by @CheGiaevara
There are doubters, there are sceptics, there are enthusiasts and there are believers. Not since the depature of Carlos Tévez has there been such a discussed topic as the one I would like to set in perspective; the arrival of David de Gea.
August 17, 2011
August 15, 2011
Why buy Rooney's shirt?
Throughout history Manchester United have enjoyed the presence of a lot of great personalities, delivering performances enough to secure goals, points, trophies, memories and history to the club. Several players have given their all simply to see United succeed, The Munich survivors and victims in particular. They have lived by the slogan 'United über alles' (United above everything) and given millions and millions of reds reasons to be proud of our club and wear the red shirt with passionate pride.
by @Nicopoleides
by @Nicopoleides
July 20, 2011
What we need is not creativity
Like I wrote in my previous blog post about Sneijder, I don't think that kind of creative midfielder is the way to go for the engine room in our team. What I miss is the complete opposition, which has never been fully replaced after the departure of one of the greatest fighters in Premier League history: Roy Maurice Keane.
by @Nicopoleides
What I'm pointing at is the obvious leader, warrior, fighter and captain in our central midfield, to carry the team on his shoulders on bad days. I miss the player who would raise the level of his teammates' performances just by his presence, exactly like Keano did for us through so many years. I'm looking for the player who can raise his game into the sixth gear when the team is struggling, simply by running faster/longer, tackling harder and shouting louder, to make a goal or two down turn into a goal or two up.
Has been covered
Between 2006 and 2009 the absence of such a player could be covered by the flair, skill and matchwinning goals of a completely different player, named Cristiano Ronaldo. When we win, people usually don't mind our weaknesses, even if they're there. Ronnie made us win a lot of games, and by doing that, he covered the lack of such a warrior in the midfield, even it actually was possible to spot that a natural leader and warrior wasn't there. When the Portuguese left to join his childhood love Real Madrid, the absence of a Keane-esque player became more visible and easier to notice. No Premier League club has ever won the league with seven defeats during a 38-game season, neither did we in 09/10. The high amount of losses is for me a sign that the team struggled to turn a goal down into a goal up at such bad days. This is for me a clear indication of the need of such a warrior on the centre midfield, and there was no Ronaldo to score us a goal or two.
Needed for 4-4-2
The lack of this player have also done impact on Fergie's choice of tactics. Over the last couple of years, we've been using three midfielders (a DM + 2 CMs or 2 DMs and an AM, depends which way the triangle) in important games/away games, compared to two like we used to do. In other words, Fergie used to belive that two players (like Keane and a younger Scholes) could do the working in this crucial games, but in recent years, he'd spot a need for a third man to contribute. I know that the football is due to a change over time, but I think we play most entertaining with two men up-front, and United's philosophy should be that other teams should suit the tactics to match us, not vice versa, which has been the case in recent years. I think we could be more focused on playing our own game if we had a player like Keane (not Keane himself, obviously!), which would allow more space for or wingers/strikers to do what they get paid for: Attack! As things stands, Fergie isn't trusting his two men enough, and needs to play safe, turning a duo into a trio. In my mind, our attacking play is suffering because of this, and that's why I want to play 4-4-2. And to play 4-4-2, we need that player to allow extra space for our offensive lads.
Who do you think this man could be?
by @Nicopoleides
What I'm pointing at is the obvious leader, warrior, fighter and captain in our central midfield, to carry the team on his shoulders on bad days. I miss the player who would raise the level of his teammates' performances just by his presence, exactly like Keano did for us through so many years. I'm looking for the player who can raise his game into the sixth gear when the team is struggling, simply by running faster/longer, tackling harder and shouting louder, to make a goal or two down turn into a goal or two up.
