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There are times when you look at a club, any club, and ask the question 'what on earth are you thinking?' City fans are entitled to ask that of City management in the wake of the England international signing for City's primary challenger for a Champions League place.
In a team devoid of a creative midfield spark here was the perfect English player to plug into the side. Worse is that the addition of Cole to Liverpool is a master stroke that frees up Gerrard to play in his best position for the club in the hole behind Torres. No wonder the Liverpool captain was so quick to pledge his renewed allegiance to the Anfield cause. Just as Alonso leaving impacted Liverpool massively beyond the position of a single player so Cole, while playing a different position, ramps back up the overall quality of the Liverpool team.
Liverpool were the trendy pick to win the league last year and failed miserably. This year watch all of those same experts pick City and Spurs to battle for the 4th Champions League spot with Liverpool still on the outside looking in. And I already disagree before the transfer window has closed. The core that made Liverpool very good is there. The Clueless One has left for Inter showing just how unaware he is. Of all the places in football how can anyone follow Mourinho at Inter? You have to win the double in Italy and the Champions League this year just to be considered as good as the last guy. There is no way, it is literally impossible, to be better than The Special One this year. The ultimate no win situation. If Liverpool had Alonso I'd install them as favourites to win the league. As it is City have much more than Tottenham to worry about. Roy Hodgson so far is making all the right moves.
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Posted by Calvin Francis on 07/21/2010
Wallace,
Don't know if you are aware, but we signed David Silva from Valencia, and also possess Adam Johnson (y'know, the guy who Fabio Capello is going to be transferring his 'creative midfield spark' hopes onto despite Joe Coles obviously 'impressive' showing in Englands all conquering WC side), as well as - for the moment at least - Stephen Ireland.
Fact is, we don't need Joe Cole as he wouldn't even get into our side (a sentiment seemingly shared with Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd, Spurs & Villa, who all seemed to like the player, but did not feel that he would play a part large enough to merit the wages that he was asking for).
Wallace Reply Adam Johnson is in general a winger, his performance at the head of the diamond formation against Bolton notwithstanding. City need a creative midfield player. Silva may be that player, but as I've noted quality Spaniards have not exactly been thick on the ground in the Premier League (I think at last check more Swedes had played than Spaniards). Silva is a great gamble, I'm very glad City have taken the plunge in this regard but he is unproven in the Premier League - so far.
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Posted by Adam on 07/21/2010
I think you're guilty of grossly overrating Joe Cole. Chelsea aren't a stupid club and he was obviously surplus to their requirements. Not only that, Cole's performances for Chelsea over the last few years have been inconsistent and he's only sporadically looked like one of the best creative midfielders in the Premier League. On top of that, the transfer window isn't anywhere near coming to an end and the panic you're feeling over City lacking a creative outlet in the middle of the park is misplaced. I'd hazard that Roberto Mancini knows more than you about what additions he needs for his squad to succeed. He's got plenty of time to find that catalyst that City need.
Wallace Reply I would certainly hope that Mancini knows more than me regarding the additions he needs otherwise he's grossly overpaid and I'm criminally under paid! Cole suffered a bad knee injury. He came back a year later but that kind of injury takes 18 months to fully return to the previous level (coincidentally those 18 months are up as of this month). I expect Cole to be exceptional for Liverpool this season.
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Posted by Real Mancs on 07/21/2010
Im not sure what you've been drinking but Manchester City have signed David Silva, Joe Cole is a good/great player on his day but Silva leaves him in the dust.
Stretford and Liverpool can have these so called amazing Bosmans while Manchester buy up the worlds best.
CTID
Wallace Reply I really hope Silva is good as we all think he will be. Cole is a quality Premier League player and makes Liverpool a lot better.
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Posted by dave@shepton on 07/21/2010
Sorry Wallace, think you got this one wrong.
Yes Cole is a good player. But not that good. He has played under Mourinho, Ancelloti, Ranieri, Scolari, all world class coaches and none considered him to be good enough to displace what they already had at Chelsea, only occasionally getting a first team start.
As with Lampard and a few others in our esteemed England side, a lot of them are made to look world class because of the foreign talent around them
I think that once again, this is a case of an English player being touted at being better than he actually is. English class, definitely, World Class, No.
Wallace Reply I disagree Dave, but it is a reasonable argument.
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Posted by Martin on 07/21/2010
Err, because we signed David silva, a far more creative and talented player.
Wallace Replay I hope so. We've been spoiled by players like Torres and Elano who played well in the Premier League immediately. Historically it was said that it took 18 months for an overseas player to come to terms with the English game (and weather and food).
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Posted by HeavyRiffs on 07/21/2010
Two words for you, David Silva.
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Posted by mick travis on 07/21/2010
Your Liverpool predictions are so wide of the mark. Hodgson will prove to be be a Yes Man manager of The Dippers. He won't manage to keep Mascherano who is far more important to Gerrard's mobility than Cole could ever be. Insua, who was shaping up very well, has gone. Apparently Cole has gone to Liverpool for less money than City were originally prepared to offer. Basically Cole is a 28 year old with dodgy kneees and the word is he's pretty knackered, more like a 32 year old, having played a lot of football from a young age. Strange too that neither Ancellotti nor Capello, club and country manager, seem to rate him, he's not first pick for either team.
City's interest in Cole certainly waned after the World Cup and I heard there's been no contact since.
Wallace Replay Yeah that's what all the Liverpool fans said last year when every other commentator picked them to challenge for the title and I said the loss of Alonso would make Champions League qualification a challenge. Doesn't mean I'll be correct this year but teams not individuals matter and Cole is a massive addition to the Liverpool team. Much more important to them then Silva to City.
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Posted by Urban Spaceman on 07/21/2010
Utter nonsense. Cole - whilst undoubtedly talented is injury prone, lightweight in terms of impacting on a game, and essentially the "new" Danny Murphy at Anfield. Still a good move in the right direction by Hodgson, but hardly the signing to blast Liverpool back into the top 4. Alonso is gone. Mascherano is likely to follow suit. Torres is a way off full fitness and there are undoubtedly players Hodgson will want to ship out. Liverpool to finish 5th at best.
Wallace Replay I wouldn't call Cole injury prone. One pre season injury after the 2006 World Cup and then a bad knee injury 18 months ago from which you can return to play 12 months later but are not back to full capability until 18 months after the injury.
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Posted by Russ28 on 07/21/2010
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Posted by Peter on 07/21/2010
Can't agree I'm afraid. Liverpool have simply swapped Benayoun for Cole, both players of similar ability in my opinion, even if Cole is more injury prone.
In the meantime City have added superior players such as Silva (the creative midfielder you state they lack) and Yaya Toure and no doubt more will follow.
City's team should be a bit better than Liverpool's (providing the players settle reasonably quickly) and their squad as a whole considerably superior.
I wish Hodgson and liverpool well but really can't see them finishing above 6th. Time will tell but City should be far better placed to challenge for the top 4 than Liverpool.
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Posted by Paolo on 07/21/2010
I know you're trolling but no creative midfield spark? Er, what about David Silva? We've just spent £25m on him. You may have read about it. And Stephen Ireland is his back-up. You may have heard of him too.
Or, are you like the rest of the unwashed observers wo believe that Silva is a winger?
We didn't want Cole. He is, as his World Cup cameos proved, vastly overrated.
Wallace Reply Where Silva plays will be very interesting. Ireland has never been a creative midfield spark. He was the right side of the 4-2-3-1 when everything went through Petrov on the left and Ireland would drift into the middle with deadly ability.
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Posted by anteater on 07/21/2010
But then Man City signed David Silva. Good signing indeed. They didn't need to look at free transfers as they have money to burn so thank Man City for at least having the dignity to let Cole come to us as we couldn't afford singing Silva. Actually don't know what you are moaning about.
Wallace Reply I think Cole will elevate all of those around him reminiscent of Alonso even if with a different style of play.
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Posted by ed horrocks on 07/21/2010
take it your a dipper. never heard so much tripe in my life. an injury prone under performing has been, can turn a free falling club into potential challenges.
MANCHESTER CITY ARE NOT INTERESTED IN 4th SPOT. ONLY TOP SPOT.
Wallace Reply No I'm not a scouser. Born in Devon (of a Manchester grandfather) and raised in the North East. Cole is not injury prone; one major injury and a stress fracture does not equal injury prone.
I'm afraid this year is going to be a rude awakening for City. I sincerely hope to be proven wrong but everything points to an "interesting" year.
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Posted by COLIN KNAPE on 07/21/2010
What a load of tosh.
they sign a player chelsea did not want to keep because he's 28 always injured and has never produced anything like he promised. as for liverpool winning the league if they had alonso.
they had him for 3 years and never did.
gerrard is staying because no-one has bid for him, and torres injury prone, oh yes as a city fan iam really worried about liverpool.
