***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (4 Viewers)

[CletiusMaximus]

I wouldn't call Eto'o a legend. Sure if he had scored that many goals for Elche or Mallorca, he would be a legend for them, but not for a club like Barça. Eto'o probably isn't in their top 10 for all time strikers.

I am going to disagree here, it took Eto'o five years in Barcelona to become the club's 3rd highest scorer ever. Also, scoring the opening goals in two out of three of club's CL final triumphs is a feat that won't be forgotten easily.

Barcelona has been on a tear scoring wise and Eto'o has been the recipient of that largess.Here's are the strikers that have played for Barça that In would put above Eto'o in terms of "legendary" status:

Ronaldo

Rivaldo

Romário

Diego Maradona

César Rodríguez

Patrick Kluivert

That's the ones that are easily more legendary than Eto'o. He will not be remembered as a legendary Barça player IMO. He didn't do enough w/ Barça to warrant that, and he likely won't do enough away from Barça to warrant overall legendary status like Maradona, Ronaldo, and Romário.

So maybe I exaggerated when saying he´s not top 10, but IMO he´s definitely not top 5 legendary.

I would never even associate Maradonna with FCB - how many years was he there? I would add Stoichov to your list of Barcelona goalscoring legends, but don't know how he matches up statsitically.edit: I would agree with DP on this - its very hard to ignore the fact that Eto'o is tied with Rivaldo as the third-highest goal scorer all time for Barca. But I admit this was very surprising to me - just checked it out on wikipedia to confirm:

All-competition goalsCompetitive, professional matches only.  ↓ 	Name  ↓ 	Years  ↓ 	League  ↓ 	Cup  ↓ 	Europe[A]  ↓ 	Other[B]  ↓ 	Total  ↓1 	César Rodríguez 	1942-1955 	195 (287) 	36 (56) 	0 (0) 	4 (7) 	235 (350)2 	Ladislao Kubala 	1950-1961 	131 (186) 	51 (48) 	13 (20) 	1 (2) 	196 (256)3 	Rivaldo 	1997-2002 	86 (157) 	13 (21) 	31 (53) 	0 (4) 	130 (235)3 	Samuel Eto'o 	2004-2009 	108 (145) 	2 (10) 	18 (41) 	2 (4) 	130 (200)5 	Mariano Martín 	1940-1948 	97 (112) 	27 (31) 	0 (0) 	0 (1) 	124 (144)6 	Carles Rexach 	1965-1981 	81 (328) 	16 (61) 	25 (63) 	0 (0) 	122 (452)6 	Patrick Kluivert 	1998-2004 	90 (182) 	4 (7) 	26 (60) 	2 (2) 	122 (251)8 	Josep Escolà 	1934-1949 	86 (152) 	32 (38) 	0 (0) 	0 (1) 	118 (191)9 	Hristo Stoichkov 	1990-1998 	83 (175) 	5 (21) 	22 (47) 	7 (11) 	117 (254)10 	Estanislao Basora 	1946-1958 	89 (237) 	21 (52) 	0 (6) 	2 (6) 	112 (301)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F.C._Barcelon...mpetition_goals

 

[prefontaine]

- Kenny Cooper (lol at the earlier Cooper is our savior post)... I've never seen such a big, powerful guy play so small and weak. I really like his foot-skills and I like his nose for goal, but until he learns to hold the ball or win the ball in the air he's a fringe player at best.

Kenny Cooper was named to the All-tourney team. From what I saw, he was flat out horrible (but I missed the final)Other Americans on the all-tourney made sense - Holden, Goodson, Marshall

 

[The Kansas Comet]

I wouldn't call Eto'o a legend. Sure if he had scored that many goals for Elche or Mallorca, he would be a legend for them, but not for a club like Barça. Eto'o probably isn't in their top 10 for all time strikers.

I am going to disagree here, it took Eto'o five years in Barcelona to become the club's 3rd highest scorer ever. Also, scoring the opening goals in two out of three of club's CL final triumphs is a feat that won't be forgotten easily.

Barcelona has been on a tear scoring wise and Eto'o has been the recipient of that largess.Here's are the strikers that have played for Barça that In would put above Eto'o in terms of "legendary" status:RonaldoRivaldoRomárioDiego MaradonaCésar RodríguezPatrick KluivertThat's the ones that are easily more legendary than Eto'o. He will not be remembered as a legendary Barça player IMO. He didn't do enough w/ Barça to warrant that, and he likely won't do enough away from Barça to warrant overall legendary status like Maradona, Ronaldo, and Romário.So maybe I exaggerated when saying he´s not top 10, but IMO he´s definitely not top 5 legendary.

