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football: the beautiful game


RobbertJan

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I feel bad for Ibra, it must be hell to be playing so badly alongside Messi in such sublime form, but on his day he too can do remarkable things with the ball.

Yah like punting it rugby style over the cross-bar.

Ibra is a top class player but unproven in the big stage unlike Eto'o.

Dont know why Barca is so keen to have him they paid like 40 million and throw in Eto'o for free. Guess that makes him worth 60 million.

Should have got Kaka for that price and throw in Higuain.

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kaka's form has been pretty caca as well.

Yes. I am aware Kaka is caca. But class is forever but form is temporary.

And who can forget the rainswept night in San Zero where Kaka like a frigging shark with 2 or 3 Man U defenders/parasites stuck to him managed to score 2 goals against VDS (a top european and international GK) and propelled AC to another Champs League winners medal.

Kaka got tons to offer and he aint washed up like Ronaldinho. If Real sells him, Carlo and Roman will grab him and build Chel around him. Real is more likely to sell Benzema than Kaka.

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They bought Ibra because in spite of their form last season they were lacking a plan b against tough well organised opposition. Considering how close Chelsea came to denying them their place in the final, I imagine Pep felt that with Eto'o declining he needed a new spearhead. In terms of tough, tall, powerful centre forwards only Drogba and Ibra have the potential to fit into that Barca team in terms of their technical ability, and Ibra was available. I'm willing to bet that after a first dodgy season he will become a goal machine over the next two or three years.

Kaka on the other hand,yes he has been poor, though I feel at Milan the rest of the side flattered to deceive. Their age, and Ancelotti's decision to build the formation around him, made him look much more influential and dangerous than he's able to be alongside a highly assertive player like Ronaldo, who always wants the ball at his feet, and is generally a more aggressive type of person. If Ronaldo's ability was able to eclipse Rooney at United, it would be unfair on Kaka to dismiss him without considering that this might be the case at Real, and that this highlights another flaw in the golactico dream. Also, while I think Kaka was marvelous at Milan, he's a bit of a sanctimonious bible bashing cunt isn't he?

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They bought Ibra because in spite of their form last season they were lacking a plan b against tough well organised opposition. Considering how close Chelsea came to denying them their place in the final, I imagine Pep felt that with Eto'o declining he needed a new spearhead. In terms of tough, tall, powerful centre forwards only Drogba and Ibra have the potential to fit into that Barca team in terms of their technical ability, and Ibra was available. I'm willing to bet that after a first dodgy season he will become a goal machine over the next two or three years.

Kaka on the other hand,yes he has been poor, though I feel at Milan the rest of the side flattered to deceive. Their age, and Ancelotti's decision to build the formation around him, made him look much more influential and dangerous than he's able to be alongside a highly assertive player like Ronaldo, who always wants the ball at his feet, and is generally a more aggressive type of person. If Ronaldo's ability was able to eclipse Rooney at United, it would be unfair on Kaka to dismiss him without considering that this might be the case at Real, and that this highlights another flaw in the golactico dream. Also, while I think Kaka was marvelous at Milan, he's a bit of a sanctimonious bible bashing cunt isn't he?

1. I beg to differ. Eto'o was out of contract and thats why Barca gave him away to Jose almost free (who incidentally adored him and wanted him together with Drogs in Chel; imagine the awesomeness of that combo. Will blow Drogs-Nico out of the water. Imagine Drogs rolling in fake agony and Eto'o being a super prick ala Diouf and Marscherano multiplied by 10. Will get carded every match).

Pep is funny in a sense. In the start, he didnt want Eto'o. Eto'o proved pivotal in their 6 trophy campaign (which Barca cannot repeat this season) and he let Eto'o go. Pep apparently can tolerate alot of things from his players, but you gotta do what he says and Eto'o may not do so. That explains why he was happy to take in trouble maker Robinho except for his big salary and transfer fee.

As for Ibra, for a mature player, doubt he will change in his time with Barca. Compare to Valencia. Scored what 3 goals in 3,000 matches with Wigan? Now he is a frigging goal machine? Pep is better off with Drogs the battering ram but Drogs is a bit old for Barca now.

2. Kaka is gold.

C Ron is unbeatable because La Liga aint know how to deal with him. BPL players know how to foul him and piss him off. If you dont do that, he is really too quick and slippery and he will run all over you.

C Ron eclipse Bobby Wazza simply because SAF wanted C Ron to be the top dog. He played in centre (for a winger?) and Bobby played wide? I mean WTF? C Ron took all penalties too. C Ron might as well be captain instead of Rio and all Man U players kiss his pinkie before they take to the pitch.