Has been covered
Between 2006 and 2009 the absence of such a player could be covered by the flair, skill and matchwinning goals of a completely different player, named Cristiano Ronaldo. When we win, people usually don't mind our weaknesses, even if they're there. Ronnie made us win a lot of games, and by doing that, he covered the lack of such a warrior in the midfield, even it actually was possible to spot that a natural leader and warrior wasn't there. When the Portuguese left to join his childhood love Real Madrid, the absence of a Keane-esque player became more visible and easier to notice. No Premier League club has ever won the league with seven defeats during a 38-game season, neither did we in 09/10. The high amount of losses is for me a sign that the team struggled to turn a goal down into a goal up at such bad days. This is for me a clear indication of the need of such a warrior on the centre midfield, and there was no Ronaldo to score us a goal or two.
Needed for 4-4-2
The lack of this player have also done impact on Fergie's choice of tactics. Over the last couple of years, we've been using three midfielders (a DM + 2 CMs or 2 DMs and an AM, depends which way the triangle) in important games/away games, compared to two like we used to do. In other words, Fergie used to belive that two players (like Keane and a younger Scholes) could do the working in this crucial games, but in recent years, he'd spot a need for a third man to contribute. I know that the football is due to a change over time, but I think we play most entertaining with two men up-front, and United's philosophy should be that other teams should suit the tactics to match us, not vice versa, which has been the case in recent years. I think we could be more focused on playing our own game if we had a player like Keane (not Keane himself, obviously!), which would allow more space for or wingers/strikers to do what they get paid for: Attack! As things stands, Fergie isn't trusting his two men enough, and needs to play safe, turning a duo into a trio. In my mind, our attacking play is suffering because of this, and that's why I want to play 4-4-2. And to play 4-4-2, we need that player to allow extra space for our offensive lads.
Who do you think this man could be?
Please not Sneijder
These days a lot of Man United supporters - and maybe even Sir Alex Ferguson himself - are looking for a creative central midtfielder to put into United's XI, and find that creativity in Internazionale's Wesley Sneijder. But despite the Dutchman obviously is world-class and surely could have done an OK job at Old Trafford if given the chance, I don't think this man is the solution to solve our 'lack of creativity'. Here's why I think we should splash the cash on someone else:
by @Nicopoleides
I - Suffering strikers
The main reason of my wish to aviod seeing Sneijder in the red shirt is where he's going to play on the pitch. Usually we've played 4-4-2 in the Fergie era, and the first pre-season game could have been a hint of what we could expect to see in the upcoming season as well: Two strikers. In Inter, Sneijder has enjoyed the luxury of two men doing the running behind of him, and that's clearly demanded in the Premier League too, if he arrives. That means we need to change or formation to 4-2-3-1, play Rooney up-front and leave Berbatov, Chicharito and talents like Welbeck on the bench or in the stands. In other words, this will mean very hard conditions for our strikers (apart from Rooney) to perform or make progress. Berbatov will possibly be the one to suffer the most, as he's definately better with a partner than as a lone striker. In my mind we could just sell him if we sign Sneijder, as he's way too good to be played out of position or to sit on the bench. Only one man up-front at a time will also mean a heavy - and maybe too heavy? - challenge for Mancunian Danny Welbeck to make it into the first team. As I think local lads is important in football, and particularly at Man United with such a tradition local-wise, at least he deserves a proper chance to show if he's good enough. And 'proper chance' doesn't mean playing for the 'reserves' against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carling Cup.
II - Unchanged central midfield
As I mentioned, a Sneijder would require two men to do the running for him, so he could perform at his top level, focusing on the offensive aspects of his game. These guys to do the running is going to be the likes of Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, and Giggs. I dont think Cleverley will be played in a defensive duo (but he could be in a flat 4-4-2), and Jones seems to be challenging for a spot in the back four. Basically, this means that we have lost one man (Scholes) - and two if Gibson leaves - in this position. In other words, there's here we need a new signing. Bringing in Sneijder will leave the central midfielder unchanged, and we remain with this 'grey' and 'boring' duo in the upcoming season as well. The main point is that Sneijder doesn't make any difference to our CM, because he isn't playing in this position. The Dutchman will play instead of a striker, not instead of a midfielder.