In my opinion, Maradona wasn't at Barcelona long enough to really be considered a Blaugrana legend. As for Kluivert, I was shocked to see how many goals he actually scored for the club because he probably wasted three times as many chances in his career at Camp Nou. I can't imagine him being considered a legend for the club, especially since during his time at the club Rivaldo and PutaFigo were the clear headliners and it wasn't the most successful period in FCB history (two league and one Copa del Rey title). The fact that Sam scored so many goals and got on the scoresheet in two victorious Champs League finals would elevate him above Kluivert in my eyes. Hristo would definitely be on that list though, and Kubala should be at the top.Looking forward to the match this Saturday.

 

[Desert_Power]

I wouldn't call Eto'o a legend. Sure if he had scored that many goals for Elche or Mallorca, he would be a legend for them, but not for a club like Barça. Eto'o probably isn't in their top 10 for all time strikers.

I am going to disagree here, it took Eto'o five years in Barcelona to become the club's 3rd highest scorer ever. Also, scoring the opening goals in two out of three of club's CL final triumphs is a feat that won't be forgotten easily.

Barcelona has been on a tear scoring wise and Eto'o has been the recipient of that largess.Here's are the strikers that have played for Barça that In would put above Eto'o in terms of "legendary" status:

Ronaldo

Rivaldo

Romário

Diego Maradona

César Rodríguez

Patrick Kluivert

That's the ones that are easily more legendary than Eto'o. He will not be remembered as a legendary Barça player IMO. He didn't do enough w/ Barça to warrant that, and he likely won't do enough away from Barça to warrant overall legendary status like Maradona, Ronaldo, and Romário.

So maybe I exaggerated when saying he´s not top 10, but IMO he´s definitely not top 5 legendary.

In my opinion, Maradona wasn't at Barcelona long enough to really be considered a Blaugrana legend. As for Kluivert, I was shocked to see how many goals he actually scored for the club because he probably wasted three times as many chances in his career at Camp Nou. I can't imagine him being considered a legend for the club, especially since during his time at the club Rivaldo and PutaFigo were the clear headliners and it wasn't the most successful period in FCB history (two league and one Copa del Rey title). The fact that Sam scored so many goals and got on the scoresheet in two victorious Champs League finals would elevate him above Kluivert in my eyes. Hristo would definitely be on that list though, and Kubala should be at the top.Looking forward to the match this Saturday.

The bolded is the important part for me. Eto'o, like Stoichkov, are going to be remembered more for the success they were a part of at the club than for their individual stats in it. Hopefully, Ibra will be remembered for both here.

 

[The Z Machine]

Well, y'all are the blaugrana experts, so I guess I'll defer to you on this one.

 

[Desert_Power]

Well, y'all are the blaugrana experts, so I guess I'll defer to you on this one.

True, I did wake up at 8AM to watch Barcelona's mostly youth team play a friendly against Al-Ahly this Sunday. Are you excited about Asenjo signing for Atletico this summer? I really think he is a special talent in goal.

 

[Mjolnirs]

Well, y'all are the blaugrana experts, so I guess I'll defer to you on this one.

True, I did wake up at 8AM to watch Barcelona's mostly youth team play a friendly against Al-Ahly this Sunday. Are you excited about Asenjo signing for Atletico this summer? I really think he is a special talent in goal.

I didn't think you knew there was an 8am.

 

[Desert_Power]

Well, y'all are the blaugrana experts, so I guess I'll defer to you on this one.

True, I did wake up at 8AM to watch Barcelona's mostly youth team play a friendly against Al-Ahly this Sunday. Are you excited about Asenjo signing for Atletico this summer? I really think he is a special talent in goal.

I didn't think you knew there was an 8am.

I'll do just about anything to watch Barca play a match.With my new internship starting soon I am going learn quickly about this 8AM thing I have heard rumoured.

 

[JBIZZLE]

So, my buddies and I invited our soccer watching friend into our FF league this year, and have been giving him a hard time. We're almost finished with the draft and his team is complete crap. Anyways, he sends us all a note, inviting us to join a fantasy soccer league of his. I don't know the details yet, but I want to shock the heck out of him and know my s###!! Anyone have any hints or anything else I need to know?

All the info I have is that it's the Barclay's Premier League? NO CLUE what that means.

