The College Dropout

Sub Moyes for Poch. He likes his big lads in midfield too.

Aye.

He’s not £100m good though. Obviously. But I guess that’s the money to skip the PL learning curve. I wonder if Bernardo is pushing to leave. Both CM and RW left footed players.

Like he coped with the pace and strength of the league. Put his foot in. And when West Ham had the ball, he was silky. He’s not Tonali off the ball but he held his own. I’ve realised - Howe doesn’t love that profile of player. He’s more Klopp than Guardiola. Moyes than Ten Hag. He ranks physicality super high.

Aye I was sceptical about him when linked. But I’ve liked what I’ve seen at West Ham. And that’s in a team playing over his head a lot.

Is Rodrygo injured?I’ve kept half an eye on them pre season. Seems to be starting Vini and Joselu up top. Bellingham at 10.

Ederson- I think he’s the right profile for Pep and is elite in that style because there’s few options. I don’t think he’s a great shot stopper at all. Stones - until he started dropping into midfield was anyone calling him truly elite? Was he elite at the World Cup or ever for England? Similar thing with Dias and the whole defence. They’re good enough to succeed in the brilliant system and that system ensures there not a lot of defending to be done. Rodri - doesn’t/didn’t even play CM ahead of a 36 year old Busquets. The system means he doesn’t anchor or dictate by himself. Unlike a prime Fabinho. Again the height and passing ability mean he’s a perfect fit. This one maybe elite but I’m not convinced. Silva, KDB & Haaland I would agree. My point is I don’t think City is a super team of 25 world class players that would be bonafide stars for other elite teams. Rather they have a brilliant profile of quality players for the best manager of all time. It’s not about harnassing individual brilliance. It’s about making the system work.

I dunno man they seem happy to start Joselu upfront this season. I don’t know what Flo is thinking. He should be all over Kane now. Lewandowski is 35 this month. Barcelona is also an option next season. As is City again tbh.

Isn’t that the definition of ‘elite’? ‘a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of a group’.

The other option is staying. And taking a mega wage and a better selection of clubs next season. I don’t think Real Madrid pay money for Rudiger, Alaba, Courtois etc. more than happy to give them as gigantic wage on a free transfer though.

Might be controversial. But City don’t have loads of elite players. They have a lot of good to great players but few in the elite bracket (KDB, Haaland). They have highly skilled players + can play a specific brand of football and follow instruction that Pep sets. That’s the key thing ability and following tight instruction. They signed Kovacic - he’s a very good player. But he’ll never be as good as Modric but it doesn’t really matter. He can play Pep ball. Gundogan is great - he’s not elite. Rodri is great but I don’t think Barca and Real cried when he went to City. Grealish and Foden are great, neither is seeing Vinicius Jr. or Mbappe. City is a system. Paqueta can play in the system.

Because of FFP (and FSG being tight) only Chelsea is a viable option. City would sell him. For £110m.

I hear it. Was also the best player to watch of the 3 imo. No version of Rooney was as complete, productive and exciting as prime RVP. Best I’d go Kane > Rooney > RVP For the joy of the game RVP > Rooney > Kane

I get what you’re saying. I consider them part of the same thing. Overall ball manipulation, mainly used to evade opposition. ‘Quick feet’. Close control is close to dribbling to me - that’s what David Silva, Modric etc. have. Bruno has it. If Rooney or Kane required a 3 touch finish (first touch, 2nd close control, 3rd half chance finish) I’d back Kane to pull it off more often. But I get your point Rooney has that tekky guile and ability. Kane is that bit more rigid, robotic (and efficient). RVP or Rooney? All the points above, RVP was better.

You feel like Bayern are never far away from a champions league semi final. If he’s there for 3 years. 3 league titles. 2 cups at least. And maybe a CL. If he goes to Man U he might not win anything. The PL is a wash until we are confident Juergen is done and Pep pisses off. Big on the Pep pissing off.

I don't get why he is so passive. Like I've seen the lad on the Arsenal invincible parade bus. I know he's not a lifelong Spurs fan. He's given them the best decade of his career. By not forcing a move he's respected his contract - just say what you want with chest.

By technique do you mean striking technique? Because I think Kane's is slightly better. First touch? About equal. Rooney was the better at manipulating the ball at his feet but that's more dribbling (close control, agility, balance etc.) than technique. Rooney was the more creative and audacious player too.

Aye. At Liverpool he’s the only proper DM

Caicedo makes more sense for a Liverpool than Lavia. That little bit older and more mature. Also think he’s more athletic.

Aye he’s a boy.

Think that’s their approach. Or at least not signing a direct replacement. They wanting to sign a 29 year old from Portugal league as competition for Richarlison.

Even the length of his good years? He had like 9 years at the top. What version of Rooney would you take for a season over any version of Kane over the last decade? Not saying you’re wrong - just want to know your thoughts in more detail. Somehow because he’s a top 5 teenage sensation. And he was more agile and athletic and could beat a man. I feel like Rooney is more talented. But Kane is a better finisher, better movement as a striker, better in the air, equal passing range. Better weak foot etc.

It’s the defence for me. Weak. But I think If they get some momentum they could finish top 4. Or close. West Ham have challenged with less.

I like Spurs attack even without Kane. Think it’s still Better than ours (first choice anyway).

I don’t get the big fuss about the PL record. If he stays in the league and fit he’ll get it. He’ll end up with more goals than Shearer in pro football and he may triple his England tally. There’s nothing to prove on that point. It’s not even like Shearer is the best PL striker we’ve seen and the record is proof. Question for the forum: overall whi is better - Kane or Rooney? Include their prime, overall career and talent.