Gilvorak

Mourinho's use of Cesc is what I'm looking forward to the most this season (after Drogba's return goal). Will he be used as an attacking midfielder? In a midfield two with Cesc? In a 4-3-3? Can't wait.

Similar running & dribbling styles. Same thing with Kun Aguero.

Could you ever envision him playing as a striker? A pure #9.

What's his normal position by the way?

Sod it The French version of that please.

I used to be invested and interested in youth until i faced the harsh reality of our academy products a couple of years ago. No doubt I love a good moan but this is a situation where you can't fault me for being pessimistic. Kakuta and McEachran were both regarded as "special talents" as well, look what happened to them. There's just too many obstacles in Boga's way. There's no chance he'll make it here imo.

I think he's massively overrated going forward. It's in his defending where he shines most.

People actually think he'll make it here? Oscar, Hazard, Schurrle, Salah, Ramires, Willian, Marin, Moses, Piazon, Thorgan etc would all play before he ever does lol. He'll be loaned out into oblivion and be entirely forgotten for the next big thing in 2/3 seasons.

Had no idea he was 100% ambidextrous, he takes set pieces with either foot. Only ever seen Nedved and Cazorla do that.

Am I the only one annoyed he didn't score the winner (he had 3 chances to do so)? Would have been well deserved and an excellent reward for his unselfishness, consistency and instant impact on games. Badly wanted his face and name plastered all over the papers, social media and on the television. Still, 3 goals, 2 assists including a World Class cross to help win the World Cup for your country isn't bad either. I can't imagine the amount of confidence he'll gain from this. He can definitely oust Willian next season. The latter may be more naturally gifted but Schurrle's nose for goal and movement/positioning is invaluable.

For me that 09/10 team can never be touched (despite their relatively early exit in Europe) but I reckon this team could give them a run for their money. Alot of my mates are convinced this is our best ever team but I'm not so sure. We were utterly ruthless and equally entertaining that season, with Drogba and Lampard at the absolute peak of their powers. Hope this team can bring the magic of that season, back to the Bridge.

This inconsistency nonsense has to stop. In terms of technical ability there are only 2/3 players better than Eden. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCWffAUpBBY Ambidexterity. Pace. Ball retention. Dribbling. Skill. Long shots. Finishing. Vision etc he has pretty much everything you need and in abundance. Why he's prone to "disappear" from games isn't because he's inconsistent or "hides" in the big games. His one and only weakness is his off-the-ball work as I've mentioned several times in the past, his movement simply isn't comparable to the likes of Neymar, Ronaldo, Messi, Suarez. Reus etc He doesn't run in behind players, he doesn't try to find gaps in "between the lines" enough where he can make the most of his ability. He's simply too much of a ball to feet player at the moment. I mean I wish he would improve his set piece taking ability (direct FK's, corners, indirect FK's) and add a bit more aggression to his game but it's obvious to me his movement is his biggest weakness. Anyway, it's clear as day Belgium need to build the team around him and move him centrally. Maybe even hand the captaincy to him to invoke a bit of leadership in him.

Hazard has won two games with assists in this World Cup and nearly a 3rd against the USA. Disgraceful to sub him off.

Neymar actually has a midfield and fullbacks to link up with and the team is built around him.

Their coach is utter shit by the way. By far the worst in the tournament. The game was lost as soon as Fellaini started. Matter of fact, I hope he quits the National Team altogether. It's a waste of time for him, he's misused and despite being a peripheral player in the team unlike other "stars" he still gets the majority of the blame. To sub him off for Chadli and make him to scapegoat for the loss is the lowest of lows any manager could pull off.

Hope he gets blamed for their exit, the criticism will just make him a better player.

Jesus Christ. He won a tackle on a challenge on Bacca, the ball luckily bounced to James feet and he played a beautiful pass to Bacca before he could recover. That goal had nothing to do with his positioning, it was due to pure luck and James' brilliance. He's a quality defender. End of.

Much improved performance from the group stages, was far more active and created some good chances. Just needs a goal, Argentina would be a great match to start.

Origi is a far better footballer but Lukaku is a better goalscorer. I think just about every football fan knows this, that's not why we don't rate him though. Origi has Henry/Anelka-potential. Just needs to work on his finishing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1akD-vcBPvs Thorgan is the man.

He will. The Italian clubs are skint, the English teams can't afford him or have better alternatives, PSG would be a sideways move and Madrid/Barcelona have no need for him at the moment. Maybe in 2/3 years but for now Monaco have no reason to sell.

Terrific signing by United.

Anyone know why he stopped taking set pieces?

How has Oscar been poor? He's doing the job of two men in that midfield ffs and has done it brilliantly. 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 games isn't poor by any stretch. His only "bad" performance was against Cameroon yet he still won 4 tackles and grabbed an assist in that game. EDIT: Apparently, the 6th highest rated player so far this World Cup. Only Messi, Robben, Van Persie, James Rodriguez & Benzema are ahead of him. Neymar just behind in 7th.

Exactly. He was probably the worst player on the pitch before that tap in.