 

[Steve Tasker]

So, my buddies and I invited our soccer watching friend into our FF league this year, and have been giving him a hard time. We're almost finished with the draft and his team is complete crap. Anyways, he sends us all a note, inviting us to join a fantasy soccer league of his. I don't know the details yet, but I want to shock the heck out of him and know my s###!! Anyone have any hints or anything else I need to know?All the info I have is that it's the Barclay's Premier League? NO CLUE what that means.

That's the top league in England, arguably the top league in the world...

 

[The Kansas Comet]

So, my buddies and I invited our soccer watching friend into our FF league this year, and have been giving him a hard time. We're almost finished with the draft and his team is complete crap. Anyways, he sends us all a note, inviting us to join a fantasy soccer league of his. I don't know the details yet, but I want to shock the heck out of him and know my s###!! Anyone have any hints or anything else I need to know?

All the info I have is that it's the Barclay's Premier League? NO CLUE what that means.

Barclay's Premier League is the top league in England, often referred to as the Premiership or EPL.EPL

 

[JBIZZLE]

So what players do I absolutely NEED on my team?

 

[Desert_Power]

So what players do I absolutely NEED on my team?

You should sign Peter Crouch and Eddie Johnson as your forwards.

 

[JBIZZLE]

Should those be my first and 2nd round picks? What about that Renaldo guy?

 

[Desert_Power]

Should those be my first and 2nd round picks? What about that Renaldo guy?

Ronaldo plays in Spain now. Make sure to grab Sylvestre and Micha Richards for the back line. Some world class defenders there.

 

[The Z Machine]

Yeah, I'm pretty stoked about getting Asenjo, although Leo Franco was a pretty damn fine goalie for my colchoneros over the last 5 seasons. I guess they wanted a keeper that will last another 5 seasons. It's likely that Leo will decline in the next 2 years IMO.

From all accounts (and the times I've seen him play) Sergio has the potential to become a world class goalie. He's got a decent shot at being the Spanish goalie after Iker hangs them up (Iker is 28 and Asenjo is 20. López is 27 and IMO only a small step down from Iker). But in reality, Sergio isn't there yet, and I honestly believe that Leo Franco would be better in the net for the 09-10 season. After that, who knows?

It took a while to sign him though from Valladolid, and that worried me becuase Leo and Coupet were both gone and Atlético was basically without a first string goalie for a few months.

DP, you must have seen him play for Valladolid, right? You tell me what you think about him.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Should those be my first and 2nd round picks? What about that Renaldo guy?

Ronaldo plays in Spain now. Make sure to grab Sylvestre and Micha Richards for the back line. Some world class defenders there.

What are you thinking about Jon Spector this year?Marcus Hahnemann is a solid GK..

 

[Desert_Power]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

 

[Steve Tasker]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

I know Barca is good, but 5 of the top 6 players in the world on Barcelona? Goal.com strikes again! at any list ranking Landon Donovan miles ahead of the unranked Fernando Torres.

 

[JBIZZLE]

Wait, so which of those were jokes?!?!!?

 

[Desert_Power]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

I know Barca is good, but 5 of the top 6 players in the world on Barcelona? Goal.com strikes again! at any list ranking Landon Donovan miles ahead of the unranked Fernando Torres.

goal.com is a crap site, but it is a decent starting place for him to figure out who the big names are.

 

[Steve Tasker]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

I know Barca is good, but 5 of the top 6 players in the world on Barcelona? Goal.com strikes again! at any list ranking Landon Donovan miles ahead of the unranked Fernando Torres.

goal.com is a crap site, but it is a decent starting place for him to figure out who the big names are.

I know, I was just laughing at the list.

 

[JBIZZLE]

This isn't helping...

 

[Desert_Power]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

 

[bentley]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

 

[Desert_Power]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

I would think that City would be a fantasy nightmare with the glut of overpaid players at each position.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

The fantasy league run by the Barclays website is a salary-cap league, so it is very helpful to be familiar with the clubs that reside a bit lower on the league table as they will make up the bulk of most rosters. I know you were joking about Crouch, but he actually ended up being decent value in this league last season with I believe 10 or more league goals.My advice to JBIZZLE is, first, unless you really plan to ramp up quickly and stay engaged through the entire season, you should lower any expectations you have of doing well in a league like this. Its important to understand the scoring system and consider weekly matchups when setting your team. You can probably only afford 1 or 2 really big superstars. Of your cheaper players, its important at a minimum that you know they will be getting 90 minutes each week, or at worst get substituted near the end of regulation. Defenders get big points for a clean sheet, so you can get some cheap points by rostering the cheaper members of the great defensive teams (like defenders for ManU and Chelsea, but not Ferdinand, Vidic or Terry). Its great if you can find a big defender who is occaisionally going to score off set pieces, as their goals count more than a goal scored by a striker or MF. For forward, you're looking for guys that are not getting a ton of scoring competition from other strikers or their midfield - with Anelka being a great example last year when Drogba was out.