Wallace Reply pride comes before a fall. We will overlook Liverpool at our cost this year.
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Posted by Dude on 07/21/2010
A very good write up about Liverpool. Its nice to see from a rival fan and shows that you actually know what you're talking about. I've read plenty of articles from other teams fans and they obviously only watch highlights or only when there team plays ours.
You're absolutely correct in that the core of Liverpool is very good. We do have some dross ie Lucas and Ngog and I doubt any team with those in the team would finish above 7! I say we overachieved last season with them and I expect us to improve 100% if they are kept well away from the pitch!!
Wallace Reply Apparently my City brethren disagree with your analysis but I appreciate you taking the time to write. I spend a lot of time watching as many Premier League teams as possible, even to the extent of watching United vs Celtic in pre season to try and understand each team and their relative merits. For example United played a 4-2-4 for some of the time in that game with Scholes and Fletcher playing very deep and Berbatov very happy up front with three other players leading the line (even as Giggs would drift back a little into a 4-2-1-3) I would not be surprised to see United pull that formation is an occasional game they expect to win if Rooney is injured.
Two years ago Liverpool had a better team than United, but United had a better squad and hence won the title. While Alonso was the absolute lynch pin I don't believe Liverpool are as bad as last year's final position. Cole will free up Gerrard. That's huge for Liverpool.
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Posted by albey on 07/21/2010
David silva is a fine player but as we liverpool supporters no a lot of the spanish that have come to our club have struggled with the premier league or it has taken them a season or so to get to grips with the physical side as for joe cole weather you like it or not he is proven in the premier with three championship medals so all in all i think we have done pretty well getting joe on a free and lets be honest this boy has not fulfilled his true potential yet he was the most sort after kid when at west ham with fergie offering 10 million for him so to you man city fans i hope you have a great season and knock united off their perch we will have to wait for our club to be sold then we may be able to compete with your spending power good luck
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Posted by The Truth on 07/21/2010
This sort of short term, quick fix strategy will Ultimately get Liverpool nowhere. City are the future of World Football pal - get used of it.
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Posted by man is blue on 07/21/2010
joe cole is made of crisps,he break down and be out for 10 games .
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Posted by Stevo on 07/21/2010
Im a City fan and I have to agree that RH may well have hit the jackpot with Joe Cole. He's a quality player and I dare say that if Mr Capello had used him more England would have progressed further in the WC. Looking at the existing Pool team I think Cole is the very catalyst they need and they look a lot more dangerous. However, they have a different set up to us and as much as Im a fan of Cole I dont think he would fit into our side.
Citeh for the League, still.
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Posted by Stan on 07/21/2010
Stephen Ireland, whilst not being a left sided player, is certainly a creative player and without doubt a par with Joe Cole. He was brilliant when paired with Robinho. However, i am curious as to why you singled out City. Villa and Everton weren't interested, Tottenham spoke to him and then withdrew as did Arsenal.
Not a hint of interest from the continent, surely he didn't just stay in England for the money. Have Liverpool just picked up a mercenary?
In the last 6 years he has only played 30 league matches twice. If it isn't injuries then his managers cannot have much faith.
No, i'm sorry Wallace, Liverpool have picked up something shiny but it aint gold and you wont fool us into thinking that.
When Mascherano leaves, your piano players wont have anyone to bring the piano to them. Another season of failing to qualify for Europe beckons.
Remember you are only in Europe due to Portsmouths financial difficulties
Wallace Reply Ireland can be a great midfielder. He's not a creative midfielder if you define that as a playmaker or a passer. Ireland needs someone else to be that spark and then is an incredible compliment.
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Posted by Jim Tolmie on 07/21/2010
You can put lipstick on a pig........
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Posted by mikie poppins on 07/21/2010
I do think Liverpool had a bad season and will do better this year,but with Cole his amazing talent is hot and cold ,can show a moment of brilliance and can then show nothing for a few games,cappelo played Heskey before Cole so some thing is not right with him,and many players after suffering such a injury never regain that magic again or suffer many injury's once they start playing again,and i think Torres will have many niggling injury's this year as well while he recovers
But man city last season changed managers mid way through the season ,they had a new squad who had not played with each other before and was 1 game away from cl football ,this season they have a full pre season under Mancini players are now used to each other bar a few new Quality signings
I would not bet against man city not getting top 4 or higher
Wallace Reply Cole and Heskey play different positions. Where Capello make his mistake was playing Heskey instead of Crouch in the early games. If you look at Crouch's international record he has dominated against lesser international teams and has never scored a goal against any quality international side. Capello should have used Crouch to set England up for the Group stages.
Heskey is a much misunderstood player. He's not a pure goal scorer, far from it, but other players such as Rooney and Owen team well with him and while he does the grunt work they can play off of him.
Cole should have been playing in the World Cup. Lampard and Gerrard cannot play in the same side and one should have been on the bench.
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Posted by Frank Borson on 07/21/2010
City need Cole like a hole in the head,a check on his start game record at Chelsea says it all,
and now with his glass knees may spend more time on the treatment table then on the pitch and at £90,000 a week a very expensive signing with zip resale value.City have plenty of creative players
SWP, Adam Johnson, Silva, Bellamy, Mike Johnson, Tevez, Ireland, Adebayor, all capable of going past opponents and in most cases able to play in the Cole free role if needs be.
Wallace Reply Depends on how you define creative. SWP, Michael Johnson, Bellamy, Tevez, Ireland and Adebayor are all better when they are running onto the ball. Adam Johnson is good dribbling winger and I'm looking forward to seeing how he does. Silva? No one knows yet. He may be the creative spark, but none of the others are the type of player that is the central catalyst.
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Posted by Jobo on 07/21/2010
Liverpool still possess the leagues best goalkeeper in Pepe Reina. With Johnson, Agger and Carragher at the back as well as new signing Danny Wilson (Scotlands young player of the year) - Gerrard, Cole, Torres et al, Liverpool have one of the strongest cores in the Prem.
I'd argue that Liverpool are 2 quality signings short of winning the title. With a left back still on Hodgsons agenda and another striker to accommodate Torres then I can see a really dangerous Liverpool next season - all this with the motivational Hodgson at the helm.
I actually expect Arsenal to struggle next season especially if Fabregas is sold so who knows, maybe L'pool and City will both be top 4 next season.
I think people forget just how good Liverpool were the season before last. They destroyed United and Real Madrid and finished the 08/09 season in great fashion. Don't be surprised if Liverpool are near the top of the table at the turn of the year.
Wallace Reply Completely agree with you.
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Posted by Xile on 07/21/2010
You are right, Cole is an exceptional free signing, he may be on big wages but nothing compared to YaYa!
Everyone bangs on about how great David Silva is, he a good wide player but not exceptional, hence why he played a very minor part in Spains World Cup success. David Silva is very similar to Yossi Benayoun, similar size, build and similar style of play, he's not one get chalk on his boots and whip in a cross, like Benayoun he likes to cut inside and link up with the front men.
David Silva is 4 years younger than Cole and he doesn't have a history of injuries, however IMHO Cole is the most skilfull of the two, he also has vast Premier League experience and has been there and done it on all levels, he also cost the Liverpool nothing, David Silva cost £25M and I'd imagine he will be paid more than Cole making the true cost more like £50M+ over 4 years, compared to £20M for Cole, which makes it an excellent bit of business.
Wallace Reply I know Silva has been called a winger but he also plays in the AMC role and I'm very curious to see where Mancini plans on playing him. Funny you should mention Benayoun, I'm a huge fan and wanted City to sign him when he left West Ham.
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Posted by johnny crossan on 07/21/2010
Quality Spaniards thin on the ground in the prem?
Torres, Fabregas, Arteta, Silva currently - so who are the quality Swedes then?
Wallace Reply There have been more Swedes play in the Premier League then Spaniards although it's now about even. Torres, Fabregas and Arteta are exceptional and don't forget Alonso before them. What I mean is that the Spanish, and the Italians for that matter, tend to stay home in their own league and are successful. Take the French for example, around 3 times as many French as Spaniards have played in the Premier League. I don't think anyone would claim that the French produce, or produced, better players overall.
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Posted by Paolo on 07/21/2010
"Ireland has never been a creative midfield spark."
Oh dear, you've just invalidated anything else you might say with this epic slice of ignorance. In season 2008/9 Ireland was our unlocker of defences supreme. And that, young Wallace, is what we call a fact round these parts.
Wallace Reply Alas no, I'd have to say that you are completely and utterly wrong. Ireland was brilliant that year but his play seems to have been completely mis understood. Ireland has a quality football brain and he sees the action unfold before it happens and is able to anticipate. But he is not, never has been, a creative midfield spark. He is the player that takes advantage of that kind of player.
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Posted by Peter Clare on 07/21/2010
A lot of Spaniards have struggled in the Prem we know, we had Rieira before you did remember. Anyway, it's a good article you've written and to take the time to answer every comment is a refreshing change, good on ya!
