| Saito, stick or twist? 14:39 - Jan 16 with 2758 views | Third_Division_South |
Just over half way through the season and I wonder what the opinion of the board is regarding whether to retain Saito for next season or not.
First up, I just love the bloke, always smiling, getting stuck in and his little bows when substituted. I can’t wait until he gets, hopefully, his first goal.
But would I keep him? Reluctantly, I’d have to say no. I don’t think he influences games enough and would be looking for someone else next season. Having said 🤞 he has a great end of the season and changes my mind. |  | | |  |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 14:58 - Jan 16 with 2479 views | WokingR |
Love him and, as you say, can't wait for his first goal. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:00 - Jan 16 with 2452 views | QPunkR |
He's gone off the boil in the past few games but he was instrumental for us earlier in the season. He's also very slight and acclimatising to a new and more physical league.
I've seen enough to be happy if we signed him permanently, think he'll improve again |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:02 - Jan 16 with 2442 views | LongsufferingR |
It's a yes from me. May not be as all round a player as Chair but the pace, skills, workrate etc are quality. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:06 - Jan 16 with 2400 views | Benny_the_Ball |
Context is important here. The danger with such questions is shaping the answer through the prism of the first 11. The fact is that modern football is about squads and we have a small one with some players not cutting the mustard. Whilst there's certainly room for improvement, Saito has shown enough to be considered a valuable squad member. If he fits the club's wage structure as well as Marti's plans for the future, and there are no better options available then it would be a yes from me. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:08 - Jan 16 with 2396 views | stevec |
Thoroughly likeable player but from an attacking perspective half decent defenders suss him out quite quickly. Has a tendency to get ambushed easily which can leave us wide open.
Bench player on a not too hefty wage, fair enough, but not convinced there should be any longer term contract. Shame really. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:14 - Jan 16 with 2352 views | dmm |
The problem is, now Chair is back we're unlikely to see many games where Saito starts. As others have said, there's a lot to like about the lad but he has lacked sufficient final product. In 29 appearances he has 3 assists and 0 goals. He could improve but at 23 he's not really a youngster anymore.
I wouldn't be too unhappy if we did offer him a contract but nonetheless it would be a gamble. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:31 - Jan 16 with 2252 views | Toast_R |
Clearly one of our best players, goes forwards with the ball which is important. With our injury record, we'd be mad to let him go. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:59 - Jan 16 with 2065 views | stainrods_elbow |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:31 - Jan 16 by Toast_R |
Clearly one of our best players, goes forwards with the ball which is important. With our injury record, we'd be mad to let him go. |
Having seen the improvment in Smyth (at 27), I definitely want us to persevere with Saito, as I think he has quality and a great attitude. Willock was even weaker when he first joined, and I'm sure he can get wirier and more canny, with good coaching and physical adjustment work. Probably not a starter, but definitely a potential second half player. However, Marti needs to play him as a winger not a wing-back for me, as that's his forte. |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 16:11 - Jan 16 with 2047 views | Hunterhoop |
Stick. Assuming the salary isn’t silly, I’d keep him. Technically very sound. Think there is more to come from him too. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 17:53 - Jan 16 with 1805 views | derbyhoop |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:06 - Jan 16 by Benny_the_Ball |
Context is important here. The danger with such questions is shaping the answer through the prism of the first 11. The fact is that modern football is about squads and we have a small one with some players not cutting the mustard. Whilst there's certainly room for improvement, Saito has shown enough to be considered a valuable squad member. If he fits the club's wage structure as well as Marti's plans for the future, and there are no better options available then it would be a yes from me. |
Carefully considered assessment, with which I agree. |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 17:57 - Jan 16 with 1785 views | NW5Hoop |
Stick. Clearly a talented player. Can't believe anyone would let him go from this squad. | | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:05 - Jan 16 with 1737 views | numptydumpty |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 15:06 - Jan 16 by Benny_the_Ball |
Context is important here. The danger with such questions is shaping the answer through the prism of the first 11. The fact is that modern football is about squads and we have a small one with some players not cutting the mustard. Whilst there's certainly room for improvement, Saito has shown enough to be considered a valuable squad member. If he fits the club's wage structure as well as Marti's plans for the future, and there are no better options available then it would be a yes from me. |
Totally agree.
Currently would not be an automatic first eleven choice but even as his form is now, he is well worth a place in the squad.
He gives everything, is very enthusiastic, actually loves playing and is so happy when we succeed as a team.
Definitely what we would call the right sort.
There also is every chance this current version of Saito is not that of his ceiling. There could be more improvements, more strength, more quality and more stamina.
He is a young guy adapting to a very different culture and a very different league in terms of how the game has played.
He has certainly been decent and the hope is for more.
No brainer for me.
When squad players of the past were Hamaleinen, Kakay, Thomas and Bonne, he is exactly the type we need and can afford.
Very likeable character too and on that front we have had made an avalanche of mistakes !!!! |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:14 - Jan 16 with 1696 views | WestonsuperR |
I’ve not seen enough from Saito to be confident enough to offer the commitment of a contract. Attitude has been first class but in an odd way I see that as a bit of a negative because if he is giving 100% then clearly not quite up to the standard we require, no goals, few assists and too many sub-standard performances.
