JDY

- I didn't say I was correct, I just disagreed with you, like you disagreed with me. - Yes, backed up without context. Comparing him to players who are playing in different roles this season (the only fair comparison based on his season with Sociedad was Khedira). He was not playing as a DLP for Sociedad, but showed potential that he could have the right attributes to be a good one (which he demonstrated with Spain with his style akin to Busquets/Carrick). Some of the stats were also wrong. - Maybe I am, but I'm only calling it as I see it, just like you are. Like I said, clearly we have been watching a different player, because our opinions couldn't be more different.

I honestly don't know whether he's trolling or not. I disagree with just about everything said, throwing statistics in without any context and massively exaggerating what you consider flaws even though it's normal for the player in his mould. We've clearly been watching a different player & different Real Sociedad, so let's just agree to disagree.

There was talk of him on here before the tournament, his price was known when he signed a new contract last year. This is simply not true. His role throughout the season for Sociedad was different to the role he played for Spain at the Euros, anyone who watched him enough would know this. With Sociedad he played alongside Markel who was the deepest of the pair, akin to what Illarra was doing for Spain this summer, albeit in a 4-3-3 for Spain. Illarra for Sociedad had the freedom to join the attack and link the play knowing the he had Markel behind him to cover the space. It's illogical to compare the player that played for Spain to what he did for Sociedad all season. The two teams contrast in styles are totally different. Sociedad are mainly a counter attacking side, whilst Spain are the polar opposite. And as I said before, he played a different role. It's easy to just look at the stats and draw up your own conclusion, but they often don't tell the whole story.

^ I don't agree with much of that, especially the middle part, but each to their own I guess.

Or Isco through the middle and Ozil from the right. They have the same problem as us with players who are at their best more central. Either way, still a fearsome attacking trio.

AVB probably implementing the 4-3-3 he used with us & Porto. Sandro - Dembele was already the best pivot in the league. The addition of Paulinho in a 3 man midfield even better.

Mignolet is a class keeper. Would be considered one of the best in the league if he wasn't playing for Sunderland. Good buy, shame it's Liverpool though.

Spain playing now in the U20 WC. A lot of good players on show like Oliver Torres, Deulofeu, Jese. I'm predicting Juan Bernat to be a breakout star of 2014 with Valencia. He should get his chances with a lot of stars leaving due to their financial troubles.

Stoke-esque

Fantastic news, can't wait for the new season. Reckon he will definitely be no.14?

I don't get it. Mikel plays badly & the members who blame him for everything mock those who rate him. Mikel plays well and those who blindly commend everything he does mock those who don't rate him. Both as bad as eachother.

Good display both offensively and defensively. Could've made more of an effort to get back for Uruguay's 2nd goal though.

Great finish

Has started well. The calming influence on a fairly erratic Nigeria team

Maybe on here, but Rami gets his fair share of love at the Bridge. Azpi often gets no reaction

I've seen countless times on various forums comments like 'This place is nothing like it was x years ago'. The likelihood is that when you thought it was good, there was other people thinking the exact same thing you are now, and so on. But on topic: Graham Hunter ‏@BumperGraham3m#Thiago and #United close enough for wages to be agreed From watching/listening to this guy over the years, I find him fairly reliable. Edit: Zoomed

Indeed, that's what I meant. The article is still there but they removed it from the page. http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11668/8785123/Transfer-news-Chelsea-s-John-Obi-Mikel-claims-he-is-set-to-make-Galatasary-switch If you fancy a laugh have a read through some of the comments at the bottom.

The article on SS is still up. Apparently Sabah, the Turkish newspaper who reported it, have a history of making up news.

I always knew that Japan were technically astute but tonight they were simply brilliant on the ball. Some of the interchange in attack was It's a shame in defence they are bang average.

Had a very good game. Still too eager at times with his pressing & decision making with his passing, but a solid display. Brazil's best defender.

Interesting.

Further up but at the expense of Mata? Not only the ability to hold the ball higher up the pitch, but also to disrupt oppositions deep lying creative players. There's been a growing trend with these players in more advanced positions, Fellaini in the EPL, Guarin more advanced at Inter, Mueller in the latter stages of the Champions League

That was an absolute masterclass in how the modern day player plays defensive midfield.

What a great match so far in the u21 Final. Anyone else watching?

So today he's been linked to Arsenal for a measly £10m. There is no way on earth he will be sold for so little.