Lotus

His touch is a little and that even shows up in the BL. Hi knit would it would more of a problem here as there’s less time and space. If he could sort that though, or at least improve it (not sure he can at his age) then he would offer something different for sure. If we’re gonna sign another player that can play CF, they really ought to offer something different from what we have.

Maximo Perrone and Ângelo Gabriel i reckon.

Hakimi played both left and right FB for Dortmund. when Sancho played with Guerreiro on the left he had to do all the defending Guerreiro didn’t want to do.

At Dortmund his best form was always when he had an overlapping FB. Especially Hakimi. It gave Sancho that extra bit of time and space to be more incisive.

Yes, think Tuchel decided he could be a LB. Subsequent managers have thought the same for Dortmund. I think it’s lack of serious competition for the place though. If you have winger in front of him who loves defending and also has the legs to continually give an option wide left then Guerreiro has the space to be good on the ball and no responsibility to bother his arse when out of possession. He can very effective in that set up. He’s got. Wry good vision, good close control and his left foot is a weapon.

He’s got a wand of a left foot but he’s a bad defender. Very lazy when out of position too. He’s like those old Brazilian fullbacks from way back when. Only contributed when crossing the half way line.

João Pedro seems like a junior version of him to me.

Casemiro was fantastic, again. Don't get the Neymar/Rodrygo comparisons. I’ve never seen Rodrygo display that sprinkle of magic dust the way Neymar has. Neymar used to have it in bucketloads but even now, there’s plenty of latent, almost magical balance, awareness and velvet ball control that is so rare.

I’d be amazed if Leicester let Maddison go in January. Unless it’s for stupid money. Staying in the Prem is worth a fortune and I think Leicester have righted the ship. Letting a key player like JM go would be a terrible decision. Could undo their hard work. If he doesn’t sign a new contract I expect they’ll field offers in the Summer.

I very much admire your belief and spirit.

I’d be fairly comfortable with Fraser, Ritchie and Lewis going, like.

Wish it was more Rugby Barbarians attitude. Just pure f*** it, balls to the wall attack attack attack. Huge score lines, glory even in defeat.

Wouldn't be surprised if we get priced out of the Moussa Diaby transfer and go for someone like Angelo Gabriel instead for 1/3-1/2 of the transfer fee and a hugely reduced (compared to Diary) wage offer.

For Wham I'd agree. He's looked lost there whenever I've seen him. I thought he looked lively for Brazil yesterday. Some nice touches and round-the-corner passes.

Yes, Fred seems the more conservative option and I can understand why a tournament coach would want to utilise that. The stats point towards defences as key over creativity, apparently.

Did you watch it?

He misscontrolled a couple times and I thought his passing was a bit off. One lovely bit of skill though to flick it over an opposition player. Casemiro was the pick of the midfielders, even before the goal. Brazil are an odd team to watch at the moment.

Thought Fred was bang ordinary. Bruno comes on and he was worse. Also, Paqueta the twice the player for Brazil than he is for WHam.

Bruno F was fantastic I thought this evening. Best player for Portugal. Bernardo a close 2nd. That was the best ‘Bruno’ performance of the WC so far.

No way the likes of Pulisic and Kovacic fit into our wage structure. Doubt they'd want to come to us anyway.

Thought Milenkovic (CB) looked pretty decent for Serbia even against Brazil. He was a bit exposed by the formation at times. He’s got a very good turn of pace for a 6”5’ bloke.

Florian Wirtz would be an interesting alternative to someone like Maddison. All be it untested in the Prem and on a long contract….

1) They’ve got Jesus. 2) They’re top of the league, I’m not sure they ‘need’ anything.

I read recently how he was one of our most press resistant players so I thought I’d pay particular attention to that. It really is true. He’s hard to close down effectively enough that he gives the ball up. He’s got the acceleration to get out of a tight spot and he’s got a strong hand into the chest move that helps him skip away. Really looking forward to see how he develops further.