OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint Posted February 15 Posted February 15 On 10/02/2026 at 13:30, Badger said: The one description I’d disagree with is to say he looked ‘mobile’. The main concern for me was that he looked a bit heavy footed and pretty immobile if anything . Hopefully that’s just being rusty and he’ll get up to speed Totally agree. Pleased enough with his performance yesterday. He doesn't get shoved off the ball and seems to read the game well and get in positions to receive a pass or pick up a loose ball but he needs to work on his fitness.
Harry_SFC Posted February 15 Posted February 15 4 minutes ago, OnceaSaintalwaysaSaint said: Totally agree. Pleased enough with his performance yesterday. He doesn't get shoved off the ball and seems to read the game well and get in positions to receive a pass or pick up a loose ball but he needs to work on his fitness. He needs work on his fitness but I'm not sure that will improve his mobility. I don't think he's that quick but you get what it says on the tin. He's a big guy that can hold it up and bring others into play, whilst being a threat in the box. 1
Turkish Posted February 15 Posted February 15 10 hours ago, SWLondon Saint said: I don't think the 'big guy up top' idea has ever really gone away, has it? Ibrahimovic, Lukaku, Lewandowski, Kane, Haaland just a few examples, all very different of course but also very much par for the course that they're big, strong and hold the ball up as well as often being excellent in the air and able to link play. Players like Messi are the exception that proves the rule. Forgot to add that Larin is clearly a solid pro who can do that job, which immediately elevates him above the 3/4 tiny amigos we have / had + Downs... The ones you mention are world class strikers in the case of Halland, Drogba and Lukaku they’ve got everything any team will find room for them, same with the others. I’m talking about a Chris Wood, big guy to hold it up type striker. Definitely back in fashion after period of not neing the hipster choice.
goodymatt Posted February 15 Posted February 15 I feel like his song needs to refer to him loving a shawarma and replacing Arma. Fits too nicely to ignore.
Osvaldorama Posted February 24 Posted February 24 Bloody great again tonight. Deserved a goal. Gives our tricky wingers so much time and space, holds the ball up well. Basically just a competent striker that we’ve been crying out for. 13
LGTL Posted February 24 Posted February 24 Great at this level and exactly what we’ve been crying out for. Was excellent tonight and deserved a goal. 2
Harry_SFC Posted February 24 Posted February 24 41 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said: Bloody great again tonight. Deserved a goal. Gives our tricky wingers so much time and space, holds the ball up well. Basically just a competent striker that we’ve been crying out for. Yep, he isn't anything special but he's a focal point. Someone you can go long to when you're under the cosh or someone who can link play on the counter attack. And he's a threat from set pieces. I said at the time the club did well to move Armstrong on for a decent enough fee and get this guy in on loan. 1
Patrick Bateman Posted February 24 Posted February 24 56 minutes ago, Osvaldorama said: Bloody great again tonight. Deserved a goal. Gives our tricky wingers so much time and space, holds the ball up well. Basically just a competent striker that we’ve been crying out for. Agreed - put in a real shift, held the ball up, stood up, made space, brought others into play - definitely deserved a goal 2
Saint86 Posted February 24 Posted February 24 Just now, Patrick Bateman said: Agreed - put in a real shift, held the ball up, stood up, made space, brought others into play - definitely deserved a goal He was very good this evening, absolutely deserved his goal, did loads of work which pinned the defenders and created space for azaz and sceinza behind, and was ready for square pass tap ins on at least 2 occasions. 2
hypochondriac Posted February 24 Author Posted February 24 (edited) Edit wrong thread! Larin was great though today. Really proving initial impressions before he signed wrong. Something I love to see. Edited February 24 by hypochondriac 1
saintstowin Posted February 25 Posted February 25 I thought he was good and I wanted him to have the whole of the game to build up fitness, find a goal his performance deserved, and not risk Stewart. 2
Toadhall Saint Posted February 25 Posted February 25 Have been pleasantly surprised! When news came through of his signing I wasn’t overly impressed but hey looks like I was wrong and those that know about these things were right. He could have had 2 last night if the ball had been played to him. 1
OttawaSaint Posted February 26 Posted February 26 Promise David sustained a bad injury and is now a huge doubt for Canada's World Cup squad. All the more incentive for Cyle to keep up the impressive form to cement a place in the squad.
