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[flyeed]

View media item 1550275Yo did Griezman really go see the Houston game yesterday? More importantly he couldn't get closer seats?[emoji]128514[/emoji][emoji]128557[/emoji]

Because then people would think he's Bieber and storm him

 

[sonoftony]

Is Drogba going to MLS?

That's what I read. I wonder which team he'll consider going to?

 

[Kimchi Papi]

[COLOR=#red]Trash to me=bottom of the table, relegation bound clubs.[/COLOR] Just last year Liverpool almost won the league so I wouldn't call them trash; that's a very narrow view of thinking. I'm just saying it's not accurate to say things like Gerrard and Liverpool haven't achieved anything, while top clubs like Arsenal and Man City haven't achieved anything in European competition EVER.

I agree... That word "trash" is thrown around a lot here on NT. I don't even think I've used that word to describe the football in the Prem.

 

[blackmomo]

Trash to me=bottom of the table, relegation bound clubs. Just last year Liverpool almost won the league so I wouldn't call them trash; that's a very narrow view of thinking. I'm just saying it's not accurate to say things like Gerrard and Liverpool haven't achieved anything, while top clubs like Arsenal and Man City haven't achieved anything in European competition EVER.

Ok maybe not trash but they aren't an elite club. I don't think you can consider yourself an elite club if you haven't wont the title in your own domestic league in a quarter century.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Speaking of Liverpool, check out the classy ad the LA Galaxy took out in the Liverpool Echo... That's a class move...

View media item 1550337

 

[Kimchi Papi]

:x

Italian football writer Gabrielle Parpiglia tweeted this pic of Barca's Ariedo Braida having lunch with Juve football director Guiseppe Marotta...

View media item 1550353

Spoiler: Warning: Spoiler!

Pogba?!?!?

View media item 1550355

 

[d3si]

So Barca is Pogba's first choice.

Any news on Khedira to Juve?

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Actually, that pic should be taken with a grain of salt. Both are looong time friends. Having said that though, I wouldn't doubt if Bartomeu hired Braida with the friendship in mind with the expressed goal of landing Pogba so that it could help him win the election this summer. Imagine if Barca wins the treble & then lands Pogba. In theory, Bartomeu would look like gold to socios voting...

 

[tomdiginson]

They are trash though. They have a great history but that's it. Aside from winning the CL in 05 what have they done?????? They haven't wont they league in 25yrs

lol@ calling Liverpool trash. You must be one of them glory hunting fans huh ? Go Wash your face B.

 

[rck3sactown]

 

They are trash though. They have a great history but that's it. Aside from winning the CL in 05 what have they done?????? They haven't wont they league in 25yrs

lol@ calling Liverpool trash. You must be one of them glory hunting fans huh ?

Go Wash your face B.

Rep'd

Glory hunting fans irk me greatly

 

[Thierry Henry]

View media item 1550275Yo did Griezman really go see the Houston game yesterday? More importantly he couldn't get closer seats?[emoji]128514[/emoji][emoji]128557[/emoji]

yes, he's a huge basketball and D. Rose fan

 

[rolaholic]

Apparently Pirlo is considering moving to MLS as well

 

[lucho]

Actually, that pic should be taken with a grain of salt. Both are looong time friends. Having said that though, I wouldn't doubt if Bartomeu hired Braida with the friendship in mind with the expressed goal of landing Pogba so that it could help him win the election this summer. Imagine if Barca wins the treble & then lands Pogba. In theory, Bartomeu would look like gold to socios voting...

Was just thinking this. Wants to look good for the elections.

 

[Coupé It]

Open top parade with a CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE bus?

That was from their CL win.

Gottttttt Emmmmmmmm.....

 

[8pm at msg]

Khedira heading to Juve

 

[jape]

Liverpool is a 2nd tier club that's fading even more but with a rich history.
But other Than Liverpool fans...no one is even remotely worried about them.
No player wants to play there.
If they were in Spain they wouldn't make the Europa league.

And Ander Herrera is solid but I don't think he should've been picked for the Spain squad either.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Part of Herrera not making La Roja is VdB has his favorites & he's picking some of the younger players too. There just isn't room for him to make the squad. I don't think he'd even be considered if someone fell to injury. Midfield is one area the Spanish team is deep in.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Napoli announce press conference for Thursday.

 

[mastamind89]

Emre Can, Liverpool
Premier League Rank, No. 50

Next: No. 49, Saido Berahino »
EmreCanPremRank
Emre Can has been used in midfield and defence for Liverpool this season, impressing despite the club's tough season.
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Emre Can makes the list

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has come under scrutiny for many of the signings made with the money recouped from Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona last summer, but Can has emerged as a genuine success story this season.

Versatile and with plenty of potential, the German under-21 international came of age at Liverpool while playing a central role in a defensive back-three that proved to be a catalyst for a midseason revival for the Anfield club. While his team's run of good form could not be sustained, the promise of Can has been heavily promoted by Rodgers.

"If you give Emre another couple of years, he could play in any team in world football. That's how highly I rate him," said the Liverpool manager. "Playing at the back he is strong, aggressive and fast. He moves the ball well and can move into midfield, and whether central or out wide you can see his intelligence. I feel he will develop into a world-class player."

-- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

- Started Liverpool's last 20 Premier League games, after starting only three of their first 18 league games this season.
- Led Liverpool with 66 successful tackles this season.

What the experts say

"If the sense of possibility is enticing, the lack of definite conclusions highlights the uncertainty: about system and personnel, about where Liverpool deem Emre Can's best position is and how to get the best from a player of rare gifts. It is a Steven Gerrard-esque predicament; the man around whom a team could be built instead seems to be filling gaps in the teamsheet." -- Richard Jolly, April 2015.

"Could it be, however, that in Can they have a ready-made Gerrard replacement already on their books? At present he is a vital part of a formidable defence, but his future could be as the hub of this improving Liverpool side." -- WhoScored.com, February 2015.

"Liverpool's best player again. The young German once more excelled in two different positions, as he continued his excellent form in defence before pushing up into midfield in the closing stages and driving his team forward with a series of surging runs. He has quickly become a real fan favourite." -- David Usher, February 2015.

Saido Berahino, West Brom
Premier League Rank, No. 49

« Previous: No. 50, Emre Can | Next: No. 48, Gary Cahill »
BerahinoPremRank
Saido Berahino's displays for West Brom have seen him linked with a move to one of the Premier League's elite clubs.
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Saido Berahino makes the list

The 21-year-old was this season's Harry Kane before Harry Kane came along, but that's not to say there isn't plenty to get excited about regarding Berahino in his own right. Although the young forward obviously wouldn't maintain the sensational early form of seven goals in nine games that saw him talked about as England's future and an imminent signing for one of the elite teams, he has still shown enough to suggest that such a situation is far from improbable.

The live-wire forward will have to ensure that his work rate matches his fine talent if that is to be the case, especially given some of the reports about his attitude. Manager Tony Pulis insists his approach has altered, however, and West Brom's stance has gone from being open to bids in January to wanting to keep the youngster this summer. "He has been fantastic here," Pulis said. "There's been a real change in his attitude, his commitment to everything we've tried to do has been brilliant."

Commitment to West Brom -- and to a manager as rigorous as Pulis -- could be the best thing for his career right now.

-- Miguel Delaney

The stats that tell the story

- Leads West Brom with 20 goals in all competitions this season, with 17 of those 20 goals being scored at home.
- Only West Brom player to appear in all 45 games this season in all competitions.
- Has 10 career goals for England's U-21 team. Only Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers have scored more (13 each).

What the experts say

"Berahino's ability to fashion his own chances is indicative of a player who is potentially top class. The last time that West Brom had a player capable of doing that was Romelu Lukaku during his loan spell three seasons ago." -- Matthew Evans, May 2015.

"While Berahino would be expensive -- rumors place West Brom's asking price around £20 million ($30 million) -- the young striker is years from his likely peak." -- Michael Caley, January 2015.

Gary Cahill, Chelsea
Premier League Rank, No. 48

« Previous: No. 49, Saido Berahino | Next: No. 47, Romelu Lukaku »
GaryCahillPremRank
Gary Cahill is Chelsea's first player to be unveiled in #PremRank.
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Gary Cahill makes the list

The low point of Cahill's season came as Chelsea suffered a shocking FA Cup exit at the hands of League One side Bradford back in January. Jose Mourinho's decision to give youngster Kurt Zouma some game time following that surprise loss at Stamford Bridge proved that this England centre-back had suffered a fall from grace.

Yet it was a temporary blip for the experienced Cahill, who is an England regular and a trusty sidekick for skipper John Terry at the heart of the Chelsea defence. The 29-year-old has even chipped in with the odd crucial goal -- his strike against Liverpool in December was vital in helping Chelsea secure a valuable three points at Anfield, while his goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League appeared to be the effort that would ease the Blues into the quarterfinals.

That proved to be a false hope for Mourinho and his team, as PSG pulled off an extra-time win, but Cahill is still ending this season as a winner, after starting in the Capital One Cup final win against Tottenham and playing a key role in their successful title charge.

-- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

- In Cahill's last 48 league starts alongside John Terry, Chelsea have conceded only 36 goals and kept 26 clean sheets.
- Won 115 aerial duels this season (12th most in the league) at a 74 percent rate, fourth best in the league (minimum 50 duels won).

What the experts say

"This has been a testing season for Gary Cahill and perhaps the most difficult time he has experienced at Chelsea ... he might not be the perfect defender, but he is honest, talented and never shirks his responsibilities." -- Phil Lythell, March 2015.

"If Cahill is a new leader for a new age, it is partly because of dependable performances, but partly through a process of elimination." -- Richard Jolly, September 2014.

Romelu Lukaku, Everton
Premier League Rank, No. 47

« Previous: No. 48, Gary Cahill | Next: Next: No. 46, Danny Welbeck »
RomeluLukakuPremRank
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku is Everton's club-record signing.
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Romelu Lukaku makes the list

It wasn't his best season, but that shouldn't negate the fact that Lukaku remains one of the best young players on the continent. In some ways, he was a victim of the success of 2013-14, and his struggles effectively personify Everton's season.

