Former Cardiff City hotshot Michael Chopra has been predicted to be the ‘Premiership flop of the season’ according to Sky Sports Analyst Chris Harvey.
In a pre-season build-up feature on the Sky Sports website, correspondants are asked to choose their tips for the coming season including best buy and biggest flop.
Harvey selected former Cardiff man Chopra as his flop saying:
‘He may have found easy pickings in the Championship with Cardiff but will find goals hard to come by in the Premier League. Just ask Newcastle fans.’
Chopra recently moved to newly promoted Sunderland in a £5m deal. The Black Cats have been tipped to struggle but have spend big and the Roy Keane factor could help them survive.
Chopra was never given a decent chance at Premiership level, indeed, Newcastle fans and coaches were keen on him and even tried to pull out of the deal when Michael Owen got injured.
In his first season at his new club, Chopra netted over 20 goals, despite missing numerous games through injury and suspension. In fact, his finishing was not great at times as he squandered several good opportunities but often found himself in the right places.
That is the mark of a goalscorer. His pace, positioning, determination and fantastic work ethic make him a good player and should translate to Premiership football. He made many of his own chances and still got goals even with little service at City.
Robert Earnshaw was West Brom’s top scorer when they were relegated from the Premiership despite being 3rd or 4th choice striker for much of the season. Chopra is a better all round package with energy and an eye for goal to boot.
If his confidence and service remains good, I would not bet against him to score in any game and can see him being a big hit in Sunderland.
But then, I’m biased aren’t I ?
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WHAT A FLOP……he is doing a jerome going to the “BIGGER CLUB” which will get relagated and then struggle to get in the 1st 11 when they in the championship….he should of stuck it out with cardiff
If he gets relegated he’s in the same position as he is now, jus a year later. I doubt he sees his long term future at Sunderland but is putting himself in the shop window