The Ultimate Soccer Thread 2012-2013 Vol. 3 Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga etc

[nychiphophippo]

Had no idea that Real signed Casemiro, love that signing (and no I've never seen him play but I bought him in my fifa manager mode and he becomes a complete defender )

 

[eiddyfouw]

eiddyfouw - go back & watch some of the German national games if available starting with Kazakhstan from March of this year. Look how easily he played as a false 9 & his attacking ability. It was astonishing. I think another game he played as a false 9 was against the Netherlands. I'm not the only one making the Gotze/Messi comparison, so are a lot of pundits (whatever that's worth). Maybe it's too strong to suggest the same attacking ability but it's similar. If you don't see what I'm talking about then we'll agree to disagree.

I'll have a look again. Gotze is great. But putting him in the category of Messi is just, a bit far fetched. I know pundits are saying he's around that level. But truth be told, pundits and media were also calling Bale Galaxy's Greatest after a hot season (they will probably also be the same people to call for Murray to be knighted after this Wimbeldon, but I digress). Gotze is clever, neat and can finish very well, but players like Messi (and Ronaldo) are in their own category...

But I'll have a look for those videos before I set my opinion in stone...but I don't see my opinion changing much...

 

[ziostilon]

Anybody read this magazine/ separate issue books called THE BLIZZARD from the UK?

they say its very well written, and its not constrained by mainstream media

 

[mastamind89]

Dempsey has been transfer listed.
I'm not surprised. Hopefully he can find a club soon enough

 

[Gex the Damaja]

Fox reports Bruma escaped a kidnap attempt by Sporting's fan organized by Sporting management.

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/...kidnap-bruma-to-block-chelsea-transfer-071113

 

[Deleted member 38182]

speaking of Dempsey......

stumbled upon this random video of him from his college days

 

[ice city fc]

Clint sounds like a kid from the Central Valley 

 

[mr marcus]

had no idea he played at Furman...pretty cool

 

[mastamind89]

After a multi-hour meeting in Via Turati between the agents of Japanese star Keisuke Honda and the Milan entourage, an agreement has been reached which will see the player join Milan this Winter during the January transfer session.

Although it would've been better for all parties involved to have Honda come immediately, finances were the issue once again, and the singing has had to be dragged out because of Robino's "Santos-Stall"...

Expect Honda to start right away behind the strikers upon his arrival from CSKA Moscow.

 

[quik1987]

Honda to Balotelli

 

[chiva1908]

Let's see what this Mexico vs Canada game has to offer... :smh

 

[downyboy]

Let's see what this Mexico vs Canada game has to offer... :smh

It's almost as bad as an MLS game.

 

[Jumanji]

Top 20 La Masia goals. Some of these kids are just



The bicycle kick by the 8 year old :x

We dont even stand a chance :x :x :x

 

[eiddyfouw]

Not a bad deal at all for the Neymar family

"Meanwhile, copies of transfer documents from Santos football club, obtained by Brazilian media site Globoesporte, reveal that Barcelona paid €17.1 million for Neymar in what was an overall €57 million deal.

Of that, €9 million went to Santos, €7 million to investment company DIS Esporte and €1 million on taxes. The remaining €40.1 million, in the overall €57 million deal, was paid to Neymar and his father - also his agent - as "commission" and a signing-on fee.

The documents also show that Barcelona agreed to pay €2 million if Neymar finished among the top three finalists for the Ballon d’Or award. They also arranged to play two friendlies with Santos."

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1495721/rummenigge-pep-wanted-neymar?cc=3888

 

[abovelegit1]

Anybody read this magazine/ separate issue books called THE BLIZZARD from the UK?


they say its very well written, and its not constrained by mainstream media

It's an excellent publication; I have an e-subscription. Basically it's just a collection of pieces written in various forms by top sports journalists around the world. Jonathan Wilson serves as editor and writes for it too.

As for the original subject in Martinez at CB, surely you can get why people who, going by how well Munich's midfield and team played (in reali life, not Fifa ) with the arrival of Martinez in the middle see it as a very strong case as to why they feel like moving him to CB is pointless as (regardless of how well he could play there and has in the past) again a better CB could be easily found with the resources Munich has at its disposal but a player to play in his role at DM simply can not (as Busquets isn't leaving Barca anytime soon).

