The Skipper

Courtois Azpi - Ivan - JT - Luis Matic - Cesc Schurrle - Oscar - Hazard Costa Please.

Fuck you

I understand what you're trying to say and agree with some parts but the Ballack analogy is a very poor one, because Ballack has always operated from a deeper position than let's say the number 10 role; Ballack was an 8, sometimes deployed as a 6, and people have always thought that Oscar was a traditional number 10. It's only since last season where people started to pick up that he doesn't have the creativity a traditional number 10 has and that his role on the team is more rounded.People associate the number 10 role with creativity but people need to understand that in our system, it isn't the main job of our number 10. As I said in an early post, Oscar's role in the team is a lot more tactical, about balancing the midfield and being the link (i.e. creating triangles and stuff) between our more creative players all around the pitch. I'm not expecting Oscar to be our main or one of our main creators anymore - that role has switched to Fabregas and Hazard. Dare say, I'd put him level with Matic in his creativity level, and his tactical role in the team.

If Di Maria came here I'd play him through the middle just like Madrid do, not Hazard. People must remember we don't play with a traditional number 10.

Haha, let the Robben thing go pal it's for the best . Favourite TV show? I got a few. Currently watching House of Cards (haven't watched in about a month or so though ), but Breaking Bad, 24 and Prison Break will always be up there as my favourites! Still need to watch The Wire.

It's raised close to $9m as of date.

As mentioned by others above, our number 10 is very unorthodox. Our number 10 (in our system) is all about tactical stability rather than the creative freedom that you get from a orthodox number 10, and players like Oscar and Willian fit that nicely. They are instructed to help start the first phase in the high press, to help create triangle passing lanes all over the pitch, and to give and provide a stable platform for our more creative players like Hazard and Fabregas. On top of that they're expected to chip in with the odd goal and assist here and there too. It's not an easy role at all but it does help facilitate balance in the team, which is why I thought Oscar had a decent performance Monday because he did most of those things. He does have the ability to step it up in the final third though.

I've just seen it and it's bad but I can say I'm with you on that. I was expecting something worse tbh

Melodramatic it might be, but too often have I seen JT written off year after year after year, only for him to come back and prove he's still a valuable asset, and I believe that trend will continue this year.

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I agree with that but I know for sure that JT can still give us one more year at the top. He's had a long rest this summer not being involved in the WC, he's looked good in pre season and looks lean and fit. I think he can give us one more season at the top for sure, hence why I said that we should start looking for a CB reshuffle next year.

That I agree with - always said from day one that Cahill needs a leader beside him and Ivanovic can step up and do so IMO. I think the latter had more to do with the overall structure of the team. Di Matteo wasn't exactly a top class manager, and we didn't have a complete, balanced team or system back then. We have an infinitely better team and manager now so we'll look to dominate more games both tactically and talent wise.

He looks the same, just needs a nice shave and a haircut.

Ivanovic can lead from the back, more so than Cahill. Remember Liverpool away last season, when Ivanovic had Kalas next to him?

Yeah it wasn't a comment aimed at you, just seems the general notion around the forum that a new CB is suddenly a must because we didn't look solidly defensively on Monday, with a few saying JT must be replaced which I find ridiculous, hence my comment. JT - Cahill, JT - Iva or Cahill - Iva as our 3 main CB partnerships this season is fine IMO. We can start pursuing a new CB next year where we can adjust the squad from the start of the season, it's too late to start shuffling around the squad now to bring in a non HG player.

He's been written off again and again and again... Write off JT at your own peril guys.

I really rate Lovren and Moreno is a massive improvement on whoever else was left back there. Maybe he's not an ideal fit for Skrtel but a Sakho - Lovren partnership is very interesting IMO. Dejan could possibly bring the best out of Sakho, he's a very good leader at the back. Manquillo is an unknown quantity at the moment so I'd probably start Glen. Johnson - Sahko - Lovren - Moreno is a massive improvement on whatever they had last year. If they wrap the Balotelli deal up they're making top 4 for me definitely, if they have a good season maybe even 3rd. Mignolet Johnson - Sahko - Lovren - Moreno Gerrard - Henderson Sterling - Sturridge - Coutinho Balotelli This looks like a top 4 XI IMO. I'm not saying they'll challenge for the title but their team has improved in general (minus Suarez), especially depth wise.

He's in the last year of his contract.

If they still had Suarez in their squad I'd be very optimistic about my title chances if I were a Liverpool fan, thankfully they don't. They've improved their defence, they've added some very nice squad players to the team as well... Thank goodness they don't have Suarez because their team depth has improved very nicely.

How will Zouma and co ever become a top CB/player here if we continue to buy WC players every time there might be a slight perceived weakness (which I disagree with tbh) in an area of the squad?We still have the best back four in the PL, and one of the best back fours in Europe regardless of how we play. It is not a weakness in the squad. We don't need 4 experienced CBs as of right now because I still believe JT can do the job, so does Mourinho it seems. If you say - we need to bring in a new CB next year - I'd agree with you but as of right now our situation at the back is perfect IMO. We can really give Zouma and Christensen the chance to grow as players this year, and they have experienced players in JT, Cahill and Ivanovic to guide them. Bringing in another CB right now just kills that. Regarding Zouma, I don't know if people seriously thought that he'd immediately displace one of our established CBs? If so, that's your own fault for letting yourself get carried away like that. I always thought that this is the year that Zouma undertakes tutelage from the older CBs, a bit like Varane in his first season there, and if the signs are there for him to make that step up like Varane then brilliant! If not, then we certainly sign a new CB because JT has 2 seasons at the top left max IMO. There's no need to rush this at all.

I would love Apple as a sponsor. Would be incredible.

it must be awful then. I don't think I'd like to see it then tbh.

People do understand that playing a more expansive style of football will cause your defence to be a little bit more exposed than usual right? Buying a new CB won't change that. JT, Cahill, Ivan and Zouma (and Christensen) is fine for this season. Another CB would be an absolute luxury. People scream that we should give a chance to the youngsters but as soon as the latest toy becomes available on the market they fully abandon that notion. I hope the club aren't thinking about it in a similar matter. I think it's important Zouma and Christensen get some minutes so they can set an example for the rest of the academy.

A decent signing for Pool must say, a Sturridge, Balotelli strike force is a massive upgrade on what they have now.

Haha no I hate German and Germany. Disgusting language, disgusting nation (got love for you guys really).