Now with C Ron gone, Bobby is front and centre and shine. BTW I already said early this season Bobby will shine. Bobby was not outshone by C Ron. They are different types of players. C Ron is smooth and silky. His free kicks are awsome. Bobby is more of a hard worker and his free kicks are errrrr. Both penalty techniques can be dodgy though.

Bobby you would note took penalty duties on Sun. This season, I recall Carrick did it and Giggsy I think. This shows how much SAF wants to stoke Bobby's ego and let me beat C Ron's 42 goals mark.

In short, C Ron and Kaka are different types of players. Kaka needs to have a free attacking role. C Ron can hit the flanks like Henry for Barca. But with C Ron front and centre, throw in Higuain and Benzema and Raul and VDV in the hole, Kaka gets crowded out and loses more and more confidence.

But I hope Kaka leaves Real though (unlikely unless Real really wants to sell). We can see him playing in Man City or Chel (if Carlo stays).

How is Kaka sanctimonious?

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Oh yah. I know Ibra scored the goal in El Classico. But it was such an easy goal (think Alves hit a cross and Real defence was sleeping), Henry who was just got subbed could have got it even if he was not 100% and so can Geovanni (rated the worst Barca striker of ALL TIME).

And when he scored for Barca in this seasons Champ League, I almost choked when they said it was his first Champ League goals at that stage?

Barca legend? 40 million? I think he is not as good as Grandpa Thierry. Maybe on par with Eidur.

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Your absolutely right about Rooney and Ronaldo's partnership at united, but I don't think it contradicts my point: Ronaldo has the type of personality which can overcome moving to a foreign country at a young age, spend the early stage of your career regarded as a big game bottling showpony and then emerge as the seminal talent and attacking focus of your team, even though your team possesses the great young hope of English football. Under those circumstances it's not surprising he eclipses the more languid Kaka.

On your other points, yes, we know Mourinho admired Eto'o who was always fractious at Barca (feud with dinho during the Rijkaard era, unhappy with the ever prevalent racism of Spanish fans) but I don't think that alters what I was trying to say. With Bojan, Messi and even Henry, whose pace belies his age, Eto'o's great asset, his speed, was superfluous and while his finishing was always on point, I imagine Pep felt he needed someone with a similar ability who could also offer power. Drogba was not available, Ibra was.

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Er, I recall C Ron was slammed early in his career for one step over to many, his causing Bobby to get carded at Germany 2006 (wink to Scolari at bench), SAF has to get Carlos Queroz to get him to stay cos C Ron was so unhappy and I believe Ruud instigated the other Man U players to turn against him due to his selfish non passing ways (At that time C Ron aint the whole f**king show) and SAF have to get rid of a 20 goals a season hero for C Ron. Of course, SAF’s gamble paid off. C Ron gave him his 2nd Champ League medal and another final appearance (which SAF screwed up).

So C Ron lacked the maturity and he needed SAF and team to mould him to what he is. Of course when you cost 80 million pounds, you will start even if you suck like Kaka.

The truth about why Barca wanted Ibra will probably never be known till years later. Anyway, I wonder whether Roman will trade Ibra for Drogs. Maybe not.

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I very much doubt Roman would be foolish enough to trade Drogba for a player untested in the Prem, or whether Barca would want him considering his age.

In terms of Ronaldo I totally agree, all that shit he got (and got through) to assert himself as the squad's talisman are what I was referring to as evidence of his tenacity and self belief, the qualities which allow him to eclipse less grandiose players such as Rooney or Kaka. Not that it's any aspersion on them; I'd wager that were Ronaldo in the same team as Messi, he'd probably have the same effect on him too.

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Well, if the rumours are true, there will be a great Chel sale after this season. From the looks of it, Chel is looking less likely to win the BPL and winning the FA Cup is certainly not good enough.

From the first team, I bet Carv, Ballack will go. So will Ashley (if he doesnt toe the line and accept the fine for fucking around) and J Cole and Nico both of whom are asking for big salaries and extensions at frigging 30 years of age. Although Nico is still quick like a fox.

Then, there will be the question of those like Lamps, JT and Drogs (according to was it JT? They are the anchors of Chel which made Chel great?)

And of course Carlo if he doesnt show the spirit of a winner like Jose.

Gonna be exciting times at Chel next season.

BTW C Ron and Messidonna in the same team in the flanks would so rawk. If you put an on form Nando as the central striker or maybe Wazza, although not sure about him as a lone striker, this will be a strike force enough to make the Sheikh and Roman salivate.

