Village Idiot

Thievy for Espanyol has sewn up the "stupidest footballer hair" award already.

We've been playing without names this preseason (except a one-off charity shirt), it's quite normal.

Watching Spurs-Espanyol. So far the highlight has been the Catalan commentators' several variations of the word "Tottenham".

Amadeo Carboni retired at Valencia at age 41 IIRC. Won silverware in the years prior. Pretty sure Valencia won the league with two 35+ left backs in him and Angloma

Much in the idea that the pre-season is knacking your players? Seems an insane schedule. Apparently they have complained about it to the board. One week before the first ball is kicked in anger and they have travelled to Israel, Thailand and Malaysia in 7 days. It's just idiotic, no matter how much money is in it.

Just beat some Malaysian XI 1-3. Even the players looked bored on the pitch, those tours are so fucking pointless. I hate how money thakes precedence over a correct preparation.

Gary "Red Card" Medel to Cardiff for €11m+2m. Sevilla are on a roll this year

How "close" were you to sign PEA? Did you actually table an offer?

Domínguez, what a mug

I know it's just preseason and they've only played shit opposition, but I dare say that selling Negredo and Navas has improved Sevilla. They have so much more variety to their attacking play now that they don't lump it to the tall striker so much. Perotti in particular is getting involved much more again.

Requires Madrid to come in now. Henry has a history of keeping an unhappy player (with Red Sox), so wouldn't be surprised if he refused to sell even to Madrid. His statement last night, was pretty ruthless (and I didn't see it coming at all). Madrid aren't interested. It will be Bale or nowt for them.

When Suárez leaves Sturridge should make that CF spot his own and score a load.

I picked both Sturridge and Suárez in the drafted league I play in... I hope to god Suárez poofs off to Arsenal Sturridge should racke them in if Suárez leaves.

It is, but the other teams in the draw were way worse. Arsenal, Schalke, Milan, Zenit.

Best possible draw for Real Sociedad, hope they can pull it off

Sevilla casually stomping some team from Montenegro in the EL. 0-6 so far.

Stoke.

Doubtful but it's a bit of a false comparison as clubs in lower leagues abroad don't have anywhere near as much capital as Championship clubs do. I can't really think of many A-list players that had a sizable career for teams in the lower divisions in Spain though, Villa was probably the last one. Most La Liga clubs do a pretty good job of scooping up talent before they become pros, given the existence of B teams and how easy is to poach a youth player since they can't sign pro contracts until they turn 17 (that's changed this year though).

We haven't had a settled defence for two years, that's hurt Piqué; his understanding with Puyol was preternatural and they complemented each other magnificiently.

We'll see. I really can't see Mou selling to us for less than a king's ransom. Anyway, FWIW Cesc just rubbished the rumors that he might leave Barça.

Sammy is a player I wish was far better than he is, absolutely loveable fella.

When is this played?

Tends to lose his position to run forward, takes a lot of risks to bring the ball out of the defence, has low explosive speed, not a great tackler.

My appreciation of David Luiz has grown over the past months, particularly after the Confe Cup, he played like a man possessed in that. My only issue, apart that I don't think we'll meet Chelsea's price, is that he's a bit too similar to Piqué in style/weaknesses and they wouldn't be a great pairing.

Isn't he giving up loyalty bonuses and similar if he does that?