His goal tally of 29 for Middlesbrough is impressive of course.
He is strong, difficult to dispossess, has a good touch and is fleet of foot.
He used to ply as a No 10 in his much younger days and has been played as a No 10 by Carrick.
He does like to drop deep and be at the heart of the action and doesn't like to spend too long without the ball.
I have heard that even in training he likes to celebrate goals!

But only 1 decent season and failed at Arsenal, I believe. He is also 28 which doesn’t seem to fit into our present transfer policy

Usual thing, good championship player, but any half decent striker playing up front for a promotion challenging team will be given enough chances to score 20+ goals in that division. He won’t have that luxury in the premier league

Interestingly, when played as an attacking midfielder he is listed as having 20 goals in 25 games this season. His record prior to this season is not very impressive. Sometimes players are late bloomers, but this does possibly have the feel of him finding the right spot in the right team under the right manager. Carrick becomes manager, moves him from being a centre forward to an attacking midfielder and he thrives. We don't need a number 10.

One thing you don't get anymore are player/managers once quite common.

As was the assistant manager being groomed for the managers job, Paddy McG being trained up not sure if it would work but the same type of thing.

And the coach, that is really what the modern manager does, will not have so much input over the money, transfers etc. just has the ability to bend an ear, or not.

One thing has not changed and that is the manager cops the lot in blame although now removed in even more haste, only a few games on the trot and out.

Graham Potter being 'mooted'.