Oh and real fast I dont follow Bilbao at all so I didn't see him play there but maybe two times but from what I remember about Bilbao, much like the Spain NT or any NT, has a restriction on who they cant bring in/call up as Bilbao likes to only sign/play with Basque players so him playing at there at CB may (or may not) have been out of the fact that he was the best option available at the time plus I believe he made his name and his subsequent high priced transfer to Munich off the back of his ability in the middle. Oh and one last point on his time with Spain at CB and being really good, I do question how well he plays there as he cant beat out Pique for spot at CB and Del Bosque would rather him sit on the bench and not use him at all while continuing with other options at CB... I mean we're talking about the 2013 Pique here he cant beat him out? That's not a good look

Good debate. Pep's problem is that he must improve a side that won the treble, so anything he does will be heavily scrutinized due to the "if it's not broke, don't fix it," argument - which is fair enough, as anyone can see the logic in keeping things as they are. But I'm sure Pep saw what BvB did against Bayern in the final, and realized they're vulnerable to an organized high press. BvB mostly reduced Bayern's buildup play to long balls from the back, so by putting Javi at CB and replacing him with another creative midfielder in CM, he would be addressing the problem. He'll have a centre-half who can read the press and pass intelligently out of the back, as well as a creative CM who can provide another passing outlet and break the press with his vision and dribbling ability. Bayern then becomes a side with essentially no weaknesses nor tactical vulnerabilities. Scary thought.

I think Ribery-Gotze-Muller will play across an interchanging front three, with Mandzukic playing as the 9 when a ref point is preferred. Sweini-Kroos-Thiago in midfield. And yes, JM is an outstanding central defender due to his physical quality and reading of the game. Pique has performed 'better' for Spain then he has for Barca recently, and has an understanding w/ Ramos that led to a run of clean sheets in KO rounds, so that's probably why he hasn't played there. Another "if it's not broke..," situation.

Obviously, as a Barca supporter I'm salty as hell Pep of all people is going to sign one the best young players at the club, but I don't think he cares considering he loathes Rosell. And if he's promised Thiago playing time and a raise then there's not much that can be done now as the board/management's incompetence led to the low buyout. I'll be sad to see him go.

 

[AZwildcats]

I actually like the Boateng/Dante partnership. I think that Martinez-Scheinsteiger partnership is untouchable and messing with it is almost blasphemy. 

 

[fear the ibis]

Anybody read this magazine/ separate issue books called THE BLIZZARD from the UK?


they say its very well written, and its not constrained by mainstream media

It's an excellent publication; I have an e-subscription. Basically it's just a collection of pieces written in various forms by top sports journalists around the world. Jonathan Wilson serves as editor and writes for it too.

As for the original subject in Martinez at CB, surely you can get why people who, going by how well Munich's midfield and team played (in reali life, not Fifa ) with the arrival of Martinez in the middle see it as a very strong case as to why they feel like moving him to CB is pointless as (regardless of how well he could play there and has in the past) again a better CB could be easily found with the resources Munich has at its disposal but a player to play in his role at DM simply can not (as Busquets isn't leaving Barca anytime soon).

Oh and real fast I dont follow Bilbao at all so I didn't see him play there but maybe two times but from what I remember about Bilbao, much like the Spain NT or any NT, has a restriction on who they cant bring in/call up as Bilbao likes to only sign/play with Basque players so him playing at there at CB may (or may not) have been out of the fact that he was the best option available at the time plus I believe he made his name and his subsequent high priced transfer to Munich off the back of his ability in the middle. Oh and one last point on his time with Spain at CB and being really good, I do question how well he plays there as he cant beat out Pique for spot at CB and Del Bosque would rather him sit on the bench and not use him at all while continuing with other options at CB... I mean we're talking about the 2013 Pique here he cant beat him out? That's not a good look

Good debate. Pep's problem is that he must improve a side that won the treble, so anything he does will be heavily scrutinized due to the "if it's not broke, don't fix it," argument - which is fair enough, as anyone can see the logic in keeping things as they are. But I'm sure Pep saw what BvB did against Bayern in the final, and realized they're vulnerable to an organized high press. BvB mostly reduced Bayern's buildup play to long balls from the back, so by putting Javi at CB and replacing him with another creative midfielder in CM, he would be addressing the problem. He'll have a centre-half who can read the press and pass intelligently out of the back, as well as a creative CM who can provide another passing outlet and break the press with his vision and dribbling ability. Bayern then becomes a side with essentially no weaknesses nor tactical vulnerabilities. Scary thought.

