robsblubot

I think our starting lineup disagrees. As well as the subs, btw. Too many subs too - even the rules are different.

Glorified pre-season game... giving all players some minutes.

I wasn't saying your criticism was unwarranted, just that it's very early and I hope they regain form along the season. Otherwise we will be in trouble. Agreed that Kai is improving nicely. Super classy footballer.

That's exactly the problem with bad passing at this level. Good teams, and Villareal is no more than a good team, will apply pressure to your backline until it breaks. Midfield and attack looks wasted and unfit atm. Hope fitness levels are better soon.

well deserved. They've been playing a lot better.

They've been poor but that's way too soon. some players look amazing preseason and can't keep form for long. Others, esp older players (looking at you Azpi) need a lot more time to regain match fitness. Long season, but we will need them to turn up again if we want to win anything Lukaku or not.

He's defending well, esp tackling, like Zouma does often (and Cahill did before). That's not enough at this level. His passing is simple, safe, and poor. We lose possession often with players like him and Zouma in the lineup and against better sides, that can be worse than poor defending because they can pin you back and overwhelm your defense line, like city does for ex. Need ball-playing defenders who can can pass if we want to keep playing with 3. Worried if we lose Andreas and/or silva for some time.

He's shaky but 2 fantastic saves in this game alone.

will never play at Chelsea. You can save this one and check with me later.

Smart to put a championship defender next to Zouma. Will make him look good for prospect buyers.

as one who likes him, yes he's been shit

the followup was a bit harsh and high from rudiger don't think it was totally underserved.

Sadly guy looks like made of glass.

It's totally OK to say Alonso is doing well... despite the ridiculous hair style.

That's a word never uttered at PSG. 😉 However you feel about Lukaku, I think we can all agree that he's not a contender to sign for Madrid, City, or Munich. So, the price tag is a bit disappointing to say the least. Reckon inter will be the happiest in this transaction, with Lukaku as a close second (players get tons in transfer fees). How happy will we be is the big question mark.

true, but Grealish carries the English add-on in his price tag. Lukaku had a pretty bad time last time in the PL, turned it around in Italy, which still makes it a pretty big bet in my book: regardless of being "better" the PL has its own characteristics. I sure hope he at least keeps his Italian fitness. I actually think Kane is a much better footballer and weren't for his Injury proneness, I'd say he'd be worth the additional cost. I just feel that football has changed recently and a pure #9 does not buy you as much anymore. Sure hope to be wrong here.

Drogba was twice the player. He had the ability, esp in the air, to win games out of nothing (as he did). I actually watched Lukaku play in a pre-season match in NYC when he was still with us. Lukaku and Luiz were both amazing in that game, but his characteristics as a player have not changed: lots of power, pace (esp for a guy of his build), and only mediocre skill on the ball... kinda heavy first touch. So, it's sad that we've had this player, let him go, and are getting him back for over 100m. Like him or not, it's not like he completely reinvented his game. It's the very same player. Will have to trust Tuchel knows how to use him is all.

that's very easy one to answer: silverware (and not FA cup 😉) After all, did we not win the CL without him, or a "proper" #9?

Agreed with the first point. Think the second is irrelevant: City has been winning the PL without a #9 and so did Liverpool. I'm afraid that the price tag and name will make him play more than he should, even if not in great form. I guess we will find out.

Mount will play. Harvetz will play some and sit out some. Same with Werner. So, better players (than Lukaku) will sit for him to play. I guess it is what it is. Just hope Tuchel has the guts to do the right thing when the situation demands it.

The difference is that the German boys know how to play football, while Abraham does not. Tammy seems to get impacted by the strength of the opposition more than others, and that's a very important indicative of lack of quality (for this level). Consider that whatever happens, he will be dropping a tier (as suggested above), and there is a reason for that. Despite being english, having a better goal conv ratio, I could bet that Werner would be a much easier sell in the transfer market. Again, there is a reason for that.

I’m resigned with the fact he will come and for the reported absurd price tag, so like @Muzchap I just hope he delivers good performances and keeps his current form (and fitness). however, if we end up getting United lukaku then we are royally fucked. While he still scored some goals like you said, he was also where many of United plays came to die thru his poor touches and/or lack of movement.

Not how I see it. Nobody is forcing us to buy lukaku for 115m, which means we could spend that money elsewhere. Lukaku original sale is not linked to rebuying lukaku.

What?! If we pay 115m for fucking lukaku that’s what we paid! however much we made from sales is irrelevant in this. Really overpaying for this one… so many better players potentially avail at this, or much less, price. just watching herthas Matheus cunha for Brazil in the olympics… good promising striker and 22.

If so, all I have to say is, "good luck to the manager."