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I'd like to know when "this year's list" closed. Rio Ferdinand would be nowhere near the Top 10 on current form. Looking at the relatively high ratings for Zhirkov and Arshavin, I'd guess this was done when Euro 2008 was still a little fresher in people's minds. Or possibly directly after the CL final in May, considering Iniesta's placement.
Agree on Arshavin but Alves is supremely overrated. He certainly has a few skills that are as good as you get but as an all-around player, he shouldn't be anywhere near the top 10 IMO. I don't think he's too low here. In fact, I think 25 is too high.
Yeah, and I think Cesc is too low on this list based on this season. He's stepped it up. Pretty sure this was probably done over the summer.
Hmmm...dunno about that. I think I'd rather have Anelka than Drogba but you are right when "properly motivated." That's sort of the rub with him. When properly motivated he is unstoppable. I just don't trust him to bring his game. I trust game in and game out a lot of other players who maybe have a slightly lower top side but much higher down side.
I'd rather have him than a few players ranked ahead of him.And re: 3 Barca guys in the top 4....I'd say it's completely warranted.
I go back and forth between Drogba and Torres in my personal Best XI right now. They're both fast, physical, technical ... everything you want in a center forward. I think Torres is a little better finisher from the run of play, but Drogba is more dangerous from dead ball situations. I think my XI would look something like this. Julio CesarPuyol Vidic MaiconLass Diarra Xavi EssienC Ronaldo Messi DrogbaSubs: Torres, Rooney, Cesc, Lucio, Buffon, Dani Alves Since every press honors team uses a three man line to fit in five MFs, I did as well. I just did it to fit in some holding mids. I like dynamic, two way midfielders who can protect the back line. And I think Diarra is one of the most underrated players in the game. Toughest cuts were all attackers. I like Luis Fabiano and Ibra as pure strikers. And a fit Ribery would be a nice AM, but I went with Rooney who can fill both roles off the bench. Cesc got Iniesta's spot only because Iniesta has been nicked all year. I had trouble thinking of two central defenders who I thought were in great form. I'm not even in love with Vidic. Puyol was probably the best choice, but I actually enjoy his infrequent appearances at left back, so I put him there. Best players who I never even really considered are Gerrard and Kaka.
It was pretty choppy considering the attacking talent out there. I don't think Barça got flowing until they had to play with 10 men. Puyol was fantastic today and Valdes was very good as well. Great to get the win today.
Hey Tasker, where you been?Ouch indeed, that was the worst result for everyone I think.Well, except Chelsea fans and there cant really be any of them out there surely? <ducks>ouchMagichat is good people....Big game today...might break out my Walcott jersey for it
guru_007 said:
Wow, I guess you and I watch games differently because I cant disagree more with most of what youve written.Feel free to disagree, but probably should look around a bit before pointing the finger too hard. I'd say my thoughts are pretty close to the general united consensus (I dunno, I'm fairly pathetically hard core about my united and spend way too much time farting around with the supporters club etc, I'm more worried that what I posted is too much generic populist opinion rather than being as out there as it feels like in here at the moment, but this year is what it is. edited to add not trying to sound like a know it all **** by saying this, but just that I probably watch games differently to most people here - I dont watch a huge number of non United/Melbourne Victory/Australian national games in full any more) No argument from me on Rooney's positive qualities, but his form has been a problem recently since his good start to the season.
They are paying a king's ransom, and I am skeptical whether he can succeed in the EPL. I've only seen him play a couple times. He looked very small. I assume they're hoping he can fill in during the ANC, but after that, I'm not sure how Arguero gets on the field for Chelsea.guru_007 said:
Rooney is stud. Pretty tough to say that he isn't the best player on the club. The season ebbs and flows, but Rooney is the guy.I agree with a lot of what you have here, but I'm not sure why you're so high on Fletcher. Even though Carrick has been a bit meh lately, I'd still rather have him in the long run.guru_007 said:
Dismiss Fletcher at your peril imo, do yourself a favour next time you watch a United game and just watch him play. He's not dirty (he does have that edge though and I suppose I could see an opposition supporter saying that), and he brings considerably more than being a screen for the back 4. He's gradually blossomed over the last 2 years, and is now a genuine box to box force. Scores his share of goals too.