 

[Desert_Power]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

The fantasy league run by the Barclays website is a salary-cap league, so it is very helpful to be familiar with the clubs that reside a bit lower on the league table as they will make up the bulk of most rosters. I know you were joking about Crouch, but he actually ended up being decent value in this league last season with I believe 10 or more league goals.My advice to JBIZZLE is, first, unless you really plan to ramp up quickly and stay engaged through the entire season, you should lower any expectations you have of doing well in a league like this. Its important to understand the scoring system and consider weekly matchups when setting your team. You can probably only afford 1 or 2 really big superstars. Of your cheaper players, its important at a minimum that you know they will be getting 90 minutes each week, or at worst get substituted near the end of regulation. Defenders get big points for a clean sheet, so you can get some cheap points by rostering the cheaper members of the great defensive teams (like defenders for ManU and Chelsea, but not Ferdinand, Vidic or Terry). Its great if you can find a big defender who is occaisionally going to score off set pieces, as their goals count more than a goal scored by a striker or MF. For forward, you're looking for guys that are not getting a ton of scoring competition from other strikers or their midfield - with Anelka being a great example last year when Drogba was out.

Good advice here. Whenever I play fantasy CL league soccer I typically load up on types of players like Dani Alves that score consistently from the back and Lisandro Lopes who is the main scoring threat for his team and underpriced.

 

[The Z Machine]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

I know Barca is good, but 5 of the top 6 players in the world on Barcelona? Goal.com strikes again! at any list ranking Landon Donovan miles ahead of the unranked Fernando Torres.

goal.com is a crap site, but it is a decent starting place for him to figure out who the big names are.

I know, I was just laughing at the list.

Also Dani Alvés at #6 is an effing joke. Did you see his crosses in the CL final?

 

[Steve Tasker]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

(psst....you're supposed to hate Everton)

 

[Desert_Power]

Kidding aside, this link would be helpful in familiarizing yourself with the top names of the game. Though you may want to pay particular attention to those that play in England.

Goal.com's Top 50

I know Barca is good, but 5 of the top 6 players in the world on Barcelona? Goal.com strikes again! at any list ranking Landon Donovan miles ahead of the unranked Fernando Torres.

goal.com is a crap site, but it is a decent starting place for him to figure out who the big names are.

I know, I was just laughing at the list.

Also Dani Alvés at #6 is an effing joke. Did you see his crosses in the CL final?

He didn't play in the CL final. I know most people here's opinions of players are formed when they see them in the final stages of the CL, but Alves dominated games in la Liga this year and certainly had the best season of any right back in the world.Though I would agree that him and Maicon in the top ten is crazy, their ranking seemed to overrate RBs and seriously underrate GKs and Liverpool players.

 

[bentley]

This isn't helping...

Ignore the names I mentioned, do some research into players on the top EPL clubs: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.

(psst....you're supposed to hate Everton)

Just making my prediction for the top four based upon my vast experience as a fan of the EPL.

 

[Desert_Power]

Yeah, I'm pretty stoked about getting Asenjo, although Leo Franco was a pretty damn fine goalie for my colchoneros over the last 5 seasons. I guess they wanted a keeper that will last another 5 seasons. It's likely that Leo will decline in the next 2 years IMO.From all accounts (and the times I've seen him play) Sergio has the potential to become a world class goalie. He's got a decent shot at being the Spanish goalie after Iker hangs them up (Iker is 28 and Asenjo is 20. López is 27 and IMO only a small step down from Iker). But in reality, Sergio isn't there yet, and I honestly believe that Leo Franco would be better in the net for the 09-10 season. After that, who knows?It took a while to sign him though from Valladolid, and that worried me becuase Leo and Coupet were both gone and Atlético was basically without a first string goalie for a few months.DP, you must have seen him play for Valladolid, right? You tell me what you think about him.

I rate Asenjo very highly from watching his play with la pucela and the U-21 Spain squad. I do think that he will be the natural successor to Casillas if he continues to develop. Really wanted Barca to make a move for him to back up Valdes as I dislike our other options behind him. But, he was always going to sign for you guys. If you can find it, check out some of his U21 work this summer. He had some impressive saves in that tournament.

