The Ongoing Serie A, La Liga, All English Football, Champions League Thread - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Part 32

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This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]494391[/split]

 

[Thread Manager]

This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]492019[/split]

 

[Slade W]

I think Marcelo has had a great season and has done well defensively this season.

 

[Iceman]

More tabloid talk of Varane to Chelsea and even Pepe to Utd!

 

[Slade W]

More tabloid talk of Varane to Chelsea and even Pepe to Utd!

I really hope Madrid keep both, especially varane. That guy looks like he is going to be the future and one of the very best defenders in the world.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

I think Marcelo has had a great season and has done well defensively this season.

Not in the big games this season in my opinion. Neither have Ramos and Varane. Pepe, of all our defensive players, has been consistently solid this season. Carvajal has been our best though.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

I really hope Madrid keep both, especially varane. That guy looks like he is going to be the future and one of the very best defenders in the world.

If we get Laporte and extend Pepe, I'd be a little worried but I think Varane stays.

 

[Slade W]

Not in the big games this season in my opinion. Neither have Ramos and Varane. Pepe, of all our defensive players, has been consistently solid this season. Carvajal has been our best though.

Pepe has been immense since Ancelotti took over. He has cut down on the fouling big time also. He was great this season vs Barca at home and away to Liverpool. He was excellent vs Bayern last season over both legs also.

 

[Iceman]

I really hope Madrid keep both, especially varane. That guy looks like he is going to be the future and one of the very best defenders in the world.

I need to see more of him. Are you a Madrid fan btw?

 

[Slade W]

I need to see more of him. Are you a Madrid fan btw?

I am indeed.

 

[DoomsdayApex]

Pepe has been immense since Ancelotti took over. He has cut down on the fouling big time also. He was great this season vs Barca at home and away to Liverpool. He was excellent vs Bayern last season over both legs also.

Yep, he's outperforming Ramos -- something I never thought I'd say. Pepe is cray-cray but, man, we need somebody like him on defense. I know the end is coming for him in the white but I hope he can win one more CL or at least a La Liga title with us before he's transferred or let to walk.

 

[Iceman]

I am indeed.

Oh right, good luck for the title race & CL then.

 

[Slade W]

Oh right, good luck for the title race & CL then.

Thank you very much, that is kind of you to say. May I ask who you support? I am guessing Manchester United for some reason (it must have been one of your previous posts that is making me think that).

 

[Slade W]

Yep, he's outperforming Ramos -- something I never thought I'd say. Pepe is cray-cray but, man, we need somebody like him on defense. I know the end is coming for him in the white but I hope he can win one more CL or at least a La Liga title with us before he's transferred or let to walk.

Ramos very rarely plays well for a full season. 11/12 and 12/13 are the only seasons that come to mind where he was performing well throughout. Last season he had a poor first half but a strong second half (with the two legs vs Bayern and the final vs Atletico being particularly impressive) and this season he had a strong first half but so far seems to be having a mistake and an error-ridden second half. It is disappointing because his talent and ability is immense but he has concentration issues and it kind of worries me that he is going to be the teams captain one day.

 

[Iceman]

Thank you very much, that is kind of you to say. May I ask who you support? I am guessing Manchester United for some reason (it must have been one of your previous posts that is making me think that).

I support Newcastle Utd unfortunately! At the moment they are owned by a guy who is ruining the club so it's hard to get much enthusiasm for matches as it seems the better they do the longer he'll stay.

You've probably seen me talking Man Utd a lot as there are loads of Utd supporters in this thread so I comment on their situation more than other clubs. I'm a fan of all football though (also like many others here).

 

[Slade W]

I support Newcastle Utd unfortunately! At the moment they are owned by a guy who is ruining the club so it's hard to get much enthusiasm for matches as it seems the better they do the longer he'll stay.

You've probably seen me talking Man Utd a lot as there are loads of Utd supporters in this thread so I comment on their situation more than other clubs. I'm a fan of all football though (also like many others here).

