King Kante

Need to win this one. If we don't you know we're getting Bayern in the next round.

Could see him ending up as a pundit. Personally, I think he'll want a PL job but may find it hard to get one and if he doesn't get that, he'll go to TV.

Oh, for sure. I am not saying he is unplayable like Kepa, rather just reillustrating why is was not a player we should of brought and doubly so because of his age/wage/fee etc. However, currently we are playing well (Burnley was more just one of those games as we really should've scored 3/4 in that but just didn't get the rub of the green and Burnley got a few vital touches in) so he shouldn't be coming back in. Of course, if a players form dips, he should get a chance to take his place back.

I agree but equally overall I think he was ok (say 5-6/10.) For me, it is always wise to look at what the player is doing over all rather than focusing on one/two aspects of there game. That said, I do agree it wasn't his best game. I guess it is how you view the game. Furthermore, I agree Mount isn't playing as well as last season but with all the football he has played in the last 24 months and his age, this kind of dip isn't worrying me atm.

Mount wasn't great, but he still did a lot of dirty work with the pressing and closing down. He wasn't great but equally he wasn't woeful.

Indeed, his static performances hamper the fluidity of the attacking players. I get the argument that he is a more clinical player and that we can be frustrating in not finishing enough off but as I said before we brought him his technical limitations and habit of standing and pointing rather than making off the ball runs is an issue as it hampers chance creation. For me, I really don't want him starting the next two games, as we won't create enough chances, so it is a moot point if he is a better finisher.

Couldn't have asked for a better first half. As I have said, we just look so much more fluid in attack without Lukaku. Important thing now is to ensure that we keep this up for another 45 mins.

That is good news. As for his commitment I am not worried about that. He is a warrior cannot see him putting in crap performances if he has a contract elsewhere for next season.

I reckon there is a decent chance Barkley goes to Newcastle. Not saying 100% but I reckon it could happen.

Indeed, let's say Newcastle call Granny in January and say £20-£25m for Barkley. No way do the club turn that down as the other option is most likely no fee and having to pay him up for the remaining amount of his contract. As Newcastle are so poor at the moment there are a number of players that they could pick up for slightly over the odds who aren't playing for their clubs currently that would still improve them. Additionally, clubs from Europe will also take their cash so that can just go to them instead.

Not fussed about Kounde as he has a habit of overplaying and short players from La Liga can struggle in England. Obviously, he is/looks a great player but I cannot see him turning into a VVD type leader of anything.

£300k pw for 5 years is £78m which is insane. However, what will it cost to replace him? £50m? Then what do you have to give the guy that you replace him with? Probably a minimum £100k a week which is £26m for five years. So, in total it washes itself out. Obviously, the problem is that you set the bar so high for wages. Personally, I think this sort of thing is going to become more common in that players will wind down their contract and ask for the money the clubs would have to fork out for them. As for this particular situation, I think we'll just have to let him go. AC is the more important player to tie down and Rudi will be unsellable/a sunk cost once he gets his contract owing to his age. Additionally, as great as he has been there is an argument that he is thriving because of the system (same could be applied to AC as well tbf) and we may be better off with a left footed CB for the LCB position. Will be a shame if we lose him but it is what it is.

You say this, but playing for the English national side brings in a lot of money that is consideration for a lot of people. Grealish and Rice for instance played for Ireland then jumped across as soon as they knew they'll get selected. Additionally, someone like Zaha held out for a good while before committing to IC. Obviously, there are some players like Broja who just goes straight out amd play for Albania but I wouldn't say it is a simple case of players just picking the country they feel most connected too in a lot if cases.

Personally I would switch if I were him even if Southgate were to suddenly depart. I reckon whatever English manager goes in he will always struggle due to his size and playing aboard. Unless of course he undergoes rapid improvement and becomes a Top 5 CB. Additionally, unlike some other countries playing for Canada, especially in World Cups, would still bring in decent money, maybe not quite England money but still better than most other countries.

I reckon he will retire, apparently he isn't really even much of a fan of football.

Depends on how much he values money. Massive difference in playing for England vs Ghana.

I stand corrected. 😅

Tbh, I just think he is one of those players that will be a go to man for a average to poor team but cannot translate it to the big teams due to his lack of footballing intelligence. For me, Newcastle is a good option for him as for the next two to three years as he would play, continue to get paid well and play a part in making them a good team (Newcastle unlike City and us are going to take longer to get to the top, even with their finances owing to their lower ability and PL FFP hurdles that are now in place unlike before.)

Can Tomori still declare for Canada? Could see him making the switch as they've a good chance of qualifying for the WC and have a spot already for 2026.

Yes, JT is by far and away our best ever captain. One thing however is I really cannot see him becoming a manager because of his past with Ferdinand which is a shame as I reckon he would actually make for a good manager.

I think it was more to do with him not really having much interest in squad building/having much understanding of transfers. Apparently he is more a coach who just wants to be on the training pitch then go home, hence he doesn't really get involved in day to day business or follow what is going on with potential up and coming talents. As I said, it is just a rumour I heard that I am passing on rather than something I think is 100% true.

I have the feeling that his recent appearances are a combo of injuries and trying to put him in the shop window. Could honestly see him going to Newcastle in Jan.

There was a rumour that one of the reasons Carlo got the sack (not sure if it is true or not) was due to him saying that for the 2011 Summer window his key suggestion was CR7 who was obviously completely impossible.

Good.

Be very surprised if there is anyone on here that has actually watched this boy in 10+ full 90 minute games to give a real opinion. Best bet you've got is to go and look at some stats and Youtube videos and make up your own mind, taking into consideration that those aren't the greatest means to assess a player.