ES Soccer Thread

[Elessar78]

Cazorla is fantastic. He's the type of player that makes me love watching a match. The soccer brain on that guy is phenomenal. He's like Xavi, just less robotic.

I think too many players not on Arsenal are not given enough time to settle in the Premiership. Sahin wasn't playing regularly at Madrid. But I'm glad he's going back to Dortmund—that's a team I'd like to continuously get better. Sometimes, players just fit somewhere. Klopp and his style are vastly different than Mourinho and vastly different to Rodgers—I think he's a good player just didn't fit in.

---------- Post added January-24th-2013 at 09:19 PM ----------

I'm sorry I disagree. This is was blantly. It was planned and he couldn't have been more obvious in his time wasting and fake injury. Much different from taking alittle extra time getting the ball back to the player. If this was Manchester I wouldn't have a issue with the Hooligans chasing him down the street. I wouldn't blame Chelsea supporters for wanting a piece of this guy. The guy cost them a chance at a title. Dude deserved the kick though it looks like he didn't even hit him. He should have though.

Hazard needed to keep his head. He got conned by kid.

[MartinC]

It's not lost on me that both my mad sporting loves, my home town soccer club and the 'Skins, both last won their holy grails back in '91 after dominating their respective sports. (2005 and that glorious night in Istanbul not withstanding.). And now both are re-emerging and being built the right way for the long haul.

Be interesting to see who returns to the summit first.

Hail.

My money there is strongly on the Redskins.

I agree with you that Liverpool are showing signs of improvement under Rodgers and I think the signing of Sturridge as an example is a very good one. However I still think there is a significant gap between Liverpool and the top 3 in terms of quality and depth of squad. There is still quite a bit of deadwood in that Liverpool side with players bought before Rodgers got there and some his signings (Allen?) have not really delivered yet either. Gerrard is not getting any younger either and will need to be phased out over the next couple of years.

My feeling is that with a good offseason they can close the gap and be competing with the likes of Arsenal and Spurs for that 4th spot (which IS real progress) but they are still some way behind the top 3 as legitimate title contenders.

[jobaga]

Lucas seems to be taking an age to get match fit. Norwich was probably his best game thus far last time out, but he's looked well short of match fitness ever since his welcome return. Though his comeback has allowed Gerrard to push further forward and aid Suarez. Sahin was a complete and utter waste of space who never came to terms with the pace of the English game. And Allen has been anonymous for the past couple of months as you mentioned. Probably the best midfielder this year who along with Gerrard is the only real goal threat from midfield has been Shelvey, but he's mysteriously dropped out of the picture of late. Suso's looked tidy, but far from ready to consistently start. And the less said on Henderson the better.

The best thee at the minute IMHO would be Lucas sat, with Gerrard and Shelvey supporting the front three.

Can't see Suarez going anywhere regardless of where the club finishes unless someone like City offered absolutely ridiculous money. He's in love with the place, which has just strengthened with the unwavering support he's continued to receive from the club and fans whilst everyone else in the Country has piled in on him. And the early signs are there that he and Sturridge could develop a very good partnership. Just the media trying to make a story when there isn't one.

It'll be interesting to see how Rodgers jigs it around though going forward. As brilliant as Suarez has been on his own as the central striker, Sturridge and Borini are far more suited to that role than wide of the middle man as Rodgers plays like old inside forwards. And Suarez's ability suits that position down to the ground. But do you switch around a 20 goal man and run the risk of upsetting things?


Hail.

I love Suarez just behind Sturridge. I think that Rodgers should get some credit for the revival of Downing, Henderson and Enrique. All three have had great bounce back seasons. I think that Henderson has made the case to be in the starting eleven. Enrique (when healthy) has been one of the team's best players. Downing has shown that he can take some burden off Sterling's young shoulders. I am happy with the progress the team is making under Rodgers.

---------- Post added January-25th-2013 at 08:19 AM ----------

Rodgers has shown he should get the same support in Liverpool.

And I hope for more targets like Coutinho in the future.

I like they way Rodgers is building this team. Allowing the boys in the system to show what they can do and supplementing the talent with reasonable priced (everything is relative) talented young players. Is the Coutinho signing official? I also heard that Barca wants Pepe back? Any truth to that rumor?

---------- Post added January-25th-2013 at 08:20 AM ----------

Hazard needed to keep his head. He got conned by kid.

I just thankful it wasn't Suarez....

[MartinC]

I also heard that Barca wants Pepe back? Any truth to that rumor?

If I was Liverpool and I could get a decent fee for Reina I would take it in a heart beat and use part of it to get Jack Butland from Birmingham. In fact if I was Liverpool or any of the top third teams for that matter (including the Chelsea and Man Utd but not Man City who have Hart) I would get Butland whatever.

Butland is going to be a top class International goalkeeper - he has everything and I think in time will be better than Joe Hart who I rate very highly.

Meanwhile Reina has been so so this year even given he missed time with the injury. Cech and DeGea have been inconsistent as well - DeGea has time on his hands and I think could make it but Cech while not old for a keeper is not going to get any better and is not quite the player he was IMO since he had that head injury.

[jobaga]

double post

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

My money there is strongly on the Redskins.

I agree with you that Liverpool are showing signs of improvement under Rodgers and I think the signing of Sturridge as an example is a very good one. However I still think there is a significant gap between Liverpool and the top 3 in terms of quality and depth of squad. There is still quite a bit of deadwood in that Liverpool side with players bought before Rodgers got there and some his signings (Allen?) have not really delivered yet either. Gerrard is not getting any younger either and will need to be phased out over the next couple of years.