Signed for the club's record fee of £28 million after hitting 15 goals in 31 games last season, it was always going to be impossible for Lukaku to maintain that form, especially since he remained the only real main striker in a squad that suddenly had a huge increase in its number of fixtures with the Europa League but didn't have the number of players to match.

The fact that his scoring record dropped from one-in-two to less than one-in-three should not be much of a surprise, and is also the exact kind of inconsistency that 21-year-old footballers are prone to experience. Few maintain a prime player's consistency at that age; fewer still carry the burden that Lukaku does. He has the physique to carry it, and there were still more than a few flashes of his brilliance -- not least a perfect hat trick against Young Boys in the Europa League. -- Miguel Delaney

The stats that tell the story

- Lukaku has 42 league goals in the last three seasons. Only Sergio Aguero, Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie have more.
- His 41 Premier League goals are tied with Christian Benteke for most ever by a Belgian player.

What the experts say

"A two-season return of 36 goals in 80 matches will attract envious glances from a number of established strikers, never mind those of a similar standing to a still-learning and developing Lukaku, who only turned 22 earlier this week." -- Luke O'Farrell, May 2015.

"Thankfully, then, with sharpened knives at the ready, Lukaku did his latest talking on the pitch, etching his name in the club's record books with a 'perfect' hat-trick -- header, right foot, left foot -- to join Alan Ball, Andy Gray and Yakubu as Everton players with a European treble to their name." -- Luke O'Farrell, February 2015.

Danny Welbeck, Arsenal
Premier League Rank, No. 46

« Previous: No. 47, Romelu Lukaku | Next: No. 45, Daley Blind »
DannyWelbeckPremRank
Danny Welbeck signed for Arsenal from rivals Manchester United last summer.
Welcome to ESPN FC's #PremRank.

Beginning May 25, ESPN FC is counting down the top 50 players in the Premier League right now, as voted for by various columnists, editors and analysts. Who makes the cut? Disagree with our list? Tell us on Twitter using the hashtag #PremRank.

Why Danny Welbeck makes the list

Welbeck's season started with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal declaring that he was not up to the standards expected of a player at his club. The Dutchman decided to sell him to Arsenal, yet his new boss Arsene Wenger will argue the striker has been a success in his first season as a Gunner.

United's decision to sell Welbeck to Arsenal came back to haunt them, as the Red Devils trainee scored the winning goal against his former club in the FA Cup quarterfinal at Old Trafford in March, undoubtedly the highlight of his time as an Arsenal player to date.

However, Welbeck moved to Arsenal with a stated desire to get in the team as a lead striker, rather than the wide player or the backup forward to more high-profile teammates. Yet the end-of-season analysis must be that he has failed in his mission to achieve that goal.

Second in line to Olivier Giroud for a start in Wenger's first choice lineup, Welbeck has missed some key chances and struggled to prove he is worthy of top billing. If Arsenal opt to sign another striker next summer, his first team hopes would be hit once again.
-- Kevin Palmer

The stats that tell the story

- Welbeck has scored four goals in 58 shots this Premier League season. That scoring rate of 6.9 percent ranks 195th in the league, far below his 11 percent scoring rate the previous three seasons with Manchester United.
- Scored one goal in 14 club games in 2015, after seven goals in 20 games for Arsenal in 2014.

What the experts say

"In the first half, Welbeck's first touch was off and he struggled to make an impact on the game. However, he worked tirelessly and grew in to the match as it went on. The goal was just reward for his selfless play and should provide a tremendous boost to his confidence. Arsenal fans will also have been delighted to see him celebrate his goal rather than opt for a muted display." -- James McNicholas, March 2015

"A fit Welbeck offers more than a sidelined Falcao and the Colombian has been first below his best and then injured ... given the lack of dynamism United's strikers have exhibited, Welbeck would have at least offered pace." -- Richard Jolly, November 2014.

"The stats back it up: Danny Welbeck is a better finisher than Mario Balotelli" -- WhoScored.com, October 2014.

 

[ROYGBiV]

Man what do I have to do to get a super star to come to DC United

 

[mastamind89]

Word is that Falcao wants to join Chelsea and he's willing to take a wage cut

 

[rck3sactown]

EXCLUSIVE: Top FIFA officials indicted, face extradition to U.S. on corruption charges. http://t.co/gS8A0tmPGa pic.twitter.com/My0LGooLiL
— NYT Sports (@NYTSports) May 27, 2015

prob still doesn't mean anything, sadly 

 

[SamKQboro]

The inquiry is also a major threat to Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s longtime president who is generally recognized as the most powerful person in sports, though law enforcement officials said he was not charged. An election, seemingly pre-ordained to give him a fifth term as president, is scheduled for Friday.

 

[lovehateself]

The inquiry is also a major threat to Sepp Blatter, FIFA’s longtime president who is generally recognized as the most powerful person in sports, though law enforcement officials said he was not charged. An election, seemingly pre-ordained to give him a fifth term as president, is scheduled for Friday.

Knowing Sepp, he probably dropped the dime on them after securing his votes or after finding out they were gonna vote against him

 

[rck3sactown]

look at this guy, out here just loving life