One of our newer posters ‘grumpyespana’ posed this question recently about everyone’s favourite striker-cum-heavyweight boxer(!) Mr Nade – can he genuinely be the ‘answer’ for Hearts in attack in the future if we eventually decide to bolster the attacking areas of the squad?
There is no doubt that Christian has improved his performances immeasurably this season under the guidance of Csaba Laszlo, and although he hasn’t exactly looked like anything close to a ‘goal machine’ at any point, it is quite difficult to be overly critical when the guy has had to lead the attack on his own for the vast majority of his time on the park.
Personally I’d like to see Nade given a chance alongside a regular strike partner for a few months before making this judgement on him – I think it’s only fair to give him that opportunity before saying ‘sorry, son – you’re not what we’re after’. At least if that happened and he still looked as though he was knackered after 70 minutes of each game, he wouldn’t have the playing up front on his own excuse, and we’d know that he genuinely has a stamina problem that’s unlikely to go away.
Who would be Nade’s ideal partner? Well, Gary Glen is undoubtedly going to be the name that most of the fans will immediately think of, although the amount of goodwill towards the young man will obviously be artificially high right now after his recent goal at Easter Road. However it wouldn’t be a bad idea to at least try this out, especially if Hearts can’t sign anyone else during this transfer window. In fact if we don’t, are there any other realistic alternatives to Glen?
Oh hang on I forgot – we have Callum Elliot back from Livingston and everyone’s favourite Scandinavian Mr Makela (who’s apparently media-shy!) is due to be available for selection again soon……so we’re sorted then….aren’t we?!
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Thank you for making my link to Makale even more obvious….:) Now, I do like Nade, he doesn?t look like a footballer, but he has quick feet no doubt. I am still doubtful about his striking capacity, as he seem need to walk the ball into the goal (rugby player perhaps…:) but he is strong in a way that fits Scottish football to a tee. I would love to see him in up front with a well established (!) striker (and Glen as a sub), as I believe that to have someone sharing the pressure with would suit his style of football and could see him strengthen his confidence. In regards to his stamina I am starting to think he just looks exhausted, as he looks the same in after 15 minutes of play as he does after 90 i.e., a bit hot and bothered….
At least Nade looks to be lasting the 90 minutes a bit better these days. Quite a skilful guy, given his bulk. So long as others are contributing goals from midfield, the one forward approach is doing ok for Csaba. I’m not hopeful that we will be able to bring in a proven striker in January due to finances. So any thoughts of changing the formation will probably have to wait until the summer at least.
Yeah you’re probably right. Nade is doing well given the role he’s being asked to do, but I can’t help feeling he could be more productive in a different formation.