Eliaquim Mangala

[Leif 6,006]

I could be wrong here having not seen too much of him, so someone correct me if I'm wrong, but in case you're completely clueless about this guy, he's basically the player Carvalho used to be I believe. I think he's got more strength on him however but not quite as good positioning. His tackling and interceptions are pretty much the same technique and to the same standard.

He's generally believed to be one of the paciest centre-backs currently in professional football.

He's yet to be capped for the senior France national team (he turned 22 this year) but the idea is that he will one day form a rock solid partnership with Varane.

Varane - Mangala will be like Terry - Carvalho basically.

He is a threat from attacking set pieces when it comes to headers, however he pulls players too much in his own box when defending a free-kick.

His pace, and the fact that he played there for some of his career, meaning he's perfectly capable of filling in at left-back.

This is the sort of deal where you're getting a player who could be one of the best in his position in 4-5 years. He'd be worth whatever we pay.

[Atholy 1,293]

Mangala played for the Belgium team Standard de Liege before joing Porto in 2011.

I must say he did rather well in de Belgian League and quickly got his place in the first team after former coach Laszlo Boloni gave him his chance in the 1st team at age 17-18.

I remember him as a quick and strong CB + trustworthy. After two seasons at Standard he was on his way to Valencia. Both teams had an agreement but the transfer was cancelled because one of (this might be a problem!!) his managers wasn't involved in the negotiations. Luciano D'Onofio (Standards Manager and n°1 back then) had good connections in Portugal. Mangala and Defour were both transfered to Fc Porto. Transfer price = €7 million

So I haven't really followed him at Porto but I know he's a good defender. But to say he's a GREAT defender that would easily fit in our starting line up????? I don't know about that! Pay €30 million for Eliaquim??? Give me a break please!

He was good in the Belgian League but it was not that he really stood out like (for example) Vincent Kompany did.

Defender for our starting line up? I don't know.

€30 million? Foolish price. I guess Porto is trying to cash hard this summer! Floating a little after Monaco brought the $$$ signs in their eyes when buying Moutinho & Rodriguez!

[nadavTKL 1,787]

I think he can easily be in our starting line up, but 30m is way too much.

[GermanBlue 82]

I'd appreciate this signing. He could provide more defensive depth. But he's never worth 30m.

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

Is looking fantastic for France right now.

[Namika 922]

He's playing for France against Uruguay right now, doing very good ( Cavani is playing too ).

[Leif 6,006]

Said he was amazing

[lucio 5,418]

does he play like thuram?

[Mr_President 404]

commentator just said he had Cavani + Forlan in his pocket for the first half..

[lucio 5,418]

sign him up , sign him up , cmon jose sign him up

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

SUarez just raped him there...

[Mr_President 404]

Suarez just schooled him for Uruguay's first goal 1-0.

[Ainsley Harriott 2,732]

He's a fucking beast... I'd pay the 30m for him, I think he's worth it

[Pizy 18,852]

Worldy by Suarez, though.

[lucio 5,418]

suarez can destroy any centre back. i imagine he is horrible to play against. he isnt the sort of player you would have to face often