What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

***Official Soccer Discussion Thread*** (5 Viewers)

'Steve Tasker said:
I've been really disappointed with Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla in the past two months.I'd be happy if Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker never put on the Arsenal jersey again. Ever.That's about all I've got to say here.
Click to expand...
Too much was placed on Santi early and he seemed to tire. I thought he played well between the lines against Liverpool. I also think Ramsey is playing much better now that's he's back in the CM beside Wilshere. He's not a destroyer, but I don't think Arsenal need one. He does what Arteta does. Simple, efficient distribution.Mertesacker has his problems (and that half-hearted stab at Henderson was atrocious), but he's probably been a bit better than Koscielny among three CBs where the very best (Vermalean) has only been adequate this year. Szczesny also seems to be kind of hitting a plateau. I was excited about him, but I don't think he'll make the leap to a top EPL keeper for some reason. He's not bad, but not a true strength. Santos is probably the worst player I've seen in an Arsenal shirt. He makes Eboue look like Ashley Cole.But I also come to praise Arsenal, because I think the forward elements are really starting to click. I actually love the way Podolski, Giroud, and Walcott are playing together. And in fact, Giroud is quickly becoming the glue. His finishing is still erratic (he should have had at least a brace against Liverpool), but his deft little hold up touches create so many chances. And he's really fearless charging the front post and getting onto crosses and the like. I also thing that Wilshere has looked great coming back from injury. He's making me remember why some believe he's the most talented Englishman since Paul Gasciogne. Great motor. Driving dribbler, and a tidy, tidy passer. It's a shame that it's too late, but I think Gunner fans have been clamoring for the wrong players all transfer period. There has to be a left back out there as good as Jenkinson (who's been fine covering Sagna). It wouldn't be expensive and everyone knows you can't count on Gibbs to play a full season. And there has to be another CB with some upside. Hell, Man City seems intent on burying Jolean Lescott, who would be an upgrade. Bassong from Norwich would be an upgrade (I'm a long time admirer from his Toon days).
 
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'Slapdash said:
I don't know if Real Madrid missing any players outside of Ronaldo means all too much, they're the deepest club in Europe.
Click to expand...
I'm not sure any team is really deep at the back, and Real is no exception. Varane is proving to be excellent, but it looks like RM played Essien in the back yesterday (I just looked at Game Cast). Sergio Ramos and Pepe are huge parts of the team.
Click to expand...
Essien and Carvalho are definitely weak spots.I don't know how Marcelo got left off the team yesterday. Very weird.
 
'Good said:
I don't know how Marcelo got left off the team yesterday. Very weird.
Click to expand...
Hard to know how much of the soap opera stuff to believe, but I've heard that Marcelo was one of "Jose's guys" who has now started siding with the Ramos/Iker bloc. So maybe the Special One is going all omerta on him. Or it could just be a horses for courses thing. Marcelo has a lot of great qualities, but tactical discipline isn't really among them.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good god that is huge moneyFOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer)1/31/13, 11:12 AMBIG DEAL: Willian to move from Shakhtar to Anzhi per Sky. That's huge. Reported $55m deal.