As a City fan you won't be surprised to know I don't view Joe Cole as the saviour of your club. You do have a good manager now, so best of luck.
Wallace Reply I'm still a City fan. But Liverpool just got a lot better...
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Posted by wvucoal22 on 07/21/2010
I agree with Wallace that it was a very good move by Hodgson. Joe Cole is DEFINITELY top notch and worth the money they are paying him on a FREE transfer. I think it will substantially help Liverpool's resurgence. I don't however think that city could or should have done much about it. I don't think that Cole is the best at orchestrating attacks and running an offense through him, like a Xavi, so no need to pay the ridiculously high wages that we would need to in order to lure him to Eastlands.
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Posted by Jesse on 07/21/2010
Hate to pile on, but... City will be playing 4-4-2 with two wingers, a DM, and a CM. The creativity will be provided by AJ, Silva, and Tevez. Cole would not be our best winger, maybe the 2nd best, and AJ needs matches. If you watched last year's matches where both Ireland and Tevez were both on the field, you will have noticed it did not work because Ireland is ONLY interested in creating and not ball winning or defending, and Tevez likes to drop deep... right into the area Ireland likes to operate. Joe Cole would not have been a good fit because he plays a role that we do not utilize. I guess if your point is that we should play 4-5-1 / 4-3-3, then fine... except Silva, Ireland, Yaya, and Michael Johnson can all play "in the hole." Plus, Cole's 28 and always injured. League matches played the last five years: 34, 10, 33, 14, 25... So if Liverpool get 20 matches out of him, they should consider themselves fortunate.
Wallace Reply The question is indeed what formation are City going to play. The capture of Small Berries now gives City three excellent Defensive Midfielders. This is exactly how Mancini played at Inter with a 4-3-1-2 formation with a very creative midfielder at the top of the diamond. In such a formation do you play Adam Johnson in that role with Silva in the hole behind Tevez? Or are Johnson and Silva fighting for one starting place?
Or does the club play a 4-4-2, 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1?
Imagine a 4-2-3-1 with Small Berries and Kompany in the back four. Boateng and Kolarov as the outside backs. Barry and de Jong in defensive midfield. Bellamy on the left, Johnson on the right, Silva as the AMC and Tevez up front. That's a really good team. Not a weak link at any position. If Bellamy goes you could play Silva in his role, have Tevez drop back into the AMC and have Adebayor up top. Either way very nice.
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Posted by greg on 07/21/2010
Wallace,
I am not sure what Joe Cole your detractors are talking about. The guy I have seen at Chelsea is a game changer so I think you are right on. Not sure why Chelsea would let him go unless they feel the knee might be a problem. Just wanted to let you know not everyone has lost their mind :).
Wallace Reply Yeah I'm certainly in the minority on this one but lots of great comments from folks.
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Posted by pj on 07/21/2010
I think one factor people are forgeting to consider is how a player responds to a particular manager. A healthy relationship between player and manager is absolutely vital in getting the most out of a player's abilities. Given Hodgson's track record at Fulham, and seeing what he was able to do with players like Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey (as well as many others) it would be foolish indeed to write off Joe Cole. Especially as you have correctly stated it lifts some of the burden on Gerrard. The question for Liverpool is how well can they cope should Torres remained injured.
As talented as Torres is, he is a huge injury laibility and I think I am one of the few City fans who think trying to sign him would be too big a gamble. I would not be surprised if Torres is forced to retire while still in his prime given his injury record. It was clear that he was nowhere near fit this past World Cup and forcing him back into lineup before he's fully recovered will ruin him.
Wallace Reply Very valid point about Torres although I do think this past season his injuries were more about being constantly rushed back rather than allowed to fully heal.
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Posted by Jon on 07/21/2010
I agree with you that Liverpool have become a better side with the signing of Cole. And yeah we do have Silva now, but as you say, he's unproven in the english game unlike Cole. We seem to have a boat load of holding midfielder options too, adding Toure this year too, management must think Silva can be that player to free up the play, I'd be Ireland will see more playing time too along with Silva.
Just curious, as an American, I am somewhat excited for Donovan to be linked with City, but what's your opinion? I dont like the idea for Donovan as he wouldn't be getting the play time he was at Galaxy or Everton, but it could add a proven midfield option for City, not to mention a stake in the U.S. market that Im sure the higher-ups would love to have.
Wallace Reply Long time readers of this column and my posts years ago on the mcivta newsletter will recall that I am a huge Landon Donovan fan. Always though he and McBride were perfect for City under Keegan. As a right sided attacking midfielder Donovan was excellent for Everton. I'm not sure he could pull off the creative AMC role but would be fascinated to see.
Again it comes down to Mancini's tactical plans and how he expects to use Silva. There is no point in getting Donovan to sit on the bench, he'd go to Everton where he would start.
And on other thought on Donovan. Ian Darke's call of that last minute goal against Algeria still gives me goose bumps. It was more of a "homer" type call than you would expect from an established British commentator but fit the emotion perfectly - which when you think about it is what we ask of a commentator.
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Posted by Greg on 07/21/2010
Wallace, Do you think City will stick with Given at the back? I think for the money he has far been Citeh's best signing.
Wallace Reply Short term yes, long term - which could be by the end of the season - this is Joe Hart's opportunity. Given is a very good goalkeeper, especially on reaction and athletic saves. The small criticism about him not controlling his area is certainly valid but still one of the top 5 keepers in the league.
Not with the number of games City will play this year I can see Given playing on weekends and Hart during the week even if normally that is a no-no for clubs. Hart should have been the England goalkeeper in the World Cup - and I'm a fan of Rob Green both before and after his WC gaffe - and he should be the City number #1 by the start of next year.
If it was me I'd see if I could loan Hart until January to a Premier League club so that he played constantly and then would bring back...
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Posted by Ben on 07/21/2010
I agree with the sentiment. I hope Cole will be back to his best this year, if with a little less pace. He should prove the link play and ingenuity that Liverpool need and if the players have a better season injury wise, Liverpool will challenge because of it. If Hodgeson can get good service out of Damien Duff, then he should be able to manage Liverpool's injury problems better than Benitez seemed to manage. The City link is irrelevant though.
Silva looks a decent player but I wouldn't say he's necessarily better or worse than Cole, just different. Cole and Stevie Ireland are similar players, oh and without being rude, I'm pretty sure that Ireland has been known to provide the odd 'creative spark', being a City fan and all.
To spread some decent quality Spaniards that have played in the Premier League slightly more thickly: Arteta, Fabregas, Torres, Alonso, Luis Garcia, Pique, Arbeola, Ivan Campo, Pepe Reina, Almunia (scraping barrel). Can't think of as many failures...
Wallace Reply Ireland is a finisher of a move not the creator. That's the difference.
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Posted by frank88 on 07/21/2010
I'm sorry but who says Mancini makes the right choices? He has signed about 4 center-mids. Now that is surplus to requirements. Also, just look at who hes attracted to now, Landon Donovan, hes a good player but im sorry, I certainly wouldnt considered him world-class.
Dont disagree just for the sake of it, you can never write off the Reds.. 0809 season who had expected us to finish second? did we really have the title-winning team on paper back then?
Silva is an excellent player, one that I wouldve liked to been seen added to our squad but compared to Cole, he is definitely not prepared for the physical aspect of the league. These types of technique players really have to take time to adjust, and most of them cannot. Thus, I would bet on Silva being more injury prone than Cole, with the support of real supporters and manager Cole can thrive more than ever.
Wallace Reply Mancini played 3 defensive ball winning midfielders at Inter and added a creative AMC at the top of the diamond. The edition of Small Berries allows City to play him, Barry and de Jong with Vieira on the bench as needed. That's a very interesting set up.
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Posted by harry R on 07/21/2010
Dont know why your crowing on City and L;pool fans .EVERTON gave city a football lesson last season,and only for a draw in one of the derby games; in both games EVERTON were by far the better side,;thanks mr webb] we would have finished above liverpool,City messed up are season buying lesscot,and only for that are poor start,would have yieled enough points to have finished third or fourth. Be warned.
Wallace Reply I'm one City fan who has never rated Lescott and thought it was a mistake to buy him. His positioning is suspect. Everton are a very good side and I happen to think they will be in the mix this year. This year it is the Big Eight not the Big Four. The league will be very competitive.
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Posted by jay on 07/21/2010
i have to agree with you. the only reason chelsea didn't re-sign Cole is becaues, like most clubs, chelsea are more short on cash now then in the recent past, and the money they are going to spend on new contracts will be on full starters and new, younger players that will fit into ancelloti's plans. Hodgson will deploy Cole through the middle, and expect him to create space for himself and play in the final ball to gerrard and torres (if he stays). Not that he is the best passer in the world, but I can see a number of liverpool goals being scored by Cole recieving the ball, beating the first defender, running at the defense, and finding gerrard and torres in space.