Same here, I watch lots of different leagues and enjoy seeing great football (be it from teams other than my own and even if it is against my team). I am not sure what the correct term for such people is or if there even is one. Purist comes to mind but I hope that is not the correct term as generally people who refer to themselves as that are quite snobby and belittle teams that play a certain way (normally defensive football). A true football fan would be able to appreciate all style of football, even if it is defensive and not so exciting or aesthetically pleasing and wouldn't feel the need to look down on it. At least IMO anyway. I have actually enjoyed watching some defensive teams before (like Mourinho's Inter etc). For me what makes football so great is that there are so many different ways to play and to win or lose and none of them is necessarily right or wrong. All just my opinion of course.

 

[DeadPresident]

Yeah I'd say Liverpool are the only team truly flying right now out of those contesting the top 4, Arsenal still have weaknesses and Spus are carried by Kane and Eriksen as they too are vulnerable, it's a rat race as LvG said and we are all clawing for that top 4 spot. The FA Cup game is doubly huge as if Arsenal beat us at Old Trafford it gives them an edge for the league game as well

Delayed again (I'm sure I didn't reply? Been all over the place lately), but now we have a much more pleasant chat ahead than we may have previously t: Can't say I would've predicted it but 6 out of 6 points for the Tottenham/Liverpool games is absolutely fantastic. I don't want to speak too soon but I'm wondering if the two victories don't put United in the driving seat when it comes to the Manchester Derby. At time of playing Liverpool were pretty much the most in form team, a 2-1 away win is likely to bolster United's confidence substantially. It's sad about the FA Cup exit, but United have responded perfectly.

Well it seems Real Madrid are inexplicably going to buy Danilo, the mupper lord strikes again lol. Yeah I'd say Rafael is as good as gone. Fully agreed on Icardi, he's way too one dimensional in my view and not at all what we need, Dybala and Vietto remain nmy top choices.

Danilo looks decent but I'm not too concerned about Madrid buying up every piece of talent they can find, it invariably leads to a squad meltdown at some stage when the prima donnas clash. If they had to buy Pogba for instance I think it'll destabilize a lot of things not long after the honeymoon period after his arrival ends. Vietto seems to be quite decent yeah, and Dybala has a lot of potential.

Porto have won the EL in the last 5 years and I think Benfica have been in the final twice, so that's certainly helping them in comparison to how ineffectual Ajax and PSV have been in Europe over the last decade. Yes, instead of just buying players it might be a scouting overhaul we need as we seem to miss out on a lot of good deals.

Yeah, exactly. United aren't spotting the Danilo's and Di Maria's when they leave their clubs in South America or "lower" leagues in Portugal. United only seem to step up once they're worth like £30m+ and playing either in the PL or in Spain/Germany. They really need to start getting international talent into the Reserves or First team at like 18-22 years old rather than buying Matas and Di Marias for slightly extortionate prices. That said, I feel like paying up to £20m for Depay would still be good value.

I think Rojo will always get plenty of game time with his versatility, I just think his rashness might see him become more of a squad option once LvG gets the defense in order. Oddly enough the calmest we have looked in defense recently has been the last 2 games with Smalling and Evans, as neither are as risky as Jones and Rojo and seemed more at ease.

True, he does need to work on keeping a cool head more often. More recently though I've been impressed with Smalling, I feel like after surviving the games against Tottenham and Liverpool that Smalling and Jones are both safe. The Hummels rumours are gaining speed again, I'd actually be comfortable with Hummels, Smalling, Jones, Rojo, McNair as CB options for next season. I'm a lot more excited about the next few games than I was 2-3 weeks ago, United are looking a lot more settled than I've seen them at any point this season. That Mata t:

Out of curiosity, did you perhaps see an article Skysports did a couple weeks back where they analyzed the LvG signings with a "hit or miss" angle? They put everyone except Blind and Di Maria as misses I feel like Herrera is chronically underrated by non-United fans.

 

[Iceman]

Same here, I watch lots of different leagues and enjoy seeing great football (be it from teams other than my own and even if it is against my team). I am not sure what the correct term for such people is or if there even is one. Purist comes to mind but I hope that is not the correct term as generally people who refer to themselves as that are quite snobby and belittle teams that play a certain way (normally defensive football). A true football fan would be able to appreciate all style of football, even if it is defensive and not so exciting or aesthetically pleasing and wouldn't feel the need to look down on it. At least IMO anyway. I have actually enjoyed watching some defensive teams before (like Mourinho's Inter etc). For me what makes football so great is that there are so many different ways to play and to win or lose and none of them is necessarily right or wrong. All just my opinion of course.

