The Skipper

Just lol.

Well, defensively, stats are on his side. Didn't he make our second most tackles last season? His work rate and tactical maturity also favour him. I agree that he's not nailed on to be successful there but it's definitely more favourable that he will... Again though, it remains to be seen.

One goal to sum up the Ranieri days? Wayne Bridge vs. Arsenal.

Kurt Zouma: Was not dribbled past on a single occasion in his 18 Ligue 1 appearances this season. Article - http://t.co/8VIj82wTdG

He wants 63m in one payment? Idiot. No one is going to get Cavani if that's the case.

Those Mikel quotes were false.

Kondogbia is a DM, Ramires is a B2B midfielder.

So do people want Torres as our number one striker now because he popped 4 against Tahiti and 1 against Nigeria?

I agree that we can't build our team around him - that ship has sailed away a long, long time ago. Never said we should either, especially when we have talents like Oscar, Mata and Hazard to build around - what I do think though is that he needs to be given more offensive responsibility. He clearly has the passing range and intelligence to do so, even from deep. What would be interesting at CFC is if we do sign someone like Kondogbia we can easily play a midfield two of Mikel - Kondogbia, with Mikel allowed more freedom to express himself and link up effectively with the likes of Mata, Hazard, Oscar etc. in front of him. At the start of last season I was hoping to see that in his game because I do think he's capable of doing so but he was once again used as the holding player in the pivot. Next season could be very interesting, would like to see what Mourinho does with him in all fairness. And yes, I partially agree about the Nigerian team. They lack quality in the offensive third but we do have to remember they were missing their main men there in Emenike and Moses who are both very decent players.

He scored against Uruguay.

Come on... he played better against Spain and Uruguay who are both great national teams. He had great games. Don't know why it's so hard for you to at least give him a bit of recognition for that.

That bit isn't true - Jose only started Mikel as a DM in 12 out of 27 games. The conviction that Jose turned him into a DM is untrue; that's more down to all the other managers that decided to use him there permanently.

Well. That's that. 3 - 0 is flattering to Spain in my opinion, Nigeria played well - they just lacked that quality in the final 3rd. Mikel was brilliant in the first half, head and shoulders above almost everyone on the pitch including the Spanish players, but I didn't like his attitude in the 2nd half, it was almost nonchalant. He played without that same passion unfortunately. All in all, I'm happy that he used the tournament to remind everyone of his qualities. Great tournament overall.

Don't worry, he just seems hellbent that Mikel is definitely leaving because apparently Jose has told him personally that he doesn't rate Mikel.

Great composure by Gus on air tbh.

Mikel can only pass sideways and to back his centre backs. Absolutely bossing it against Spain at the moment. That flick over Xavi was delightful.

A new contract again?

He's not insulting anyone on here, don't know why you're getting so emotional about it. He's right to say that your tone has basically changed from "let's sign Cavani he's practically perfect" to "Cavani doesn't suit us" over a few pages.

It was just a prospective line up Choo, don't kill me .

So what, Ronaldo - Ozil - Isco?

Mikel was mostly injured or away under Benitez. It isn't the same. Sure he didn't start all games but he was hardly dropped. All the manager before Rafa used him explicitly. You talk as if Mikel is the worst player in the squad when he clearly isn't.

I think Napoli might have instigated the Chelsea rumours to try and get City to pay the release clause. Maybe they're desperate for the Cavani money but I don't think any club will pay more than £40m-£45m for him.

If you play counter attacking football it doesn't mean you disregard possession. Mourinho still won the league with a record amount of goals with his perceived "counter attacking" football at Madrid and United are very effective at it. Doesn't mean they don't think possession is vital. You need a variety, not just possession based players in your squad.

Good news IMO. The less suitors the lower his price will be if Napoli are intending to sell him. If Man City won't pay the €63m, no one will.

Well he is only 19. Consistency will come with age, and like Bir said, with better players around him too.