Wallace Reply Exactly
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Posted by timothy on 07/22/2010
i must say, this entire post is amazing. Not only did you write a very interesting piece, the comments - agree or disagree - have been, for the most part, respectful and knowledgeable, if not predictably home team biased.
Moreover, Wallace, the author, has replied to almost every intelligent post with an equally intelligent reply! normally comments to posts such as these quickly degrade into name calling and extreme "my team is the best!" homerism with no thought, proof, reason or examples. Kudos to everyone, this has been a fun and informative read! I am very much looking forward to watching both teams this year!
For the record, I am an American and i hope the rumors of Donovan going to City are rubbish, and I happen to be a Joe Cole fan...
Wallace Reply Glad you have enjoyed the posts. I really enjoy when we get this kind of interaction even when in this case I certainly seem to be in the minority!
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Posted by nick on 07/22/2010
Great article. I agree with you that Cole was a good signing for pool, and would have been for city as well. That said, I think your evaluation of liverpool is overlooking one crucial detail: the fitness of Fernando Torres. He's already set to miss out on the first few games of the season, and who knows how long it will take him to get back to his usual self. He was certainly miles of the pace at the world cup. If pool are forced to rely on David Ngog up front, they don't stand a chance of even cracking the top four, no matter how productive or inspirational their midfield is.
I think that your evaluation of city's chances for next year are also pretty accurate. For me the real concern is in central defense: toure and lescott just really aren't up to par, especially the latter. The addition of yaya to the squad should help provide some additional midfield cover, although I question whether he is any better defensively than Viera or de Jong.
Wallace Reply Yes I agree that whomever Liverpool pick to back up Torres will be very important. I do wonder if Kuyt may find himself playing upfront in such a situation. Torres needs to rest and get fully better.
I'm not a fan of Lescott and feel that Small Berries has the ability to play in the centre of defense either with his brother or with Vincent Company.
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Posted by Daniel on 07/22/2010
I think Lescott deserves a chance. He seemed to be in good form towards the end of last season before his injury. If he doesn't work out, City should be able to find two CB's out of Toure, Kompany, and Boateng.
Wallace Reply My issue with Lescott has always been his positioning. While he was at Everton I watched a number of games specifically to check out Lescott as he was being touted for a long term England solution. It was actually rather interesting. When you watched the game "live" Lescott seemed fine. However when you broke down the video seeing where the defenders were positioned as attacks were starting it was quite fascinating to see how often Lescott was the wrong side of an attacker as they started their run into position etc. Difference between a good defender and a great defender.
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Posted by Daniel on 07/22/2010
Wallace, to be honest, you are spot on regarding Cole and the "core players in Liv". Most people seem to forget how good Liv were the season before, being the only team to challenge a runaway MU. The rest, simply hopeless.
The failure of Liv last season was not down to one player Alonso, was not down to Benitez; although most would choose to put the blame on him. It was solely down to the word massive "expectations". Liv were tipped for the title last season, because a fantastic late boost the season before.
I find most City fans in here (not all), to be pretty arrogant. Maybe it's down to maturity how someone talks. Simply the way they mock down Cole, and bringing up how massive their recent reinforcements are, and their squad current is.
But let me remind you, of 10 teams with "crazy expectations", only 2 would have lived them. It is always the case. It's just a figure of speech. The likes of Pep does it with Barca (given he is young and new!), Mourinho does it with Abromovich,
Wallace Reply Alonso was so critical to the success of Liverpool in 08-09 in that not only did he play well, but it allowed Gerrard, in particular, to move forward without worrying about defensive responsibilities. Everything flowed through Alonzo.
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Posted by Daniel on 07/22/2010
Ferguson lives with it MU, and the rest simply couldn't live up to crazy expectations. It's not easy, especially given City's spending. I am not a communist; in a capitalist world a rich does gets richer. So I have nothing against City's spending.
But i'm still warning the arrogant fans (some), to be aware that expectation itself can bring a whole team down. I bet the squad right now is so full of ego, with mass quality signing, with the manager (mancini) speaking of bringing in numerous titles when he leaves (he spoke of that last season), is he the man to steer City to the top? Myself I have always felt he is way too overrated. He is good, but not good enough to steer a big expectation team with massive ego.
Oh btw, never write off Arsenal. THey may not challenge the title, but I don't see them dropping off the top 4, simply because they have gel as a team. As for Spurs, They need just one top class midfielder. Their squad lack such difference.
Wallace Reply Surely Modric is that top class midfielder or do you feel Spurs need another?
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Posted by Uchenna Ehirim on 07/22/2010
Lovely article. As a gooner, curious to know, how dyou rate our chances this season? With and without fabregas. Agree with you completely on ur analysis of Ireland being a finisher not a creator of moves. For City, it all depends on the formation Mancini decides to play.
Wallace Reply I'm unsure about Arsenal at the moment. The Gunners really should have won it last year and I was surprised Wenger didn't buy the striker that he needed in January.
Chelsea are unlikely to be as good, United about the same, Liverpool will be much better, as will Everton. Villa I'm not sure, Spurs have the challenge of the Champions League. Throw that all together and this may well the hardest race to call in Premier League history.
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Posted by Dan on 07/22/2010
How many starts did silva get for spain?
Big fat O-Ring people...
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Posted by Sri on 07/22/2010
Wallace, you might have gotten this one wrong. Benayoun is a much better player than Cole! By replacing Yossi with Joe, Liverpool have basically lost the plot. It is not a straight swap and I truly believe Rafa, who was probably lost all season long last year, underestimated the impact Benayoun can have on a match. I am not sure what happened behind the scenes but it is extremely strange to let Benayoun leave especially to another club part of the traditional big four. And with all due respect, Liverpool's best transfer this season has so far been the sacking of Rafa. Doesn't matter who they brought in..
This season will be very interesting. I expect City to challenge Chelsea and United for the honors. Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool will fight for the remaining CL spot. With or without Cole, City will not be impacted and it really doesnt matter if Cole is at Liverpool.
Wallace Reply Don't forget Everton who for a few months at the start of 2010 were playing the best of all Premier League clubs.
I don't agree that Benayoun is better than Cole but I like Benayoun a lot. He's a very good addition to Chelsea.
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Posted by James McPherson on 07/22/2010
Wallace, an excellent analysis as we all have grown to expect. I hope Silva is all he is reputed to be, but I fear his best impact won't be felt until next year after he settles and (probably) gets a feel for not playing week in and week out. I can see the tremendous value for Liverpool in acquiring Joe Cole (I think Hodgson knows exactly what he is doing, whereas Cole on a Benitez Liverpool team would probably have been somewhat wasted!), and the loss is definitely ours. Our lack of a truly game-changing, game-deciding creative AM could very well be our Achilles' heel. The Joe Cole of just 2-3 years ago was devilishly exceptional, destroying defenses at will for Chelsea. But: outside of that period he seemed more a flair player than creative crux. Was that period the real Cole, or were the years outside of that his true nature? I guess on a free transfer, that is a question worth gambling on.
I hope we get Donovan. His effort and intelligence can only encourage.
Wallace Reply Yes that's exactly the same feelings that I have. Given the quality of players that City are putting together it would be interesting to see if Donovan would thrive in such an atmosphere.
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Posted by Ahmed on 07/22/2010
Wallace,
Joe Cole is a great player and I think the fact that Liverpool basically swapped him and got 5 million from the Benayoun deal is fantastic. However City are making all the right signings and I know how every comment mentions Silva, but I have to repeat that because he is a top top player and I also agree with you that his performances may be well below what we expect of him this season. In all honesty, I think Liverpool will improve this season because of the new manager and the addition of Cole. However I don't think that Cole is enough to beat off players like Yaya Toure, Silva, and even Tevez can be creative. Basically, Cole and I also expect him to have a great season and I hope to see Gerrard playing in a deeper center-mid position with Cole taking his place alongside Torres at the top. However I still think that as long as Mancini keeps making the right signings and manages City in the right direction it will be very difficult for Liverpool to finish fourth.
Wallace Reply I do wonder what formation Hodgson will use at Liverpool. Would the Christmas Tree, 4-3-2-1 fit their personnel or will they use a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1?
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Posted by Suneal Singh on 07/22/2010
Much respect Wallace. I do enjoy your column and comments. I'm a Liverpool supporter who has never watched them live. BUT I will be at Anfield for the Sunderland game. We've hard a disappointing year but we stand firm and strong. Let's put any other clubs down. Let's focus on getting right behind OUR team. I'll be there watching mu first live game I hope all other Liverpool supporters will give it their all.
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Posted by James on 07/22/2010
Why do everyone forget aquilani?
i think he will he a class act this coming season...