Certainly still time to turn this around although I wonder if we have an obligation to sign him (like Tayler Richards) but a no from me for now. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:14 - Jan 16 with 1692 views | Ned_Kennedys |
Keep the fella, unlucky to lose his place to Chair. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:19 - Jan 16 with 1666 views | daveB |
Wait and see at the end of the season, he looked good until the last month and clearly has ability but has dropped a bit recently |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:21 - Jan 16 with 1650 views | Wilkinswatercarrier |
He's alright, but he doesn't beat his man as he doesn't have pace like Smyth or skill like Chair.
I just can't see him starting many games at the moment.
I'd take him, but only if he's cheap. | | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:33 - Jan 16 with 1575 views | gazza1 |
Give him more time, good attitude.......what contract has he got?? Too early to make a decision. | | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:46 - Jan 16 with 1520 views | kensalriser |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:05 - Jan 16 by numptydumpty |
Totally agree.
Currently would not be an automatic first eleven choice but even as his form is now, he is well worth a place in the squad.
He gives everything, is very enthusiastic, actually loves playing and is so happy when we succeed as a team.
Definitely what we would call the right sort.
There also is every chance this current version of Saito is not that of his ceiling. There could be more improvements, more strength, more quality and more stamina.
He is a young guy adapting to a very different culture and a very different league in terms of how the game has played.
He has certainly been decent and the hope is for more.
No brainer for me.
When squad players of the past were Hamaleinen, Kakay, Thomas and Bonne, he is exactly the type we need and can afford.
Very likeable character too and on that front we have had made an avalanche of mistakes !!!! |
He spent three and a half seasons in the Belgian and Dutch first divisions before he came to QPR and has made nearly 100 appearances in Europe, so I'm not sure cultural adaptation is a big factor for him now.
The half season was with his parent club, who clearly don't fancy him.
I like him but not so far convinced he's better than a squad player. |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:56 - Jan 16 with 1459 views | LazyFan |
He has skill and close control so, his dribbling can cause defenders problems. He can also cross a ball.
However, it seems he is only effective on the left and is also not used to defending against much bigger players than himself (which is almost everyone in the champ).
I think he's a useful player, but he's not worth £2m which was being banded about. Remember it took Smyth a season plus to get to where he is now so, players can improve.
If, we get him on the cheap we should take him as back up for Chair. With Demble returning one day, long term we don't need Saito if he is too expensive (sure we can sign in whens out of contract, but he will other suitors too).
If, he is cheap then Marti can develop him, otherwise its not worth it. |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 19:51 - Jan 16 with 1347 views | GroveR |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 18:46 - Jan 16 by kensalriser |
He spent three and a half seasons in the Belgian and Dutch first divisions before he came to QPR and has made nearly 100 appearances in Europe, so I'm not sure cultural adaptation is a big factor for him now.
The half season was with his parent club, who clearly don't fancy him.
I like him but not so far convinced he's better than a squad player. |
Lommel (his parent club) are in the Belgian 2nd tier and it looks like they were going bust until CFG (the holding company that owns Man Citeh) bought a majority stake shortly before he was signed. It could be that they signed him while flush and he's too good for that league. That said, he's played 2 seasons in the Eredivisie and is still contracted to Lommel so...who knows?
I like him and think he adds to the squad but not a starter unless we hit another patch of biblical injuries. Looks pretty risk-free for us so keep him if there's financial headroom and we can't get anyone we know (categorically) will be better. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 20:44 - Jan 16 with 1222 views | muckduck |
The advantage he has over other players is he'll get a lot of patience & encouragement from fans because his attitude is exceptional. Think he could go all season without another goal contribution but smile at me a couple times and I'd be happy.
I do think the return of Chair and pushing Saito away from the left has coincided with his drop off in form, which is unfortunate but we can't really afford not to be playing Chair in his best position. Agree with others in that he can be quite lightweight, but really difficult for defenders to handle when he's allowed to stay forward. I do wonder what a goal could do to his confidence.
Looks like his contract expires with the parent club in the summer - I'd be more than happy to sign him on a perm (particularly if he's a free agent). As much as I'd hate to say it though, not sure I'd spend a Madsen / Celar / Dembele type of fee on the guy. | | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 21:10 - Jan 16 with 1119 views | BlackCrowe |
If we can afford it then stick, if not then let go. There's something there for sure and he's clearly a lovely chap but he hasn't shown enough on the pitch yet, but it could well come. |  |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 22:34 - Jan 16 with 966 views | Lblock |
Steak and Guinness diet
Few games between now and May where he runs tings
A couple of goals and assists
He’ll be a stick all day long
Without the above I’d say no but I think there’s a deal in principle with him in place anyway |  |
| Cherish and enjoy life.... this ain't no dress rehearsal |
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| Saito, stick or twist? on 23:18 - Jan 16 with 823 views | nix |
I'd say stick dependent on wages. I think he was good just before Christmas and then seemed to run out of puff. He's good at recovering the ball and does two tackles per match.He works hard off the ball and has pretty good passing stats which is important in a team that can be careless in possession. Would like to see a couple of goals and a couple more assists to really see him kick on.
Love how he plays with a smile on his face. |  | | |
| Saito, stick or twist? on 10:54 - Jan 17 with 409 views | hoops_legend |
One of our best players and his 'lack of assists' is down to poor finishing from team mates
Have you seen how many times he has set it up on a platter for us?
STICK |  |
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