 
I think Becks at PSG is intriguing. He played with Cantona, Ibra probably seems sane by comparison.EDIT: He's playing for free! Money going to a children's charity. So weird.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'Steve Tasker said:
I've been really disappointed with Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla in the past two months.I'd be happy if Andre Santos and Per Mertesacker never put on the Arsenal jersey again. Ever.That's about all I've got to say here.
Click to expand...
Too much was placed on Santi early and he seemed to tire. I thought he played well between the lines against Liverpool. I also think Ramsey is playing much better now that's he's back in the CM beside Wilshere. He's not a destroyer, but I don't think Arsenal need one. He does what Arteta does. Simple, efficient distribution.Mertesacker has his problems (and that half-hearted stab at Henderson was atrocious), but he's probably been a bit better than Koscielny among three CBs where the very best (Vermalean) has only been adequate this year. Szczesny also seems to be kind of hitting a plateau. I was excited about him, but I don't think he'll make the leap to a top EPL keeper for some reason. He's not bad, but not a true strength. Santos is probably the worst player I've seen in an Arsenal shirt. He makes Eboue look like Ashley Cole.But I also come to praise Arsenal, because I think the forward elements are really starting to click. I actually love the way Podolski, Giroud, and Walcott are playing together. And in fact, Giroud is quickly becoming the glue. His finishing is still erratic (he should have had at least a brace against Liverpool), but his deft little hold up touches create so many chances. And he's really fearless charging the front post and getting onto crosses and the like. I also thing that Wilshere has looked great coming back from injury. He's making me remember why some believe he's the most talented Englishman since Paul Gasciogne. Great motor. Driving dribbler, and a tidy, tidy passer. It's a shame that it's too late, but I think Gunner fans have been clamoring for the wrong players all transfer period. There has to be a left back out there as good as Jenkinson (who's been fine covering Sagna). It wouldn't be expensive and everyone knows you can't count on Gibbs to play a full season. And there has to be another CB with some upside. Hell, Man City seems intent on burying Jolean Lescott, who would be an upgrade. Bassong from Norwich would be an upgrade (I'm a long time admirer from his Toon days).
Click to expand...
I've really been down on Ramsey, I don't know. He just seems to make poor decisions with the ball too often for my liking. Wilshere has looked fantastic, and I agree about the strikers. I'm wondering how Gervinho fits in once he gets back from the ANC. Giroud has seemingly improved immensely since the beginning of the season and may be turning into the player we all kinda hoped Chamakh would be.
 
'The Gator said:
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
I think Becks at PSG is intriguing. He played with Cantona, Ibra probably seems sane by comparison.EDIT: He's playing for free! Money going to a children's charity. So weird.
Click to expand...
Class
Click to expand...
Indeed. Nice guy.I can understand him not wanting to lock himself in any longer. He obviously doesn't need money. Better from his perspective to have flexibility/freedom, I suppose.
 
'Steve Tasker said:
I've really been down on Ramsey, I don't know. He just seems to make poor decisions with the ball too often for my liking.
Click to expand...
They've done him no favors playing him on the wing so often. He's not that creative a player. I don't think that's a bad thing. Not everyone is. While it's probably homerific, I think the absolute perfect partner for Wilshere in CM would be a guy like Bradley. High motor, disciplined, able to make quick passes to maintain possession quickly, but not a guy needed to carry the creative load. But I think it's become a cliche to say that Arsenal need to find a new Viera. Ramsey and Arteta are both better in that position than Diaby (who has more natural gifts to play it) because they're both better disciplined.
 
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'Steve Tasker said:
I've really been down on Ramsey, I don't know. He just seems to make poor decisions with the ball too often for my liking.
Click to expand...
They've done him no favors playing him on the wing so often. He's not that creative a player. I don't think that's a bad thing. Not everyone is. While it's probably homerific, I think the absolute perfect partner for Wilshere in CM would be a guy like Bradley. High motor, disciplined, able to make quick passes to maintain possession quickly, but not a guy needed to carry the creative load. But I think it's become a cliche to say that Arsenal need to find a new Viera. Ramsey and Arteta are both better in that position than Diaby (who has more natural gifts to play it) because they're both better disciplined.
Click to expand...
An Alex Song type?
 
'Sebowski said:
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'Steve Tasker said:
I've really been down on Ramsey, I don't know. He just seems to make poor decisions with the ball too often for my liking.
Click to expand...
They've done him no favors playing him on the wing so often. He's not that creative a player. I don't think that's a bad thing. Not everyone is. While it's probably homerific, I think the absolute perfect partner for Wilshere in CM would be a guy like Bradley. High motor, disciplined, able to make quick passes to maintain possession quickly, but not a guy needed to carry the creative load. But I think it's become a cliche to say that Arsenal need to find a new Viera. Ramsey and Arteta are both better in that position than Diaby (who has more natural gifts to play it) because they're both better disciplined.
Click to expand...
An Alex Song type?
Click to expand...
Song had some of the same issues as Diaby. Song is very, very talented and is much more naturally creative than Ramsey, IMO. But he's not very disciplined. So I've read that despite all the gorgeous through balls to RVP last year, Wenger was happy to let him go, because he'd get caught upfield when his CM partner was also upfield. It's not enough to be a high energy guy. You need the restraint to keep shape when it's your turn to play the 6 (Arsenal plays best, IMO, when the 6 and 8 switch roles at times depending on what fullback is getting forward).Ramsey's best model is probably Carrick.
 
