ACE BRITT IS NOT A GOOD FIT AT BORO
FIFTEEN Million quid? Right now, Britt Assombalonga would struggle to attract bidders at 15 pence.
Jeered by his own fans in the 1-1 draw with Derby a fortnight ago, the 25-year-old didn’t even get off the bench during last week’s drab 0-0 at Stoke.
His confidence looks shot – but is it any wonder? Despite that broad-shouldered physique, Assombalonga is no hold-up man. At 5ft 10, he isn’t winning much in the air either.
Yet that, broadly, is all Tony Pulis requires of a striker. A big, brawny bully who can occupy defenders, attack set-pieces and pull his mortars out of the sky. Think Salomon Rondon, or Kenwyne Jones.
For Assombalonga to flourish, he needs balls in behind, a chance to use his pace. That is what yielded a goal every two games at Peterborough and Nottingham Forest.
Could the striker have done more in that Derby game? Yes. His decision-making was poor and his touch non-existent.
But he was playing in a side that did nothing to help him. Anybody would look clumsy being forced to perform a job they aren’t good at. It’s like criticising a shot putter for lack of mobility, or a Spanish tennis player for being hopeless on grass.
Unfortunately – and despite an ongoing struggle to score goals – it seems Pulis is unwilling to alter his modus operandi. The division’s most expensive striker had better get used to life on the bench.