Ronaldo

I seem to remember there was a record-breaking 1000 page debate on this issue once. He had one very good season and then defenders sussed him out IMO. Except his best season was his third at the club. You need putting down, like.

Robert wasn't lazy in the opposing half, which is where it matters for an attacking player. Having Jonas and Alsoran forced upon us has distorted the definition of what a wide attacking player's remit should be.

Put braindead lies in the braindead lies thread. Same goes for what you said about Saviet.

Easily.

Probably not one for this thread.

Indeed.

Good player for the Rafa system, mind. Cost a bomb obvs but I'd probably pay it.

Indeed, sounds like he has tonnes of faith. I'd forgotten repeatedly using the media for leverage and stressing the need for investment is a solid indication of faith and cohesion.

Never change, mate.

The thread title almost induced an anxiety attack.

So this time there is quotes and once again Rafa has to resort to using the media to force their hand. Pathetic.

Aguero's strong and explosive. Armstrong's not.

I loved Hatem as a RW but he's never in a million years a PL no.10. He's worth most to the team basically doing his own thing out wide, not in a role which relies on the movement of and linking up with others. In other leagues where you get a bit more space the no.10 position can be more of a free role. Not the PL, and, as you allude to, especially not in a Benitez system.

Too expensive for us at £12m. It's still 2001, remember.

Good signs that Darlow and Lazaar look like getting sold, mind. Especially the former. We really need a new goalkeeper. Yes, I'm trying to find hidden positives.

Was 0-0 when he was subbed off on the hour, to be fair.

He can't be on £45K, man, surely.

Absolutely. I'm more along the lines of 'unfinished business'. If anyone can get the best out of him Rafa can. Since when does Rafa work well, or work at all, with flair players? Someone like Ancelotti is the perfect boss for HBA. Someone who'll encourage him to express himself and his talents on the pitch first and foremost, but he probably has better players already. I am talking tactically. In what sense?

Absolutely. I'm more along the lines of 'unfinished business'. If anyone can get the best out of him Rafa can. Since when does Rafa work well, or work at all, with flair players? Someone like Ancelotti is the perfect boss for HBA. Someone who'll encourage him to express himself and his talents on the pitch first and foremost, but he probably has better players already.

Better than Andy Carroll? Carroll made his debut nearly 11 years ago, to be fair.

As you said, it's a failure and needs an overhaul. As much as I rate him more than most it's an absolute embarrassment that Paul Dummett's the best player to come through the setup in the past decade.

Will you stop posting rubbish, man?

Key capacity? Steady on. And Jack Colback must have started the majority of games under Rafa in the PL and Championship but we all know he's shit. It's not as simple as saying that Rafa's hasn't axed him so he must be good at what he does.

I don't think Luque ever fell into that bracket. No, definitely not. Luque was a brilliant player prior to arriving in England. It should have been a very good signing and people were right to be excited and supportive. That injury just ruined him, though,

Off?