robsblubot

“Look, I was there when he almost withdrew, and he's not negotiating,” said Bolton, who served as Trump's national security adviser. “His goal here is not to strengthen NATO, it's to lay the groundwork to get out.” Bolton on Politico earlier this year. Just heard the same from Bolton once again. Trump does not understand, or care, about the values of these alliance; he only sees these ungrateful European countries which get these benefits without paying a dime.

I'd not waste another day with Mudryk, but agree that he will be given minutes again unless Nkunku remains fit for most of the season (Jackson should also be ahead of Mudryk on the left). Madueke is more useful as a sub/option imo; I don't ever see him becoming an Elite winger int he PL tho. Someone posted on this thread that large squads don't work and I have the same take/information on the subject: end up with too many unhappy players and groups within the club. It's less of a problem when many of these players are so young, so they are naturally patient, but that won't last. And I'm still assuming that a #9 and a goalie may still arrive.

I'm actually curious as to when/where all these players will play? All going out on loan?

Haaland, KDB, and Rodri. All bought and paid for. And once again, my point was that we should be doing both: acquiring talented prospects (which we are doing) and strengthening the start XI with proven players (which we are not doing).

The post I replied to alluded to, sarcastically, that signing proven players had never provided success, which is factually wrong here and elsewhere. The current approach is the one which has not yet provided any silverware. Now, we can discuss what the future holds, but that's the case so far. Heh those 2 were very poor signings from the get go -- both 30+ too. Casemiro was showing signs of fast decline for Brazil way before Madrid let him go. Kovacic was a proven player at his peak form and age; he was an excellent signing in my book. The best example is goalie; that's the one position you don't bet on.... at least not if you want silverware.

And a couple of years earlier, just won a small CL after beating Real Madrid and City with Jorginho and Kova in midfield. The formula we are using now is the unproven one. If we go back in our recent history you will see a lot of proven players behind a lot of silverware. Or perhaps are you suggesting Chelsea FC is now a small club who can't sign proven players anymore? What exactly is the upside with the self-imposed wage structure which makes us less attractive to talented players? Last time I checked, City, Madrid, Bayern, and even Barca keep on signing pretty proven footballers. 🤷‍♂️ IMO, you have to both, sign promising young players as well as proven players to solidify the squad and compete at the highest level. Unfortunately, we have only been doing the former.

Good jokes 😆

heh just heard that! He's supposed to be a talent, but he's only turned 16. He's represented by Neymar's father/family. It could be poaching given that in Brazil players can only sign a professional contract once they turn 16, so until then they are fair game; my understanding is that he has not yet signed that contract.

For the record, I was referring to something different there: to the ever increasing money in politics, two-party system, electoral college, and the lack of general appetite to promote the deeper changes the aging system may need.

Right's Creationism has been the official "science" in red states for a long time now, but blue states have been catching up and doing their own ideological indoctrination. While I agree it's silly to deny sexual identity as a fact, it's also wrong to introduce the subject to young children who wouldn't really even care about any of that if it wasn't forced upon them. No, I don't think it's as common as creationism taught in red states, but I know that it does happen. Heh there are a lot of anti-vaxxers on the left too as it is usually something around lack of education, lack of information, and/or privilege (better food/better care no need to worry about getting sick as much). Yes, sure most of the left's stupidest shit comes from the far-left. On the other hand, if you watch NBC long enough, you will hear someone preach about the rights of transgenders in women's sports (self-evident who changes for a competitive advantage); it's not fringe anymore because it's already in mainstream media. Also, dems are just as happy with the circus in congress; they have no intention on improving the situation because they get just as much money and power--just from slightly better sources. Now, I'm all against false equivalencies, so I won't claim it's the same, but these little things make the left an easier target, which helps the GOP land elections.

I mostly agree with you, and would fully agree with you maybe a decade or two ago. There are a lot of anti-science coming from the left nowadays; no, not nearly as much as it does from the right, but still more than before. Personally, I think Jan 6th is really all one needs to know about Donald Trump to make it a no-brainer. When someone claims Trump is a threat to democracy, that should be exhibit A, B, C, and D.

Just to provide a quick "why", instead of coming up with convoluted ways for how the moneys can buy control, simply look for the myriad of totally legal ways in which that already happens. What is not yet legal can be made legal and it's really not that hard, or obscure. A good old read on the subject, and still very much relevant given how the US congress operates (lobbies and spec interests), is "Republic, Lost: How Money Corrupts Congress" by Lessig (the convention candidate). And with just enough wealth, you have access to a supreme court judge: read on Clarence Thomas esp articles from politico on his lifestyle paid by his billionaire "friend." Citizen United ruling was yet another "aberration" gifted by our "wonderful" Supreme Court.

My theory is that having one is stupid.

nope. 😆

Like I said, conspiracy theories are so fucking stupid.

Conspiracy theories are so fucking stupid. 😆 There is irrefutable evidence proving that the shooter was a democrat: he missed.

Luis Diaz is great! Really like the way he plays football. prob the best left winger in the pl atm.

Elite athletes playing on smaller pitches 😆 soon enough fifa will have to make pitches larger. argentina is the better team.

Mind boggling Dier moved to Bayern Munich -- couldn't think of a single player less suited to that style of play. He's just not good enough on the ball and lacks mobility too. Can't be a CB and named Kim -- gotta change your name buddy. 😅 Upamecano now that's a CB's name alright except folks have nicknamed him UpaMaguire. You are obviously wrong about de Ligt though. Anyone named "de [something]" is automatically Dutch and therefore a good footballer.

Fair enough, but I am definitely referring to seeing him as a top player which is impression I got from the mention above esp considering the comparison with Hazard; I wasn't crazy about some aspects of Eden's game, but simply a different tier here. Evidence tells me James needs a team to play for him exactly like Colombia does. He's not going to get that at any top club.

in what "normal" world would a player leave £325,000-per-week on the table? Mudryk on loan elsewhere alone -- given nobody would buy him -- would provide the competitive advantage we need to climb a few positions in the standings. Agree that we need to get options for Nkunku until he has a full season. His injury history isn't the cleanest.

James is shit. 😄always been and always will be. He's a player for a different era. He's simply not competitive enough for top football. Plus I hear he's absolutely awful in the locker room.

It's a Hail Mary from him and his agents with almost zero chance of succeeding; FIFA will expand the ban to all countries where it has a presence. Unlikely to happen unless WHU gets a significant amount (even if a fraction of what they paid), which would make no sense for Flamengo given the imminent ban.

From a competitive standpoint there is zero upside in not being able to land quality players (some actually fairly young too) due to some arbitrary wage structure.

My problem with Jack Grealish isn't the partying. Does that mean they don't want to see Alvarez? That first touch from a long ball against Canada was as good as it gets.