JDY

I don't have a download link but you've just reminded me to watch it. Have it on series link.

On the topic of Mikel, I agree with most points on this page but disagree with one. People are talking about wanting a more dynamic player than Mikel. This doesn't necessarily mean a player that bursts forward, beating players left and right. One of Mikel's downfalls is that in one on one situations he gets bypassed too easily. It's the same with Romeu to, but maybe more so due to injuries with him. I think when people are talking about a more 'dynamic' player they are talking about it in a defensive sense, a player who is very athletic and also has the tactical nous that Mikel has.

Aye, he looks really good, and versatile. I thought Benfica had already sealed the transfer a couple of weeks back?

There's a Mourinho documentary on ESPN Classic (Sky channel 425), 'Jose Mourinho - The Best Coach In The World'. Nearly finished now but I enjoyed it more than ITVs one, although both are excellent.

Reports intensifying on a move to Liverpool. Can only see him leaving, and I don't blame him..

Wasn't it the United fans who threw the object? He was celebrating infront of them.

He looks promising, but can he do it on a warm evening in Barcelona

I thought he did well in the circumstances. Most successful tackles of any player on the pitch despite coming on as sub. Distributed the ball well and dictated the tempo in the first half. Sunderland came back into the game in the 2nd half, and although we struggled to control the game from then on I thought he did a decent job.

I am aware of why he made the transition to a deeper role. Maybe I let my bias influence the choice of example to compare to KdB. I didn't once compare them as players. Just an example of a player in an advanced role moving to a deeper one. Albeit Verratti is more suited to it than De Bruyne. I also didn't say that he must play in the pivot when he returns, just that it could be an option in the future. Given the quality we have in the attacking third, I wouldn't be surprised if they do try to mould him into the role. On a side note, I'm going to ignore your thinly veiled 'you don't know what you're talking about' comment. If you don't agree with someone, fair enough. But to dismiss their credibility on a subject, really?

Just missed a great chance vs Frankfurt. Did very well to get into the position though. Has been Bremen's best player this half.

Struggled in what way?

Very classy when he came on today.

His age isn't much of an issue for me. In our current crop of midfield, we have no player over the age of 25 (barring the likely departures come the end of the season). We need a bit more experience and character in the side, and it's been very evident since Terry and Lampard have been out.

Diame didn't play as a defensive midfielder when he came on. That was Noble, and he has done all season. More of a box-to-box role for Diame as he also has good attacking qualities.

It is a more defensive role. PSG have changed their midfield system numerous times this season, experimenting with him in the double pivot, the outer CM in a 3 man midfield, and the deepest midfielder in a 3 man midfield. Even if stationed alongside more defensive players like Matuidi or more recently, Maxwell, you can't get away with playing in a deeper role and not being defensively adept. 3.3 tackles per game and 2 interceptions per game, along with a high pass completion is not bad reading for someone who is not in a defensive role (according to you). Compared to the accomplished Xabi Alonso; TPG: 3.9 IPG: 2.1. Interceptions being crucial for someone playing as a DLP. The original reply was to DYC who suggested that a player with high attacking tendencies who is also efficient in the final third doesn't need to be moved to a deeper role. I completely agree in most cases, but was just showing an example where a player has made the transition and has been very effective as a result.

I agree, but there's no harm in giving it a go. Marco Verratti adapted within a year at Pescara to a more defensive role, allbeit in a weak league. He's not the finished article at PSG but if you look at the difference now to then you can tell how much he's improved.

It doesn't mean he can't adapt to it. He does need to improve a lot defensively though.

Leo Messi: "There are players here who hate Chelsea more than Real Madrid, I never thought I would hear myself say that." "I also never thought I would see something worse than the Boca and River Plate rivalry or Brazil v Argentina - but this is. "We would rather play Arsenal, Manchester United or anyone else than be on the pitch with Chelsea." Hehe.

He is good enough to play. A different case to Lakaku where he needs to continue playing regularly for WBA. We will have a lot of games come the turn of the year. I'd recall Kevin and leave McEachran and Romelu out on loan. He's the most 'ready' out of the three.

Recall Kevin in Jan?

I've followed him for a while and he looks very promising. But with the abundance of talent we have in the latter part of the midfield it's more a question of if we really need him. Would like to see him move to Europe though.

Agreed. I asked because on another forum there are some blasting Chelsea fans for doing so, you can't do anything it seems.

What's everyone's view on the minutes applaud for RDM in the 16th minute?

Jesus, talk about an overreaction. Get behind the team and Rafa for the rest of the season. I don't know what he's said in the past and I honestly don't care. He's a good manager, great tactician and is here to help us progress (And probably has something to prove himself, which is fair enough). Sacking Robbie was always going to be hard to take given his status at the club and what he achieved, but life goes on. Everyone will remember what he did. Most are clinging onto the idea that Pep will take over at the end of the season. That can only happen if the fans get behind the team and the manager. I've heard rumours of potential protests and boycotts. Really? Do you really think that will have a positive effect on the teams performances? Getting into the top four is vital and if we don't then the chances of getting Pep are extremely slim. I didn't mind Rafa getting the job as long as it's a short term solution, but the fact that the majority already dislike him from the get-go is a recipe for disaster. These people need to put their petty agenda's aside and get behind the manager & the team.

He needs to do something spectacular to get the fans on his side. And that of course means he needs a good run of games. Atleast he is looking a threat and is actually testing the opposition goalkeepers.