Heron

@ThumbheedI didn't say he wasn't a threat. He absolutely is doubled up on too. However, he doesn't score or assist often enough. 3 assists and 1 goal in 18 games for a team in 5th isn't a great return for someone who wants to be starting every game, and if he's not contributing defensively (as he rarely does) he's not offering much other than a perceived threat. On the other hand, to his defence, by him being double up on, this frees up other players such as Almiron which has obviously benefitted him (and us).

I won't go into it too much in here but the reason he gets hounded more is cause he literally does nowt else if not creating, that's the difference. Probably more for the ASM thread though.

Be good if he had one.

Ashley playbook

I'm not arguing for arguing sake. I just don't share your opinion that attackers are more talented than defenders. They're more talented in aspects of their game just as defenders are more talented in other aspects, learned or otherwise.

What you're explaining is a team though, not individuals. A team defending is about cohesiveness, communication and organisation, which are more nurture than nature for love of a better term. I guess, all defending is more nurture than nature compared with attacking talent. However, it is a talent that not all players can nurture, because not all players can read the game. A lot of defenders are far more talented at reading the game than attackers, despite attackers being more technically gifted, in my opinion.

I actually share your views on all them teams like tbf :lol:

Probably. I know lads of an age who hate Liverpool too. I think the music scene has added to the Mancs attitude though, genuinely think there's a whole 'Nobody likes us we don't care' kinda attitude as a result of Oasis et al. Probably just perception like.

I am of this view.

Genuine question: what's his goals and assists like?

Hatem Ben Arfa is a more skilled attacker, he wasn't a better footballer than Neville or Trippier though. I agree with your comments re. Dribbling and the capability to learn defensive skills, but not everyone has it in them. There are a lot, lot of talented footballers who are unbelievably talented and skillful who simply cannot read the game like a lot of defenders can. That's why players like Trippier, Solano, etc. Are for me very talented footballers because they understand the game more than just playing it. That's why the absolute elite players are elite, because they have the technical ability to do anything with a ball but can also read the game and anticipate it ahead of others. Re. Solano vs Trippier, I'd struggle with that in all honesty. I rate Solano very, very highly, but Trippier has also won more and arguably played at higher levels.

Could those RWs defend as well as Dani Alves?

Beating Man United for a late 80s / 90s kid is an achievement whether we like to admit it or not. Winning a game against the mackems is local bragging rights and one I'd generally expect from my lifetime. I always think I hate Man United because of their success and ultimately, I guess I do. That's the root cause. However, after the cup final I just realise that they have shit tons of wankers in their ranks. I actually think Man City do too. This whole 'Oasis' kinda attitude. One of my good mates supports Man United, and safe to say he isn't like that, but I am generalising, as we all do...

I'd happily beat Man United over everyone in the league to be honest. Because they're one of the biggest clubs on the planet and they're fans are arrogant bell ends. I'd even rather beat them at Wembley than the Mackems. But maybe that's just me

The RB will be better at defending. Defending is also an art/talent. To use these two as examples, ASM can only dribble better than Trippier and outrun him. Other than that Trippier is better in all aspects of his play. However, they're different players in different positions. Will ASM go to a club and win things? Get in his national side regularly? Captain sides? I don't see it. Attacking players will almost always be more technically gifted with the ball, I see that point, but that doesn't make them more talented footballers.

I think that's rubbish, personally. Footballers play different positions, you can be a talented footballer without being the most skillful. Trippier is by far a better footballer than ASM for example.

I hope we fucking batter you me. Not gonna lie.

There will be areas where Bruno and Isak and ASM etc are better or the best compared to others but I think KT does almost everything to a high level. As you correctly say, his leadership is the best of all our players, he is one of our best readers of the game, he's one of our best set piece takers, he can tackle, shoot, pass. He's outstanding.

In terms of being the most talented all-round player at the club, I think it's Trippier like, for what it's worth...

ASM looked noticeably better in the Wolves game after about half an hour when he realised releasing the ball down the channels quick to Isak was proving far more fruitful than running with the ball. Even then he didn't pass at times when he should have, etc. I think he's a talented player, but sadly his talent won't be realised because of his mentality. Back to Isak though, Isak absolutely will be a player and is already proving that. He's only to get better for us in my opinion. He'll get used to the physicality and we'll build around him and free him up more to run the channels and drag defenders around.

We'll have 11 when we beat Man U and win our games in hand.

Hope we kick them aal owa the park. We owe the bastards one.

I'm fairly confident we'll get 4th personally. Everyone is dropping points here and there, we won't be alone if we do. We have Spurs at home, Brighton at home, Man United at home, Arsenal at home. Most of our difficult fixtures are out of the way. It's simply whether or not we're capable of putting teams to the sword when they sit in against us.

I trust our judgement.

Nice of you to say so. I just thought I was a normal guy.