Since those two goals against Wigan ..

Tad unfair, he's a young lad who has run himself into ground. More goals will come with game time. Every minute he plays is valuable experience. You can tell he will come good, positional play, hungry for ball, learning from others around him, etc.
 
Ellis Simms is a brilliant player. Over the past few games he has shown how good and composed he is playing a target man. His first touch has been really good and he always seems to know exactly what he is going to do with the ball once he claims it - he doesnt dally on it looking up for a pass. Multiple times he has controlled the ball and laid off a beautiful through ball to an on running player - and the more experience he gets, and more time on the pitch, these will start to come off and we will really hurt teams. Especially once CJ is bombing on.

I think since Madine has been out he has been the perfect replacement.

Potentially why people have not really noticed him in games is because recently we have had to concentrate on our defence in recent games.
 
I'd have to say I completely disagree with the above. I think he's shown he's not a target man, he's won very few aerial duels and looked to play on the turn which means he usually surrenders possession instead of holding up. Madine is brilliant with his back to goal, Simms is on the turn as soon as the ball is played.

I think he looked mustard when played alongside Madine and has struggled when trying to be Madine.

That's not a criticism of him. Madine is a very, very good, experienced, expert hold up man. Simms looks like he's never played like that before.
 
I think he's performed well as the 'target man' but I don't think that is his best role. He looks more comfortable with the ball at his feet and running into space and off of the shoulder of the defenders. He linked up nicely with Yates in the first half at Portsmouth and showed some real quality. The understanding with Yates and Madine will grow as the season progresses and fortunately he's able to offer a foil to either / or which means he's a valuable addition to the forward line. I'd be very surprised if he doesn't get another 5/6 goals between now and the end of the season. I'm really hoping he ends up in double figures along with Madine in the high teens and Yates in the 20+ bracket. If CJ and Kai Kai can get into double figures too then we're going to be in Play Offs.
 
td53 I think you are correct, he is not a target man. From how you describe it he is one to play on the turn. And this only really adds to his strengths. Being a big lad, hopefully he will improve in his holding play as well as having the added skill to be able to pick passes out and get us into dangerous positions
 
When CJ is back and splits the defences I think his tally will improve. Otherwise, he is doing what he was sent here for, to learn his trade.
 
He probably requires better service than our strikers currently receive in order to be super effective, he is also learning the senior game so I imagine he will continue to get better - I wouldn't write him off yet!
 
He's a novice, trying to make his way in the game. He was signed because of his age and not counting against the salary cap. Scored twice against a weak and tired Wigan defence but has done nothing since.
 
Gotta be honest not overly impressed and Madine is much more effective.
Madines been playing professionally about 20😁 years longer. I dare say that he learnt a lot of his art during that time. Unfair comparison with a very raw but technically gifted young lad just starting out
 
I thought he was starting to settle down against Pompey. Had a good shot right at the start but then got scuppered by his ( and the ref's) naivety. He doesn't really need negativity from fans at this stage of his career. I'm sure he'll do well in the game with plenty of support.
 
Madines been playing professionally about 20😁 years longer. I dare say that he learnt a lot of his art during that time. Unfair comparison with a very raw but technically gifted young lad just starting out
Yeah that’s fine and I appreciate that I’m just saying in the here and now Madine is the better option. It probably doesn’t help he’s playing the Madine roll which I don’t think is his game.
I think he would be more effective alongside Madine as opposed to Yates but I certainly wouldn’t drop Yates for Simms.
 
The thing is with Madine and CJ back Simms will be on the bench. They have to play Madine and Yates up front and bring Simms on for 20 minutes when there are tired legs out there. He is going to be a really good striker and I would like him on another loan next season as he will get better and better.
 
He's with us until the end of the season.
Let's just give the lad support and encouragement and see what he can do..
Ditto the rest of the squad.
For what it's worth I think he looks a very decent prospect and I hope he goes on to have a good career in the game.
 
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