The College Dropout

Every team picks up injuries.

I think it's fair. He was great last season. Probably only Kane comes close.

Loved both these lads

Bang on the money

Rafa does love the footballing politics and it was of a great benefit to us. Murphy is butthurt about Rafa.

Speaking of Gini - just seen he's fractured his tibia and is likely to miss the World Cup. Might not ever be the same player as well.

No but I know Gini was an important member of that team. And I thought he could do a good job in central midfield for us this season and help us get into the top 7 for the reasons that you named. Press, fast pass, retain possession. But while he was here.. he was poor in the 2nd half of the season. The fact he was out of the team by the end makes me think he wasn't applying himself in training and around the dressing room. Although one of the biggest criticisms I have of Rafa, was not playing either Sissoko or Gini in central midfield. We had the worst central midfield in the league and that's one of the major on-pitch reasond we were relegated. We had Sissoko and Gini right there. I think Gini gave up though,

What players did I mention?

Someone said it earleir. The Almiron touch to steady himself is the most obvious thing in football.

He was largely pap last season too. Agreed about swapping wingers. Almiron in particular is going to do the same thing game in game out on the right. Move him sometimes at least.

Saw Mbemba get sent off the other week in Europe. He regularly plays for European level sides. Think he was at Porto recently. Whenever I've seen him, he's been average to poor. Was never going to make it in the PL. Love me Demba Ba. Mitro came too young and under the wrong management - including Rafa. Glad he's proving himself to be a good player - the talent was obvious. Gini pea-hearted but I would have taken him this summer. Thauvin and Cabella - pea hearted. Thauvin went on to show that he had real ability, making his pea-hearted nature here even less forgivable.

Weird way to look at things. The players I am a big admirer of hav talent and application - the Cabaye's. Talent without application is disgraceful - Cabella, Thauvin. Application without talent can be respected but that's it. I'm not going to dislike a player personally because their legs have gone like a Geremi. Geremi still had some ability and you could tell he was some player in his day but his day and been and gone. The likes of Jack Colback played coward-ball, hid from the ball, took little risks, ineffective off the ball. He was one of those that wanted to look hard working but shirked real responsibility. No love for that either. Thauvin, Wijnaldum - talented but didn't give a shit about the fans enough to put in an honest shift with their talents.

Thauvin was turboshit for us. At least Mikel showed us the talent. Thauvin was absolutely awful, couldn't pretend to want to be here.

Ran from the hustle. No love for this lad.

He'll be alreet for Fulham.

Joelinton and Willock are excellent for that. Pressing machines.

Eh? That was a bit of fun. Nani had a great career - representing his country 100+ times and playing at a World Cup. Winning a Euros.

Lampard's gone full proficient PFM. Got a bunch of good lads to grind out enough results to get them lower midtable. When he tries to make them an expansive side - he'll be found out. Gerrard is going through the same process except the demands are higher.

Maddison is great against a low-block.§

All those stats would be fine if he was useful in the box in term of finishing or final ball. He gets into decent positions in the box... but... nothing.

The opposite is true. If they are turbo shit and looking to go down. They probably won’t sell their best player. Staying up is more important than £20m extra they could catch in a fee. However if they are midtable and comfortable. They could sell him for as much as possible.

Rodrygo with a delightful goal.

Aye. With the squad they have now Poch might be interested. If they could get him, that would be a good move. Moyes has earned his wobble. But if they can get Poch… it’s a good excuse to upgrade.

Aye. I love the Wilson type personally. I hope Isak learns that side of the game from Wilson. I feel a proper ST needs that goal hunter instinct. It’s what Marcus Rashford lacks that Sadio Mane has in abundance. Rashford might even be a better finisher. But Sadio is sharp in the box. Movement. Timing of runs. Making runs.

Not got Wilson’s box movement. That sniff.