Kanj

let’s agree to disagree. I have no desire to split hairs on this. I’m basing this on my eye test. Lavia is a safer passer. Hence why his completion rate is higher. He creates far less and he’s actually less successful at tackling. He’s not even close to being the leader and fighter that Tonali has shown at the highest level.

8 to Tonali. 16 to Gordon. Dom/Maddison get the 11 shirt from Ritchie, unless we sell Maxi then the 10 goes to either.

He'd replace Stones in that 2-man midfield. Unless they go back to a 4-3-3 and use Rice, Kova and Rodri as their 3.

Assuming we close this deal you’d be hard pressed to find a tougher midfield to beat than ours. Unreal.

Lavia has nowhere near the passing and dribbling/driving abilities of Tonali. Lavia is a safety first passer, Tonali may not be creative in that sense but he’s a forward progression ball player in addition to being a runner with the ball. His leadership and fighting mentality is elite. Lavia is probably stronger, quicker and better tackler imo.

just replaces stones in that system in team at end of season

We grossly underpaid on Bruno so it probably evens its self out in the midfield department. The market for midfielders has appreciated immensely in the last 2 years and there’s nothing to say Tonali isn’t worth the price we’re paying for him.

Dom is a bonafide star in the making. There’s no shiny new thing about him re: our fans wanting him. His stats and eye test back it up. He’s also used to playing a high octane pressing system and is versatile.

I was with you man. I was vehemently against Bruno moving further up fearing whoever we signed to play the base role to really not be up to it to dictate play AND I have question marks over Bruno’s engine and fitness as a swarming 8 in Howe’s system. However, Tonali changes that for me. He’s able to dictate tempo, is quick, and is good at processing forward. If he’s a 6 or 8 or interchanging with Bruno…sign me up.

We signed Bruno for an absolute steal and that kind of deal is not happening again any time soon. I respect Sewelly's knowledge of the Italian game immensely but disagree wholeheartedly that we're overpaying for someone of his age, potential and quality. I think its pretty fair considering his age.

Never lose a deal over 5m as we say

I honestly think any time they ask Yasir for approval for a big deal he’ll give it. It’s up our executives and manager to push the boat. They did it for Isak. They are doing it for Tonali.

Gordy can get some other fuck off number, diven't care.

8 is going to Tonali imo

More so because it sounds like Tonali is very very fluid in his positional game

Caulkin just booted Waugh off the Athletic live becuase he was waxing on about Paul Dummett

I feel for you mate. Nothing but respect for you and Milan (my 2nd club growing up)

Yea, I love this. I can't believe we're going to sign someone in midfield for this price, this age, this quality and potential.

I can't compute this type of signing.

That's me watching the U21 Euros

I think it's pretty safe to say if you're a Milan fan you're going to go nuts over this. This is riot in the streets stuff.

Just heard that too. Wow.

Caulkin never confirms a story, and the Athletic policy is the same unless there are multiple confirmations. How many times do you need to be told this?

Credible reports came out yesterday. Athletic, Horncastle. Backed up again today by various large media.

For all who need the context let me bring you back 10+ years @Deputy Dawg UK is elite.