Wishlist Stefan di Vrij

[scargo 75]

He has big problem with his knee,, it's a gamble

[It's too big 625]

I also wonder why we're only being linked publicly with defenders in the Italian League. We have done well in the past scouting in the French league (with Zouma and Azpi). Maybe the only decent defenders available are in the Italian league as Spain's top defenders play for Madrid, Barca and Atletico.  

[It's too big 625]

40 minutes ago, scargo said:

He has big problem with his knee,, it's a gamble

Tbh, Koulibaly is a gamble after one good season, and the same for Romagnoli and others. At least this guy was part of that '14 Holland side as well as being touted as having potential to become a very good defender. 

[It's too big 625]

How willing would Lazio be to sell though? 

[OhForAGreavsie 6,057]

4 hours ago, Robguima said:

Interesting player all rounder as a defender and can even cover in rb.

of course never seem him play in RL but I did sign him in FM...  (2012 as I am a purist)

I've never played FM myself. Is the 2012 version considered the classic? 

[OhForAGreavsie 6,057]

1 hour ago, It's too big said:

I also wonder why we're only being linked publicly with defenders in the Italian League. We have done well in the past scouting in the French league (with Zouma and Azpi). Maybe the only decent defenders available are in the Italian league as Spain's top defenders play for Madrid, Barca and Atletico.  

I agree, it's an interesting question. 

It could be, as you speculate, that Italy is where the best available talent is. It might also be that agents of Italian based players are taking the opportunity to push/link their clients with Chelsea. If, however, it is simply that Antonio wants to target players with whom he is already familiar then I hope this will change soon.

It's a statement of the obvious that the wider you spread your net, the better chance you have of making a good catch.  It is also true though that clubs from other European  leagues might be willing to sell their players at prices which represent better value; clubs which don't have the financial strength to drive as hard a bargain as those from Serie A.

It is for example quite usual for Italian coaches to be very well informed about players from the former Yugoslav countries.  There is often some outstanding talent to be found there. I hope that between now and January, Antonio will have time to get his head up and do some scouting. 

[BlueLyon 9,359]

He was injured whole season, besides all throwing his performance at WC 2014, other top defenders of that tournament were Garay, Blind, Van Buyten etc.

[Styles 9,790]

I've just read that he has had two bad knee injuries. Is it to the same knee or both?

I remember Azpi suffered a long-term knee injury before coming here so it's not the end of the world, but two is a different story imo.

[Symbol123 175]

7 hours ago, Eidur the Spider said:

Is this guy reliable?

He's reliable for Juve stuff, and I believe he's hit or miss with other Italian teams

3 hours ago, Styles said:

I've just read that he has had two bad knee injuries. Is it to the same knee or both?

I remember Azpi suffered a long-term knee injury before coming here so it's not the end of the world, but two is a different story imo.

Both times were to his left knee. The first time he was out for about a month and didn't get surgery, he only got it after the second time 

[robsblubot 3,595]

8 hours ago, OhForAGreavsie said:

I've never played FM myself. Is the 2012 version considered the classic? 

Opinions vary and I wouldn't call it the classic version, but it's considered the one with the best match engine: actions on the pitch resemble more the real thing.

I don't play it anymore (last was 13) but tried the demos. personally I don't buy them because it's basically the same game, with an updated roster at full price - makes no sense. So when feel like playing I just download a roster update for the database.

sorry for the OT. Think we have a FM thread where latest versions are discussed.

on de Vrij, acquiring someone after a bad injury can be a good strategy to get a better deal. However in this case he would be a gamble because it sounds like he has chronic knee problems in which case only if heavily discounted/loan.

[xPetrCechx 13,570]

Another No...

[!Hazard! 3,394]

This chase for a CB is getting hilarious now. We are like a disliked kid walking around the school yard trying to find a date for the prom.

[Amblève. 4,995]

3 minutes ago, !Hazard! said:

This chase for a CB is getting hilarious now. We are like a disliked kid walking around the school yard trying to find a date for the prom.

FFS Chelsea, even I got asked out

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

Two CBs (Zouma and him) straight after knee injuries ? If Chelsea don't bother seeing if the player has recovered from such injury, they should go for Fekir to give that sparkle upfront.

[Cosmin 2,484]

No one wants to sell us anything. Why don't they want our money?