Ivan Klasnic

[Verbal]

I've always maintained that in my relatively short tenure as a supporter of Bolton Wanderers that Michael Ricketts is the best one-on-one finisher I have ever seen in the white shirt.

However, I am coming around to the idea that Ivan Klasnic is probably the best overall finisher I have seen play for the trotters. Not at all the best technically, nor the fastest or strongest, but he seems to be able to conjure goals from mere half chances as well as being there for the tap-ins.

Take his last two goals. Away at Fulham in the cup, they fail to defend properly and the ball comes to him some twelve yards out, about a metre away from him and in the air(ish...). Instead of trying to control it he volleys it first time, with his body virtually horizontal in trying to reach the ball. Keeper had no chance.

Similarly against Villa at the weekend.A knockdown to him about twelve yards out, but the ball is instead a yard behind him. Instead of trying to control and turn, he swivels and gets it away first time, giving the keeper no chance to react.

This is a bit of a ramble, but it's just something which has really impressed me and something I haven't seen a striker do - take on the shot early - and be as successful. It's a joy to watch.

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Also has the fearlessness to carry on despite setbacks, such as the chances he missed at Sunderland – half-chances for most, chances for him.

Indeed, he had what Sky commentator Rob Palmer chucklingly referred to as an air-shot on Saturday. About 25 seconds later, Palmer was screaming exultations as Klasnic won the match.

Credit too, as it hasn't been afforded, to another natural finisher - Danny Sturridge - who knuckled down to a new role on Saturday after Klasnic arrived. Like Elmander he may not be quite as effective there, but he subjugated his own pride to the team's needs.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Davo had his arms up before Klasnic had even hit it - he knew it was going in

[Dave Sutton's barnet]

Davo had his arms up before Klasnic had even hit it - he knew it was going in

Indeed, at best he produces that wonderful warm inevitability, not unlike Ricketts. Many's the time I've been half out of my seat roaring "GWON KLAS" - by the second syllable it's usually in the bag.

[BWFC_Insane]

Klasnic is a different type of finisher I guess, as people say he hits them early to catch keepers off guard. His turn and shot is as good as anything I've seen.

Not sure he's as good or lethal in one on one situations though.

Certainly seems to be getting back to his sharpest and his best. Which is nice for the run in.

Question is, should he start or carry on as a "super sub" on Saturday? Start for me!

[Verbal]

Also has the fearlessness to carry on despite setbacks, such as the chances he missed at Sunderland – half-chances for most, chances for him.

He's indeed very confident in his own abilities...I remember him tweeting after one match (might be Sunderland actually) apologising to fans, saying he usually "scores those with [his] eyes closed."

Wigan as well, where he missed a couple of very good opportunities before making amends with his third; the very coolest of finishes. Though to be fair he was playing under the cloud of suspicion.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Elmander has been under a cloud of suspicion for three years now

charged with impersonating a footballer

[Lord Kangana]

He's just very single minded. Borghetti was the same, but probably arrived a little too late in his career to blossom in English football. I remember his goal at Besiktas,near post first time hit. Very Klasnic-esque.

[Verbal]

Aye. Remember Borgetti's header vs Italy in the 2002 world cup? That was ridiculous.

[jmjhb]

I struggle to think of many strikers who shoot better than him on the turn, not only in the league but also in world football.

As an aside, his partnership with Klose at Werder Bremen was something to be admired.

[Tombwfc]

Also has the fearlessness to carry on despite setbacks, such as the chances he missed at Sunderland – half-chances for most, chances for him.

Indeed, he had what Sky commentator Rob Palmer chucklingly referred to as an air-shot on Saturday. About 25 seconds later, Palmer was screaming exultations as Klasnic won the match.

Credit too, as it hasn't been afforded, to another natural finisher - Danny Sturridge - who knuckled down to a new role on Saturday after Klasnic arrived. Like Elmander he may not be quite as effective there, but he subjugated his own pride to the team's needs.

Which in itself raises the question as to why we're farming these players out wide to accomodate the now more-often-than-not ineffective skipper and protect our sacred 4-4-2 formation, but that's a different thread altogether.

Anyway, Klasnic is very good at what he does (although there's a certain French bloke who'd have a good claim for being our best ever one on one finisher). For a club which for the most part has cornered the market on strikers who work their bollocks off without scoring, it is a refreshing change to have someone almost the complete opposite.

[hisroyalgingerness]

There are so many of Klasnic's goals where you say "only Klasnic would have scored that", and Saturdays was an example of that. I don't think he works any less hard than other "natural goalscorers" and think he's worth having on the pitch when we need a goal.

[Lofthouse Lower]

Agreed, you flame haired goddess

[boltonboris]

He's a classy player aswell as a classy finisher.. whenever we see any quality football in the final third, it usually has a Klasnic flick or back heel in the build up..

Excellent first touch and awareness

Our best striker, probably by some distance

[Lofthouse Lower]

I think you are forgetting a Mr T. Obadeyi

[boltonboris]

Of course... My bad

[Verbal]

Anyway, Klasnic is very good at what he does (although there's a certain French bloke who'd have a good claim for being our best ever one on one finisher).

Aye, Pierre Yves Andre was good, but nothing on Klasnic IMO.

[malcd1]

I distinctively remember last season Klasnic and CYL were starting to build an exciting partnership and a really good understanding. Both are technically very good and I think we should start utilising again in the run in. I know both have had a bit of a stop-start season but I personally would like Owen to develop it further.

[Athers]

Strange how many of his goals seem to be left foot volleys from around the penalty spot..

[TANGODANCER]

I distinctively remember last season Klasnic and CYL were starting to build an exciting partnership and a really good understanding. Both are technically very good and I think we should start utilising again in the run in. I know both have had a bit of a stop-start season but I personally would like Owen to develop it further.

Forty points and seventh, best we've had for a fair while. Hardly a time to start tinkering. If it ain't broke etc...