LEN Teh Footy God's Footballodium

[naut]

I know RVP doesn't really make any logical sense, but it feels right in some irrational and animalistic way. Like when you splurge on the best player in FM and feel the need to run outside and howl at the moon.

Enjoy him while he's fit, he's a heck of a player.

Re: Song. I'm not sure how helpful comparing his stats with Mascherano would be, since no only did Mascherano play quite a bit in central defence, it has to be easier to keep the ball in Barca's system and with Barca's reputation. Maybe Barca just want an alternative to Busquets. At least Song won't be booed with every touch.

True, but Song can also play in defence, and I feel he's the closest other Barca player that matches the skill set of Song. Busquets is more of a pivote than a defensive midfielder.

Van Payslip is a bit of a cheapshot, don't you think? I can see the argument that Arsenal have stuck by him through his injuries, but City, etc. [fill in appropriate argument here].

Not really. He believed after his fantastic 18 months that every big club in Europe would be after him and he'd get to double or triple his wages in his last big contract. Unfortunately for him, he overestimated his attractiveness. The big money clubs either weren't interested or looked elsewhere (Ibra to PSG, City filled with forwards already), Juve (his supposed initial choice) imploded and the Iberian giants weren't fussed either. That he ended up at United was not so much a choice, as they were the only ones willing to pay the sums he was demanding.

Plus, I could be calling him a lot worse! =P

[quadalpha]

Ah, I never found out what happened with Juve. We thought it was just because they weren't willing to stump up to Arsenal's evaluation. But didn't Mancini claim that City did their best to get him? I mean, City are loaded with forwards, but having RVP and relegating the likes of Adebayor to the kiddie league and Dzeko to the bench seems a bit of a no brainer. (Basically what I'm saying is give us a little credit; we'd lost out on Hazard and Lucas Moura already this summer and could use some massaging of bruised egos.)

Anyway, I was watching RVP's goals for Arsenal compilation on Youtube, which is a thing of beauty. It has occurred to me that a compilation of goals is not the best thing to judge a player on, but he just doesn't score ugly goals, does he? Even the tap-ins are hit sweet and true into the roof of the net.

Song: He's probably been bought with an eye on Puyol's place, the latest piece in Barca's masterplan to field a team comprised entirely of central midfielders.

[The Stranger]

Song: He's probably been bought with an eye on Puyol's place, the latest piece in Barca's masterplan to field a team comprised entirely of central midfielders.

hahah that was funny and it might actually be true :P

RVP is good and scored nice goals for Arsenal, but no compilation as beautiful as that of Bergkamp! Allthough no doubt RVP scores more.

[quadalpha]

Sigh, experimental evidence shows that RVP does not, in fact, make up for having no defence and no midfield.

The treatment of Fellaini by referees is really inconsistent. Some days he gets pulled up for simply existing next to an opposition player. Other times, like today, he seems to have a free pass for every knobbly elbow bone in his body.

[drone]

Sigh, experimental evidence shows that RVP does not, in fact, make up for having no defence and no midfield.

Look on the bright side, at least he didn't get injured.

RVP is good and scored nice goals for Arsenal, but no compilation as beautiful as that of Bergkamp! Allthough no doubt RVP scores more.

Indeed, Bergkamp was an artist. RvP has a killer instinct around the net, but he's not nearly as creative.

[naut]

I did like the SAF saying, "We lacked a cutting edge" after hailing his strike-force. Gave me nice chuckle. Kudos to Everton, I thought they had no chance before the game, just goes to show what I know!

[drone]

I don't follow Fulham closely, and of course the soccer news here in the States is abysmal, so can someone clue me in on what the Dempsey is thinking? He says he wants to play in the CL, but then there's talk of Liverpool which gets him nowhere near that. Can someone tell him that the market for 29 year old American non-goalies is just not that good?

[Strike For The South]

I don't follow Fulham closely, and of course the soccer news here in the States is abysmal, so can someone clue me in on what the Dempsey is thinking? He says he wants to play in the CL, but then there's talk of Liverpool which gets him nowhere near that. Can someone tell him that the market for 29 year old American non-goalies is just not that good?

I have also heard him linked with Sunderland, so that gets him a bit closer to CL football

It's all about his wages.

