robsblubot

If David Luiz goes to Barca, we could get the player he'd be replacing: Mascherano....

Not disagreeing with you (when talking about his peak), but Dida is Gremio's goalkeeper 2nd in the Brasileiro with 2 matches to go. Vargas who scored for Chile is also tehre, on loan, from Napoli.

I think they've been actually trying to move away from the exclusively passing game they had employed in the past.

Agreed. I don't think Oscar was brilliant, but he did have a great game and that kind of consistency is impressive for a 22yo.

David started both friendlies for Brazil and was captain in the first one when Thiago did not play. His passing was the usual, great overall, but I was particularly impressed by his long passing against Chile because Chile apply pressure very high up the pitch; their players had obviously been instructed to stop David from carrying the football. Still, he assisted! Neymar, hulk, and Oscar a few times even under pressure from the back.... really incredible stuff. On the defensive side he looked better with faster play and interceptions. He was slow to close down on Chile's goal though: Thiago completely missed his aerial interception leaving David as the last man (big no no), David attempted a block but was just too far from the player (Vargas), and finally Julio Cesar had no reaction - Brazil's weakest link IMO. Brazil don't produce great Gk unfortunately. I've been paying attention to Luiz performances for Brazil and I think it's not just sharpness; he's a bit slower than he was last season. Not sure whether it was due to too much partying after the Conf Cup win, too much fun on vacation, who knows?! Still, I see he's lacking fitness for both Chelsea and Brazil. BTW, the irony of it is that if we go back a few (many) pages, we will see many ppl complaining of how aggressive luiz is and how he needs to tone it down a bit; now we feel he's not been aggressive enough and too lax.

If Terry did play... otherwise, none of them is world class. You can make the world class case for some of the midfielders, attackers, but not the defenders IMO.

So, playing Terry wouldn't increase the overall quality of the team? I know it's not going to be enough, but it would certainly be an improvement. Better defenders can intercept the ball high up the pitch, and then help keep possession. He can also set up an attack with a quick pass afterwards. Lesser defenders will mostly produce blocks and clearances, but aren't so great regaining the football and with possession which hurts the team. Rooney seems to have a hard time scoring only when playing for England... Sturridge too. Wilshere plays better for Arsenal. And so on... What England, and most pundits don't get is that your mediocre players will be found at this level. The opposition will always go for the weak link (s).

That's where I disagree. I don't think you can blame a striker for the lack of goals or a defender for conceding goals; it's all connected. The quality of every player on the pitch contributes to how well you play and scoring is just a consequence of that. A player like Terry would make the team better period.

Congrats! I'm sorry for the swedes - great people not to mention gorgeous girls - but Portugal must be there when it's in Brazil.

Agreed - the way we play it won't matter if he doesn't score so much. We need someone who can work the ball while keeping it tidy. We missed out on him and Paulinho who plays better and better for Brazil and Spurs... we keep on acquiring CAMs though.

well this is just a pre-WC concern... all these internationals are itching for minutes so not to jeopardize their spot for the WC. It's the perfect time to go for a difficult target, such as this; at the same time it's the perfect time to unload some dead weight - just don't play unwanted players.

Why wouldn't Dembele be happy there? Wants to move up or hasn't been playing?

Phil Jones (who rarely plays CB for his club), Smalling, Cahill, Jagielka while John Terry sits on his sofa... Wonder what crosses his mind when he watches England these days?

I wouldn't, but then again I don't get paid to scout and my understanding is that we've got a host of well-paid scouts at the club. Since Juventus is a top club, I reckon someone there thought Progba deserved a shot and that type of insight is what it takes to find these gems before they turn into the final product.

yeah but I wish our scouts could spot these guys before they join the top clubs and cost a fortune...

Completely agree that he does go missing at times. He's so very young after all and that's what happens with youngsters. Oscar used to do that a lot, but now he's been able to become more consistent with (at least) the defensive side of his game. However, I'd have to say I see no point in having Ba instead of Lukaku. Perhaps Considering Andre can also play striker, I'd say Torres and Lukaku would have been at least just as good as what we have today. Eto has shown signs of life though - he's been very sharp and scoring important goals. I hope that continues, but he's certainly a short-term solution. TBH, since we have 3 strikers plus Andre, I'm glad Lukaku is at Everton and playing a lot. WTF at the troll post & gif above... shameful way to make a point.

yeah I think he touch was intentional, but the ball went a bit higher than expected - he had to hold the shot for a second there.

still trying to figure out whether that first touch was completely or somewhat unintentional. whatever it was, his reaction was well fantastic. Why is it a bad first touch? because it gives opponents time to close him down.

This game is so far out it's just fiction for me. We can't even talk about potential starters since anything can happen in the international break.

I've been saying over and over again to get phil jones. THe hardest thing to find is an underrated English footballer and he was one. He's very similar to David Luiz in that he's very technical and can play in several position because of that. He's younger so you can actually mold him to play in the most important part of the pitch: midfield. There are English players with perhaps more potential, but I reckon Phil is almost a sure thing.

yep, you lose his two-footed passing ability when you stick him to the side of the pitch - he needs to be centered. Whether in defense, or DM, or CM, no matter - as Barcelona proved it's all about mechanics - but he needs to be in the center of the pitch. Although I also think he should be playing, he has been poor and was in need of some butt kicking for sure. Now, if he does not get to play after the atrocious display against WBA, then I'd have to question Mourinho's meritocracy.

BTW, Ramires' Cruzeiro have (practically) won the Brazilian league last Sunday. Yes, Ramires is a fine example of athleticism, but since that's what makes him special, he's a lot less when not at 100%. In other words, Ramires isn't a superior player if talking about his technique alone - personally I think his passing could be improved. However, once you add his good technique (as opposed to great) with his pace, stamina and overall athleticism, then he's a top player. We need better cover for him. Either Essien and Mikel can provide cover or they can't and should be sold. Frankly I don't understand why Ramires has to play every match.

I'd say it's about time we tried to play some football too...

you do know that 5'9" Mascherano plays CB for them right? So, I'd think David Luiz would be more of a pure CB than Mascherano. Plays CB for Brazil too - not a problem.

at work... funny stuff. How about James McCarthy, is he good enough? Only 22 now at Everton.