Wallace Reply I'm not forgetting him, particularly as traditionally it has always taken foreign players a while to settle in the English game. If Aquilani plays well a 4-4-1-1 formation with Cole, Mash, Aquilani and Kuyt across the middle would be very interesting.
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Posted by Mike on 07/22/2010
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Posted by jay on 07/22/2010
I agree with wallace. For one, city may be able to splash as much cash on any player, but they never pick the right ones. To me, silva is another potential robinho. He's a hardworking left mid with a great cross and good footwork, but joey cole is a creative dribbler with a good eye and will definitely bolster liverpool who have gerrard and torres both aching to bring the club back to the champions league. Considering that it was a bosman transfer i think city really slipped up in not grabbing joey cole when they could. Joe is proven in the epl (unlike silva) has proven himself at the top (unlike adam johnson) and can demonstrate both leadership, creativity, ability, masterful dribbling and can score in many a situation. I believe that during the mourinho years he and makalele were the creative cogs in the record breaking EPL win, and now that he's older and wiser he may be that cog to push liverpool back into the big four.
Wallace Reply Yes, it's that Joe Cole scenario that concerns me.
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Posted by Faizan on 07/22/2010
This article has a point. No doubt!! But there is one thing I want to say...Cole has to prove himself at Liverpool as much as Silva has to prove at City. He has not been shown enough confidence by his previous managers(Capello , Ancelotti).To get that confidence he has to be in his prime form, a difficult task for a regular non-starter for a long time.
As far as City is concerned, I think there main problem will be to gel together. If they do that, they can match any team in EPL.Any big signing can fail for a season or more, see Lescott for example, so anything might happen this season.
Looking forward to have an interesting season.
There are many questions lingering...will liverpool bounce back, will mancini survive after the up-coming season, is Man-U's young brigade ready??
Am having my fingers-crossed!!
Wallace Reply Cole didn't really have an opportunity with Anceotti as he was injured the previous year and should not be back to full fitness until this pre season.
And I agree about City and how it comes together as a team. There has been a huge upheaval with a completely new team brought in by Hughes, getting rid of Sven players and now we are seeing the same wit Mancini. It is not the scenario that leads to Champions League football.
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Posted by rich on 07/22/2010
First of all - Does anyone else think Wallace should have his own column online... you seem to know more than most the 'expert' pundits... Well done for actually understanding the game.
The Ireland finisher v creative argument. Does anyone know how many assists v goals... as that would be a good indicator.
With the whole Joe Cole... well personally I think Hodgeson is a class manager and think in the crazy world of fees and wages Joe Cole will prove excellent business (as will the 2M for Wilson). Think Liverpool will do well... if they can solve the Torres issue - either he needs to be properly fit or they need another top-class striker.
The Given v Hart is a tough one, Given is an excellent keeper, but looking long-term and having watched Hart destroy Arsenals title chances at Brum last year, everything about him is just top class.. We'd be more than happy to borrow him for 6 months to help you out...
Wallace Reply Appreciate the kind words Rich. I've not touched on it before but yes Wilson seems like a very smart move for Liverpool.
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Posted by Hector on 07/22/2010
How is Joe Cole a better player than Benayoun apart from that one is English and one is Jew?
Wallace Reply I don't think religion or race has anything to do with this comparison. I have always rated Benayoun very highly and wrote about wanting him to join City when he was leaving West Ham.
Joe Cole has been considered the best player of his age group since he was 15 or so. Certainly Mourinho had a point about his defensive responsibilities when working with him at Chelsea, but Cole has worked on that part of his game as well.
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Posted by AJ on 07/22/2010
I think many really and truly believe that Liverpool will have a season like the last one, but how wrong they will prove to be. It's almost impossible for Liverpool to finish out of the top four.
The squad is pretty much the same one that got 86 points. Do not get carried away by Liverpool's blip. They will be way up there, you mark my word and remember.
Wallace Reply Completely agree. The issues at Liverpool remain, left back, a back up forward and the centre of defense. If those get addressed this becomes a very dangerous team.
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Posted by jonny on 07/22/2010
I agree that this will be the season that Joe Cole can finally light up the Premier League.
Look at how Mancini have bought 10 strikers last season, and they were all quality players for their respective clubs! Except for Tevez, have any of them performed really well?
Talking about Chelsea not being a stupid club letting Joe Cole leave on a free transfer, did you think Valencia is a stupid club letting David Silva leave too?
Seeing how he performed at the World Cup (played like half match, totally overshadowed by Jesus Navas), I am sure Valencia must be heaving a sigh of relieve that they 'duped' Man City into buying Silva.
Mancini's transfers policies leave much to yearn for; he's only targeting players where the clubs surplus them to requirements. Unless they change the manager, Man City will get no where at all.
And besides, even the greediest of players would not jeopardize their career to play for Man City, well except Gareth Barry maybe.
Wallace Reply Mancini didn't buy any strikers last season only brining in Vieira and Adam Johnson. This off season it is Small Berries, Boateng and Silva none of whom could be considered a striker.
That being said I do agree that under Hughes City were indeed buying up players that had some kind of issue, whether with a manager, club, contract etc. Buying Adam Johnson was the start of a change to getting quality players that other clubs really wanted and that has continued with Boateng and Silva. Now Small Berries is back to taking advantage of a negative situation at a club, in this case Barcelona, where the player wasn't playing.
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Posted by nishanth on 07/22/2010
At first thanx for Wallace for keeping live this post.It has been such a healthy debate.
Onto J.Cole, may he shines or not doesnt matter coz his signinh has bought de much needed change in club, which was lacking for quite a while. Cole has expectations to fill so i guess, once a bench warmer has finally got a role and he would live upto de expectations. He s gonna be a star...
Torres will be back on 2nd Aug, coz de injury s not dat bad, i read saying it wud be gone by de end of his holiday times. He s gonna rock dis season, and havin Jovanovic is gud thing coz it doesnt hav to b Torres every time.
I go with wallace, two more signings would give Liverpool de catalyst to go on to challenge de title. It has to be Remy n some quality leftbacks.
Another star who s yet to prove his credibility is Aquilani, i hope Roy wud bring out wats with in him,if dats likely to happen liverpool would b a serious contenders for the Title.
things are looking +ve,dis time they will not walk alone........
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Posted by nishanth on 07/22/2010
Its easy to make play a balanced team rather than playing a bench full of talents, dats de case with city,
Excited to c how mancini does things in city,
with de quality of Sqad dey hav they can even win de title.
Signing of silva has Mancini's thinking, lets hope he gets to play regular football
City s not just loads of money but dey r emerging as a great European Footballing power...
Looking forward to de Season....
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Posted by Najib on 07/22/2010
Ordinary article but i hv to agree with Timothy. Normally i would just read the article and ignore the comments becoz normally it will be full of "name calling" and each fans condemning other teams for the sake of...errrr...condemning?! I respect your opinion wallace and i was actually very suprise that u can find the time to answer all the comments...with pride! Good for u lad...
I'm a liverpool fan so my formation/line up for the new season will be 4-2-3-1 similar to spain's formation. Torres upfront, Jovanovic on the left, Cole middle, kuyt right, Lucas/Aquilani & Gerard in the middle of the pitch and back four of Johnson, Carragher & Agger..leftback unknown. What do u thk of this?
Wallace Reply I think the centre of the defence is a little suspect but otherwise that's a pretty sweet team. In my mind I have Gerrard further forward than Cole but the way you have it would be very interesting.
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Posted by Ali on 07/22/2010
Hi Wallace. I totally agree about Cole. I think Silva is over rated (at least by his performances by the World Cup) Yaya Toure would probably be their best signing.
City does not have that creative player. I totally agree. The only English player who has that creative touch like Gazza is Joe Cole and after him Little Jack Wilshire. As a Bolton fan, we have missed this kind of player after we lost Campo, Hierro and Jay Jay.
Personally, i also think that Gerrard should move on for the good of the club and the country. Selling him will fetch a hefty price and will finance a move for a capable replacement for Alonso and Mascherano.
Wallace Reply I like what Coyle is doing at Bolton. Petrov was an inspired signing; when fit he's a real handful.
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Posted by jujungman on 07/22/2010
liverpool already has a player of david silvas ability. his name is danny pacheco a barca prodigy, the way i look at it, in the long run silva has got nothing on pacheco. pachco will be devastatingly good. im sure he will get more opportunities this year and he will turn out to be better than silva. i can understand the city fans here going on and on about silva but if u want to know how the spanish players go, no foreign player can be classed as good no matter how much they cost and how good they were in spain. torres was a gamble, so was alonso and riera. 2 of em turned out good while the other one was mediocre in the long run. i feel silva is a little bit too shrimpy for the premier league but i hope he turns out well for city as he has been exceptional in the spanish league.havent the city fans learnt yet? robinho for example.....
Wallace Reply Yes... hence my reluctance to brand Silva an instant saviour even though he has skills.
