I just want Benz to fe match fit for big matches with some match practice under his belt. I still can't trust Morata for matches against Barca or Athletico. We have Ronaldo who is turning 32 in a few months and a very injury prone Bale. This situation can turn ugly very quickly.
As it stands currently, with Benz out for ca. 3 weeks, Mariano being in the squad is a blessing in disguise. I'm sure his presence and form will be lighting a little warm fire up Morata's derrière, which will make him up his game. If Morata fails to deliver, Mariano will be primed to come on as a sub, should we need him to. With Benz's injury issues and Morata's current form, I'm happy to have a pocket rocket like Mariano on the bench.
When he signed the renewal, ZZ promised him that he would be playing with the first team, the man is keeping his words.
We can always loan out the players during the ban. It is wise to keep all the depth we have. A season or less time (on the bench) cant possibly change a player's developing rate much.
Yeah, it feels like a lot of people are seeing this from the player's own perspective (rightly so) and not enough from the club's. This year it's 10 years (!) since we won the league under Capello. After that, we have only won the league twice which as we all agree, is unacceptable. With Benzema's fitness problems recently and still a question mark over how prolific Morata can be in goal scoring, I think the club is right to want to count on the quality/prowess of a player like Mariano. Would his development be better served playing first team every week? Of course. But if over the next 2 transfer seasons Benzema gets a niggling 3 week injury before an away game at Osasuna and we're tied 1-1 with 20 mins to go? I'd love to be able to bring Mariano on to try and get a goal, especially in leagues as tight as ours where one or two points decide the winner. So I think it's best for the club that he stays.
But club's long term interest is for the player to go out and develop and gain experience, so he can come back and be a legitimate option for this team.
Born and raised in Spain and has only played a friendly for the Dominican Republic 3 yrs ago. If Spain were smart, they'd try to sway him in their direction just in case he turns out to be the next best 9 a few years from now.
He is only 1 of 2 in La Liga. The other one, Tano, plays for Osasuna and was also born in Spain. Funfact: he is the first Domincan to score in La Liga ever.
I really like Mariano. The guy reminds me of Chicharito, really really wants to score, and more often than not does. Other than the classic where he came on late, I think he has scored in every first team appearance, including friendlies lol.
He's a real striker. One hungry for goals with goid instincts and power. Definitely a good weapon to bring off the bench against tired teams
Isn't he born and raised in Spain? Probably play for Dominica because he thought he had little chance getting in the Spanish team.
I hope he plays for the Dominican Republic. He'll be the pride and enjoy of an entire country instead of just being another guy for Spain
If it does work out, I think he's what I want off the bench. Capable of starting vs. midtable clubs, but when you need a goal, he's a player that you can throw on because that's what he's always thinking about. Ignoring the fact that we should have just loaned him out to begin with, it's a good value signing.
Aspas is superior, but Mariano is goal driven and has proven to be a great scoring substitute. When he was here many of us argued why he didn't get more time than Morata. Great price as well.
Will be s great substitute off the bench and give us a different look than Benzema. Can also start against weaker teams. Plus it’s one of our own guys. It’s a no brainer for 20M. Good value. Edit: wtf. I thought the deal was done that’s why ya’ll dug up this old thread. Checked the transfers thread and it’s not official.