benjii Posted February 26 Posted February 26 1 hour ago, OttawaSaint said: Promise David sustained a bad injury and is now a huge doubt for Canada's World Cup squad. All the more incentive for Cyle to keep up the impressive form to cement a place in the squad. We believe you, don't worry! 2 7
Toadhall Saint Posted February 26 Posted February 26 10 hours ago, OttawaSaint said: Promise David sustained a bad injury and is now a huge doubt for Canada's World Cup squad. All the more incentive for Cyle to keep up the impressive form to cement a place in the squad. I like his commitment - he plays like he wants to make a difference. 3
Farmer Saint Posted Saturday at 16:01 Posted Saturday at 16:01 On 02/02/2026 at 18:56, Appy said: Would be nice if a striker signing turns out to be a nice surprise for once, rather than be absolutely terrible as feared. Good luck to him. I think this one has turned out alright. He is really quite good at holding the ball up and linking play. 13
Toadhall Saint Posted Saturday at 18:42 Posted Saturday at 18:42 Think it’s nice to have a striker that attacks the near post. 8
Dark Munster Posted Saturday at 21:25 Posted Saturday at 21:25 I wasn’t alone in thinking that when he signed it was the right position that we desperately needed (big CF) but the wrong player (crap from fans of his previous club). Delighted he’s proved most of us wrong and exceeded all expectations. Keep it up Cyle! 5
Hoggins Posted Sunday at 09:49 Posted Sunday at 09:49 He’s hit the ground running from minute 1 His touch isn’t always there but really puts himself about and is v quick for a big man
Kenilworthy1959 Posted Sunday at 09:55 Posted Sunday at 09:55 I was a bit annoyed yesterday when not long after scoring he was standing around when Oxford were taking a free kick and then appeared to feel a touch on the back of his ankle and threw himself down. That sort of behaviour doesn't help to get refs on your side. Apart from that side of his game I'm delighted with him 1
Osvaldorama Posted Sunday at 10:29 Posted Sunday at 10:29 As above… He’s a good championship striker. Works hard, does the basics, creates space for his team mates. Holds it up well and constantly creates a nuisance. I really like him for this level. I think his touch isn’t quite PL standard, so I’m not sure he’d make the step up if we were to miraculously be promoted. But considering where we were with our options, and where we are now, he’s a really good signing in my eyes. 9
JohnnyShearer2.0 Posted Sunday at 16:27 Posted Sunday at 16:27 5 hours ago, Osvaldorama said: As above… He’s a good championship striker. Works hard, does the basics, creates space for his team mates. Holds it up well and constantly creates a nuisance. I really like him for this level. I think his touch isn’t quite PL standard, so I’m not sure he’d make the step up if we were to miraculously be promoted. But considering where we were with our options, and where we are now, he’s a really good signing in my eyes. Yep agree. I had my doubts but he's doing a decent job since being here. Just shows that Saints haven't had a decent big man striker for awhile (Stewart aside and being injured) since Adams who can hold up play etc. 3
Badger Posted Sunday at 19:52 Posted Sunday at 19:52 3 hours ago, JohnnyShearer2.0 said: Yep agree. I had my doubts but he's doing a decent job since being here. Just shows that Saints haven't had a decent big man striker for awhile (Stewart aside and being injured) since Adams who can hold up play etc. Agree with this, has certainly surpassed expectations ( although he did that by scoring a single goal in his first appearance). Seems a bit cumbersome at times but holds it up well, and is a handful for some defenders. 1
SaintBobby Posted 13 hours ago Posted 13 hours ago I think he only had 9 touches in the Oxford match (source: The Saints Podcast), but still seems to help our overall game even then.
Patrick Bateman Posted 11 hours ago Posted 11 hours ago I love this guy already. Maybe this should be on the unpopular opinion thread, but I actually think he might do alright in the Premier League. I mean not every "number 9" can be like Haaland or similar and have strength AND speed AND technique - these are just weirdos who cost the earth. But to have the strength and experience in that role, he'd rattle a few defenders and bring others into play by holding the ball up. Might be wrong, but hope we can find out.
pimpin4rizeal Posted 10 hours ago Posted 10 hours ago Think he’s a bit donkey like at times but he puts a shift in and and is a physical presence . Reminds me a little of che Adams tbh. I think we probably need 2-3 new strikers if we get promoted wouldn’t count on any of our current three
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