The Skipper

I don't see Luiz's long term future in midfield either pal, but he can do a great job there. I've edited my previous post to show you how the depth would look like, but I'll post it here again: X, Matic, Ramires, MVG, Lampard, Chalobah, Luiz. The above is very solid in my opinion even if you take out Lampard. Providing we sign the right player I don't think we need two CMs unless someone like Ramires or even Luiz leaves (unlikely IMO). Chalobah isn't the finished article yet for sure but the kid is very good, I think he's definitely good enough to hold down a squad place for us.

As much as you don't like Luiz, I think he's staying next season, so that gives us 4 options in midfield: Matic, Ramires, MVG, Luiz. Plus add to the fact that maybe Lampard might sign a new contract, Chalobah or McEachran are back (I think the former is definitely good enough to at least be a squad player for us and Jose rates him highly), one CM is enough IMO, but he has to be a ball distributing one.So that makes it (potentially) X, Matic, Ramires, MVG, Luiz, Lampard, Chalobah for next season and that's solid IMO.

It doesn't have anything to do with that...If you're not going to conduct the voting process properly then why open it in the first place? Frankly I don't care if Azpi won it or not, nor do I really care about the award since it is as you said, meaningless, but the way it was handled was very stupid, and that's my problem. It's the fact that as soon as Azpi went up by one vote that he closed the poll, then tried to deceive everyone by altering the date, then came up with another excuse saying that he won't be available on the following day to close the poll (lame excuse) that's annoyed me. You can all say that it doesn't matter because it's pointless and I agree, but it's not nice to see that an admin basically abused his power to make sure that he got what he wanted, that's the unfair thing.

Why two?

He's a number 10, doesn't really have the capabilities to play in the pivot IMO.

That has more to do with us being inconsistent defensively at the start of the season. We've started defending better as a team since then... Better protection from the pivot, everyone understanding their tactical role etc... We didn't simply massively improve defensively just because Azpi took over the LB spot. Regardless, Azpi has been rock solid this season and very, very consistent and has definitely been one of our best players but no one beats Hazard IMO. While Azpi has been consistently good, Hazard has been magical a lot of times this season, and for that he deserves the POTY award IMO. Wouldn't mind Azpi winning it though but I doubt he will since most go for attackers. He'll get something like PPOTY though hopefully.

LOL. Epic.

Can you please stop invading every thread gushing about your stupid crush over Michael Bradley.

So because it's a meaningless forum award what was done should just be disregarded? Alright, I'll keep it shut.

No, it has nothing to do with maturity, if anyone has been immature it's Alex. If the voting was done properly and fairly no one would complain. I personally don't mind Azpi winning it, but it was the manner that the votes were closed that's annoyed me - conveniently closed after Azpi went up by one - closed early by an entire day because "Alex wasn't around on Friday" - like no other mod/admin can take it over. It's a lame excuse. Add to the fact that Alex voted for Azpi... It's just not very fair is it? It doesn't matter anyway because what's done is done but if you're going to open any voting system that's similar to that one then please ensure it's fairly done in the future.

There's nothing wrong with wanting to beat an opponent when they are at full strength. It's called honour.

I'm happy with the draw, definitely another 50/50 game, Atletico are a great side. It's going to be a great tactical battle between Mourinho and Simeone.

I personally think he'd struggle with the pace of the PL. He isn't as nifty on the ball as Kovacic and needs more time to think.

Bravo mods for closing the POTY vote one day early (and conveniently when Azpi took the lead by a vote) because Alex had to go away on Friday, like no one else could possibly take over.

Real wouldn't sell him for a reasonable price and he's getting on a bit now.

He does remind a lot of Modric. Would be elated if we signed him.

Done.

They outplayed them in the first, but not the second. Second was even.And the 3-0 result Atletico played their main team, don't make stuff up.

Can't say until the end of the next transfer window.

LOL. No of course not mate.

It's one leg... By that logic we should be out too since we fucked up in Paris. You really shouldn't put too much weight to that game, their players went into the game practically thinking the tie was over and Dortmund had nothing to lose.

You can say that he might need time to adjust to the PL, that's different, but he's not inexperienced any more and as I've said already, he's already mature beyond his years. He doesn't think or play like a 21 year old keeper so this age and experience argument is completely irrelevant now. Besides, how is he going to adjust to the PL if he doesn't play in it? He's definitely ready to be number 1 here if he's number 1 (and the best GK in Spain) at a club that are challenging for the La Liga ahead of two juggernauts in Real and Barcelona, and are also in the CL semi final.

He isn't the first to say that... It's what most people on here have been screaming for over these last few months... A LB, a CM and a ST.

You seriously can't judge them off of one off game pal.

I'm not saying we can't beat them either, we can beat them, in fact we can beat any of the three. My point is that I don't understand how people are trying to say that Real are the easiest out of the three we might face - I think the opposite because of the way they play - it isn't like something we've faced this season. PSG, City and Arsenal are possession based side, and we've done very well against teams like that, but I don't think you can put Real in the same category as them - hence why I think Bayern are our best match up.