I think Ribery-Gotze-Muller will play across an interchanging front three, with Mandzukic playing as the 9 when a ref point is preferred. Sweini-Kroos-Thiago in midfield. And yes, JM is an outstanding central defender due to his physical quality and reading of the game. Pique has performed 'better' for Spain then he has for Barca recently, and has an understanding w/ Ramos that led to a run of clean sheets in KO rounds, so that's probably why he hasn't played there. Another "if it's not broke..," situation.

Obviously, as a Barca supporter I'm salty as hell Pep of all people is going to sign one the best young players at the club, but I don't think he cares considering he loathes Rosell. And if he's promised Thiago playing time and a raise then there's not much that can be done now as the board/management's incompetence led to the low buyout. I'll be sad to see him go.

Not the board's fault it's the coaches fault for not giving him enough PT. there was a clause in his contract that triggered a much higher buyout if he would have gotten a little more PT

 

[mastamind89]

@Football__Zone Asier Illarremendi passed his medical with Real Madrid last night. £32.75m fee. [Marca]
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are interested in Nicklas Bendtner
@ESPNFC Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has joined Valencia on a season-long loan deal.

 

[eiddyfouw]

@Football__Zone Asier Illarremendi passed his medical with Real Madrid last night. £32.75m fee. [Marca]
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are interested in Nicklas Bendtner
@ESPNFC Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has joined Valencia on a season-long loan deal.

I saw this on twitter...and read a bit about the deal in the news...but is this kid that good? I have no knowledge of him at all...any of you guys know about him?

 

[mastamind89]

@Football__Zone Asier Illarremendi passed his medical with Real Madrid last night. £32.75m fee. [Marca]
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are interested in Nicklas Bendtner
@ESPNFC Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu has joined Valencia on a season-long loan deal.

I saw this on twitter...and read a bit about the deal in the news...but is this kid that good? I have no knowledge of him at all...any of you guys know about him?

I have no knowledge of him either. I should have also added that it's a six year deal

Gary Neville fears for England as foreign players block path for home-grown players

The former England international Gary Neville, and coach under Roy Hodgson, fears that the current generation of young English footballers are having their route to the top of the game blocked despite being capable of playing at the highest level.

Neville, 38, who played 85 times for his country in a 19-year career at Manchester United, has conceded that the old belief that "the cream rises to the top" – regardless of competition from foreign signings – now has to be re-examined. His comments come after a dismal summer in which England Under-21s, Under-20s and Under-19s managed one win between them in nine games in international competitions.

In an interview this week, Neville, now a Sky Sports pundit, said that he had been brought up to believe that elite British, home-grown players would be given a chance to develop in even the Premier League's top clubs, but in recent years he had been forced to reconsider.

On the question of whether a good home-grown player would be given a chance, he said: "You can't be definite on this. No one can be, but my gut feeling at this moment in time is we've maybe reached a tipping point where the pathways are now being blocked and it's not just the case of the cream will rise to the top, that old chestnut.

"I've always believed it. If you are good enough you will get the opportunities. We were always told that as kids. But I'm not quite sure anymore. I'm not quite sure if a player is good enough that they will actually have a chance of getting through because actually if you want instant success then they haven't got time for them to develop."

Neville said that English football had reached the point over a long process during which he had seen first hand how foreign players had improved the standard of the Premier League "immeasurably". However, he cited the growing impatience for success, the fact that 63 of the 92 league clubs changed their manager last season, as an indicator of the dramatic change in conditions for young players.

Neville said: "I always felt that the cream would rise to the top and if you are a British player you have got to fight your way through that system.

"But I feel as if we have reached a tipping point when I see academy staffs being ripped out of clubs. They have to change their identity every two years because if the manager goes, the new one brings in a whole new staff with him. It just can't be right."

He added: "I always look at the very best teams and they have always got a core of players who have grown up with that club.

"Bringing through home-grown players is a strength in many ways – firstly, to have a core of people who believe and understand the passion of the club; secondly, they have a loyalty which means they won't want to leave; and thirdly, you don't actually have to pay transfer fees. So it is a win-win-win to have players come through the system who are home-grown."

