The College Dropout

Crazy shithousery in the City and Atleti game. been a wank match. Real can beat these.

I don't think he's even been there 7 years. Yes he's an all-time great. Won the biggest trophies and a key man. But he was diabolical over the 2 legs. His performances was a major difference between last years Semi and this uears Quarter

Compared to Xavi - Modric is more of an individual. Xavi won 3 international tournaments back to back but was he as impressive in any single tournament as Modric was in 2018? Again, it's that drive, character and ability of pushing teams forward that are at best equally-matched to their opponents and getting them over the line. While also being the consumate team player. Spain were the best team at each of those tournaments and maintained control for 90% of those games. Modric would grasp control when it would seem lost

Modric has legit won 4. Xavi was a bench player for his first and the others have 3. Very different teams. You end up taling about character, "clutch" with RM. They can't compete physically these days for 90 minutes but can still pull out a massive performance. Camavinga has it all. Looks a bit green off the ball, you can see Modric gesturing him to move to certain positions. And sometimes too hasty on the ball. Doesn't seem a natural in the tackle yet either. But he's got mobility and can win the ball. Quick and skilful feet and a lovely left foot. Short and long passing is great. He's got the tools to go to the top. Carvajal looks done. Marcelo has looked done for at least 2 years but showed he still has class yesterday. Kroos has also been done for at least 2 years.

It's a weird point and a weird premise but I semi get it. They are different in the sense Xavi mostly played in teams that played a particular style. Dominated games and possession. And that worked beautifully - better than we've ever seen and Xavi was the fulcrum of that. And sometimes it just didn't work. The system was the best and Xavi was the best in it. Modric has performed brilliantly in teams that often look second best. And Modric pulls them through in different ways. Sometimes it's holding on when the chips are down and under pressure, sometimes it's on the ball passing and controlling. Modric's also a far more physical player and a lot more of a factor off the ball and running which has been key to his team's success.

The bar is very high for top 6-8 imo. I think the evolution vs revolution talk by Staveley is to keep prices down. We aren't going to force massive transfers. We aren't going to force it. If we can only get 3-4 top class first team members we'll do just that. That might mean starting with Schar-Burn but we could end up with a new partnership if the players and price is right.

Didn’t watch the game but a massive result. I don’t expect them to be able to handle Liverpool though. Fancy Atleti tonight mind.

I found last years competition terribly boring. Real Madrid were the most interesting thing about last season. chelsea vs City - what a terrible final. Oil money final. The covid season almost didn’t count.

I’m a massive fan but Kante was diabolical.

Loved him. but he’s finished. He barely plays these days. He did well today mind.

Modric’s English is v. good considering he only lived here for 4 years a decade ago. Contrast that to Bale or Aguero. He’s still a 120 minute player. He could go on at the highest level for another 4 years if he wants.

Aye. Kroos legs have gone. They have to stop starting him.

Fede Valverde would be brilliant under a gegenpress side. He’s built like 400m sprinter. I love watching Real Madrid in Europe. They’re like Triple H or something. The Madrid goals across both games were class too.

Marcelo was excellent. I thought it was a desperate sub but he came on and gave it TECHNIQUE.

That was a fantastic tie. Real Madrid look better when Camavinga plays instead of Kroos. Kroos has zero legs.

Interesting that.

What's this based on? He had a bad time under Moyes. Re-built his career at Palace. His only mistake is the same one Kane made - signing a massive long-term contract.

What's the point in targeting mid-table next season? Will still spend lots of money. Look at Villa - Buendia, Bailey, Digne £100m. We need to set our sights higher. Sign players that we think will be good enough for the CL or close to it. The best of the rest in the PL and top European young talent.

Palace let go of a dozen first team players and typically start games with 5 new signings. Including a new first choice CB pair. They’ve gone up the league, play better football and are in the FA Cup semis. if done diligently - big changes can be made successfully. I think 1 CB is a required but not a major priority. If we had quality options I would get 2 CBs in. If not, focus on 1. It’s only RB and 1 CM that I wouldn’t look to actively upgrade. ST, SW, CM the priority. I don't think Schar - Burn is a top 7 CB pairing fundamentally though. Neither start for West Ham

Ideally 4th choice in 24 months. makes me think it’s best to let him go. But not mad at a 1 or 2 year extension.

I’m still scared Barca could win La Liga. Real beat Sevilla next weekend it’s all over. But if Real beat Chelsea then lose to Sevilla - with the extra CL games they could bottle the league.

Zaha would be our best player like. Been one of the best players outside the top 6 for some time. Leandro Trossard - has not.

Trossard is peak Brighton. Flatters to deceive. Zero end product. Get us Zaha and Raphinha and we'll finish top 8.

Good first touch for his goal against Liverpool with his left. Not seen a lot of him obviously

At a minimum we need a time limit for each incident. Although in the Ghana Nigeria play-off - the Nigerian striker was miles offside and it took 4 minutes to chalk it off so... there's that...