'B Maverick said:
congrats to the 1000 pages and 6 years. been a great read and although I havent posted much lately, still love to visit!
Click to expand...
You get the credit for the first person on this thread if memory serves to say Adu was never going to make it. Great call especially at a time when he looked like he had enough to at least be a solid pro at the club level.
 
Shea got his work permit so the deal is finalized to Stoke. Hopefully he can break into the team as a sub in a whiles time once he recovers and gets into game shape.

 
Emilio Izaguirre, the starting left back for Celtic and Honduras got hurt yesterday and has been ruled out of the qualifier against the US.

 
Looks like Agudelo is staying in MLS for now. He is on the last year of his contract so he could move some where next winter if he does not sign a new deal.

 
'Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
'Steve Tasker said:
I've really been down on Ramsey, I don't know. He just seems to make poor decisions with the ball too often for my liking.
Click to expand...
They've done him no favors playing him on the wing so often. He's not that creative a player. I don't think that's a bad thing. Not everyone is. While it's probably homerific, I think the absolute perfect partner for Wilshere in CM would be a guy like Bradley. High motor, disciplined, able to make quick passes to maintain possession quickly, but not a guy needed to carry the creative load. But I think it's become a cliche to say that Arsenal need to find a new Viera. Ramsey and Arteta are both better in that position than Diaby (who has more natural gifts to play it) because they're both better disciplined.
Click to expand...
Maybe I'm holding on to the pre-Shawcross past, but I remember him being Wilshere before Wilshere. Crafty, highly skilled with great vision and ability to break down a defender or defense off the dribble or pass. I haven't seen him that much since, but when I do it seems like he tries too hard too much of the time. Maybe he's lost a micro-step in his recovery and just can't do what he wants to do, or maybe he peaked early. Dunno. I guess all that by way of saying I think he IS that creative a player.
 
'Ted Lange as your Bartender said:
'B Maverick said:
congrats to the 1000 pages and 6 years. been a great read and although I havent posted much lately, still love to visit!
Click to expand...
+1My first post in here had me blowing off the '07 Gold Cup and '09 Confed Cup to concentrate on Copa America:bag:
Click to expand...
:goodposting: Here's part of my first post:
Jozy Altidore.... Wish I could say I've seen more of him than you, Andy. Didn't get to see him play live last year (he joined up late), so I can't speak to his off the ball work or how the team works around him, but he looks unbelievably mature out there from what I've seen- and fearless. I really like that he's got some size to go with those skills- ultimately Beasley's downfall, IMO. He's obviously still young (17) and fairly raw- so the sky's the limit for him (although I just heard a report that he's looking either injured or just lazy in the preseason games so far). I can't wait to see what he does this year.
Click to expand...
 
Re: nachoThe talk sport people were fapping over him. Supposedly a really good buy by ####.Malaga fans called in upset he went so cheaply

 
Last edited by a moderator:
Not that this was a surprise but Cherundolo was not on the game day roster again for Hannover. This all but assures he won't be called up. Tomorrow we will learn more about Fabian Johnson's prospects.

 
Read into this what you will. Trying to out guess Klinsmann can be a challenge at times :) @JeremiahOshan Asked Sigi if he expected to see Evans + EJ in camp soon. "They aren't here now and don't expect them soon."

