Infinitely Content

Rafa will know what he's losing in Ritchie & know what he's gaining in Townsend having worked with both players. I'm sure he's weighed the two up and prefers Townsend if this proposed deal is true. The only disappointment I have, and it's a speculative one, is that if Rafa was to leave at the end of the coming season, you would want players like Ritchie around in the transition for his excellent attitude and leadership skills as we move into a phase with what would be an obvious downgrade in manager.

Translated tweet is great: "Contract | A ✍ company that officially hires a French central player, Johan Cappy, next to the English Crystal Club, in a two-season contract, and the player will wear the 7th ? shirt." Joe Kinnear, is that you?

Monaco one is sheer class.

Huge signing for Stoke if true. There’s signing championship players like Villa, then there’s signing those who reside in the weird space of too good for the Championship but perhaps lacking one or two physical, mental or technical attributes to truly make the step up. Ritchie & Gayle for instance. That said Ritchie served us well last season when it mattered so fair play to him.

Coach clearly had great faith in him. Bodes well - the goals will come.

I don't rate Mina tbh, he's class at scoring from corners but defensively i've seen him get beaten multiple times against us and against Senegal. He looks very mistake prone to me. Really? Both him and Sanchez have looked imperious when I've watched them. I didn't see them against Japan mind. 3 goals in 4 is pretty astounding for a centre back like. Looked good enough defensively against us too imo, clearly a solid player with much potential still to be realised.

Urgh. Just get the Pléa deal done pretty plz. Get em both and get rid of Gayle/Mitro

He's a big miss imo.

Holy shit :lol:

Not really though. He'd either cost a fortune, or require a first team position if loaned. There's absolutely no way anyone should be convinced Zouma could step in and form a better partnership with another than the one we already have. Yes we need an Mbemba replacement if he leaves, but Kurt Zouma is not that man imo.

Would rather have Lejeune/Lascelles. Very well balanced pairing, we don’t need to spend a fortune on a back up player.

How good was Kane man? Mainly for his ball retention and defensive contribution. Monster. That Colombia strike before the goal as well, insane. Loved the drama after a fairly dull game that struggled to get into any real flow due to stoppages and annoying crowding of the referee.

Honest prediction... Close game. Two very even teams. 1-1 in normal time. 2-1 to Colombia in extra time followed by panic on the streets of London, panic on the streets of Birmingham...

Do you think Sweden were more impressive today than Brazil yesterday? I didn't watch either game in their entirety. But no, probably not. Not sure how that disproves the point I was making mind.

They'll be an absolutely nightmare for England to play against if they get through tonight imo. It's been a while, I think, but they are our bogey team right? We've had dodgy games against them for as long as I can remember. Couldn't even play easy going friendlies against them. Always remember a 3-3 friendly, constant-crock Darren Anderton salvaging a draw with one in off the post. For some reason I remember this goal like it's the only goal I've ever seen. Somewhat a bogey team I'd say aye, 2 wins against them in 15. Atleast in my lifetime - I remember the 2-2 at 2006 WC Finals with Larsson getting a late equalizer and the 4-2 with Zlatan not that long ago. Idk, they just have a certain annoyingly hard to break down feel to their team this time and willingness to defend in numbers that I reckon England will have a tough time creating good chances against. Would be a tight game.

Can't see anywhere in that post where I said I'd rather take one route or the other. I said I prefer a game-to-game approach based on form. I made a pretty full, complete post on my thoughts on the topic the other day and I have nothing to add to it nor do I really care all that much so I won't be going into that again.

Nope, never said one way or the other. Your words them.

They'll be an absolutely nightmare for England to play against if they get through tonight imo.

Xhaka ffs Calamitous that bloke.

Not a pen imo. Glad I've missed this match for meetings mind, sounds like it's been aaful.

Too old. Barca need to get younger, fast. Messi needs youth and speed around him. And even if Messi declines faster than expected, having youth will make it easier to be good. They need to stop buying anyone over 26 or 27 for a few years. They need to reload the midfield and attack with youth. Tend to agree. But for a club with the footballing philosophy of Barca, getting a player in who can slot straight into their system/approach is invaluable and I think Willian is that guy. He also is showing no signs of decreasing effectiveness so would likely be able to play to a top level for another few years at least. Would be a class signing and I'd love to him play there personally

You gots me.

Willian to Barca makes all kinds of sense. Hope that happens. Woefully undervalued at Chelsea, and his high energy, pressing style will suit Barcelona to a tee, thought it numerous times when watching him last season.

Would rather Townsend personally.

Not true. Pickford immigrated from the murky depths of Pallion. Led up onto the promised land by the north star that was MC Tazo b2b with MC Ace.