[Danny]

I feel like asking that question is almost a cliche now. Every year we wait for Pato to emerge from the shadows and realise that potential, and every year he lets us down - either via injuries or poor form.

Now while he's not an old man at 22, he's not the 18 year old we signed either - it is time this lad finally began to show his class regularly because we sure as heck don't appear to be signing a marquee striker to replace Ibrahimovic.

Is this guy going to be a perennial underachiever for us, or are there folks who believe he will finally become what his destiny suggests?

Admittedly there's the Babs baggage as well, which probably means we're 'stuck with him' anyway, but there's no denying on his day he is a scintillating striker. It's just a pity he's as fragile as glass in both form and body.

[X-Offender]

All my hopes lie on Pato for this season. With his injuries (supposedly) fixed and Ibra gone, he has all the freedom and possibilities to step up and become a world class player for us.

[acid911]

If not now, then when?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) He doesn't have to tear down the world, but a season like 2008-09 I expect, at least.

[Jack Sparrow]

Won't be enough. We need Pato to hit 20 goals this season, with or without a new striker signing.

[han2503]

Pato is not Ibra, he cannot pull goals out of his @ss at will. He will need a strong AM behind him to supply him with constant service and a Cassano or Robinho at his side to support him.

If we can't provide Pato with that than he'll struggle, injuries or no injuries

[Zed.D]

a marquee striker

Is marquee your favorite word? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) you use it a lot.

+1 @ what X-Off said. with Ibra gone, there can be no "reason" for Pato to under-perform other than possible injuries. I'm using "reason" instead of "excuse" because I think Ibra in fact did have a negative effect on Pato. but as han said, he needs support. IMO Cassano, Prince, El Sha and good full backs will do the trick. add Kaka to that and it'll be perfect for him. in his defense he's a bit more than a tap-in guy. support doesn't mean he needs chances served on a silver platter to score. unless I'm the only one who remembers him in these 4 years...

As always, the only thing I'm worried about is injuries. but that doesn't even seem to be an issue when he's away from Milan...

[X-Offender]

If not now, then when?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

Next year? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[acid911]

Next year?

Eh, that'll only give his critics/detractors more ammo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Provided he can shrug off the injuries for extended periods through the season, I expect 200% from Pato, not a percent less. He's practically the face of our club - unless Kaka somehow arrives - and this year, I want him to behave like one.

I do, however, agree with the marquee (ha!) statement Zed.D made about him and Ibra not working together.

[Danny]

Is marquee your favorite word? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) you use it a lot.

I like it. Yes, it might even be my favourite word in this context (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Danny]

Pato is not Ibra, he cannot pull goals out of his @ss at will. He will need a strong AM behind him to supply him with constant service and a Cassano or Robinho at his side to support him.

If we can't provide Pato with that than he'll struggle, injuries or no injuries

Strong AM being Boateng. But end of the day, it all means squat if Pato cannot hit the ground running and remain at sprint level.

[Danny]

Eh, that'll only give his critics/detractors more ammo. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif) Provided he can shrug off the injuries for extended periods through the season, I expect 200% from Pato, not a percent less. He's practically the face of our club - unless Kaka somehow arrives - and this year, I want him to behave like one.

I do, however, agree with the marquee (ha!) statement Zed.D made about him and Ibra not working together.

I think X Off was making a little joke relating to the fact every year we say 'next year' about this topic.

[Fillipo Simone]

Think this whole topic should be added to the Pato-thread.

[acid911]

I think X Off was making a little joke relating to the fact every year we say 'next year' about this topic.

I believe so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) But at 22, there is no better time to shoulder some serious responsibility. I wouldn't mind Pato not only scoring goals but setting them up for teammates as well. He's the go-to striker for the time being.

[kurtsimonw]

He'll have a slow start, blamed by his Olympic travelling. He'll then get injured. Half way through the season it will be "Pato's 2012 just hasn't been ideal off the field for him to do well on it". He'll probably be okay from Jan-May 2013.

[acid911]

He'll have a slow start, blamed by his Olympic travelling. He'll then get injured. Half way through the season it will be "Pato's 2012 just hasn't been ideal off the field for him to do well on it". He'll probably be okay from Jan-May 2013.

Quoted for reference. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)