III - Juan Sebastián Verón
United have played some really entertaining football in the Fergie era, but we have never had success with a player like Sneijder. The central midfield has usually been crowded by the likes of Robson, Ince, Keane, Scholes, Butt, Fletcher and Carrick - all hard-working heroes giving their all to destroy the opponents' game, and some of them (mainly Robson and Scholes) having abilities to create chances and score goals for United as well. The central midfield has with an obvious degree of success been used as the powerhouse and the engine of the team. The players with success in this position has been the ones with fighting spirit and ability to win the ball, not afraid of going into a heavy challenge. CMs with more abilities on the opponents' half, like Kleberson and Veron, have struggled to fit into the system and to make the required impact in this part of the field. Sneijder is this kind of player, and I can't see why he should be able to do what Juan Sebastian Veron didn't. Neither can I see why Fergie should risk the same tactical issues, criticism and lack of fitting into the Prem once again - for a fee that could approach more than £10m more than the Argentine's.
But Scholes did...?
By now, I hear some of you mentioning the Paul Scholes of the last 2-3 seasons, and the fact that he actually fitted into 4-4-2, despite his low running-rate. The fact is that despite he had unique, world-class skills on the ball, he was mainly used as a holding midfielder to cross the ball out wide when in possession. In this role, Scholes rarely opened space behind of him. Sneijder will play a lot more offensively if used in a 4-4-2, and leave his CM colleague running into his death, because of all the ground he will have to cover. In addition, when Scholes retirement was looming, he accepted that he could mainly perform at his top level against weaker sides at home. Sneijder would obviously demand a lot more than that, which I think is unlikely in 4-4-2.
by @Nicopoleides
I - Suffering strikers
The main reason of my wish to aviod seeing Sneijder in the red shirt is where he's going to play on the pitch. Usually we've played 4-4-2 in the Fergie era, and the first pre-season game could have been a hint of what we could expect to see in the upcoming season as well: Two strikers. In Inter, Sneijder has enjoyed the luxury of two men doing the running behind of him, and that's clearly demanded in the Premier League too, if he arrives. That means we need to change or formation to 4-2-3-1, play Rooney up-front and leave Berbatov, Chicharito and talents like Welbeck on the bench or in the stands. In other words, this will mean very hard conditions for our strikers (apart from Rooney) to perform or make progress. Berbatov will possibly be the one to suffer the most, as he's definately better with a partner than as a lone striker. In my mind we could just sell him if we sign Sneijder, as he's way too good to be played out of position or to sit on the bench. Only one man up-front at a time will also mean a heavy - and maybe too heavy? - challenge for Mancunian Danny Welbeck to make it into the first team. As I think local lads is important in football, and particularly at Man United with such a tradition local-wise, at least he deserves a proper chance to show if he's good enough. And 'proper chance' doesn't mean playing for the 'reserves' against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carling Cup.
II - Unchanged central midfield
As I mentioned, a Sneijder would require two men to do the running for him, so he could perform at his top level, focusing on the offensive aspects of his game. These guys to do the running is going to be the likes of Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, and Giggs. I dont think Cleverley will be played in a defensive duo (but he could be in a flat 4-4-2), and Jones seems to be challenging for a spot in the back four. Basically, this means that we have lost one man (Scholes) - and two if Gibson leaves - in this position. In other words, there's here we need a new signing. Bringing in Sneijder will leave the central midfielder unchanged, and we remain with this 'grey' and 'boring' duo in the upcoming season as well. The main point is that Sneijder doesn't make any difference to our CM, because he isn't playing in this position. The Dutchman will play instead of a striker, not instead of a midfielder.
III - Juan Sebastián Verón
United have played some really entertaining football in the Fergie era, but we have never had success with a player like Sneijder. The central midfield has usually been crowded by the likes of Robson, Ince, Keane, Scholes, Butt, Fletcher and Carrick - all hard-working heroes giving their all to destroy the opponents' game, and some of them (mainly Robson and Scholes) having abilities to create chances and score goals for United as well. The central midfield has with an obvious degree of success been used as the powerhouse and the engine of the team. The players with success in this position has been the ones with fighting spirit and ability to win the ball, not afraid of going into a heavy challenge. CMs with more abilities on the opponents' half, like Kleberson and Veron, have struggled to fit into the system and to make the required impact in this part of the field. Sneijder is this kind of player, and I can't see why he should be able to do what Juan Sebastian Veron didn't. Neither can I see why Fergie should risk the same tactical issues, criticism and lack of fitting into the Prem once again - for a fee that could approach more than £10m more than the Argentine's.
