's primarily as the team's top striker off bench. Even then, he accrued 39 goals and eight assists over 95 matches with the club in all competitions. Pepi cut his teeth both in Champions League play as well as with the U.S. National Team. This experience should enable him to acclimate to live in the Premier League quite well.

Prior to his move to London, Pepi figures to be a member of the U.S. World Cup roster this summer. He'll be battling with Folarin Balogun to be the first-choice striker. Even if relegated to a reserve role, Pepi's proven he can be highly effective in this situation.
2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.




Read more at: https://www.fresnobee.com/sports/article315090642.html#storylink=cpy

[WhiteJC]

USMNT's Ricardo Pepi close to transfer from PSV to Fulham
United States men's national team forward Ricardo Pepi is close to agreeing a summer move to Fulham, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

Sources said that Fulham have had an offer in the region of €40 million ($46m) accepted by PSV Eindhoven and personal terms are not understood to be an issue. The move is pending a medical.

Fulham have been longstanding admirers of the PSV striker, and ESPN reported the Premier League submitted a bid for him in January.

The move didn't go through then as there was a gap in valuation while PSV were also seeking a replacement, but Fulham have maintained their interest in the 23-year-old ahead of the transfer window reopening in the summer.

The deal represents a huge profit for PSV, who spent €11m to sign Pepi from Augsburg in 2023. Since then he has established himself as one of the most lethal finishers in the Eredivisie and is set to be a key part of the USMNT's plans for this summer's World Cup.

Pepi suffered a broken arm in early January, but has scored twice in his four appearances since making his comeback. Overall this season he has been lethal in front of goal, and has scored 13 in 27 appearances in all competitions.

The FC Dallas academy product was included in Mauricio Pochettino's squad named on Tuesday for friendlies against Belgium on March 28 and Portugal three days later. He has 13 goals in 34 appearances for the U.S., since making his debut in 2021.



https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/48233218/usa-ricardo-pepi-transfer-fulham-psv-eindhoven

[WhiteJC]

Sources: USMNT star Ricardo Pepi nears $42 million transfer to Fulham
Fulham are close to finalizing a $42 million deal to sign U.S. men's national team star forward Ricardo Pepi, sources tell GOAL. The move is expected to go through ahead of the summer transfer window after two-consecutive January windows of near misses for the PSV striker, who now looks poised to make a switch to the Premier League.

What's happening
Sources tell GOAL the deal is nearly complete, with only a medical required to finalize the transfer. Much of the legwork, however, was done during the winter, when Fulham pushed to complete a $35 million deal even after the striker suffered a broken arm.

Personal terms between Pepi and the club have been finalized, while PSV is set to cash in on the striker after two-straight years of increasing offers. In January 2025, PSV received a $20.7 million offer from a Premier League club, sources told GOAL at the time, while West Ham also made a loan-to-buy offer.

Pepi would be far from the first American to play for Fulham. The club currently features fellow USMNT star Antonee Robinson, while the likes of Clint Dempsey, Brian McBride and Tim Ream have also become heroes at Craven Cottage.

News of Pepi's move was first reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Pepi at PSV
Pepi has emerged as a superstar at PSV since arriving at the club in 2023. During that time, he has scored 39 goals in 95 appearances despite not taking over as PSV's go-striker until this season.

During the 2024-25 season, he scored 11 goals in just 693 Eredivisie minutes, while his 10 goals this season have come in 935 minutes. Additionally, Pepi made his mark on PSV's Champions League run, scoring off the bench against Napoli, Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid, while also creating an own goal against Liverpool.

The push for a USMNT spot
After missing out on the 2022 World Cup despite being a key part of the qualifying cycle, Pepi has set his sights on the tournament next summer and remains a key part of a tight striker race. He was called into USMNT camp alongside Folarin Balogun and Patrick Agyemang for March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, while Haji Wright, who is missing camp due to injury, is also in the mix for a spot in the striker pool.

In total, Pepi has 13 goals in 34 matches with the USMNT but was limited to just one appearance in 2025 due to injury.

What comes next?
Pepi and PSV will play one more match before the international break. They will face Telstar on Sunday before Pepi heads to Atlanta, with PSV already holding a 16-point lead atop the Eredivisie. After that, all eyes will be on the USMNT ahead of their March 28 match against Belgium.

As for Fulham, they will face Burnley on Saturday in their final match before the international break.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/sources-usmnt-star-ricardo-pepi-nears-usd42-million-transfer-to-fulham/blt4cd9df288b4b5e2c?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

[WindyCity]

Re: Initial post "In defense of Joa"

All well and good, but the "eye test" sometimes says otherwise......

[General]

Re: Initial post "In defense of Joa"

All well and good, but the "eye test" sometimes says otherwise......

Eye tests aren't healthy or accurate, most people don't have good eyesight, let alone account for any biases they may have intellectually or observationally

[WindyCity]

Re: Initial post "In defense of Joa"

All well and good, but the "eye test" sometimes says otherwise......

Eye tests aren't healthy or accurate, most people don't have good eyesight, let alone account for any biases they may have intellectually or observationally

Nice commentary, and agreed.  That said, in my observations and experiences in following various sporting events (including, of course, FFC football) my eyesight is quite good, thank you, and I absolutely include the eye test as valid criteria in my evaluations, and will allow some (small) portion of statistics to balance those evaluations.  As far as bias is concerned, not much can be done about that, we all have them, as we follow our favorite teams.

[General]

Re: Initial post "In defense of Joa"

All well and good, but the "eye test" sometimes says otherwise......

Eye tests aren't healthy or accurate, most people don't have good eyesight, let alone account for any biases they may have intellectually or observationally

Nice commentary, and agreed.  That said, in my observations and experiences in following various sporting events (including, of course, FFC football) my eyesight is quite good, thank you, and I absolutely include the eye test as valid criteria in my evaluations, and will allow some (small) portion of statistics to balance those evaluations.  As far as bias is concerned, not much can be done about that, we all have them, as we follow our favorite teams.