The College Dropout

From memory they had a 15 minute period where all their big chances happened and we maybe had 1 shot on target. We weathered that phase. Scored not long after. And never looked back and then they faded.

I’m the opposite. If he looks back on his career and his only trophies are with us and Sociedad - hes a prick. If he goes, flops but they keep winning major trophies. He was right to move, he just flopped.

Yeh for about 15 minutes they were on top and creating. from the time Bruno ran past one of their midfielders like Stevie G I knew it was over for them.

But it’s also possible for them to compete for the cup and domestically. If you’re Aston Villa you can’t give both your best shot. You don’t have the squad. And for European teams the moment may never come around again. The top 6 don’t have that problem. Europa League this year is wide open. There’s no CL super club in there this year.

You are right. Particularly below the elite. Partially it’s the internal competition of the PL that makes PL teams struggle to win the CL. Or sometimes struggle in the latter stages of the other comps. Like competing for top 5 and winning the Europa is difficult for Villa. But all cards in Europa from 2026 they have a great chance.

Fair assessment. We were just too fit, strong, quick etc. love Benfica as a club. But based on last night they would struggle in the PL.

Haven't followed them closely this season. But I don't like what Alonso is doing (I notoriously think Madrid are shit.... until they are great). I think you give Carlo - Huijsen, Carreras, Mastantouno, Trent... he does a better a job so far. Every time I watch them, they stink. Valverde will be at Madrid longer than Alonso. (if Alonso wins El Clasico I take everything back)

Think his contract is up at the end of the season.

What is there to suggest he’s good enough to turn a profit or a squad player? How many 20-year old fullbacks have only made 7 pro appearances go on to become any good? The age to experience ratio was always a massive red flag to me. 16-18 is a world away from 20. Minteh, Kuol I get. All the lads playing in the U18’s I get. Even if they don’t make it they raise the level. He’s going to be 24 with less than 60 games under his belt. I believe his contract is up at the end of the season. I hope he can do well enough to secure himself a new contract at a decent club and a decent level so he can have a good career where he doesn’t have massive money concerns. Thats where I’m at with this lad.

I’m no longer convinced of this. As in ‘come good’ = regular goal scorer. He’s proven he can have a total stinker and at this level that might do him in. I think wishing major injury on him is too far and weird. But hoping he fails at Liverpool - of course.

Still a weird transfer.

Saw both matches and thought they looked good. Should’ve won today.

On the ropes against a very good Monaco side. Watxhed Monaco twice and like what I’ve seen. Akliouche would’ve been great for us and Nick W.

All bar Spurs are winning/won? every PL team we’ve faced this season has been better than the last 2 CL opponents

Thats why it’s weird. He was 20 with barely any professional games anywhere.

Yep. It’s frustrating to watch

Prick.

Always thought this was a weird transfer

Love me some Fabian. He’ll get some minutes don’t worry about him.

If he signed it in 2023 while On a ban? No chance other than an agreed % increase maybe or other performance based metrics

It would also further amortise his fee which is a help. A lot of us said he should extend his contract if he was to keep getting paid a full salary and he is. That was fair for all parties.

Aye. I still think he’s likely to need a payrise by the end of the season.

Looks like it. Another good move by Ashworth imo. Tonali does need a pay rise mind. We know years left on a contract alone isn’t enough to keep a player.

We ended up dominant and everyone played well. But there was a spell where Benfica were on top. Burn got skinned. They were able to play through the press. We are a much fitter side though. And ran away with it by the end.

Played a lot of his career at LW so I doubt it