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*** (3 Viewers)

Sterling v Milner - Premier League this season



Sterling


Stat


Milner


24


Apps


26


6


Goals


7


5


Assists


3


180


Mins/goal involvement


252


1.6


Chances created per 90


1.6


50%


Dribble success rate


57%


8%


Crossing accuracy


18%


 
The Gator said:
Sterling v Milner v Boring Milner - Premier League this season



Sterling


Stat


Milner


24


Apps


26


6


Goals


7


5


Assists


3


180


Mins/goal involvement


252


1.6


Chances created per 90


1.6


50%


Dribble success rate


57%


8%


Crossing accuracy


18%







 


 


24


Apps


too many to count


6


Goals


aspirations? some.


5


Assists


always there for a friend


180


Mins/goal involvement


maxs, really


1.6


Chances created per 90


10/10


50%


Dribble success rate


50%


8%


Crossing accuracy


I do my best



 


 


 


 
Click to expand...

 
Sinn Fein said:
Mourinho already said in his presser this weekend, that they prefer Europa to 4th - so I expect they will rotate accordingly.  Its risky, but its probably their best shot to make CL given the fixture congestion.  If two of Spurs, City, Liverpool, or Arsenal stumble, Man United might revisit their strategy, but for now, I think they have put most of their eggs in the Europa basket.
Click to expand...


How awesome is the new Europa win and qualify for Champions League rule? Local radio guy suggested it for college basketball. Win the NIT and automatacially qualify for the tournament. He also suggested the two winners play each other to start next season like in soccer. 

 
Really nice pick up by Chicago.  If he takes this as seriously as Villa, he is going to be fun to watch.

==============================

More than four months after the Fire’s courtship of Bastian Schweinsteiger ignited during lunch at an Italian restaurant in England, the decorated German midfielder is officially moving to MLS.

The Fire on Monday acquired Schweinsteiger from Manchester United, finalizing a move that injects credibility and international star power into a rebuilding club that has finished at the bottom of the standings the last two seasons.

Schweinsteiger, 32, comes to Chicago as only the second reigning World Cup champion to move to MLS. He could join coach Veljko Paunovic’s team by the middle of next week, depending on his P1 visa application and a physical.

“We’re adding someone who has won at every level, including the very highest levels, and has done so in a way that is consistent with our values,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said. “We as a club will now be forced to hold ourselves to a higher standard, an accountability level. Previously, I think we could satisfy ourselves with what is known domestically. Now we need to rise to a standard that is set more internationally.”

Schweinsteiger signed a one-year designated player contract that guarantees him $4.5 million in 2017, a source close to the team said. The deal makes him one of the 10 highest-paid players in MLS and includes a mutual option for at least one more year.

He’s the latest European heavyweight to extend his club career in the United States, and he brings a resume that matches any of the brightest MLS stars.

“Throughout my career, I’ve always sought opportunities where I hoped to make a positive impact and to help make something great,” Schweinsteiger said in a statement via the club. “My move to Chicago Fire is no different. Through my conversations with Nelson and Pauno, I'm convinced by the club’s vision and philosophy and I want to help them with this project.”

 
Is Schweiny going to play as a 10?  It seems like a low risk move as its one year and a mutual option, but with Dax and Juninho, the Pigsticker's more natural deep lying positions are kind of spoken for. 

 
I suppose Schweiny could go the Gerrard route (average impact, player clearly over it) or the Villa route.  I can't make a judgment on him as I rarely got to see him play at Man U and never really watched him previously.

I prefer Atlanta's model of DP rather than getting the aging vets.  

If any MLS guys have a moment today, who would you rank as the 5 best European signings for the MLS in terms of impact?

 
What do you mean by impact?  I mean David Beckham is, and will always be, the most important player in the history of the league.  He also played pretty damn well in MLS.

So it would probably be:

Beckham

Keane

Giovinco

Villa

Henry (assuming you don't count a journeyman like BWP as a "European signing")

I think Peter Nowak is really the only European who became a bona fide MLS "star" in the early days of the league.  From what I can tell, he's the only European who was a finalist of the MVP award until Keane became one in 2013. 

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
What do you mean by impact?  I mean David Beckham is, and will always be, the most important player in the history of the league.  He also played pretty damn well in MLS.