Evra mediocre? Again, you really need to watch, sorry. Last 2 games he's slipped a little defensively and been caught out of position a few times by teams breaking behind him, but he's basically covered the fact that Nani has been 12 shades of rubbish as well as being a genuine defensive left back. Just a force of nature.
Sorry again, putting Carrick forward is laughable if you've watched a game this year. He seems to have become completely lost, back to his soft ways from before he found form last season. There's talk of him being shown the door in the January window, especially if Hargraves makes it back.. and there wont be too many missing him imo. Next time he plays, see if you notice him.
Valencia - well it's a hard thing for me to say given how awful i thought he was early, but he's been at the pointy end of a lot of the important stuff United has done for the last month. He only has one foot which makes him far too predictable, but he's been outstanding lately. If he ever learns to cut back on his left foot, the world needs to watch out. He's another that seems to be growing in confidence every time he sets foot on the park, I think he's just starting to believe he belongs in the team. Is he a better footballer than Wayne Rooney? No, but that wasnt my point.
Giggs/Scholes - Hmm. Giggs role has changed markedly the last few years. The last month or so he's been back out on the left a bit but thats because Nani has tanked so badly and Obertan isnt ready yet (I'm sceptical that he will - looks like another David Bellion to me). But he's been outstanding, just marvellous to watch and to say he's lost skill is missing the mark significantly. I'm biased on Giggs because he's my favourite player, but he's been at his creative best and Evra's contribution means he doesnt have to be a typical left winger anyway. This weekend he and Valencia pushed inside to make more of a 433, I wonder if this is coming more often to try and bridge the gap to Rooney. Maybe not - Evra and Neville got caught out quite a lot becasue they were overlapping too much and united were quite lucky in the first half not to be behind.
Scholes has also had a bit of a renaissance this year, but he's usually playing when there is cover in the midfield (either a 3 like against Portsmouth or when Rooney's drifted out and Giggs inside when Owen is up front). He is really just being asked to be incisive with his passing - look up his efficiency stats this year before you call him finished (again, just watch the vision and accuracy of his passing next time you see him). He is playing more against the lower teams though - Anderson coming in for the toughter midfield matchups more and more often. Definitely declining but he's worth putting out there.
Ferdinand gets a mulligan, he's been injured. But he and Vidic are a concern (latest gossip is that Vidic is on his way too in the window).
You know what, Rooney at 10 on such a list is probably just fine as a ranking (as much as those rankings mean anything - for example how do you rate a left back against a striker? or a goalkeeper? too many variables). But once again, lauding his season this year as the reason United somehow seems to be staving off relegation post Ronaldo lis just a million miles off the mark. Thats my point if you read it..
My Blues are heading down fast and I don't see the bottom. Not good. Moyes came out this week and mentioned that he doesn't think he is getting the support that he needs to keep Everton at the top of the EPL. With a failed stadium deal last week, it doesn't look like things are going to get any better in the near future either. While Everton did control much of the game, the early own-goal, not being able to finish multiple times and their inability to clear on Kuyt's goal really did them in. Three defeats in 8 days. Ouch.I agree with a lot of what you say here...however,Evra has hardly been brilliant this year. Yes, he is great running up the flank and adding to the attack, but often this year he has been a deficit defensively and easily getting beaten. With an injured Rio and Vidic this is not what I like to see. Exactly the reason why Rafael isn't getting playing time because sure he is a nice boost to the offense, but is often out of position.Fletcher yes gets the occasion goal, but he often flies shots 10 yards off target and gives away possession. And I stand by my position, he is dirty and a whining player to boot. I'm not a huge fan.I would be downright shocked if Vidic left. His contract runs through 2012, and he has repeatedly stated he wants to stay at United (sure, you hear this garbage all the time, but it's not the sign of someone looking to leave). If Vidic left, that would leave United with aging and injured Rio, 30 year old Wes Brown, Evra, 92 year old Gary Neville, the twins, and Jonny Evans? No way can United afford him leaving unless they are targetting a huge central defender in return.Scholes is done, I'm sorry, but he is a deficit on the pitch more often than not. It's been a good run. Efficiency stats, great, so he can get the ball and make a 5 yard pass to someone, that's fine. That's his game getting the ball from the defense to the attack, but...it's not like he's making great long passes or creating scoring opportunities. I guess there is something to be said for not making mistakes, but I would prefer to play someone that can create and add. That's what this team is missing and Scholes is not the answer.And again on Giggs, yes he is still solid, but he is no longer an every day option out there, if he were, he would be gassed, just a matter of age there. It's great to have him out there in big matches, and I wasn't trying to diss on Giggs, I was simply saying that saying he is a better player than Rooney is off. 30 matches of Giggs vs 50+ matches for Rooney per year.