In other news, Spurs are still trying to bring together a squad, should be fielding a full team by the 4th match

[quadalpha]

In other news, Spurs are still trying to bring together a squad, should be fielding a full team by the 4th match

They won't have any players left by then, at the rate they're selling.

Dempsey: Maybe he's hoping to catch Pool on the ebb so he can establish himself on the way up? Who do they have playing in Dempsey's position who does not make opposition supports snicker, anyway? A couple of fairies in Cole and Downing, Gerrard who plays deeper now, and um, Suarez ... yeah. Dempsey would add a bit of drive to the area between midfield and attack. Besides, Fulham isn't exactly fashionable, or going anywhere fast.

[johnhughthom]

I have also heard him linked with Sunderland, so that gets him a bit closer to CL football

As a Sunderland fan, I have one word for that. What!?

[The Stranger]

They won't have any players left by then, at the rate they're selling.

Dempsey: Maybe he's hoping to catch Pool on the ebb so he can establish himself on the way up? Who do they have playing in Dempsey's position who does not make opposition supports snicker, anyway? A couple of fairies in Cole and Downing, Gerrard who plays deeper now, and um, Suarez ... yeah. Dempsey would add a bit of drive to the area between midfield and attack. Besides, Fulham isn't exactly fashionable, or going anywhere fast.

whats wrong with suarez football abilities...

[naut]

whats wrong with suarez football abilities...

His abilities are fine, he just doesn't seem to remember that when he's having a tantrum.

[quadalpha]

whats wrong with suarez football abilities...

I guess he's perceived to have a bit of a weakness finishing? Other than that, there are maybe disciplinary issues, and also question marks about how long he'd stay at Liverpool. The rest of it we probably shouldn't go into in the Frontroom. Besides, Suarez and Gerrard can't be expected to carry the whole attack.

[The Stranger]

liverpool is using him wrong. hes not a centre striker like torres was, they should give him the freedom he had at ajax and they will see some magic stuff from him. he will miss some easy goals but he will also score impossible ones

check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA0QGL_RnXQ at 4.55

(and i was specifically asking about his football capabilities, i know he can be impossible to handle outside or inside the pitch when it comes to something else than football. allthough i dont think he is a bad person (he doesnt do it with malintent i think) but he has done alot of wrong things. but ye lets not get into this, im not gonna defend him on that level :P)

[quadalpha]

liverpool is using him wrong. hes not a centre striker like torres was, they should give him the freedom he had at ajax and they will see some magic stuff from him. he will miss some easy goals but he will also score impossible ones

check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA0QGL_RnXQ at 4.55

(and i was specifically asking about his football capabilities, i know he can be impossible to handle outside or inside the pitch when it comes to something else than football. allthough i dont think he is a bad person (he doesnt do it with malintent i think) but he has done alot of wrong things. but ye lets not get into this, im not gonna defend him on that level :P)

Quite right. Your point is well taken. The question is, then, whether the squad at Liverpool now is able to give him that platform. On the one hand, Rodgers needs to consolidate at a team that seems to have lost its (tactical) personality in the past couple of seasons, but on the other hand, Swansea played quite nicely last season in a style that may suit Suarez better.

[Moros]

liverpool is using him wrong. hes not a centre striker like torres was, they should give him the freedom he had at ajax and they will see some magic stuff from him. he will miss some easy goals but he will also score impossible ones

check https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA0QGL_RnXQ at 4.55

(and i was specifically asking about his football capabilities, i know he can be impossible to handle outside or inside the pitch when it comes to something else than football. allthough i dont think he is a bad person (he doesnt do it with malintent i think) but he has done alot of wrong things. but ye lets not get into this, im not gonna defend him on that level :P)

That also has to do with the space you get in Dutch football. And well of course the opposition is of a much lower level as well. The one on one kind of play that's old fashioned yet still very much current in the Netherlands. All three things that are perfect for Suarez kind of play and strengths. Though Suarez might not be bad on the wings, he's one of the few that influence a game and I understand the wish of him doing that at a more crucial area of the pitch, especially considering there is no else in that team that can do it. Unless Cole gets back to his former old.

[edyzmedieval]

Podolski, Gervinho, Walcott, Oxlade Chamberlain, Navas (Wenger is reportedly interested) , Giroud, Arteta... wow.

I wonder how they will all fit.