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Your fantasy team sounds amazing, but like the galacticos maybe best left to the imagination or Pro evo master league (I know FIFA's now better, but I haven't played videogames for years and remain loyal). Reckon you're right about Chelsea though, why they didn't let JT fuck of to Citeh last summer is beyond me. Lamps has been pretty good this season, but was anonymous against inter and I imagine that if he plays well in the world cup they'll look to capitalise. Certainly I would imagine Ballack and Deco will move to Italy, neither seems to be keeping pace, and while Anelka is probably good for a couple more lucrative signing on paydays (Qatar awaits someday no doubt) I think he's a good option. With only two out and out strikers even if they do go for Villa with his talent he's got to still be a reassuring option. If you can stop him sulking mind.

Whatever the end result, you can be sure the following few months will see no end of nonsense being spouted as to Roman's intentions. I feel a bit though that he's always made unwise choices in the past (Sheva) when he's interfered, Arnesen was a pretty useless DoF at Spurs and hasn't exactly bought wonders up through the youth ranks and Ancelotti come from Italy where the manager had little say in whose purchased, and therefore no track record in scouting talent. Another summer of overspending on flops then.

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As much as Roman hate to spend another 100 million pounds (and pay his good pals Zahavi and other agents money), he got to face facts that Chel is a class below Barca, Man U, Arsenal (gasp) and the 21st BPL team, Inter.

Old age and lack of mobility are clear culprits but you got that right about Arnesen. Even Mikel, whom I think is the youngest 1st teamer is goal shy and can be let go. Wonder will SAF want him now?

As for Lamps, though he is played out of position in the diamond, he is another Geriatrico and lacks speed too. In fact, no one other than Ashley and Nico has speed. Compare that over the weekend to Nani, Valencia or Wazza or even Rafael who didnt play.

Agree with JT. Should have squeezed 35 million from City for him and we can have the fiasco of 2 defenders in City not talking to one another like the modern telling of Teddy and Andy. Look at Wenger. Sold malaria stricken Kolo for was it 20 million and got Vermaelen who is a damn good goal scoring acquisition.

Cant wait for the new Chel (same as the old one), since Roman must have realised his present Chel simply cant be top dogs no more.

Cant wait for the new Man City too. They should get rid of everyone except for Tevez, Manny and maybe Dejong, Givens and Petrov. Maybe Johnson and Micah.

More of these 'stars' will end up playing for Spurs and Bolton and Rovers and Newcastle when they return and continue their freakshow as the great 'big club' with big aspirations for our entertainment.

Damn good time to be watching BPL!

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Under Arnesen Spurs accumulated an exciting team that Joll utilized to play occasionally brilliant football. On the other hand they were a top heavy side, half of whose squad seemed to be an attacker of some description, and shipped an ungodly amount of goals as a result. They also racked up one of the leagues largest wage bills in the process, shelving their plans for a shiny new stadium. All for nothing. If first is everything, second nothing as they used to say at Anfield, what's no major silverwear for nearly twenty years? And no, I don't count the milk cup. On the other hand Arnesen gets a bad press, has much fewer media contacts than Mourinho and Kenyon who were his main enemies at Chelsea, and I'm therefore more than ready to listen to your defense of him with an open mind.

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Under Arnesen Spurs accumulated an exciting team that Joll utilized to play occasionally brilliant football. On the other hand they were a top heavy side, half of whose squad seemed to be an attacker of some description, and shipped an ungodly amount of goals as a result. They also racked up one of the leagues largest wage bills in the process, shelving their plans for a shiny new stadium. All for nothing. If first is everything, second nothing as they used to say at Anfield, what's no major silverwear for nearly twenty years? And no, I don't count the milk cup. On the other hand Arnesen gets a bad press, has much fewer media contacts than Mourinho and Kenyon who were his main enemies at Chelsea, and I'm therefore more than ready to listen to your defense of him with an open mind.

not sure about the wages, i'm pretty sure by the time he left our top earners were capped at 40k. it's true we had a pretty big squad but can't imagine that it was anywhere near at least the top 3.

arnesen brought in jol, who was responsible for bringing us to two consecutive fifth place appearances.

other notable signings:

carrick (2.5)

lennon (~1? i think)

huddlestone (2.5)

daws (3.5)

berbatov (11) - signed under comolli but arnesen had identified him

you may recognize this as more or less the core of our current side + some players we made ridiculous money off of

it is true he brought in santini and a raft of unexceptional players but they mostly got their shot and with the exception of jenas/berbs all under 5 million.

doubt that arnesen had a mandate to win the league (that would be your lot), if it was for the more modest goal of CL football he definitely did his share - only for comolli and levy to screw it up.

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Of all Chelsea's squad only Cashley and of course Essien would be welcomed into any team in the world.

Essien - Chel will keep him but his getting injured again may raise serious doubts. But end of the day, I will still keep him but I doubt anyone will build a team around him as the midfield dynamo.

Ashley - 29 years but probably among the best left back. But at his age, time to cash in plus I mentioned he was unhappy about being fined for fucking behind Cheryl's back when JT wasn't fined.