Glad that Hull got a point on the road though as I must root heartily for the Bengal-themed team in the EPL Probably need to send Mike Zimmer over there to shore up the defense though as they give up bushels of goals.
This is awesome com-o-dee. Didn't realize he ruled it out (which seems to be obvious). It would of course be classic FIFA to let them in and totally throw everything into a tumult
Beat me to the post as I was about to put this up.
Puyol and Valdes came up huge, always good to win the ClassicoThe Kansas Comet said:It was pretty choppy considering the attacking talent out there. I don't think Barça got flowing until they had to play with 10 men. Puyol was fantastic today and Valdes was very good as well. Great to get the win today.
Henry really is not showing anything at all this year, I find it difficult to see him finding much time in the lineup with a full health Messi and Ibra.
He was very impressive. The guy has some unreal instincts to break up plays. He's an all-time great IMO.
I'm here....retired from WW though, not enough time with my new job....magichat said:Hey Tasker, where you been?Ouch indeed, that was the worst result for everyone I think.Well, except Chelsea fans and there cant really be any of them out there surely? <ducks>Steve Tasker said:ouchMagichat is good people....Big game today...might break out my Walcott jersey for it
There's a rumour Vidic has already signed a contract (with Barcelona from memory). It's kind of been refuted, but doesnt go away.There's another rumour that he is out of favour in the squad because of some crunching tackles on the younger forwards (specifically Wellbeck and Macheda) in training. If he left Evans and Brown have shown enough to not panic, but I'm sure someone would be brought in too.I love Rafael (and his twin brother). Theyre still kids and need to work on their horrible positioning, and Rafael needs to learn how to tackle (or not to lunge impulsively at every opposition player he sees with the ball). Plenty of time to pick that up though, you can't learn the silky class they both have.
Hope Atletico can find a way to keep Aguero but it is difficult for them to with their financial situation and continued lackluster results. Hard to see such a great talent as Aguero staying with a team that can only to manage to hover just above relegation this far into the year.