[Moros]

Podolski, Gervinho and Walcott aren't going to bring trophies. The Ox might, but he's still to young and by the time he's at the level, who knows which club he plays for. Sigh. If arsenal don't make somewhat of challenge for the title this year, which I doubt they will, they won't be considered a top club any longer. They should have signed the likes of Kagawa, Reus, Verthongen and Hazard really. Then they could make a challenge. Yeah that's a lot of money but they've been sitting on it/saving it since the invincibles.

[johnhughthom]

Didn't Navas get homesick going to another part of Spain? Doubt very much he'll be joining Arsenal.

[Moros]

Didn't Navas get homesick going to another part of Spain? Doubt very much he'll be joining Arsenal.

Now you mention it I seem to remember that too.

[naut]

They should have signed the likes of Kagawa, Reus, Verthongen and Hazard really. Then they could make a challenge. Yeah that's a lot of money but they've been sitting on it/saving it since the invincibles.

You're living in cloud-cuckoo-land if you think the Arse can afford all of those price tags combined. Plus, a transfer is not just between a club and a player, there are many clubs involved, as United found out missing out on Hazard and Lucas Moura. And really? Arsenal need more forwards and wingers? Really?

There's a great big whole in central midfield, not up front. Podolski has a shot to goal ratio of 21%, so goals wont be an issue (RvP's is 19%). They may take time to gel, but given patience, support and time they'll show their talent. Diaby isn't a defensive sort of midfielder.

[Strike For The South]

Snatching defeat from the jaws of victory

This is where champions league spots are lost. West Brom at home should be 3 points, not 1

[quadalpha]

(*puts on objectivity hat*)

Thought Suarez did well against City. Even aside from the goal, he dropped off the front and received passes in space well.

In other news, was surprised when Gerrard made that dash to the goalline down the left channel. Didn't think he still had that yard of pace in him. (Though he still didn't catch the ball, mind.)

(*hat off*)

In other other news, it's good to see that the Spirit of Stevie lives on in Skrtel!

[edyzmedieval]

Meanwhile Sahin darted off to Liverpool, Real Madrid lost to Getafe and looking for surprises in the CL knockouts.

[quadalpha]

Sahin, Allen, Gerrard, Lucas: not a bad bunch of central midfielders. They're one mercurial creator away from a really formidable set of players in the middle.

[Strike For The South]

Little Croatia to Little Belgium

Can't say I am upset

[naut]

Sahin, Allen, Gerrard, Lucas: not a bad bunch of central midfielders. They're one mercurial creator away from a really formidable set of players in the middle.

Not bad, but not a great bunch either... when Lucas Leiva is the most consistent midfielder you've got, well you're in a bit of trouble. Their problems lie elsewhere anyway (back 4 who aren't woeful, striker to compliment Suarez).
Additionally Sahin, while I rate him highly, at £115k a week in wages and a £3 million loan fee with no option to purchase at the end of his spell there. £9 million to rent a player for a year?! Madness. May as well rename Liverpool: Real Madrid Academy Club.

===

What kind of sick world do we live in where Theo Wallet thinks he is better than Cazorla, Podolski, etc. At least RvP had the talent to back-up his demands. Footballer's really need to cut the ego's, especially when they're only so-so.

[Strike For The South]

cut him loose. I have never thought he was worth his wages

[Moros]

Little Croatia to Little Belgium

Can't say I am upset

Talking about our lovely country. I think a lot of managers are going to be upset they didn't get the very cheap Hazard-CR7 clone, Mirallas. Sure he doesn't have exactly that extra that set players like Hazard, CR7,... apart. But find a better player for 5 million that can hit the ground running in the EPL and strengthen your squad. (scored two goals and gave two assist today, against a lower league team but still)

When I was talking about Arsenal, I didn't mean that should have bought them all. But they really should have bought at least one or two real top players. They bought good players, but none really that great.

And since when are Kagawa and Hazard, leave alone Verthongen wingers? For once their defense is up for it, but their attack aren't. Though perhaps some gelling will make it much better, but not for title contending. And yes they sold Song, RVP, Fabregas and many more players for a lot of money the last years without spending much. So yes they could do a one time bigger investment to be safe for years to come, plus the players I mentioned either stay there very long and made it worth it or will bring you even more cash when they've made bigger names for themselves.

[naut]

Brazilian boy with no feet to train at Barcelona