 
'B Maverick said:
'andy_b said:
'El Floppo said:
For my money, the US needs to do more of what Wynalda said AND learn how to turn and take guys on- even in the midfield. Feilhaber and Bradley first instinct was to pass the ball back when receiving it in the middle. There were many opportunities for them to turn without putting their team at risk defensively- but neither one took them. It's kind of like basketball- if you have a point-guard who can break down a team by driving to the hoop, it'll open up the field for the rest of the players.
Click to expand...
and this is why we should all say a prayer to the soccer gods that Adu can develop his obvious skills. He is tailored made for the role you describe.
Click to expand...
Really? Our hopes are that Adu can turn into C Ronaldo? Sorry, wont happen. He is overrated and to small. More Beasley then Ronaldo.Notes on the game......I dont know whats worse about this game, the announcers, the US' play or the ref.1) Why isnt someone getting in the opponants face after three kicks to our players midsection/head? Dont need to get a yellow, just back up your boy. One thing hot head Wayne Rooney does well. Prime example in the Manu v Boro game after the bad whack on Ronaldo, his whole team got his back. US is timid.2) If the team does not have Donovan to pass to they are lost. Mark him out of the game and we are clueless.3) Eddie Johnson is worthless. He is in a track meet just turning and running for goal. He cant serve a ball when he does control it on the wings and he cant score to save his life. Heck we do not have any PURE goal Scorers.4) the 6'2 210 forward that came in late. Wynalda said he isnt good with his back to the goal or in the air. DISGRACE. At that size with his build he should be able to post up, bring a ball down turn and shoot. Sad that he is on the national team and cant do it.5) Donovan is NOT world class. He is good in the open field but easily marked out of the game. Just listen to the comments on Ruiz's ability to get open. Landon can not do that. He may be great in the MLS but put him in the world stage and he is nothing.6) Furthermore on Landon, he now does not want to play CONCACAF or any friendlies once the MLS season starts? He wasnts to play for club over country? Some leader he is. I wouldnt want him on the national team with that attitude. He is SCARED. He couldnt hack it in Europe so he came home. Now BECKHAM is here to share a pitch with him and he is AFRAID of him. Afraid of Becks being the star, showing how much better the big boys are, proving LD is not the leader or the star the USMNT wants him to be.On the plus side, some of the kids like Spector looked solid and have potential. There is hope as long as we develop these guys and are not relying on the old guard. Stop waiting for ADU and develop these better players.Ok Andy B and El Floppo, enjoy ripping this one................
Click to expand...
:bag: wow my first post is like 5 pages in and I am one angry guy. Still sad that the US doesn't have any pure goal scorers. Although Dempsy is doing a pretty nice job. But like Landon they score goals but not sure i would call them a goal scorer if you catch what I mean. Paul Scoles scores goals, but RVP, Chicharito are goal scorers.Not totally correct in my assessment of Landon. He had the talent to be but staying in the MLS lowered his ceiling IMO. And Andy B and El Floppo...after 1000 pages and 6 years, would rather read your analysis and opinions then a lot of the paid writers out there.
'NewlyRetired said:
'B Maverick said:
congrats to the 1000 pages and 6 years. been a great read and although I havent posted much lately, still love to visit!
Click to expand...
You get the credit for the first person on this thread if memory serves to say Adu was never going to make it. Great call especially at a time when he looked like he had enough to at least be a solid pro at the club level.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately it looks that way. Looking back, would have been nice to have been wrong.
 
Reminder that the first two African Cup quarterfinals are tomorrow at 9:50am and 1:20pm Eastern. The games will be on ESPN3.com and the WatchESPN app. Remember that even if you are a Direct TV subscriber you can use WatchESPN to view all espn3.com content.

 
Super Mario says #### off to The Sun.http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=O283MijqqxUI wish this guy the best in Serie A. I love the guy and hope he has a long career.I pull for Italy every World Cup, but man I would love for this guy to win it and score the winning goal in the final.A black Italian from Ghana named Balotelli. That would stomp some racism in Italy at least.

 
Does anyone know of a good way to find online radio streams for European games? I work most Saturday mornings during the spring (like I am right now) and would love to listen to some EPL games. I don't want anything shady if possible, and I don't need a video stream.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

El Floppo
Official US Women's soccer thread: ***Update- Christen Press retires
70 71 72
Replies
4K
Views
294K
Don Quixote
Don Quixote
SIDA!
The Official Thread for Official Threads - MASTER LIST
Replies
1
Views
442
mquinnjr
mquinnjr
Ramsay Hunt Experience
***Official Soccer Discussion Thread***
1021 1022 1023
Replies
51K
Views
1M
AAABatteries
AAABatteries

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 4 (members: 0, guests: 4)
Back
Top