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Posted by lapikos on 07/22/2010
face it wallace, they're just jealous that we got him and they did not. i'll bet if joe cole had joined man city they would not be saying the same things about him. joe cole plus five million for benayoun sounds like a good deal to me too by the way
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Posted by Ben Strang on 07/22/2010
I think you are right that Cole is a great signing for Liverpool. I have a slightly different idea on how I would like the team to line up, but still think it could be very effective. I would like to see a 4-2-3-1, with Gerrard and hopefully Masch in central midfield, Kuyt on the right, Jovanovic on the left and Cole in the middle supporting Torres.
Silva COULD be a great signing for Man City, but he will have to get used to the physical aspect quick smart. In the short term I don't think he will be very effective what so ever. He was fairly useless at the World Cup, so you just have to hope he has a nice break and comes back strong.
One player I look forward to seeing, if City keep hold of him and use him, is Vladimir Weiss jr, I liked what I was of him at the World Cup, and if I was Mancici with the size of his wallet, I would be after Andre Ayew.
City do need a playmaker, you are right. Cole can pull something out of nothing, I dont see City players doing that.
Wallace Reply Jovanovic is someone I don't know enough about. If he pans out, Liverpool could be seriously good.
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Posted by Sam on 07/22/2010
Interesting article coming from a Man city supporter. It seems like you are approaching the season a little apprehensive, with good reason. Most teams have strengthened and there are maybe 8 teams challenging for a top four place. Cant agree with you on the Joe Cole thing though. As a neutral I non englishman I believe that Joe Cole has been overhyped because he is English. Although a good player he is FAR from world class and does not offer as much as many of the players Man City already have. Why would Capello and Ancelloti not rate him?
As for Liverpool, they are always a threat but to me Coles threat will not be as much as Benyouns who I thought was awesome. Liverpool have a solid core but lack confidence and depth leaving them susceptible to injuries. For me Ballack was the one that gotr away for Prem teams. His leadership and control would have been perfect for someone like Arsenal or Man City as a replacement for Viera. He was a World Class player....
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Posted by Martin Nazimek on 07/22/2010
Wallace,
With all this talk of Cole and Silva the one player that we truly could use is one not mentioned at all. With the loss of your beloved Elano and the talk of how we need a playmaker why are we not talkin Ozil from Germany? He fits the criteria city are looking for: young, talented, targeted by biggest clubs in Europe. He would fit the playmaker role perfectly as we saw in the world cup. He is the one we could use to send through passes to all the players we have that make great runs into space. There are rumors that the scum want him. Hope that is false and he either stays in Germany or city have a change of heart and sign him rather that milner, who I cant see replacing anyone. CTID
Wallace Reply Yeah Elano still kills me.... Ozil would be very nice and given the alleged very reasonable price I'm surprised a host of Premier League teams haven't jumped into the fray.
Milner seems to be hotting up. Villa manager Martin O'Neill's comments this morning appear to be setting the stage from a pr standpoint. Essentially Milner has asked to leave and has indicated that he will not sign a new contract at Villa. So really it comes down to the evaluation of the player.
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Posted by rahul khond on 07/22/2010
well you are overestimating this guy . the problem with him is that he tries to overdo when he can keep it simple. had been that good then the like of madrid and others would had come chasing him and would had got him a lot earlier . gulp this fact chelsea offloaded him ok . now he had looked okay when he had played in the middle but stop thinking that he can get past defenders or he is technically loaded stop . he is just ok not that good . but the good thing in his favour is he has gone to a team who has now got a very good manager who can get the best out of half decent players and lets hope so that he does it with joe cole . as far as man city are concerned they are just buying the left overs or rejects from real madrid and barcelona and still the team as a proper hasnt got any shape or direction and mind you mancini is not the man that can take them forward .
Wallace Reply Small Berries is not a Barcelona reject or left over. His place was taken by a Catalan which is always a political situation in Barcelona.
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Posted by killamun on 07/22/2010
I agree with you that Cole is proven quality and could be a real asset particularly allowing Stevie G more freedom. I do think Benayoun was under rated however and deserved to be starting ahead of soft palyers like Reira and Lucas. I would have liked to see him get more starts under Hodgson. I believe Chelsea got the better of this swap and Benayoun will come back to haunt us.
How long are we going to give players to perform consistently? Players like Babel, Ngog, Lucas and Reira. I think our underbelly is soft. Can only hope the quality players stay fit to carry them.
Best buy for ages....Glen Johnson.
Wallace Reply I don't rate Glen Johnson at all, he has always struck me as a terrible defender (useful going forward though). I will be curious to see if Hodgson likes him.
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Posted by frank88 on 07/22/2010
I would go with the 4-2-3-1 formation like the spanish have done at the WC. With sufficient back-up this is what it would look like:
Torres (remy, pacheco)
Gerrard behind him (aquilani)
Maxi Cole Kuyt possibly Jovanovic on the sides.
Lucas + decent replacement for masch -ever banega or defour. or try the talented young lads in Shelvey and Spearing.
Same back line with Wilson coming in at times for the aging carra. and new leftback -bridge.
Sometimes cole could drift in the middle like iniesta does, whereas maxi could play like energetic pedro making runs and kuyt would be the complete winger in navas.
Lucas will be the complete holding midfield while alongside him need a holding player who is a creative passer of the ball as alonso -ever banega i would prefer.
No masch babel ngog as they should leave sooner rather than later to raise funds for replacements.
Even the back-ups seem impressive and the squad is would increase in depth compared to Rafa's squad, just 2,3 player away.
Wallace Reply Not sure I see the same players in the formation that you do but a 4-2-3-1 would be interesting. I am however looking forward to seeing Danny Wilson play. There was a time when great players came down from Scotland. Would be nice to see that again.
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Posted by Alan on 07/22/2010
I have really enjoyed reading this thread so thought I would add my 5c from the land down under. I have always thought Joe Cole was a bit part player, but he definitely has the talent - now is the time for him to step up and prove it. I don't think all City's additions will change the status quo that much - hopefully they will improve with better players - but most of them are not in the top league (despite the money available). Man Utd and Arsenal seem to attract all the best young players and Chelsea get the more experienced/expensive ones. I think Liverpool will have a better season this year as Roy is a great manager, but 2010/11 season promises to be the most exciting in decades!
Wallace Reply I agree. I think Liverpool will surprise the "experts" this year.
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Posted by Cyrus Li on 07/22/2010
I don't think Silva can excel in Man City. He is talented and skillful, no doubt, but he is just not physically strong enough to play in the EPL.
As for Liverpool, I think their league performance will definitely improve, not because of the new signings, manager or the fact that Gerrard and other influential players are going to stay, but that Liverpool can focus in the league. They still have the Europa to fight for, but I really don't think they care much about it.
Wallace Reply Liverpool's concern will be late season injuries. A World Cup followed by the start to the Europa League, even if the World Cup players are not used doesn't leave enough time for the players to recharge. It will be a fine balancing act for Hodgson initially. The impression I get is that Torres was rushed back consistently last year and really needs to be given the time to fully heel.
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Posted by Vibhu on 07/22/2010
As a liverpool supporter, I do not understand your point about us having a bad central defense. In open play carra and agger are still pretty hard to beat, with skrtel and soto and now wilson to back them up. I think we have 6-7 decent players in the CB position so there is clearly a lot of depth, and with carra there is a lot of passion and in agger there is alot of class. so other than the set piece problem, I fail to see how liverpools defense will be put to test. Yes, left back and reserve full backs need to be sorted out fast. And well, even if the centre backs are a lil below par, we have mr. consistent pepe in goal so...
Jova can play up front, as he has done with Liege. I hope Roy can bring out the best in Babel which we are yet to see. So to be honest, the front looks good too.
I am just a lil surprised no one has mentioned anything about Jonjo Shelvey. Exciting prospect for the future too.
continued in next post
Wallace Reply Yes I thought Shelvey was a smart piece of business picking up from Charlton. I would suspect that a spell at a Championship club would do him the world of good in terms of playing every week.
When it comes to the central defence, Agger is very good and while Carragher has been an excellent defender for many years I honestly feel that at 32 he has slowed down enough to be a concern. Still reads the game, but the closing down speed is gone. Carragher strikes me more as a number #3 CB filling in as needed and capable of playing well for a few games rather than the every day first team choice.
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Posted by Vibhu on 07/22/2010
As for man city, you guys can probably have two premier league quality teams. Surprisingly for a rich team they have very good young talent too. Take Joe Hart to start off with. Young great future potential, Then Onuoha, still pretty young and a decent utility player. Kompany is still fairly young and already a very capable defender. So basically, there is a good mixture of youth and experience on show and they will definitely be a team to look out for. And with talk that Borrielo might want to come, it just looks better. Silva will be a good buy and since he isnt that overrated, he wont be a veron like fail either. I think he wont be spectacular straight away but would be a player to look out for.