So it would probably be:

Beckham

Keane

Giovinco

Villa

Henry (assuming you don't count a journeyman like BWP as a "European signing")

I think Peter Nowak is really the only European who became a bona fide MLS "star" in the early days of the league.  From what I can tell, he's the only European who was a finalist of the MVP award until Keane became one in 2013. 
Click to expand...
Thanks I appreciate it.  This the first year I decided to stop being obstinate against the MLS, as I like the idea of supporting a team from the ground floor and just wanted some perspective on the best players from Europe.

IMO I put Schweiny in the Steven Gerrard camp.  Older, legs are a bit dead, probably will do a few good things, but can't see him making a major impact.  I could be wrong though

 
shader said:
Thanks I appreciate it.  This the first year I decided to stop being obstinate against the MLS, as I like the idea of supporting a team from the ground floor and just wanted some perspective on the best players from Europe.

IMO I put Schweiny in the Steven Gerrard camp.  Older, legs are a bit dead, probably will do a few good things, but can't see him making a major impact.  I could be wrong though
Click to expand...
Dude, you've been following soccer for like 3 years at most.

 
Jogi Low speaking about Schweiny's transfer gloriously throws shade at Mourinho and Pogba in one comment.

"I've seen a few United games, and a Bastian Schweinsteiger could have helped in a central role in midfield, organising the match. But the coach made a different decision. He has given it his all, but it wasn't enough. Thus the transfer is a certainly a good decision."
Click to expand...

 
shader said:
If any MLS guys have a moment today, who would you rank as the 5 best European signings for the MLS in terms of impact?
Click to expand...
are you talking impact on the field or impact from a business aspect?

as a general rule of thumb  the majority of the best players in MLS historically have not been European, they have been from this hemisphere.

MLS awards a "best 11" every season.  Since 1996, 252 players have made this list.

Of the 252 players only 34 have been from Europe if my count is correct.

 
RSL fired their coach yesterday.                                                

It made me wonder if that was the fastest sacking ever for an MLS coach in terms of games played in a season.

 
NewlyRetired said:
are you talking impact on the field or impact from a business aspect?

as a general rule of thumb  the majority of the best players in MLS historically have not been European, they have been from this hemisphere.

MLS awards a "best 11" every season.  Since 1996, 252 players have made this list.

Of the 252 players only 34 have been from Europe if my count is correct.
Click to expand...
On the field.  I'm sure guys like Gerrard and Kaka sell some tickets or have a business impact.  But I wondered how many from Europe have become bona fide mls stars.  

Thanks for the info!

A guy I work with is a huge Atlanta fan and he kind of sold me on the team way ahead of the season.  He told me they were following what he feels is the optimal way for an mls team to build, by focusing on young players on their way up.

As I see it, I'd rather have a guy like Almiron, an up and comer who may be difficult to keep, than a Kaka, who is over the hill and has a limited time anyway.  Better investment, even if Almiron decides to leave.

 
shader said:
As I see it, I'd rather have a guy like Almiron, an up and comer who may be difficult to keep, than a Kaka, who is over the hill and has a limited time anyway.  Better investment, even if Almiron decides to leave.
Click to expand...
MLS is not kind to older players.  The travel, the heat, the turf and the general fitness level of the base domestic player all work against them.   The players who take it seriously like Villa and Keane can have huge impacts though.  

You will also find a strong correlation between the Euro players who play hard and the Euro's players who say very positive things about MLS and vice versa.

As for Atlanta, it is impossible not to like how they have built it.  The fact they they have a chance to beat Seattle in the attendance race is certainly going to open eye balls at the ownership levels in terms of having to sign big name players to sell tickets.

As a side note, I think there is a huge difference between signing a player at 31-32 compared to 36-37.  This one reason is why I am more hopeful about Schwiney than I was about Gerrard.

 
I guess

shader said:
On the field.  I'm sure guys like Gerrard and Kaka sell some tickets or have a business impact.  But I wondered how many from Europe have become bona fide mls stars.  

Thanks for the info!

A guy I work with is a huge Atlanta fan and he kind of sold me on the team way ahead of the season.  He told me they were following what he feels is the optimal way for an mls team to build, by focusing on young players on their way up.

As I see it, I'd rather have a guy like Almiron, an up and comer who may be difficult to keep, than a Kaka, who is over the hill and has a limited time anyway.  Better investment, even if Almiron decides to leave.
Click to expand...
So would  you not take Ronaldo at this point?