Neville acknowledged that addressing the issue of the development of English and British home-grown players is fraught with difficulty, legal or otherwise, especially over any suggestion of quotas. Nevertheless, it is a debate that English football will have to confront if it is to reverse the declining number of English players in the Premier League and the effect that has on the England team.

Neville said: "Obviously we are all English and every time you suggest that you want more English or British players you are accused of being xenophobic. Well, why? It is nice to see local people coming through and playing for the club they have grown up supporting. Doesn't everyone agree with that? Barcelona have seven or eight players who have come through their academy. It is a great story."

United built a multiple title-winning team in the early 1990s with the home-grown Neville, his brother Phil, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and David Beckham, and there was an extraordinary generation produced at West Ham in the same decade, although they were sold quickly. Could it happen again in English football?

Neville said: "In England, I think there are two or three clubs who are capable and set up for it. I do hope [in addition] the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham, who are putting emphasis on building these new, wonderful academies, produce players. They have made those initial investments and have established themselves as Premier League challengers, so now it would be good if they start to see players coming through.

"It can only be good for those clubs. Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, will generally try to bring through players if they are there. And this is not a criticism of the other clubs – the ones who haven't been doing that – because they are a different model. They've had to establish themselves in the top four first before looking for the long term.

"So I'm hopeful that in the next few years it can just come back a little bit towards development of home-grown players and we can start to push a few more home-grown players through the academy system. I'm hopeful of it. But I wouldn't put my house on it."

 

[eiddyfouw]

Status update:

@BigJohnTerry: Man United's summer targets

Thiago = fail

Baines = fail

Ronaldo = fail

Strootman = fail

Lewandowski = fail

Why do I have a feeling Fellaini and Baines will be signed and paraded as the boosting of the squad...

 

[Kimchi Papi]

So here (IMO) are England's best young players at the moment. Please feel free to add any I might've omitted or take someone off.

- Tom Ince (Blackpool, Championship league)
- Nathaniel Chalobah (Chelsea on loan Watford, Championship league)
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal)
- Andre Wisdom (Liverpool)
- Wilfried Zaha (Man U on loan to Crystal Palace, Championship league).
- Jack Butland (Stoke on loan to Birmingham City, Championship league)

Not exactly world beaters... So what's Neville yammering about then? Neville fails to identify who deserves to be promoted & given a chance because there is nobody.

English football is in dire straights with nary an up & comer in sight. The Prem wouldn't be any better then the Championship league if it weren't for foreign players.

 

[abovelegit1]

Not the board's fault it's the coaches fault for not giving him enough PT. there was a clause in his contract that triggered a much higher buyout if he would have gotten a little more PT

Actually, the clause triggered the lower buyout. The contract had a buyout of 90m euros. The board is at fault for having let the clause be included in Thiago's contract in the first place. Of course, hindsight is 20/20, but once the league was wrapped up (it was effectively over by Christmas), they should have alerted the coaching staff to the danger of the clause vesting. I find it hard to believe the staff was even aware of it, as they could have easily thrown him on as a sub in a few more games. Of course, if Tito knew about it, and still refused to do so, then that's another problem altogether - a stunning lack of foresight.

I saw this on twitter...and read a bit about the deal in the news...but is this kid that good? I have no knowledge of him at all...any of you guys know about him?

He's a quality all-around holding mid, and will only get better. His positioning is excellent, he shields well, and likes to get in a tackle. His distribution is also quite good, as he can start attacks - usually by releasing his fullbacks or wingers into space with timed passes. The only criticism of the deal is that it's a lot of money for a guy whose only played about 50 league games over the past 3 seasons or so, and is yet to be capped by Spain.

Shame you guys didn't see much of Real Sociedad. They played great football last year, yet went under the radar like Fiorentina.

 

[lucho]

I saw this on twitter...and read a bit about the deal in the news...but is this kid that good? I have no knowledge of him at all...any of you guys know about him?

He's a baller. The best player i can think of to compare him in his position is Xabi Alonso. He is still a little raw but can be better than Xabi, who is one of the most important players for Real and Spain. He was instrumental with Real Sociedad last season the times i watched them play and also balled for the U-21 Spain team in the Euros. However, i dont think he is worth the amount they paid for him.

 

[Kimchi Papi]

^ Real Sociedad finished 4th holding back Valencia, Sevilla and Malaga to grab the final spot for the CL. Speaking of which, here are their kits for the upcoming season (sans sponsorship).