happy_juan

Would agree that he needs to work on his finishing. He has been found wanting particularly in 1v1 situations with keepers.

Another faultless game from the lad in his best position.

And the rationalization begins.......

Rofl, somebody has mentioned mikel's technical ability in the same sentence as Berbatov, Pirlo and Bergkamp. That person has gone so far that no discussion will be useful.

"Baines is a better footballer" OK then, I am out

Considering the first job of a left back is to defend, baines is not even close to displacing Cole.

Think his 5 year deal runs out in summer 2015.

Has there ever been a bigger mismatch in world football? Embarrassing does not even come close to describing Mikel's treatment at the hands of Toure.

The results over the last season or so somehow point out that we get better results when we don't have that "solid midfield". Ofcourse, "solid midfield" is an OPINION while results are a FACT.

Interestingly the team manages to win games comfortably even with "poor" lampard. Football is a funny game.

Did well in his strongest position yesterday.

After seeing that play acting video, I am sure the Barcelona scouts would have got a boner.

That is not the point. We can absolutely not afford to NOT play him in the pivot given our other options.

Will kdb replace him?

Edited

Maybe you should read my post again? Where did I say that he was passing backwards? @ryan davidson: you used the exact word.

Why do people have to see a conspiracy theory everywhere? PL rules regarding retrospective action have changed this year. That is why torres will be tried.

If you think being more incisive on the ball with passing is "bullshit", then I dont think I stand much chance arguing with you.

The problem is not his backward/sideways passing but his laborious approach on the ball, zero incisiveness in his passing, nothing that hurts the opponents. "He always passes backwards" is just a convenient term that has caught on when those complaining have a valid concern about the range and quality of his passing.

Maybe he is not that good. But then he should have been allowed to go out on loan in the summer.

Tbf, the anxiety of belgians in KDB's case is justified. He has been one of their best and most important player in qualifying and they would want him fit and raring to go for the world cup. Given KDB had offers before this season, he has reasons to feel aggrieved.

Oh please

People still believe that there was a media witch hunt? Mourinho had his own ideas/opinions about mata and our style and seeing that it didn't seem to work, he reverted back.

He helped us take control of the midfield in the 2nd half. He helped us counter spurs with physicality that mikel has never and will never provide.

Stealing a living, this man