gazza ladra

Agree. Terrific player. Probably would meet the “good character” requirement though.

After posting that I got to thinking about my own assumptions and whether they are valid or not and what it all means. I was born and raised and continue to live in California, and have always played the game with a lot of Mexicans or Mexican-Americans. And they do (or did) play the game differently than we (white boys) did. That said, I’m sick to death of anti-Mexican racism (not as prominent in California now— it was really, really bad) and wary of any thinking that might be taken to stereotype Them.

I do think there is something to the racial stereotyping of African players especially. For years there were posts on here about our needing some “black power”. I think that some of posts were tongue-in-cheek, ironically racist, but they were what they were. And the stereotype is lazy. The African stereotype appears to me much more prominent and lazy than any others. Perhaps if we saw more Mexican or Korean players we might see something comparable. (And I mean real Mexicans, not “Mexicans”).

Be interested in a typology of player stereotypes. South Slavic midfielders comes to mind.

Well, Perisic is Conte’s man. I think it’s different when a manager — a great manager like Conte, signs a player that he trusts. Don’t feel the same about a lazy f*ck like Steve Bruce, though I guess the situation is comparable. I tend to give someone like Conte the benefit of the doubt.

13. Digne 12. Wilson 11. Jesus 10. Coutinho 9. Chilwell 8. James 7. Haaland 6. Salah 5. Cancelo 4. Perisic 3. Archer 2. Neto 1. Son

“Turning noses up” at Ake. OK, fourth choice at Man City. There’s a reason they’re streets ahead of everyone but Liverpool. Ake walks into the first 11 everywhere else. Chelsea are rebuilding their back line from scratch.

The thing I am really happy about the club is that Howe appears to have a plan and is looking for players capable of contributing to that plan. Don’t really know much about Ascensio— I don’t watch much La Liga or CL football, but the thing that gave me pause was somebody commenting that he wouldn’t offer much in the way of defending for the front or pressuring the ball. The one argument for Lingard is that he does those things well, though his character and wages may be in question.

cf. Arteta, Mikel

I’d take Gordon if it’ll help send Everton down. Anything for a good cause.

Botman 4.5 He’ll appreciate in value rather quickly I think.

Those clubs aren’t as historic and their kits aren’t as iconic as the pink jerseys are for Palermo fans. It’s no biggie for Metrostars to change their name and colors. They’re a big deal in Sicily. (Probably the second favorite club on the island, after Juve. /snark)

? Of course, they will. As essential to them as black and white stripes are to Newcastle.

No, not against the very best, but they bossed Arsenal.

Saw somewhere that Diaby had played as CF in WCQ for France. Though not for Leverkusen. Sound right to anyone who knows? Suitable if/when Wilson goes down/needs a break?

Craving a genuine threat on the right. Fraser, Miggy, and Murphy aren't worrying anyone. Also, sense genuine frustration from some our more talented players. Especially, ASM. We'll get more out of Trippier, Bruno, Shelvey, ASM, Botman, etc. with a runner that can punish opponents.

If true, bigger than huge. Wilson avoids injury and we'd be a terror. Very exciting. If....

Most clubs would snap your hands off for Pulisic.

That number appears remarkably optimistic.

Mid table Premier League blues. Cannot afford to pay the wages earned by elite players. Cannot offload players because no one below can afford their wages. Only going to get worse. Much worse.

Impressive number of headers. Is he shorter than Fraser?

At some point last season I remember some commentator noting that Newcastle hadn’t won a game without Shelvey in midfield. I remember being rather surprised by that. Obviously that didn’t hold true for the remainder of the season. We really did look a different side with Wilson and Bruno playing. Rewatched those last two games— ASM was looking to make a pass! Wilson, Bruno, Trippier, and Shelvey all playing at the same time? Didn’t happen.

Agree. Though, I think Villa have done well.

Not convinced that Liverpool have improved. Mane IS great. Nunez may be.

Yes, but Callum Wilson + Bruno Guimarães did. That was the big difference. Wilson was awesome when he returned for those last two games. Shelvey also didn’t play in the 5-0 loss to Man City.