Bolton have this evening completed the signing of David Ngog from Liverpool, capturing the French striker on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
Ngog joins loan signing Gael Kakuta as Bolton’s deadline day deals with Owen Coyle bolstering his attacking strength with two players possessing pace and goalscoring ability. With Gary Cahill seemingly destined to stay at the Reebok, Coyle will be considering today as a success and will go into home clash with United in Gameweek four with an array of new options.
The Statistics
Three seasons at Anfield have provided limited opportunities for Ngog. Even so, when he has been given a prolonged run in the side, he has demonstrated his goalscoring instincts – clearly that has been enough to tempt Owen Coyle into making his move.
Five starts and 14 substitute appearances in his debut season at Liverpool brought Ngog just 3 goals but 17 starts (with 16 appearances from the bench) in all competitions. However, in 2009/10 the striker returned 8 goals – that included 5 goals and 3 assists in 10 Premier League starts – an indication that Ngog was equipped to deliver the goods.
Last season Ngog found his opportunities restricted once again – 9 Premier League starts with 16 appearances from the bench produced a tally of just 2 goals and 1 assists and ultimately led to him falling down the pecking order as Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Dirk Kuyt monopolised the starting roles in the Liverpool attack.
The Prospects
The capture of Ngog looks a smart move on Coyle’s part. Last season we saw Kevin Davies combine with devastating effect with Daniel Sturridge and, while Ngog may not be a match for the Chelsea man, clearly the Bolton boss has moved for the Frenchman with the same strenth and pace combination in mind.
“David will be a great addition to our squad.He is quick, can score goals and he knows what the Barclays Premier League is all about. Added to that there is his European experience with Liverpool in the Champions and Europa Leagues.”
A fleet-footed front runner, with enough power to cope with the attentions of Premier League defenders, Ngog is cut from similar cloth to Sturridge but is perhaps a goal poacher rather than a player who will contribute significantly outside the box.
Interestingly, goals haven’t been an issue for the Trotters thus far, with Ivan Klasnic notching in three consecutive games. His starting role would now seem in jeopardy given that Davies is nailed-on for starts and Coyle is set on a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 setup.
At 5.4 in the Fantasy Premier League game, Ngog could draw interest once Bolton are out of their current spell of fixtures. Meetings with United, Arsenal and Chelsea in the next four Gameweeks will not encourage investment but, from Gameweeek 8 onwards, Ngog could begin earning some attention, particularly if he can get anywhere near emulating the impact of Sturridge at the Reebok last season.
