OneMoSalah

I can see the point regarding the cruciate ligament ruptures to a degree but also if its not a massive deal for Bayern, who have a very good injury record and medical staff and tend to play him every week, I doubt it should be a major concern for us. He’s hardly injury prone, just its part of football, unfortunately players suffer major injuries at times. We had Callum and Ruben suffer from ACLs and stuck by them - would imagine it has more of an impact on younger players as they are still developing and growing physically. Also Gilmour injured his meniscus last season and had 4-5 months out. Its not as if we would he signing someone with one leg and half a hamstring or someone who regularly fails to complete 10-15 games a season. Will agree though there are probably better CBs out there but are they attainable? Also would say Sule’s probably a considerable improvement on Zouma and Rudiger but thats also not exactly a huge achievement as they are good but nothing spectacular.

Aye it is all good saying that after he’s went to Liverpool had a good start and scored the 7 goals he has in all competitions. Nobody even mentioned him at the time last season or in the summer and lets be honest a lot would not have done. If he hadn’t had the impact he had there before his injury, I doubt many people would be that bothered. Good player yes but was a surprise to many he went to Liverpool and an even bigger surprise he had that drastic an impact. Whether or not it was just an incredibly good start that will settle out as he returns or the expectations he’s set for himself, who knows? I doubt many people seen it coming either way. Would that basically not be the same for any pacey attacking players then, not just strikers? So clubs should just avoid buying from those leagues 😁😂? I think regardless of who picks them, the signings ultimately have to fit their recruitment strategy, which since their owners took over whenever it was has probably been largely based on younger players with potential to grow and with resale value incase they decided to leave (ie Suarez and Coutinho in the past, Sterling from the academy) although now they’ve won a few trophies they’d probably want to adapt that approach. Which I think they did spending larger sums on van Dijk and Alisson to take them to the next level. But it was the only logical next step for where they were at at that time. I think with Klopp other than Klavan and Thiago most of the signings they’ve made have fitted that sort of age range of say 20-26. Not that they signed to resell but there was rumblings about them being cautious about signing Thiago due to his age which goes against their recruitment strategy. I think now like most clubs, the manager probably has areas that they want improved upon but generally the transfer strategy is probably made up by technical or sporting directors or whoever based off a criteria and positions, then they go from there bringing the manager back into it saying we think option x, y, z may suit this position or that one based off these scouting reports or analytical data. Managers are changing that commonly across Europe also so I think clubs maybe have to take things i to their hands a bit and maybe make managers work with less of a say in transfers or recruitment as 10-15 years ago.

I know its more just to link the stat you mentioned and add the comparison, more for others who keep constantly making the comparison. Perhaps but theres other attackers who can also do more. Unfortunately its just Mount people chose to focus on for end product when its quite clear we wouldn’t get into some of the positions without the other things he brings. Him and Callum’s combinations v Atletico for example were very promising and its a shame the final balls never worked out.

Hes only 22, playing for a top club for only his second season, people seem to be forgetting that. The goals and assists will come consistently. Just like James, CHO, Gilmour, Tammy etc will become more clinical/decisive in their decisions and roles in the team. Last season many of them made a good first impression but the up and down nature is to be expected. We seen the bad side when he was overplayed through a poor run but I think the general improvement in his all round game has been very noticeable this season. Obviously as you’ve said a goal every 6.7 games or whatever, yes that needs to go up but boys like Maddison, who is always in comparison with Mason, in 89 PL games has 20 goals, a goal every 4.5 games, thats not very impressive either but it just shows that goals and assists stats can cloud judgement because even then we still know Maddison is a very good player. The worst of it is though, teams like United and City have got De Bruyne and Fernandes which everyone now expects every attacking midfield player to be as good as they with a few others in Europe, set the standards but Liverpool won the PL comfortably without a number 10 who scored or assisted that sort of numbers, very much having a midfield consisting of players who you would consider more as “dogs” or hard workers because they do the hard miles and aren’t particularly excellent at scoring or creating goals. Also, not saying Mount should aim to be that sort of player, he should definitely try to be more creative because his general play is good and this is the one area which when he hits a bit of consistency with his end product, hes easily going to be a top top player.