But Scholes did...?
By now, I hear some of you mentioning the Paul Scholes of the last 2-3 seasons, and the fact that he actually fitted into 4-4-2, despite his low running-rate. The fact is that despite he had unique, world-class skills on the ball, he was mainly used as a holding midfielder to cross the ball out wide when in possession. In this role, Scholes rarely opened space behind of him. Sneijder will play a lot more offensively if used in a 4-4-2, and leave his CM colleague running into his death, because of all the ground he will have to cover. In addition, when Scholes retirement was looming, he accepted that he could mainly perform at his top level against weaker sides at home. Sneijder would obviously demand a lot more than that, which I think is unlikely in 4-4-2.
June 27, 2011
La Masia? No thanks!
Since the European Under-21 Championship final, where Thiago Alcantara secured Spain the victory with a lovely long-range chip over the goalkeeper, the Spaniard has been linked with a move for Manchester United, because of little time on the pitch for his current club Barcelona. Despite Thiago seems to have world-class potential, I don't want him to sign for United. Here's why:
by @Nicopoleides
Barcelona have a great academy system called La Masia, which have produced a lot of really good players over the last ten to fifteen years. Lionel Messi and Xavier Hernández are possibly the most obvious examples, and Pedro Rodriguez the most recent one to do well in the first team. As well, there are players to make their first-team breakthrough for other clubs after a 'permanent' transfer away from Catalunya. Current FCB centre-back Gérard Pique is one, Francesc Fábregas another. And Cristiano Ronaldo joins along to state the point, even he's nothing to do with Barcelona at all.
The main issue with signing players from Barca's talented youth sides is that when they eventually become good enough to be considered as world class, they want to return to Spain. Even if the player, which in this case is Cesc, is the star man and captain of his current club, it seems a done deal that he'll become a Barcelona player sooner or later, it's only a matter of time. Despite I've got no problems with Cristiano Ronaldo, he did about the same and went to his boyhood dream Real Madrid. He left a lot of good memories plus quite an amount of silverware, but when he left, £80 million weren't able to make a complete replacement.
I realise that every player's case is different to the next one, but for me it seems quite clear that Thiago Alcantara - and others, if signed - will return to Barcelona if he becomes that good. Then we'll end up like a farmer club, and that's not Man United worthy. Add on that a 'Cesc-esque' transfer will only leave the gap to Barcelona quality-wise even bigger, not smaller like most (all) fans are desperate to.
by @Nicopoleides
Barcelona have a great academy system called La Masia, which have produced a lot of really good players over the last ten to fifteen years. Lionel Messi and Xavier Hernández are possibly the most obvious examples, and Pedro Rodriguez the most recent one to do well in the first team. As well, there are players to make their first-team breakthrough for other clubs after a 'permanent' transfer away from Catalunya. Current FCB centre-back Gérard Pique is one, Francesc Fábregas another. And Cristiano Ronaldo joins along to state the point, even he's nothing to do with Barcelona at all.
The main issue with signing players from Barca's talented youth sides is that when they eventually become good enough to be considered as world class, they want to return to Spain. Even if the player, which in this case is Cesc, is the star man and captain of his current club, it seems a done deal that he'll become a Barcelona player sooner or later, it's only a matter of time. Despite I've got no problems with Cristiano Ronaldo, he did about the same and went to his boyhood dream Real Madrid. He left a lot of good memories plus quite an amount of silverware, but when he left, £80 million weren't able to make a complete replacement.
I realise that every player's case is different to the next one, but for me it seems quite clear that Thiago Alcantara - and others, if signed - will return to Barcelona if he becomes that good. Then we'll end up like a farmer club, and that's not Man United worthy. Add on that a 'Cesc-esque' transfer will only leave the gap to Barcelona quality-wise even bigger, not smaller like most (all) fans are desperate to.
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