Kezman

[vj9999]

For all Serbian/Euro fans here (and EPL) , do you think Kezman has what it takes to make it in England. I am a big fan of his and loved watching him when he played for PSV, but hes stint with Chelsea has been pretty poor so far. HE has a lot of heart and tries hard, but just doesn't seem confident enough to score.

I still hope it is a transition process, learning to play in a new and stronger league (with stronger and more physical defence), but his playing time will be limited. Without enough time on the field he just might not get an opportunuty to adopt and start scoring. I hope Chelsea gives him at least until summer time and don't start shopping for his replacment in January transfer window.

 

[sloter]

It is the worst league for him to play in ... not his style of game, he needs the ball to be low and not in the air, which is the style of football predominant over there. It is no surprise that no other strikers from old Yugoslavia were very successful in England. Savo Milosevic was probably a better fit for Premier league than Kezman.

 

[Stojakovic]

I don't agree with you sloter. He's been doing fine in the preseason friendlies, and didn't get a real chance since. A striker like Kezman can score ANYWHERE, no matter what the style of play is. Ruud wasn't any better than Kezman was in the Dutch leauge, and he's lighting the Premier Division on fire. If Mourinho gave him some playing time he'd see results from Kezman.

 

[sloter]

Why do you think he doesn't give him minutes though ? They were without two of their other strikers for some time and he still didn't get too much time and scored maybe one goal... not impressive. He should go to where it's about skill and not physical attributes. Don't get me wrong - I think Kezman is Serbia's best player.

 

[vj9999]

He wasn't even on the bench today. Hopefully he was just rested for Carling Cup game on Tuesday. I hope he has a good game.

 

[vj9999]

Kezman scored today. It was from the penalty, but the way he took it was very confident (almost too confident ). He got great support from rest of the players. He was unfortunate to hit the post earlier, but his first touch was good and he tiik a pretty decent shot.

Let's hope this is a start of good things for him over there.

 

[vj9999]

Any questions?

Came in the 77th minute, scored in 78 (goalie's error - Kez was almost embaressed to celebrate ). Sealed the victory in 90th. 4 goals in 5 games. Hope he can keep it up and score a couple against Spain next week!!

 

[Savo]

I love Mateja Kezman!!! This is so great. Serbian players are scoring all over Europe these days. This has to be a good sign for Spain. Can't wait. I mean we have Kezman, Milosevic, Kovacevic, Jestrovic, Vucinic (12 goals in Italy this year). One of these guys has to score!

And I hope Kezman scores against Bayern Munich. I hate them.

 

[Stojakovic]

Why do you think he doesn't give him minutes though ? They were without two of their other strikers for some time and he still didn't get too much time and scored maybe one goal... not impressive. He should go to where it's about skill and not physical attributes. Don't get me wrong - I think Kezman is Serbia's best player.

Well, I realize that ... but this is how he started off in PSV too. I remember watching the first friendly game he was in , and he was absolutely atrocious. He missed so many clear chances, the only thought that came to my mind was that he was going to be a complete flop even in the Dutch leauge...and yet he came out and became a PSV legend.

He's playing behind some quality strikers in Drogba and Gudjohnsen, but I'm sure that with enough time he'll get back into the lineup. He took another really good step towards that today against Crystal Palace.

Kezman our best player ? Hardly, I would say. I'd still rate Stankovic (even though he has been out of form lately) on another level and one could argue for Vukic too.

 

[Kajun]

I don't agree with you sloter. He's been doing fine in the preseason friendlies, and didn't get a real chance since. A striker like Kezman can score ANYWHERE, no matter what the style of play is. Ruud wasn't any better than Kezman was in the Dutch leauge, and he's lighting the Premier Division on fire. If Mourinho gave him some playing time he'd see results from Kezman.

I'm not sure the level of play in the Dutch league is an appropriate measure as to how good a player can perform. Just because Kezman was just as successful as Van Nistelrooij at PSV, does not imply he will, or even should, have the same success in the Premier League.

I agree it's not necessarily the play style that doesn't suit him. The obvious difference with Van Nistelrooij would be the gap in confidence -- Ruud doesn't have the doubts (or had anyways).

Having said, I'm sure good things will come, in time. PSV has this strange ability to have 'recruited' some of the better strikers around. Romario, Ronaldo, Van Nistelrooij, Nilis etc..

 

[vj9999]

Looks like Kezman is going to Atletico Madrid. Hopefully he fill have same fate as Diego Forlan (EPL flop and then claims golden boot in La Liga)

 

[Savo]

Well, it's official. Kezman is now a member of Atlético de Madrid. He passed his medical today and agreed terms for a 3 year deal. Atlético paid a fee of around 9 Million Euros. Man, I'm so happy! The Chelsea nightmare is finally over. They will be sorry, I think. Just imagine what the attacking duo of Kezman and Fernando Torres will do. They should be a great mix, because they are so different. I see good things next year. Great move Kezo!!!