 
CGRdrJoe said:
I guess

So would  you not take Ronaldo at this point?
Click to expand...
If I was a fan "investing" time and and energy into a club I am not sure Ronaldo is the player I would want.  Great player, and getting to see him play several times would certainly be worthwhile, but ultimately, the guys you want are the ones that will grow with the club, and who at least give the impression that they are as vested in the club as you, the fan, are.  That is where the long-term loyalty comes from - imo.  The mercenary-types may bring more people into the tent, but to keep them, you have to have the up-and-comers for fans to appreciate the growth. :shrug:

 
MLS, and any team within MLS, would take Cristiano in a heartbeat. 

For one thing, Ronaldo has played for three teams.  Two since he was 17.  So I'm not sure he's all that mercenary.  Also, every coach he's ever had has said he's literally the hardest worker they've ever seen.  When you hear that from Sir Alex, Ancelloti, and Mourinho, you take notice. 

He's also one of only a handful of players (as Beckham was) who moves the needle as a star and would grow the game in the public consciousness.  Guys like Villa and Keane have been great to the extent that they capture the attention of guys like me, who watch soccer but not necessarily MLS.  Guys like Beckham and Ronaldo are great in that they capture the attention of someone who might not be watching soccer at all.  Maybe the league doesn't "need" the second type, but they never hurt. 

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
MLS, and any team within MLS, would take Cristiano in a heartbeat. 

For one thing, Ronaldo has played for three teams.  Two since he was 17.  So I'm not sure he's all that mercenary.  Also, every coach he's ever had has said he's literally the hardest worker they've ever seen.  When you hear that from Sir Alex, Ancelloti, and Mourinho, you take notice. 

He's also one of only a handful of players (as Beckham was) who moves the needle as a star and would grow the game in the public consciousness.  Guys like Villa and Keane have been great to the extent that they capture the attention of guys like me, who watch soccer but not necessarily MLS.  Guys like Beckham and Ronaldo are great in that they capture the attention of someone who might not be watching soccer at all.  Maybe the league doesn't "need" the second type, but they never hurt. 
Click to expand...
I don't disagree with the premise here - but if Ronaldo came to MLS, he would be a mercenary - unless he got a Beckham-like deal, or even better, he got his team up-front, and agreed to play for it.

And, as I said, bringing in players like Ronaldo - or even a level or 2 below Ronaldo, gets more people in the tent.  So from an economic perspective, its a no-brainer.  As a fan, the opportunity to see a world class player in a competitive environment is also a no-brainer.

My only point is that to build the long-term equity of a club, you need to have something to hang your hat on when the star retires.  And, if the trade off to getting Ronaldo is that you have to forego several building blocks, then I am not sure its a great investment for a fan's interest in a team.  If you can get Ronaldo, and because of having Ronaldo you get a bunch of players willing to play for less - then maybe its a win-win.

I think most MLS clubs have gotten past that tipping point - where fan support will be for the team, as much as for any individual player on the team - and I think that bodes well for the long-term success of the league.  I don't think they "need" a Ronaldo today, the same way they perhaps "needed" a Beckham.  There is enough talent cropping up in the league, that the league's selling point becomes the competition, and not the "star".

But again, no team would turn down the chance to add Ronaldo - and that is probably true the world over.

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
Jogi Low speaking about Schweiny's transfer gloriously throws shade at Mourinho and Pogba in one comment.
Click to expand...
Not sure that's a shot at Pogba, more one at the use of Fellaini.  But thats since I think Schweini is a better choice then the Fro and should have got those minutes.  Would prefer the SCHmidfield to the FROfield.

 
CGRdrJoe said:
I guess

So would  you not take Ronaldo at this point?
Click to expand...
I don't think that's a fair example.  Ronaldo is widely considered (I think) as one of the top 5 players of all-time, certainly one of the top 2 alive today.  He would draw a ton of fans to whichever team he signed for, and would likely become the face of the MLS for a season or two.  Any team would love to have him.  I think he differs from Gerrard, Schweiny, etc.  

 
Sinn Fein said:
I don't disagree with the premise here - but if Ronaldo came to MLS, he would be a mercenary - unless he got a Beckham-like deal, or even better, he got his team up-front, and agreed to play for it.

And, as I said, bringing in players like Ronaldo - or even a level or 2 below Ronaldo, gets more people in the tent.  So from an economic perspective, its a no-brainer.  As a fan, the opportunity to see a world class player in a competitive environment is also a no-brainer.

My only point is that to build the long-term equity of a club, you need to have something to hang your hat on when the star retires.  And, if the trade off to getting Ronaldo is that you have to forego several building blocks, then I am not sure its a great investment for a fan's interest in a team.  If you can get Ronaldo, and because of having Ronaldo you get a bunch of players willing to play for less - then maybe its a win-win.

