Alassane N'Daye: What the fans think

Alassane N'Diaye: It was the longest 48 hours on record, but he's here at last!

He's a big lad, and may or may not be a straight replacement for captain Craig Easton, but if he starts in the first team the Crystal Palace midfielder Alassane N'Diaye, on a season long loan for the Shrimpers, will certainly make his presence felt.

However, what is his best position, and, well, is he any good?

The Eagles fansite www.holmesdale.net were quick off the mark and confirmed the signing before both of the clubs involved official sites, and here's what some of their fans had to say.

Palace Passion kicked-off with a positive: 'Good luck big man! I think its a good move for us and him. He will get more confident there and come back a better player in my opinion!'

robhopekirk said: 'Barrett, (ex-Captain Adam, see below), makes a fair point about him not being a holding midfielder. Its too easy to assume that just because he is big and strong, he will fit into that role. Sol Campbell is big and strong, he wouldnt fit into that role, or an XL shorts but that's besides the point.

I don't think Alassane has kicked on like we thought he might so maybe this move will re-ignite his career and in playing regualrly, teach him a thing or two about his own game. Good Luck!!!!!!

Hambo added: 'He is an attacking midfielder with the build of a centre back. Very confusing.

When he arrived on the scene, he got plenty of goals at youth and reserve level as well as getting a few important strikes in the first team. His best work is up that end of the pitch with minimal responsibility to track back.

He just has to play competitive games on a regular basis or he will go nowhere. There's a decent player in there though if he gets coached right and learns quickly.'

Palace64 thinks he'd make a good left-back, blimey, we've got enough of those now, while ilovejo says: 'He played best in an attacking role in my opinion. When he arrived late in the box (jokes aside) he really caused the defense havoc. He looked a class above in that friendly game 2 seasons ago when he had a good start to the season.'

While, Bomber81, not Neil Harris, a secret Palace fan, surely not, adds: 'Alassane's problem is that he is a bit of a 'jack of all trades but master of none', nobody really knows his best position.'

A fair point and up to Luggy to find just that, as cpfcdboi puts it: 'Let's hope he finds his best position and improves while he is at Southend! Good luck to him.'

Some, of course, believe he never will with juliansmissingpony believing: 'his best position is as an unused sub', while Paul67 believes he will never be seen as a Palace player again, collier row eagle puts it far more succinctly: 'His best position at Southend would be a cashier on a pier'. Charming!

As for our faithful, well, a general Luggy knows best seems to be the overall view with his size being the main talking point.

DSLC from www.weststandviews.com says: 'Christ, the beast is back, if only we could have him side by side with M'Voto, what a pairing that would have been, and the looney just in front in Moshni, I do not think any of the opposition would have dared crossed the half way line!!!

Another piece of the jigsaw takes place.'

Leaving True Blue on www.shrimperzone.com to have the last word, short, but directly to the point as ever.

'That bloke is a ****ing tank!!!!!'

Southend finally sign N'Diaye: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

The thoughts of Adam on Alassane: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

More from the new Shrimper: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk

Alassane N'Daye: What the fans think

Last updated : 04 July 2011 By westfield shrimper