 

[LHUCKS]

Guess I'm the only dope watching the Everton vs. MLS Allstars game.

 

[derek245583]

Guess I'm the only dope watching the Everton vs. MLS Allstars game.

I am watching....still wondering why the MLS all stars are playing a completely different league. But I am not a soccer follower, I just found it wierd.

 

[bentley]

Guess I'm the only dope watching the Everton vs. MLS Allstars game.

Not me. I hate Everton so much I can't even watch them play in friendlies (thanks for the tip, Tasker).

 

[Steve Tasker]

Guess I'm the only dope watching the Everton vs. MLS Allstars game.

Not me. I hate Everton so much I can't even watch them play in friendlies (thanks for the tip, Tasker).

You've always hated EVerton with a passion. You do like Tim Howard though...

 

[bentley]

Guess I'm the only dope watching the Everton vs. MLS Allstars game.

Not me. I hate Everton so much I can't even watch them play in friendlies (thanks for the tip, Tasker).

You've always hated EVerton with a passion. You do like Tim Howard though...

Tim Howard's on my fantasy EPL team at another site. It was part of my "select anyone that plays for Liverpool or that I might be able to pick out of a police lineup" strategy.

 

[The Z Machine]

Sorry, I meant Alvés in the CL semi-final against Chelsea. I knew something looked wrong when I wrote it.

He's a great player and did have the best season for a RB this last year. That doens't make him a top 10 player. Maicon is good, but not that good. Forlán is also WAY overrated on that list. I could go on and on, but we all know the list if crap other than a list of 50 guys whose names you should know in professional soccer.

 

[LHUCKS]

Great save by Howard there.

 

[LHUCKS]

Gotta like Everton's chances if it comes down to kicks...

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Another reason Freddy Adu needs to leave Benfica if he wants to see the field this season:

Keirrison loaned to Benfica

 

[LHUCKS]

I have a feeling Keller is going to get abused here

 

[Desert_Power]

Another reason Freddy Adu needs to leave Benfica if he wants to see the field this season:

Keirrison loaned to Benfica

Keirrison and Adu don't really play the same position. Keirrison is a pure center forward who showed some impressive goal scoring ability with Palmeiras and Coritiba. Really hoping he progresses well in his loan spell in Benfica and looking forward to having him with Barcelona next season.

 

[JBIZZLE]

Thats my team...where do i need to improve...I only had 100M to spend....

1: Reina

2: Lescott

3: Carragher

4: Corluka

5: Hughes

6: Alonso

7: Ireland

8: Cahill

9: Geovanni

10: Bendtner

©

11: Zamora

12: Howard

Goalkeeper

13: Evra

Defender

14: Murphy

Midfielder

15: Heskey

Forward

 

[Kendall]

JBIZZLE, format that so it doesn't make my eyes bleed.

I take it the first eleven are your starters?

Bendtner immediately jumps out to as me as a weakness.

 

[Bonzai]

JBIZZLE, format that so it doesn't make my eyes bleed. I take it the first eleven are your starters?Bendtner immediately jumps out as me as a weakness.

Yep. Ireland is also overrated. City brought in so much talent who knows what happens to him.

 

[Kendall]

JBIZZLE, format that so it doesn't make my eyes bleed. I take it the first eleven are your starters?Bendtner immediately jumps out as me as a weakness.

Yep. Ireland is also overrated. City brought in so much talent who knows what happens to him.

Which sucks because he played pretty well down the stretch for him.Also, I'm guessing Alonso is Xabi Alonso on your team. I love Xabi, and as much as I want him to stay, Madrid is after him and he could well be out of the EPL in the next week.

 

[brewer]

Bendtner immediately jumps out to as me as a weakness.

With Adebayor gone to City, this remains to be seen. Bendtner could end up being a steal here if he gets the majority of the time in front at Arsenal(at least I think so since this was supposed to be salary tiers or something).

 

[Kendall]

Bendtner immediately jumps out to as me as a weakness.

With Adebayor gone to City, this remains to be seen. Bendtner could end up being a steal here if he gets the majority of the time in front at Arsenal(at least I think so since this was supposed to be salary tiers or something).

RVP and Eduardo were hurt a lot of last year and Arshavin came in midseason. Adebayor was good, but he got a lot of chances because Arsenal was injured quite a bit. Arsenal looks pretty crowded up top, Walcott looks to get some time at FC as well. There might be better striker options from mid-table teams where they are the only real goal-scoring threat for their side.