I think most MLS clubs have gotten past that tipping point - where fan support will be for the team, as much as for any individual player on the team - and I think that bodes well for the long-term success of the league.  I don't think they "need" a Ronaldo today, the same way they perhaps "needed" a Beckham.  There is enough talent cropping up in the league, that the league's selling point becomes the competition, and not the "star".

But again, no team would turn down the chance to add Ronaldo - and that is probably true the world over.
Click to expand...
From a ticket perspective, he will sell tickets and check that box no matter where he goes.

The question is whether he will help a team win.  If he joined the MLS in 2018, he is the best player in the league by a mile and helps the league to take a big step forward.  

If he joins the league at age 35 in 2020, the on-field results are a little more questionable, imo. 

Either way, I'd love to see it happen one day.  He would instantly be the best and the most famous player to ever play in the MLS, especially among the large segment of the US population that speaks Spanish and heavily follows La Liga.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
B Maverick said:
Not sure that's a shot at Pogba, more one at the use of Fellaini.  But thats since I think Schweini is a better choice then the Fro and should have got those minutes.  Would prefer the SCHmidfield to the FROfield.
Click to expand...
To say that a midfield needs an organizer is to imply that players need to be organized.  And there's one United player who's positional discipline has been subject to scrutiny all year.  It certainly could be read to shade Fro as well, as Schweinie is clearly the choice to platoon with Carrick in the organizer position.  But it's also a pretty direct statement that United need a midfielder who can impose some discipline on Pogba. 

 
I have a weekly lunch meeting with a group of lawyers in which one of us speaks every week on a topic that interests us. Last week the lawyer who spoke is a near-80 year old tax lawyer I've known for about 20 years. I knew he was a soccer fan, but have only spoken to him over the years about the USMNT. His talk was about Leicester City, but not about the wonder-season of last year. He spoke for about 10 minutes giving that background, and really did a good job covering everything involved in the great escape of 14-15 and the dream run to the league title last season. He explained relegation, Claudio Ranieri, Vardy/Mahrez/Kante, the effect of midweek games - really everything a novice American lawyer would need to know about the topic.  However, the interesting part is that his focus was not on the dream season, but rather on this season and specifically the decision to fire Ranieri. It was really excellent and enjoyable - "Leicester City, Relegation and the Dead Cat Bounce"

He did incorporate the term "Tinkerman", spoke extensively about Kante, mentioned a "racist sex tape made on a good-will tour of Thailand" and even passed around a hand-drawn handout showing LC's formation from last season.

 
Ramsay Hunt Experience said:
To say that a midfield needs an organizer is to imply that players need to be organized.  And there's one United player who's positional discipline has been subject to scrutiny all year.  It certainly could be read to shade Fro as well, as Schweinie is clearly the choice to platoon with Carrick in the organizer position.  But it's also a pretty direct statement that United need a midfielder who can impose some discipline on Pogba. 
Click to expand...
I think Pogba is a tweener.  Until I see otherwise, that's my default opinion.  I look at him like a DE/OLB who can't seem to dominate at either position, but possesses unbelievable speed/physical tools.

He has every skill you could ever want, but he doesn't have a position where he dominates.  I think over time there will be certain teams where he will do better than others.  Perhaps Mourinho will fix that this summer.

But for now, he's a midfielder who isn't good enough, but he's also not good enough at scoring/assisting to be an effective 10 (or any other position higher up the field) for ManU.  A man without a position, or who isn't yet polished enough.  

But in fairness, he's still young and he's adjusting to a physical league where every opposing player can't wait to face the 100M dollar man.

 
CletiusMaximus said:
I have a weekly lunch meeting with a group of lawyers in which one of us speaks every week on a topic that interests us. Last week the lawyer who spoke is a near-80 year old tax lawyer I've known for about 20 years. I knew he was a soccer fan, but have only spoken to him over the years about the USMNT. His talk was about Leicester City, but not about the wonder-season of last year. He spoke for about 10 minutes giving that background, and really did a good job covering everything involved in the great escape of 14-15 and the dream run to the league title last season. He explained relegation, Claudio Ranieri, Vardy/Mahrez/Kante, the effect of midweek games - really everything a novice American lawyer would need to know about the topic.  However, the interesting part is that his focus was not on the dream season, but rather on this season and specifically the decision to fire Ranieri. It was really excellent and enjoyable - "Leicester City, Relegation and the Dead Cat Bounce"

He did incorporate the term "Tinkerman", spoke extensively about Kante, mentioned a "racist sex tape made on a good-will tour of Thailand" and even passed around a hand-drawn handout showing LC's formation from last season.
Click to expand...
Would watch his ESPN show. 

 
shader said:
I don't think that's a fair example.  Ronaldo is widely considered (I think) as one of the top 5 players of all-time, certainly one of the top 2 alive today.  He would draw a ton of fans to whichever team he signed for, and would likely become the face of the MLS for a season or two.  Any team would love to have him.  I think he differs from Gerrard, Schweiny, etc.  
Click to expand...
Maybe/Maybe not considering he is the same age as Schweiny and only 2 years younger than Kaka.