Same guy who came on in the CL final and looked very comfortable? Not his biggest fan but he is a far superior CB than both of Rudi and Zouma. Nothing worse when folk write articles like this. We paid the fee for the release clause and he turned us down. Not surprised either hes apparently the highest paid GK in the world at a club who developed him and gave him a chance, not even Benfica played him and they are notorious for developing talent and moving it on for huge money. It wasnt a matter of £16m but some idiots will paint their own narrative with such bullshit clickbait articles. Like saying if we spent an extra £25 million on any other player who we probably tried to sign and they turned us down, as if it would make a difference 😂 like Virgin van Dijk or whoever. Also @NikkiCFC have to agree, Angelino is a very decent player. Still surprised Pep didn’t try him more as he is very much the sort of fullback he likes. Also he is homegrown having spent 3 seasons in City’s academy prior to being 21 IIRC. Only 24, still has plenty of growth also but think Leipzig will keep him.

As I said I think TT could change Giroud for one of them but he probably wont make radical changes meaning both likely wont start. Id be surprised though if its more than Silva who comes in, dont think he will be desperate to make a lot changes, seeing a lot of people wanting Jorginho and Mount out the XI despite the fact they will miss the return leg v Atletico. Also a lot of people mentioning Ziyech and Havertz looked pretty good when they came on, not sure where they managed to make this impression from. Havertz played only like 3 minutes plus added time considering he came on in the 87th minute and Ziyech 16 minutes plus added time. Granted both looked fitter but they didnt do anything of particular notice that stuck out as to why they should be included in the starting 11 for the game. I think if one was to be included from the beginning it wouldn’t be the worst idea but the impressions that they should both come in and start ahead of other players who are playing better is beyond me. Even then where has TT probably changed the most in our team since coming in? Between CHO/James at RWB, Giroud/Abraham upfront and having to take Silva out for injury we have barely seen it anywhere else. Havertz (although was injured) and Ziyech played v Wolves then both never really got a start in the PL games.

Werner down the middle. Ziyech/Pulisic/Havertz. Even then WBA just showed what a big CF can do against Maguire and Lindelof so wouldnt be surprised if Thiago Silva for Andreas was the only change.

Same team as v Atletico. Maybe only Giroud out and Silva back in. Dont see why he would change it radically after our best performance under TT. Calling for major changes after that performance is just daft if I am honest, more so Jorginho and Mount who are suspended v Atletico so may as well play them here as theyve shown they are key components under Tuchel so far.

Realistically though we have got Havertz, Ziyech, Kovacic who are all capable of being creative and passing forward. Mount also is in this just needs to iron out inconsistencies in his end product. Gilmour also is more than capable and Jorginho go longer and in behind teams at times although not a lot. Not expecting them to all pump out 10 chances per game but the notion we aren’t capable of being creative baffles me. We’ve seen now under Tuchel we can get into these positions in the final third but we just need to take a bit more care with the final pass, once that clicks, I think we will be much better in terms of goals. Lets not forget Tuchel has only been here for 7 games and we have went from a team who were struggling to keep clean sheets and had no ideal style, to a team who are more organised and haven’t conceded many shots against us per game whilst also showing a clear identity. I think getting this quality at first is better than creating 10 chances a game. The creativity will come and I think TT knows this is still an issue, you can see his frustration on the sideline when the final ball is poor because he expects better. The whole Cesc thing, it is true but there aren’t as many players like this in world football now. Because everyones too safe as they don’t want to lose it as football has become so heavily fixed on keeping possession. Verratti maybe is close and perhaps a handful of others but its a slim list.

Jesus you’d think Mount played for Scunthorpe or something reading this thread. Some of you need to wake up and watch the games, not choosing what you want to see, which is Mount “not playing well” The only inconsistency in his game right now is his end product, everything else is at a more than suitable level, as is the same for most 22 year old attacking midfielders or even footballers, bar the odd exception. Beginning to wonder about some of yous...

He wouldnt get a game regularly at Leicester. Vardy is maybe 34 but still has 2 years in him at least I reckon. His physical attributes are phenomenal. Just let him go. Has shown he is a reasonable squad player but not the sort of striker who will win teams titles.