Joe cole is definitely top class, just watch that goal against Sweden in the 2006 world cup, you cant score stuff like that purely with luck.
Wallace Reply This is where my credibility completely goes but I always liked Veron. Seemed like he played the game with joy and was happy to see his career doing well with the Argentinean national team.
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Posted by Charlie on 07/22/2010
Nice artical Wallace, i am looking forward to the new season.
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Posted by danCTID on 07/22/2010
id like to thrown my hat into the ring for the Silva debate. I think he has a winning formula in place for him at city. a potential vacancy on the left with the eminent departure of craig, and a chance to create a AMC position where he could excel at, if Mancini decides to go with that formation. Also, i don't like that we've been basing his skill level on his world cup performance. he only got to play half a game! and on top of that, it was Spain! you have to be absolutely top class to be even part of the squad, and he was so i believe that merits a lot of respect in the first place. also, he played very,well for val. mostly because he had a great target man in Villa, and now he has 2 top strikers who could potentially play a target man, and deep sitter role in Ade and Tevez, who scored 14 and 25 goals each last year, despite both having lengthy layoffs for personal reasons. there has been more successful Spaniards in the EPL recently than failures and i think he's set for success
Wallace Reply Yes, I have fingers crossed. The first few games with the full squad will I hope show us what Mancini has in mind formation wise.
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Posted by Nahush on 07/22/2010
As a Chelsea fan I believe Joe Cole would certainly be an asset to the Liverpool team as he adapts to many midfield positions and is very impressive with his speed.
Comparing Silva and Cole is not a very wise idea as Cole is a proven Premier League Player and Silva hasn't proven anything yet( no doubt he was exceptional at Valencia). When a player moves between leagues, things change as the playing styles changes. As a matter of fact City should be well aware of this through their Robinho experience.
City currently has lots of attacking options, Tevez, Ireland, SWP, now Silva but what they need is a midfield player who creates the play for these attackers. GB is the only such midfield player at Eastland who can pass as well as hold the ball well. So I would like to see City sign someone who they can use right away rather then throw out money experimenting on their attacking options. Winning teams have good midfield pairs, Xavi-Iniesta, Lampard-Essian, Giggs-Scholes, Zidane-Figo.
Wallace Reply Mancini likes a midfield diamond with 3 DM types but your point is well taken.
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Posted by neutral on 07/22/2010
I'm a liverpool so maybe it will flame some readers here, but i agree that liverpool does have a very strong core whenever everyone is fit. However that doesnt happen every time, teams like man utd, man city, spurs, with a stronger squad will stand a greater chance of triumphing in the end.
Hopefully Hodgson will be change that by signing more impactful players as well as bringing the best out of the rest of the squad.
PS. Just a neutral comment here to Wallace, i think you did a pretty well at answering all negative comments with a balanced unbiased tone without criticizing them for some of their over-critical one sided remarks. Keep it up!
Wallace Reply Appreciate the thought - thanks.
I think your first point has been lost on many after the season that Liverpool had last year. If in 2008-09 you took the starting 11 and no one else then Liverpool were the best team. However it's not just a team game, it is a squad game, and Ferguson has built a better squad where everyone knows their role and works within the overall structure and/or pecking order.
For any club to long term challenge United they need to get good players, mold them into a team and craft an overall squad. It's one of the reasons I liked Arsenal last year as they had come close to doing that.
As much as I want City to win I don't think we can with a clear conscious claim City have yet to mold a team or craft an overall squad.
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Posted by CJB on 07/22/2010
"Ireland has never been a creative midfield spark" ahahahahahahahaha what a load of bollocks
Wallace Reply Ireland does not create. That is not his role.
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Posted by Rutul on 07/22/2010
Whats being lost is that Liverpool were never really at Full Fitness as a Starting XI. Simplying getting most of those players fit will make them a better side. Alberto Aquilani, who had a bad injury just like Cole, will no doubt be better then last year as he continues to settle into the EPL. Cole, Jankovic should help Liverpool deal with Torres being in and out of the Squad or at least until Torres can regain fitness and more importantly, goal scoring form. If Liverpool are going finish in the Top 4, NGOG needs to stay off the field. As for Man City, I only have one question. How many Holding mid-fielders do you need in one side?
Wallace Reply Three! Seriously. That's the way Mancini played and won at Inter. Three DM's and a very good AMC forming a diamond.
And to your point if Aquilani plays to his potential and price tag, and early word I'm getting is that he is looking good it's like adding yet another player to a team that for all of its struggles still finished 7th in the Premier League.
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Posted by bigdillie on 07/22/2010
Wow a lot of people on here are putting a lot of faith into Silva who hasn't even played a game in Premier League yet. I dont think Silva is going to last 10 games before someone dents his delicate little frame. Look at Torres he is ruined as a result of the english style and i firmly believe that Silva will end up just like him.
I am in agreement with you Wallace Joe Cole was a much better signing and with Wayne Brige and Klass Jan Huntelaar or Loic Remy coming in this window as well, will put Liverpool over the top to crack back into the top four and the ever cruicial Champions League spot.
Mancicni and City need to stop buying forwards and concentrate on getting some midfield help. Other then GB they are really weak in the middle and it will cost them. Watch out City we are coming for you.
YNWA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wallace Reply City haven't signed any forward and really the midfield is the strength with Barry, de Jong and Small Berries with Adam Johnson, Bellamy, SWP, Ireland and Silva all capable of playing multiple midfield positions. In fact some will almost certainly leave.
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Posted by NYCRedDevil on 07/22/2010
Joe Cole has been finished for the last two years. He's lost a step, is only getting older, will likely be injured again, and is not likely to be all that enthusiastic to let Gerrard bomb froward while he is relegated to performing (flat-footed) step-overs in a holding role.
Wallace Reply Cole was injured in January of 09 a knee injury that takes 18 months to come back from fully. You can take any of his play this past 6 months and throw it out, that wasn't Cole playing at full fitness and ability.
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Posted by Ryan on 07/22/2010
I personally don't like City because of the way they handle their transfer business. It seems as if they treat players as cattle,"Oh that one is good we'll pay you 25mil for him" and they do that over and over. Perfect example Yaya Toure. Great player, but worth the amount he makes in weekly wages? NOOOO WAYYYY. A CDM making that much money is absolutely ridiculous. Stop going after every single good player and form a team that will fit together and play well together instead of signing a whole bunch of great players and pasting them together at the last moment
Wallace Reply I would not be surprised to see Small Berries in the centre of the defense as he played that very successfully against Manchester United. However City have to stop this constant acquisition and start to craft a team that plays together for a couple of years, that I agree with you on.
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Posted by Alexander S on 07/23/2010
Man C have too many players on board. It's like me playing it on computers, buying all the players I can afford but ending up with lots of disgruntled players and low morale and atmosphere in the team. All players mentioned are good in their own ways, just how they perform on a given day that makes the difference.
Wallace Reply Too many players of similar ability, yes I agree with that.
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Posted by Macca on 07/23/2010
don't know if i'm repeating others or not as there is far too many comments to read, but of those i read not one seemed to agree with you, so the pool fans must be staying quiet as they simply hope your correct rather than actually believe. when everyone was hyping them up at the start of last season i never thought they'd make the top 4, i think it will be as equally tough for them this year, spurs will drop a few places because of there focuses on ucl, which they could actually do well in, city will take some time to gell new players and formations but will probably come good at some point, and villa simply aren't good enough. pool just don't have any where near good enough depth so it could be their rivals everton, who were one of the best teams in the league after christmas who sneak 4th. otherwise citeh.
Wallace Reply I happen to completely agree with you about Everton. If they get Donovan, who fits them very well, they could be very useful this year.
And glad to see your Leeds United in the Championship this year. Premier League isn't "right" until Leeds make it all the way back to the top flight.
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Posted by Kurazha on 07/23/2010
why wouldnt liverpool convert 1 of their cb into a left back?? i mean with have agger who likes to move fwd a lot..so playing a LB will gv him that opportunity without giving the cb a lot of pressure when agger goes on top..
could liverpool go for this formation ->
reina
johnson carra, skrtel agger
gerrard
kuyt aquilani cole
jano torres
this formation would enable liverpool to shift their formation from 4 backs into 3 backs,5mid,2str or 4bc,3mid,3str anytime without swapping personal. dont u think so?
Wallace Reply That would leave Gerrard too far back. he needs to be paired with a stay at home DM.
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Posted by Ali on 07/23/2010
Actually, what City need is a player like Veron or Riquelme. Someone who can really distribute tha ball and create. They also need to make this player the centre of the team and build the squad around him. All the other parts are in the squad. Great players like Tevez, Bellamy Adebayor, Santa Cruz, and the list goes on. In this WC, players like Ozil, Honda, Van Der Vaart may be possible to prise away and could do that job.
