The College Dropout

Yes. But technique isn't the main reason he's such a great player at CM/DM. He's there primarily to break stuff up, win headers, tackle and to get moves started. Previously they started Gustavo who had a similar role but isn't as good. You look at their midfield and its full of height, strength, power and a lot of tackle.

So annoying when people say a tackler/combative midfielder isn't needed anymore. While Martinez is a much better footballer in every way. He's a hard tackle in the middle of the pitch.

Supporting a football team is kinda like loving a child.

I like any of the lads that seem like they go to bed by 11pm 6 days a week. And when they do go out, it's a few quiet drinks at a club. The steady, calm type. That kinda calm presence in the dressing room. S'why I can never haul abuse at Jonas/Harper/Willo. Not that they should be playing or anything but they seem like decent blokes. As much as I thought Simpson was a decent professional. His love of "living it big" and going out with celebs made me question where his head was at, at times.

I quite like the religious stuff from players. Especially if they really practice it. Less heavy nights out. Less drinking. Less distractions outside of football. Seems like its God and football with Bigi and that's great.

I think the fans of other teams haven't noticed, but Rodgers totally abandoned the possession football philosophy mid-way through the season. We switched from 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 (Not Pardew's version) after signing of Sturridge and started playing counter-attacking football quite often. That doesn't of course mean, we stopped passing the ball, but our build-up plays were a lot quicker. Don't know about totally abandoned but certainly far more direct. I think someone like Sturridge really encourages that style.

Strootman is Van Bommel Mk II in every way unfortunately. Not sure Martins Indi is so bad. Verrati on the other hand.. Bang on about Strootman. De Jong is rather sluggish - no? This Italian side is classic tbh.

I've seen him once or twice so won't say anything except I'm not sure why someone would pay €10m for someone who is horrendous as well as having 73 games for Lyon and 17 for his national side. I should probably have given more detail to my claim. For about half that price I'd say you've got a fair deal. The issue with Lovern is, he struggles against quick and or strong forwards - the two most prevalent type of striker in the Premier League. In terms of his international caps I'd ask you to name me a Croatian centre-back, they aren't exactly blessed in that position. Same as the illustrious Coloccini.

Good luck. Good pro. Might miss his ilk in the dressing room imo.

Lescott will not be the player he was. Once you get comfortable on the bench of a big side you never recover top form. Ask Wayne Bridge. SWP.

This.

Pepe. Barton. Catts. Henry. That bald bloke from Brighton. Maybe not hardmen. But violent men.

okay, two. Only other good sides (i.e. that won things) I can think of is Vialli era Chelsea. And that had Wise and Le Saux.

You need some home-grown players man. Not just for the rules. I can't think of many great English sides that didn't have at least 3 English men regularly playing.

Oh dear.

Massively unrealistic expectations? It's a result of lowered expectations.

TBF similar things are used in Brazil, it all depends on the context. In any case to call him a racist is a bit daft really (and so was the 8 match ban tbf), because anything can slip in moments like that, What?

I can see Monaco coming in for over 15m and that would interest them. His true value is around twice what we paid.

Yes. Ba scored from a good few flick-ons from Shola/Best. Apart from Cisse he's looked decent with everyone else at our club.

Anything more than £25m and we've got a great deal. A real replacement would cost around £10m but i'd be scared we wouldn't sign anyone.

This.

While I do think he's right to make a stand and not want to wear it, I do think he's trying to engineer a move. A lot of people commit adultery but they wouldn't want to wear a shirt that promotes it so I don't understand the hypocrisy angle. As a religious person - being a sinner isn't a reason to stand up for what you believe in. I would be more disappointed in Cisse if he's using this as an excuse to leave. If he's honest about his stand - I approve.

'98 first tournament I can recall the majority of the games.

His lack of ability also forces Cabaye too deep. I have no problems with him deep. It's when he's battling too much that he's wasted. I'm not sure Cabaye has had many good games at NUFC without Tiote.

I've said this before. But Tiote is the only player currently, who takes the running burden off Cabaye a bit. His athleticism and physicality mixed with a more defensive nature helps Cabaye out immensely.