 
Last edited by a moderator:
El Floppo said:
the SF NASL team is playing at Kezar stadium... that's right next to some of you locals. anybody signed up?
Click to expand...
I wish them luck but I think that's going to be a tough sell.  My kids are grown and there's no way I could convince Mrs. Eephus or my local friends to sit on those crummy bleachers at Kezar and freeze while the fog rolls in. 

Tickets are $17-26 for general admission depending on the dates.  How does that compare to other NASL or USL tickets?

 
Eephus said:
I wish them luck but I think that's going to be a tough sell.  My kids are grown and there's no way I could convince Mrs. Eephus or my local friends to sit on those crummy bleachers at Kezar and freeze while the fog rolls in. 

Tickets are $17-26 for general admission depending on the dates.  How does that compare to other NASL or USL tickets?
Click to expand...
Cosmos are similar prices.

If there are day games, you could always sit facing south at Kezar. As mentioned, I lived at Hugo and 3rd for a bit and would have loved to walk over to see games. Used to be some good bars there too. I used to watch the summer Pro-Am basketball games. Caught a Cal freshman Jason Kidd go one on one vs Tim Hardaway. Good times.

 
@Kafka  Spurs v. Roma  July 25 - Red Bull Arena :thumbup:

Pretty sure I will make the drive down to Nashville on the 29th for Spurs v. Man City, and they will also be playing PSG in Orlando on the 22nd.*

*assuming the leaked International Champions Cup dates are correct

 
shader said:
I don't think that's a fair example.  Ronaldo is widely considered (I think) as one of the top 5 players of all-time, certainly one of the top 2 alive today.  He would draw a ton of fans to whichever team he signed for, and would likely become the face of the MLS for a season or two.  Any team would love to have him.  I think he differs from Gerrard, Schweiny, etc.  
Click to expand...
I'm going to assume you mean "playing" instead of "alive" here....

 
Sinn Fein said:
@Kafka  Spurs v. Roma  July 25 - Red Bull Arena :thumbup:

Pretty sure I will make the drive down to Nashville on the 29th for Spurs v. Man City, and they will also be playing PSG in Orlando on the 22nd.*

*assuming the leaked International Champions Cup dates are correct
Click to expand...
Have any more info on these leaks?

 
Eephus said:
I wish them luck but I think that's going to be a tough sell.  My kids are grown and there's no way I could convince Mrs. Eephus or my local friends to sit on those crummy bleachers at Kezar and freeze while the fog rolls in. 

Tickets are $17-26 for general admission depending on the dates.  How does that compare to other NASL or USL tickets?
Click to expand...
I don't have a big fancy NASL or USL club nearby, but our local NPSL team cost me $50 for a season ticket, $25 for my son. I may only make a couple games, but wanted to support them anyway. The good news is their home field is a short bike ride from our house.

 
shader said:
Atlanta just signed Josef Martinez permanently.  No longer on loan.

That's a pretty big deal, I'd imagine.
Click to expand...
They had the option built in but to see it used so quickly really shows how much Martinez is valued.  He must have settled in off the field as much as he has on for this to happen after just 3 games.

 
A buddy just let me know that Man City v Tottenham were coming to my hometown of Nashville.  As tempting as it is to get all Liverpool'd up and heckle Sterling, I'm going to be out of town for a wedding that weekend. :(

But hopefully some of our resident Man City or Tottenham fans can :lmao:  ....hold on a minute, did I say Man City fans?

Hopefully our Tottenham fans will be able to make the trip.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

BLOCKED_PUNT
list index
Replies
16
Views
618
El Floppo
El Floppo
Andrew74
2025 FBG Stock Contest
2
Replies
77
Views
4K
Andrew74
Andrew74
SwampDawg
The College Soccer Experience
Replies
31
Views
906
BassNBrew
BassNBrew

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 3 (members: 0, guests: 3)
Back
Top