There is a lot of debate about Ireland. Ireland is a great player. But he is too similar to Lampard. Someone who gets forward, into good positions and scores! He is not that creative master! De jong is a good DM but he will have a better career in kung fu, so is Barry. They have reliable wingers too. Great strikers (Tevez and Bellamy were awesome last year). Good central defenders and full backs(not necessarily good defence though) Maybe they should make a cheeky bid for Samir Nasri from Arsenal or Modric from Spurs.
Wallace Reply Exactly Ali. This why the team should never have got rid of Elano. There is still no one to pass the ball.
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Posted by Pk13 on 07/23/2010
I wanted to add my voice to the list of people who have commended Wallace on his respectful and well informed replies.
I thought as a liverpool fan that it might be worth noting that we have a new medical team. Previously the medical team didn't seem capable of rehabilitating anyone, but i trust that this new team, along with some wisdom from RH will have Agger, Torres and Cole in uniform for far more than they have been in their previous campaigns.
One only has to look at the string of talented players that have been lost on the bench at liverpool to realise that this has been a key issue for them. Even with a squad dramatically damaged by the loss of Alonso last time i think that if we had been able to keep Torres, Gerrard, Agger and Yossi around more consistently we would not be playing Europa League this season.
I do think that Cole is a good signing and i do think that he makes Liverpool a top 4 team, and perhaps, if things go poorly for the other contenders a dark horse?
Wallace Reply Now that's an angle I hadn't considered, the medical team. I seem to recall there was some issue with the team and Benitez as well. Torres is the key. If Liverpool can wait for him to be fully fit then they are indeed going to be in the mix.
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Posted by FiFi on 07/23/2010
I am a Liverpool fan. Wallace, I completely agree with you on your comment "Wallace Reply: Completely agree. The issues at Liverpool remain, left back, a back up forward and the centre of defense. If those get addressed this becomes a very dangerous team".
However, I feel that the more pressing issues for Liverpool are consistency, self confidence and team morale. For far too many seasons, Liverpool almost always seem to falter at the tail end of the season. In the 08-09 season, it was just heart breaking to watch them stumble and fall when we could have up our game and snatch it away from Man U. This season, I will be watching how Roy is going to handle these issues.
Wallace Reply Hodgson couldn't get Fulham over the hump in the Europa league but the end of season work he did a couple of seasons ago to keep Fulham up was very impressive. If he can transfer that to a title run in, then indeed this could be interesting.
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Posted by Sean Tan on 07/23/2010
I agree with you. If Roy Hodgson can turn Fulham from relegation fodders into a team that competes in Europe in ONE SEASON, who knows what he can do this term? Liverpool low on morale & confidence? His work at Fulham should be noted as a direct precedent. Turning their fortunes around after surviving relegation by the grits of their teeth.
Joe Cole is an EXCELLENT move on his part. Injuries seem to be behind him (not to mention he was the fittest player on the England Squad). That leaves him unfatigued, compared to other high classed players who have had a long season combined with the WC in the summer, to be able to kick Liverpool's season off from the get-go. His work ethic and willingness to make runs off the ball also suit the team well. L'pool were rather stagnant last season, mainly because they lack the distribution abilities of Alonso. JC rectifies that. And who knows. he might even bring out the best of Aquilani who favours slide-passing with runners getting at the end of it.
Wallace Reply I'm looking forward to seeing Aquilani this year. If he comes good then top four looks well within Liverpool's grasp.
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Posted by Rowan on 07/23/2010
You're right that Liverpool have potential - my concern is that there are too many little things that can derail us. What if injuries rule out injury-prone players like Torres, Gerrard, Aquilani, Agger, Skrtel, etc.? What if Jovanovic, Cole, and any other recruits, don't settle well?
Liverpool also need a genuine winger - a lack of width up front has been a problem for us for years, since Babel, Kuyt, Benayoun, Maxi, and now Jovanovic and Cole, all tend to drift inside. City got AJ, to my chagrin, for he is the type we need.
Last season, in search of width (after the drawn-games debacle in 08-09), we played 2 wing-backs (Johnson, Insua) rather than fullbacks, and that put too much pressure on the CBs. The loss of Alonso in front and Arbeloa (who is a lot better than people credited him) defending well on the right killed us. Playing Agger at LB is a solution, but he may be too good at CB to move.
In short, Hodgson needs to balance the squad somewhat. Then we might challenge.
Wallace Reply Love this kind of reply because it is more data for me to file away about Premier League teams. And a very good observation about how Liverpool's wide men had a tendency to come inside.
As you say, given the squad make up it will be injuries that determine Liverpool's fate. You need only look at Sunderland last year who lost one key player, Lee Caldwell, and saw their entire season stutter.
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Posted by killamun on 07/23/2010
I really can't see Liverpool having a soft defence. This is where I really rate them. As soon as the stupid zone defence persisted with on frees and corners by Rafa goes, Liverpool will be hard to score against. I rate Carragher, Skrtl, Agger and Johnson as good committed defenders who can read the game well. Johnson also has skills any traditional winger would be proud of.
I am also happy to see the back of Rafa due his persistence with players that were/are not working and that zone defence that cost so many crucial goals. Maybe Hodgson can get better out of Babel, Ngog, Reira and Lucas and the rest of a pretty talented squad.
Enjoyed your blog.
Wallace Reply Again, good point. Carragher seems to have lost a step but I wonder if a new marking system would help resolve that.
I really dislike johnson, ironically for the exact reasons that you like him. He plays like a frustrated winger assigned to play full back rather than a full back who occasionally goes forward.
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Posted by nscousers on 07/24/2010
On Lpool, i thk this year could be an interesting year for us..provided everybody stay fit. What frustrate me more is really the attitude of the star players. First they said they hv to focus on world cup...nw after 2 wks, they need to focus on "holiday"?!!! Another star can't even be contacted...hard to imagine in this modern/technology era. They are being pd millions of pounds plus agents & advisers left & right and yet cant make a SIMPLE decision. To me, there's only 2 ways to it...if u love/like the club then stay, in good or bad. If you look for money, trophies, honours(whch u shld), ur wife want a warmer climate or ur wife wants to speak apanish or italian or whatever reasons and u thk ur current team can't gv u all that then move on...fair enough,thats ur right. If Lpool is not a good enough team for u, then move on...decision taken is not the problem, the UNCERTAINTY is!!
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Posted by pujanadvani on 07/29/2010
wallace, i think it's excellent u provide replies to many of the comments here, many thanks!
personally i think silva might struggle a bit (at first anyway) as opposing defenders may try to rough him up. that said, if he can tough it out, he'll be an excellent signing for city (this coming from a man u fan, who wanted silva by the way!). and let's hope he doesnt get homesick and start pining for a transfer back to spain!
but i also believe cole wld have made a good signing. he's an experienced EPL player, he can be one of the eight for the new homegrown rule, and seeing as a transfer to man city wld highly likely be the last major transfer in his career, he would have that extra motivation to win something.
of course fitness is a gamble, but its a gamble with any top player...who's to say silva wont get a major injury in the first couple of weeks and spend 6 months on the sidelines? you dont wish that on anyone, but u never know with fitness issues!
just my 2 cents :)
Wallace reply I think Silva would have been a very good signing for United as he would have linked up with Rooney up front while the Spaniard played the AMC role. Scary good in fact. I also agree with you (oh oh, United and City fan agreeing) that Silva will probably struggle with the physical side of the English game to start.
What City have to ask with all these transfers is has the club created a team that it is comfortable with as the starting 11 this time next year? (maybe with 1 addition next summer). If the answer is yes then I honestly don't care about this season, it becomes the year the team builds together. Then next season would have the potential to be incredible.
United are the better squad and as the game at the end of last season showed they also match up well with City. That being said, I want to see how United match up against the diamond with Small Berries, de Jong and Barry against Scholes, Fletcher and co in midfield. Wouldn't be pretty but fascinating to see who would win.
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Posted by steven on 08/23/2010
david silva is a complete joke. if he plays every game like he did against tottenham then man city have once again wasted there money. Hopefully silva does as much as he did against tottenham against Liverpoool, because if he repeats that performance we (Liverpool) will absolutely destroy man city!!
GO Liverpool
Wallace Reply Silva will take a while to get up to speed in the Premier League. I think City should play a diamond against Liverpool with Adam Johnson in place of Silva with the expectation that Silva would then play with 30 minutes to go
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About
Wallace Poulter is an award winning video game producer, designer, industry consultant and writer. He has been a football fanatic since the day he moved in next door to Brian Clough. "Cloughie" being the acknowledged genius that he was promptly moved out and went to manage Derby. A serviceable senior school left-back in his youth, Poulter played one season of Sunday league football as a striker proving conclusively that he was a serviceable senior school left-back! Today Poulter remains involved with football as a licensed referee and most recently as a consultant on a Football MMO.
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