Awesome game. Crowd was alive. Drama and cards at every turn. Real owned most of the first. Barca turned it on in the second. Would have loved Messi to score that late goal. Ibra's finish was great, but Alves' cross was superb. Speaking of Henry, it would be great to see Robhino take that spot. Puyol was incredible. Pique was fantastic too. Valdes is a different goalie than he was early last year. They still haven't shown the dominace they did last year, but you can see it has a chance to be better in flashes.Desert_Power said:Puyol and Valdes came up huge, always good to win the ClassicoThe Kansas Comet said:It was pretty choppy considering the attacking talent out there. I don't think Barça got flowing until they had to play with 10 men. Puyol was fantastic today and Valdes was very good as well. Great to get the win today.The Z Machine said:
I think they have been too injured to play together long enough to really develop the type of chemistry to win it all again. I still think Henry is what the team is lacking. He got a very large goal tally last year and was able to do that when teams focused on taking out Eto'o and Messi. This season when teams take Ibra and Messi out of the picture it has had to be Pedro and Keita picking up the slack in goals and, while both are having fantastic seasons, neither is consistent enough yet to do it on a regular basis.Also, I think Iniesta is still off of form from his injuries this summer and think that it is going to take some time for him to regain it. Part of that is that he has been deployed on the wing(because of other injuries and poor form of Henry) and has not regained his report with Xavi in the engine room.Awesome game. Crowd was alive. Drama and cards at every turn. Real owned most of the first. Barca turned it on in the second. Would have loved Messi to score that late goal. Ibra's finish was great, but Alves' cross was superb. Speaking of Henry, it would be great to see Robhino take that spot. Puyol was incredible. Pique was fantastic too. Valdes is a different goalie than he was early last year. They still haven't shown the dominace they did last year, but you can see it has a chance to be better in flashes.Desert_Power said:Puyol and Valdes came up huge, always good to win the ClassicoThe Kansas Comet said:It was pretty choppy considering the attacking talent out there. I don't think Barça got flowing until they had to play with 10 men. Puyol was fantastic today and Valdes was very good as well. Great to get the win today.The Z Machine said:
Don't feel bad. It's a business after all.Agüero has been slightly disappointing the last 2 years. Forlán was the one to carry the team to CL last year. They need the money and they need to rebuild. I just hope that if they do sell him that they can get some big € out of it.According to the latest from as.com, Chelski offered 48m€ plus 10m€ more based on performances. Atlético AND Kun said no. Ha ha, that's pretty funny.I figured that he'd be worth 50m€, but it's nice to see the offer forthcoming.
And Sepp laughed about it too. That was truly a lame attempt by IRE. They should have been awarded a rematch, but now they should give up.
Dont know. They can have 11 groups of 3.
Pretty damn anxious!I'm hoping for an easy group for Italy. Once they get through it will be fun.Who else is getting anxious for Friday morning's draw?
Very excited!What time does it start? And if memory serves its on ESPN2 right?Who else is getting anxious for Friday morning's draw?
Of course Atletico said no. They have Chelsea by the balls and they know it. Chelsea needs to make the transfer in January or else they very well may be SOL. Of course this may all backfire on Atletico too because if they wait till June, interest may wane as other big names become available. I'm a bit skeptical that a move to the EPL may be for the best for Arguero, as smaller players often become invisible with rare exceptions - Craig Bellamy comes to mind. I know he plays a different position, but Deco hasn't exactly worked out very well at Chelsea either.Also read yesterday that Guti may be moving to Man City. City has immensely underperformed. I know they've had lingering injury issues with the likes of Robinho, Santa Cruz and Adelbayor, but still, that team has enough talent that it should not be struggling so much (although they do have the fewest losses in the EPL this year). It would not surprise me at all to see Mourinho show up in Man City this offseason. He's expressed a strong interest in returning to England, and the owners of City are trying to build a new dynasty. Hughes seems more of a manager that gets more out of lesser talent rather than babying over world class talent.
ESPN had a bottom-screen scroll last night announcing that Messi had won the "Golden Balloon". As a long-suffering American soccer fan, any coverage is good coverage, but that is pretty damn funny.Congrats to Leo.Messi wins the Ballon d'Or by a record margin.
I don't think Aguero is right for the EPL or for Chelsea, but don't claim to be an expert on such things. I expect they are looking more at the Champions Leauge than the EPL when targeting a player like Aguero. I think that is the reason Abramovich brought in Ancelotti - to get a Champions League trophy.
Lot of money to pay for a guy to win a CL trophy. They were pretty close two years ago without him. They are doing pretty well right now without him.Personally, I think it's the youth/potential that is attracting Chelsea to pay this price tag. Drogba and Anelka are both over 30 and guys like Kalou and Sturridge have yet to prove they are ready to finish consistently on the highest level. Plus, with a potential 2 year transfer ban looming, that's a long time to wait to restock the coffers.
He wouldn't be eligible to play in the CL until next season, right?
good pointI'm not a fan of this acquisition.