The biggest issue is going to be as it always is with Mina Raiola’s clients: money. If we can match the best or make the best offer, we will be in with a large chance of signing him, CL football or not. Its obviously an additional factor yes and if we finish outside the top 4/5 in positions 7,8,9,10 it will be a huge disadvantage but it will not massively be the deciding factor If say we finished 5th IMO (which is below the minimum achievable goal for the remainder of the season I would think). Obviously we want to be in the CL not just to boost our chances but for the financial side of it for the club and to be playing the top competition of European football. Honestly think still its going to be more the financial side of a deal for Haaland that will make the ultimate difference and that will include a large agent and large signing fee. As was the same for the Pogba to United deal, de Ligt to Juventus, Lukaku to United and Inter and Ibra’s moves to Barcelona and PSG. The financial package and wages/sign on/agent fee were huge contributions to why we didnt sign him from Salzburg as Matt Law reported but we will have to swallow our pride and make a big offer if we are truly interested.

Aye true but as we seen under Lampard last season also, there seems to be a lot more fluidity and control when Mount, Kovacic and Jorginho are all in the first 11.

They are going to have to in the second leg. I would expect Atletico to be much better in it also so we need to keep going and improve in the final third.

Best game under Tuchel so far. Thought CHO, Alonso, Mount, Christensen, all played very well. Giroud’s goal was brilliant. Once we get a bit more cutting edge in the final third, the goals will start coming and thats the missing piece just now because it looks like we are much more comfortable defending and moving the ball. Personally felt Christensen was excellent all game. Have noticed the last few games it would appear he seems to be winning much more aerial duels, almost looks as if he has started jumping a split second earlier than usual to make himself favourite for these headers. Also he has read the game well and every tackle he’s won tonight has been immaculate basically. Impressive when you consider Suarez is top scorer in Spain and was virtually anonymous all game. Looks like Alonso is going to be in the tesm for a bit longer alongside Mount based on tonight, lets see what people think of that 😂 Midfield will be interesting next leg. Kovacic-Kante then Havertz in Mount’s role?

Aye. He signed there January.

Rudi no need to even think about raising your hands. Suarez is looking to provoke there grabbing him on the leg or whatever. Daft to get involved. Fuck sake Werner come to the ball there...

Get in. Well deserved. Absolutely. Maybe time to make a sub, Havertz/Ziyech for Mount and Kante for Kovacic. Dont want Kovacic to pick up a booking. Ok hes just did it 😂 smart move

Some people only seem to want to see us do well when certain players aren’t playing I think 😂 But its been happening for years, Mikel, Ivanovic, Cahill... nothing new, just a different name. And now Atletico are at the theatricality to try score some points, get a man off and disrupt the flow of the game. Pathetic but to be expected, Everton did us like that at the end of 2020.

Its a common theme. He is playing well yet “take him off”, same with Mount, which if it was to do with the booking would make sense but its not... Mendy man why you not collecting that..

European game like this might be a blessing for Ziyech in all honesty, slightly slower paced and we have been dominant with the ball. Think we will see him at some point. Maybe for Mount, maybe for Giroud, maybe for someone else who knows. Think Havertz’s knack of arriving in the box may be useful also, Alonso put in a few handy crosses from the left and other than Giroud we lack someone who can challenge the Atletico players in the air bar Alonso.

Decent enough half. Just lacking penetration final third. Would take Giroud off for Havertz. Giroud has literally done nothing all game. Forgot he was even playing to I seen him there. I suppose he offers the chance to go more direct but not how TT operates. Seeing a lot of take Mount off but him and CHO’s combinations on the right have been promising and a huge feature of us getting into these positions that we cannot take advantage of due to poor final ball??? Not sure what yous are watching but clearly a different game... Have been impressed by Christensen also, hasn’t gave Suarez much space to operate in. Reasonably solid all round game from everyone.

Really? That shot was poor though

Yeah very true. We need to keep doing what we are doing though, one of those passes has to come off/show a bit more quality and composure.

Exactly. Our performance under Conte v Atletico at their place wasnt too dissimilar also I felt apart from us being better in the final third. Little bit of care in the final third and we will get a goal or two. Mount and CHO picking up promising positions.