Some interesting insight from an article on TOTT:

"Laurent is terrific, but sometimes he just wants to pass the ball and then smoke cigars and watch it. There was a moment towards the end here against Derby when he was one-against-one with the full-back and instead of going past him, he was looking to pass the ball.

"He's just got to do what Ryan Giggs does and have a go at the full-back. We're in the process of teaching him sensibly, so that he understands we're not getting at him, but trying to make him a better player. There's definately much more to come from him.

"We've spent some time with him and we've explained that it's for his benefit, and that it will benefit the team. When he shows the pace he built up on the run for the penalty, no-one can stop him.

"He can't speak English so we have Sylvain Distin translate for him. We told him he did well for the penalty but we need those runs at least five times in the second half. Laurent has got it made here if he applies himself and becomes a bit better for us in certain areas of his game.

"He has got to get used to the power and pace of the Premiership. Jamie Carragher did brilliantly against him here early in the season, and he just about got inside Laurent's shirt, and he hasn't been as effective since then. Carragher rattled him and won the battle."

I hope he is learning English. Without being able to communicate effectively, it will always be difficult for him. An unwillingness to learn the language would also call his commintment into question imho.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

Answers

A passenger or a purler?

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

As you said a couple of weeks ago, Clarky, we need to give him another few months before we can really judge him. Arsenal's French players took their time to settle but are doing well now.

For example, I used to think Robert Pires was a soft French tart who wouldn't work for any team, but I really rate him now - his work rate is top notch and he is getting into good positions. He'll never have the crossing ability that Robert has though. If BR can get the best out of LR, then we will get our money's worth out of him.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

If he can't speak English, then all the more reason to play Ollie Bernard instead of Robbie Elliott. Either that or enrol Shearer on a Linguaphone course in French.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

I wonder if there is some psychology going on.

Maybe Robert is reluctantly playing with Elliott in a bid to get Bernard or perhaps Distin into the left back slot. It's a bit sad and far fetched but you never know with these frogs.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

Also gives a bit of ammunition to Dougal's theory that Distin is only here to help Robert settle in. I hope Bobby's psychology works because Robert can clearly be a hero here if he just puts in the effort. I hope the carrot of international selection is also dangled in front of him. He certainly won't have much chance if he's not playing well for us every week.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2001

Cue Dan as translator. I'd love to hear one of those conversations.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

"He's just got to do what Ryan Giggs does and have a go at the full-back". Perhaps Bobby could clarify this a bit further and say the opposition's full-back.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001

At least it's better than having a go at a wooly back.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2001