Agreed. Although I prefer my own teams Newcastle and England playing with a high tempo and pressurising the opposition as that's when they've been the most entertaining to watch, there's a lot to enjoy about a well organised defensive team too. I particularly loved some of the best Italian league teams and national defences over the year as well as Mourinho's Inter (like you say) & Chelsea in Europe on his 1st time around. What I do find annoying is when a guy who parks the bus has a go at another team (especially a much smaller team playing away from home) for parking the bus!

There's quite a few guys in this forum who watch football very widely. I used to watch everything up to my early 20s and I still have an interest in all the leagues but less time to watch as much as I'd like. This is one of the best places I've seen on the internet to discuss football as most are much more level-headed than the average football fan, especially those you get on club-specific forums. I get mad after reading those for 2 minutes. t:

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Off-topic but realistically who do you guys think United will be able to sign in the summer? I hope we get Bale.

I could see RvP and Di Maria leaving.

 

[BlackFox]

Off-topic but realistically who do you guys think United will be able to sign in the summer? I hope we get Bale.

I could see RvP and Di Maria leaving.

Praying for Hummels, Vidal and Bale.

Realistically I think Hummels will be the most possible. Bale I'm not sure will leave Madrid yet and any fee would have to be financed by the sale of Di Maria one would think but having the pair of them together would really work for us.

Depends on our final position to some degree yet though, plus we might need a striker of RVP and Falcao move on.

Could be a lot of changes again this summer.

 

[Iceman]

I see RVP leaving and Falcao not being renewed. If Bale is gettable I really think there is a chance now, especially if Di Maria is on the move. Then cover or ideally an automatic starter in central midfield, central defence and a young striker who can come in for Rooney in the key central position in the 4-3-3, unless LVG thinks Wilson is ready. Also there will be the fight to hang on to De Gea and if not maybe you go for Begovic.

 

[Loden Greatstorm]

Praying for Hummels, Vidal and Bale.

Realistically I think Hummels will be the most possible. Bale I'm not sure will leave Madrid yet and any fee would have to be financed by the sale of Di Maria one would think but having the pair of them together would really work for us.

Depends on our final position to some degree yet though, plus we might need a striker of RVP and Falcao move on.

Could be a lot of changes again this summer.

I see RVP leaving and Falcao not being renewed. If Bale is gettable I really think there is a chance now, especially if Di Maria is on the move. Then cover or ideally an automatic starter in central midfield, central defence and a young striker who can come in for Rooney in the key central position in the 4-3-3, unless LVG thinks Wilson is ready. Also there will be the fight to hang on to De Gea and if not maybe you go for Begovic.

I think Di Maria end up at PSG. I don't see us bringing in Vidal. We already have Blind and Herrera performing well. I would like us to go after Cavani.

 

[Iceman]

Would Cavani need to start every game? And would he fit in a 4-3-3 with Rooney? Would be a good buy if he could fit into what Utd needed out of him.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Off-topic but realistically who do you guys think United will be able to sign in the summer? I hope we get Bale.

I could see RvP and Di Maria leaving.

The first thing we need to do is get De Gea signed to a new deal, then get a top CB, I still feel Hummels is our best option and would make a good partner for Smalling. Personally I'd really like John Stones as well.

We'll definitely bring in another midfielder as LvG has said it's a priority for him. We have been linked with so many, from Nainggolan to Pogba to Saul Niguez to Andre Gomes, that I have no idea who he'll go for.

I also think we'll strengthen up top with at least one addition, maybe 2. We've been linked with Dybala, Firmino, Felipe Anderson, Memphis Depay and even mediocrity like Ings and Berahino, so again it's hard to say who. I very much doubt Bale will happen though, if it does then it will cost us De Gea IMO.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Would Cavani need to start every game? And would he fit in a 4-3-3 with Rooney? Would be a good buy if he could fit into what Utd needed out of him.

Cavani is nowhere near the player he was at Napoli and misses more than he scores at PSG. He'd cost a huge fee and want massive wages, he's not worth either as he's the same age as Rooney and not nearly as good. If we want a real leads the line striker addition as Rooney gets older there are only 2 options IMO and we'd need to wait another season to see if they pan out.