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i'm not sure shrek is a real out and out striker. sure he plays as one right now, but i don't think he could do the job alone up front. torres could be better than dropba, but he's always injured so it's hard to call.

#9 was great and all, but it will be hard to compare. all 3 are already scoring more goals than he did. rooney might hit 40 this season. different times.

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Surely any team would welcome Dropba. I still think he is the best striker in the world right now.

1. At 31 years, not much golden years left for him. Thought he will make a good centre back after his scoring touch is gone but dont know his tackling prowess in the box.

2. I will get Messi or C Ron before Drogs. And Bobby Wazza and Nando and even RVP who is still young.

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Wait, none of you rate Bendtner?

Seriously, it was Drogba's age and psychological difficulties shall we say that excluded him from that list. I think Torres can terrorise defences just as well, and I think Villa is a better out and out striker. Drogba needs a manager who makes him the tactical focus of a team to perform, otherwise he goes missing as he did under Scolari who didn't know how to man-manage him. I don't think any manager would look at Essien, one of the most complete players in recent history, and not want him. He can, has and regularly does play in every single position. Often in one game. Watching him play live is electrifying. And Cashley, I say this through gritted teeth, god I hate him, is probably the best left back in the world right now. For his recent goal against Sunderland go here and skip to 0:35, it's pretty spectacular, even just for that first touch.

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1. Bendtner? I hope you mentioned him tongue in cheek.

Despite his current form, Arsene will still be hoping RVP returns early and if RVP is cronked for good, Arsene will source for some obscure lower league striker, turn him into a world beater and sell him to Man City for 35 million pounds.

2. Your points about man-managing and stroking Drogs' ego is on-point. Not surprisingly, I have raised that too earlier.

Scolari for some reason favoured Nico (probably Nico played Brazillian style) and as a result Drogs didnt put in any effort for him.

3. I know what position Essien sucks in - central defender. He had a nightmare at the Kop and conceded 2 goals.

4. As for Ashley, he should just go to Barca or Real and team up with C Ron and bang all the mama sitas not nailed down and send his nude pictures via vodafone to everyone.

Ashley passes and crosses into the box are good but historically, he isnt a good finisher and his lack of goals tell the story. And you can't blame it on him being left back. He gets in advance positions so often, I will play both him and Bosingwa as wingers if the chips are down.

5. Villa always looks a bit small to me. I know Wenger and Barca always go on about the age of small and skilful players but after playing at the Britannia where Huth and Shawcross professionally fouls him and knocks him loopy, then we will know how good Villa is.

At least Nando is tall. But he bitches constantly to the refs when he gets foul. I wonder whether his constant injuries woes are due to the rough treatment he gets in BPL.

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I think Torres mainly spends a lot of time out because he's so irreplaceable at Liverpool that they rush him back. If you look at Arsenal this season, a lot of effort has been spent trying to avoid rushing players back from injury only to see them disappear again a week later as was the case in seasons past. Not that it's helped in all cases, with Rosicky and Eduardo getting crocked a fair bit, but certainly in the case of Fabregas and Diaby. I mentioned Bendtner with my tongue stuffed firmly in my cheek, but I would like to see him given time to come good because as I've said before I feel it's good to promote continuity and bring young players up through the ranks who play the arsenal way. For all his erratic finishing he has good vision and technical ability, and his first touch and work rate have improved dramatically this season. With the arrival of Chamakh this summer on a free we'll have another option up front. I imagine he'll bag a few for us, seems to have an aggressive striker's instinct, but somehow I don't imagine his personality will suit the club from the way he's handled himself during the protracted transfer. I foresee him being sold for profit after a couple of seasons, in the great tradition of Anelka and Adebayor, to huge profit.

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What makes you certain Chamakh will come in? I thought the dude is a bit old for Wenger's standards and would command high-ish wages, which would also be against Wenger's footie-business model. I bet other teams would be looking to sign him like City and offer him more than what Gunners would offer him.

Anyway, with RVP, (Get) Bendt, Arshavin and maybe Eduardo if he gets his head and everything right, Wenger already got his 4 main strikers. Plus wingers like Rosicky and young Theo and the rest of the gang who can score goals except for Almunia, Wenger should be covered in the goals department.

If I were him, I would cash in on Willie G who is getting on and frankly not good for team morale. You obviously cant rely on Silvestre or (horrors!) Sol. I will also look for more battling midfielders. Think Nasri and Denilson are a bit too light weight for me.

And of course, Almunia. He should have been sold years ago and Fabianski should be loaned out to get some footballing brains and sold if he still is a football mental midget.

And who can forget Eboue. What on earth is he still doing in the squad? I cant believe Jose wanted him for Inter. The rumour probably has the same credence as Jose wanting Jenas.

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