I mean that’s not it though is it? For our 1st team: (first 2 years he only started in about half of his appearances)
17/18 - 8 goals (20 years old) (44 apps)
18/19 - 8 goals (38 apps)
19/20 - 15 goals (41apps)
20/21 - 21 goals (39 apps)
21/22 - 5 goals (18 apps)
22/23 - 2 goals (18 apps)
23/24 - 8 goals (36 apps)
24/25- 3 goals (23 apps)
He showed good improvement in his early years and considering he cost £1.5m, getting 8 a season at 20/21 years old, is really good. Considering people want to shell out fees of like £30/40m on players like Ferguson or previously Broja, then he did well.
He then improved to a good level and it wasn’t just 3 months, as people seem to conveniently forget he also got 15 goals the season before that.
He then had two poor seasons where he struggled to get himself properly fit. But then even last season, once he got himself fit, he got 8 goals in a team that was playing backs to the wall football.
People call him a sick note but he made 36 apps last season and will probably get 26 this season. Then there’s an opportunity for a full pre season with a more attack minded manager with what we expect to be better competition for the striker role and more pace into the team.
To me, it’s fairly clear why Moyes would want to keep him if he reduces his wages. As if he isn’t first choice, more likely to stay fit and would suit end of games when we are pushing forward and getting balls into the box.