TherealnorthernTOON

Funnily enough when I search for his name on the tube, a video with the title "Luuk De Jong Liverpool" comes up?

For us to get the first bid rejected is really expected. We all know Ashley is a hardball on the moneyz.

The fact that he comes from Ajax must prove good for our new passing game?

That kind of behaviour really disgusts me and shows just how full of themself footballers have become theese days. Every person should be proud to wear the colours of their national side to a major tournament, even if it's just as a substitute. That players kick up a fuzz for beeing called up as a backup or even not in the first team squad to just leave out is beyond me.

Anita seems to be highly thought of in ajax? Would be a good addition in my eyes, both for left back cover and dm cover, with europe and ACN he would get lots of opportunities here.

I don't really get where people can see Kalou as such a bad player, he's been good, got pace to burst, good dribbles, and he's shown that he do have end product to go with it. He's never been a first choice player at Chelsea and should have something to prove as a player. Albeit, if he's fed on success by playing for chelsea he could well be finished. It will be a gamble but we got sit on a very good reliable player of he comes here to take the club to the next level.

We will be looking at those big Centrebacks, like Robert Huth?

I think this year as last year, we don't really need that many new numbers in the squad, we need to replace players not looking like getting into the side. Like Kadar, Smith, Xisco, Loven etc. When they are gone, as they've barely played wouldn't go noticed, but if new recruits do make an impact they will essentially take up someone wages but not spot in squad so to say.

Steven Taylor has defo benefitted from bulking up, but think he's done it too far. If he were slimmer he would be able to turn faster wich has been somewhat his weak side for some time.

No news on the transfer front today?

That tavernier has been preferred on the wing must be because he has something to do offensively, unlike Simpson?

It's probably the easiest way to go about it. They'll still claim a profit and he's pretty much won them a cup. But two seasons on the trot selling the fan favorite will be a hard sell from the board (which is extremely unpopular among the fans). Don't know really, having a shitty board theese days can be a blessing in disguise as arabs will probably be all over them if the board goes bust.

I do bet Johnson given 30 starts a season easily will nick 10 goals+ and alot of assists. He seems more of a direct player then Ben Arfa and allways goes towards goal. Would fit our style very good imo. As with HBA and Cabaye up there with the attackers we need clinical finishers in the squad to put our chances away as that's what really matters in footie.

I for one think it's important to not get ahead of ourself and keep on building the way we have done for atleast two more years. If we can get closer there is every reason to bridge that small gap with more big money signings.

Rossi? Ben Arfa? Class is permanent, GERRIN! On a second note, it's exactly an situation Ashley would be fond of taking advantage off, a class player, injured and relegated. Club probably has to sell to cover relegation losses, he's a priced asset, but they can't charge inhuman prices for him due to injury and other clubs knowing their need to sell. He bought Ben Arfa after 3 games and an injury, Rossi has been more consistent player over some time with a pretty much sewn up spot at Villareal.

It's going to be unbearable to wait a week from now to see wether we get into it or not IF we make that 4th spot. CL finals should be played before domestic "finals" tbf.

Man management skills, sign his friends

That Diego on Athletico Madrid, isn't he on loan there? Everytime I've watched him he's been one of the best players on the field, doing amazing stuff with the ball. Would he be worth a punt?

Next season goal? Atleast top7? What are peoples thoughts on that?

All dependant on the price we would get, allthough I would like having both here for rotational issues during next season. Europe is going to take it's toll, if he's tired now he will by no means be less tired next season.

The real thing wich really puts me off with him is the direction of clearances. What those world class defenders do is get the ball in the general direction of a team mate instead of inviting pressure back on with a just get the ball away clearance. But williamson has defo gotten leaps lately with his passing game. And ball control in general. The backline just trusts eachother with passing it about now and it's a joy to watch.

I'm overall pleased with the game tbf. We put up a fight, but it never felt like any of our players really "had their day" against this lot. However they way they conducted themself, gave city a few problems themself to worry about. What it came down to in the end was a world class finish from Yaya and a counterattack against tired legs. If it were a lesser team I wouldn't be so optimistic, but on another day we could've beaten them, and I look at it as a decent sign. Especially as before the season we would have taken the defeat 3 months before the game was played with that backline.

Anybody else seen his significanse in Ben Arfas improvement in our team? Earlier everybody stood watching him dribble, waiting for him to create magic. But with papiss runs direct forward just helps dragging defences as they have to watch him aswell. Creates loads of space for HBA to run into. Just a thought.

Just me or did they allways have 3 around him when in an offensive position?

It's still farfetched though, tottenham or arsenal has to loose/draw a game, whilst we will have to win both of ours.