....i’m really not a fan of Zaha, never have been but I accepted our interest because Brands/Silva felt he fitted the way they want us to play. We have to look at the bigger picture, and not solely consider a footballer in isolation.
I expect a powerful wide player capable of running with the ball was the requirement, a player who makes ground and transitions quickly into the top third. I picked out the word ‘direct’ from Silva’s description. I think Iwobi is actually more ‘direct’ than Zaha, who I have criticised for running without purpose rather than getting beyond the back four.
Bernard and Iwobi will help Silva manage games. Silva likes players with the confidence to get hold of the ball and keep possession. Bernard does that, I can see him coming on, particularly if we’re winning games away from home and even starting against the better opposition.