My feeling is that with a good offseason they can close the gap and be competing with the likes of Arsenal and Spurs for that 4th spot (which IS real progress) but they are still some way behind the top 3 as legitimate title contenders.

Without question la.

This was always going to be a 5 year plan once we fully bought into Rodgers. And this is just year one of arguably the biggest job and biggest overhaul of Liverpool FC since the great man walked through the doors back in '59.

To be perfectly honest, a Europa league spot this year would be an incredible bonus. Anything above and beyond that would surpass all but the most unrealistic of reds expectations. And then, like you alluded to, your looking to progress on that next year and start looking at pushing for the top 4. As regards a serious title challenge, we're still a good ways away from that.

I was just musing about the uncanny similarities in the fortunes of my two sporting loves.

All in stages.

Hail.

[jobaga]

If I was Liverpool and I could get a decent fee for Reina I would take it in a heart beat and use part of it to get Jack Butland from Birmingham. In fact if I was Liverpool or any of the top third teams for that matter (including the Chelsea and Man Utd but not Man City who have Hart) I would get Butland whatever.

Butland is going to be a top class International goalkeeper - he has everything and I think in time will be better than Joe Hart who I rate very highly.

Meanwhile Reina has been so so this year even given he missed time with the injury. Cech and DeGea have been inconsistent as well - DeGea has time on his hands and I think could make it but Cech while not old for a keeper is not going to get any better and is not quite the player he was IMO since he had that head injury.

I hear Butland is fantastic (I have not him play) Isn't he 19 years old? Wouldn't Liverpool need to get another goalie while Butland developes?

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

I hear Butland is fantastic (I have not him play) Isn't he 19 years old? Wouldn't Liverpool need to get another goalie while Butland developes?[/QUOTE]

If your prepared to let slide the inevitable mistakes all young 'keepers make, I'd play him from the get go and let him develop along with all the other youth being integrated into the side. The kid looks real quality and already has top level International experience to boot. After suffering for so long with sub-standard 'keepers, England has two top quality ones in the 1 and 2 spots for the next decade and more.

As far as Pepe leaving, I'd be mixed. Love the dude to bits. But he's both dragged his feet over the contract for WAY too long now. And his form over the past 18 months or so has been REAL iffy to say the least.

Totally agree with you on Enrique BTW, although he still can't defend for ****. He needs to be pushed on down the left. Not so much on Downing and Henderson. Downing's looked better of late. Henderson's still a typical, modern day player. Boundless energy. Great athlete. Very little top level ability to go with it IMHO. But I guess we all see things differently/



---------- Post added January-25th-2013 at 09:31 AM ----------

I'm sorry I disagree. This is was blantly. It was planned and he couldn't have been more obvious in his time wasting and fake injury. Much different from taking alittle extra time getting the ball back to the player. If this was Manchester I wouldn't have a issue with the Hooligans chasing him down the street. I wouldn't blame Chelsea supporters for wanting a piece of this guy. The guy cost them a chance at a title. Dude deserved the kick though it looks like he didn't even hit him. He should have though.

I gota' ask Richmond ..... did you condone and excuse Cantona in the same way when he dragged your club through the gutter with what he did down at Palace?

Hail.

[MartinC]

I hear Butland is fantastic (I have not him play) Isn't he 19 years old? Wouldn't Liverpool need to get another goalie while Butland developes?

He is playing regular first team football for Birmingham in the Championship and has already made his full England debut after starring in the U21 team. He is ready to play in the Premiership right now. He is going to get a lot better a lot quicker by playing at the highest level and while there may the odd mistake that comes with inexperience he has already shown he very mature for his age and very consistent as well. This kid is the real deal.

Birmingham have some financial issues and need to sell as well so someone is going to get a bargain. If I was Butland though I would hold out for one of the top clubs rather than agreeing to sign for one of the bottom third clubs - he can afford to wait for the right offer.

[SkinInsite]

I like they way Rodgers is building this team. Allowing the boys in the system to show what they can do and supplementing the talent with reasonable priced (everything is relative) talented young players. Is the Coutinho signing official? I also heard that Barca wants Pepe back? Any truth to that rumor?[COLOR="Gold"]

Internazionale is holding out for 15 mil but I think Coutinho could be had for 10 given the financial problems at San Siro.

I don't know what Barca wants to do but Pepe's already half way to Spain when the rumor came out. Personally I'd sell Pepe for 10mil in a heartbeat.

[Elessar78]

[RichmondRedskin88]

tough last few days for the Premier league in the FA Cup. Liverpool loses, Tottenham loses, and Manchester United.....oh wait they won

[MartinC]

tough last few days for the Premier league in the FA Cup. Liverpool loses, Tottenham loses, and Manchester United.....oh wait they won

http://www2.mes-coloriages-preferes....face-45716.png

Speaking as a Leeds United fan I would say Tottenham were beaten rather than they lost

[Gibbs Hog Heaven]

Speaking as a Leeds United fan I would say Tottenham were beaten rather than they lost

Speaking as a Liverpudlian I would say yesterday ranks right up there with Northampton as the biggest embarrassment/ disgrace/ joke (insert own multitude of adjectives at your leisure) in my life time.

The less I say on this the better.

Hail.

[MartinC]

Speaking as a Liverpudlian I would say yesterday ranks right up there with Northampton as the biggest embarrassment/ disgrace/ joke (insert own multitude of adjectives at your leisure) in my life time.

The less I say on this the better.

Hail.

I watched that Liverpool game with my sons - the youngest of whom is a Red. He was not a happy camper and I dont think Brad Jones will be getting a Christmas card from him! Bet Jack Butland is looking like a really good idea this morning ....