Aquilani *signed 16m*
- Thread starter TheBunnyman
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Status
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919327#msg919327 date=1249513070]
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price. We've bought this lad two days after Xabi's fucked off, so let's not beat around the bush - he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was.
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
- It's going to take him a LOOOOOOONG time to settle. Few reasons; our midfield was nigh on perfect last season, and Xabi was at the heart of it. You can't just take him out, replace him with another and expect the machine to keep working, regardless of what quality Aquilani has. That, and the fact that the Premier League is a beast for foreign midfielders to adapt to - Veron never could, it took Mascherano a year on West Ham's bench, Ballack's another great example. Thirdly, for whatever reason - Italians struggle in the Premier League. Bar a few class strikers, I can't think of too many from Serie A who've succeeded. Serie A has a bit of grunt about it when it wants, but it doesn't have the same ferocity, pace, and tenacity English football has. It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England.
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. If he starts more than 20 games in all competitions, that'd be a surprise to me. We'll see the best out of this lad (if we ever do) in 2 years time, which currently isn't when we need it. Que sera sera.
- Oncy's right; True Romance is a belter of a movie. I love the soundtrack.
[/quote]Thats a terrific post that. I hope the hoi palloi have such a long term view. I suspect the first missplaced pass the lad makes he will be ripped to bits.
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price. We've bought this lad two days after Xabi's fucked off, so let's not beat around the bush - he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was.
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
- It's going to take him a LOOOOOOONG time to settle. Few reasons; our midfield was nigh on perfect last season, and Xabi was at the heart of it. You can't just take him out, replace him with another and expect the machine to keep working, regardless of what quality Aquilani has. That, and the fact that the Premier League is a beast for foreign midfielders to adapt to - Veron never could, it took Mascherano a year on West Ham's bench, Ballack's another great example. Thirdly, for whatever reason - Italians struggle in the Premier League. Bar a few class strikers, I can't think of too many from Serie A who've succeeded. Serie A has a bit of grunt about it when it wants, but it doesn't have the same ferocity, pace, and tenacity English football has. It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England.
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. If he starts more than 20 games in all competitions, that'd be a surprise to me. We'll see the best out of this lad (if we ever do) in 2 years time, which currently isn't when we need it. Que sera sera.
- Oncy's right; True Romance is a belter of a movie. I love the soundtrack.
[/quote]Thats a terrific post that. I hope the hoi palloi have such a long term view. I suspect the first missplaced pass the lad makes he will be ripped to bits.
I think it should be made clear from the outset that he won't be spraying the ball to the wings with pinpoint accuracy from fifty or sixty yards. I still have my concerns over his fitness and how he'll adapt to the pace and power of the Premiership, but I don't doubt that he has the quality. He's one of those players who simply oozes class.
Due to his relative lack of games however, he's still a work in progress. We still need another big signing and/or considerable improvements from the likes of Riera and Babel to fill the void.
Due to his relative lack of games however, he's still a work in progress. We still need another big signing and/or considerable improvements from the likes of Riera and Babel to fill the void.
[quote author=rebel23 link=topic=35002.msg919372#msg919372 date=1249516856]
[flash=400,300]http://www.youtube.com/v/1BE_qH5hb7A&hl=en&fs=1.swf[/flash]
looks mint if we can get him fit.
[/quote]
We don't mess around do we us LFC fans?
A welcome video already done 🙂
[flash=400,300]http://www.youtube.com/v/1BE_qH5hb7A&hl=en&fs=1.swf[/flash]
looks mint if we can get him fit.
[/quote]
We don't mess around do we us LFC fans?
A welcome video already done 🙂
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919327#msg919327 date=1249513070]
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price... he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was. Agree
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
Best you can do, eh? He seems to have a very quick eye for the effective pass.
It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England. Probably so
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us. Reverse side of that is that he's not exactly going to be "run-down" as some players by almost constant football over a prolonged period. If he can stay fit, he's probably got a longer shelf-life.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. Possibly so, but I'm hoping for a better-case scenario.[/quote]
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price... he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was. Agree
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
Best you can do, eh? He seems to have a very quick eye for the effective pass.
It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England. Probably so
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us. Reverse side of that is that he's not exactly going to be "run-down" as some players by almost constant football over a prolonged period. If he can stay fit, he's probably got a longer shelf-life.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. Possibly so, but I'm hoping for a better-case scenario.[/quote]
Aquilani is awesome! ive seen him play in the Serie A and if he plays for us the way he plays there well then we have an improvement in an attacking sense.
what number will he get? he plays 8 for roma... but gerrard has 8. could he get the number 7? or should he get the number 10 and we downgrade voronin
what number will he get? he plays 8 for roma... but gerrard has 8. could he get the number 7? or should he get the number 10 and we downgrade voronin
[quote author=Baldrick link=topic=35002.msg919392#msg919392 date=1249530738]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919327#msg919327 date=1249513070]
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price... he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was. Agree
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
Best you can do, eh? He seems to have a very quick eye for the effective pass.
It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England. Probably so
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us. Reverse side of that is that he's not exactly going to be "run-down" as some players by almost constant football over a prolonged period. If he can stay fit, he's probably got a longer shelf-life.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. Possibly so, but I'm hoping for a better-case scenario.[/quote]
[/quote]
I admire your attempt to find a silver lining but there is not a 'reverse side' to being constantly injured. Prolonged injuries are more likely to take their toll on a player than playing football. Besides the fact that if he was only to manage a handful of games a season, then he wouldn't be seeing out his career with us anyway.
His injuries are a concern, but one that has obviously been considered by Rafa. That is presumably why the deal is rumoured to be structured based on appearances.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919327#msg919327 date=1249513070]
A few points:
- I'm not bothered about the price... he was obviously Rafa's first-choice target. Whether it was 16/18/20M is inconsequential really, so long as he's the main man Rafa wanted, which it looks like he was. Agree
- He's not a Xabi-type player, from the little I've seen of him, so to expect some rolls royce of a footballer to stand in the middle of the park and pick dreamy passes out is unfair. He's more 'wrokmanlike' than Xabi, and the best comparison I can make is of a really young Gerrard.
Best you can do, eh? He seems to have a very quick eye for the effective pass.
It's gonna take our man some time to adapt to tackles and pressure coming in from areas that he can't see. In Serie A everything happens in front of you, not so in England. Probably so
- The injury record is a concern. That's a Hargreaves-level of injuries he's got there. This aint Stevie-G growing pains at a young age, he's 25 and has played an average of what, 15-20 games for 3 or 4 years. He can be quality, as Hargreaves is, but if he's spending his prime years on the treatment table, then he's no good to us. Reverse side of that is that he's not exactly going to be "run-down" as some players by almost constant football over a prolonged period. If he can stay fit, he's probably got a longer shelf-life.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. Possibly so, but I'm hoping for a better-case scenario.[/quote]
[/quote]
I admire your attempt to find a silver lining but there is not a 'reverse side' to being constantly injured. Prolonged injuries are more likely to take their toll on a player than playing football. Besides the fact that if he was only to manage a handful of games a season, then he wouldn't be seeing out his career with us anyway.
His injuries are a concern, but one that has obviously been considered by Rafa. That is presumably why the deal is rumoured to be structured based on appearances.
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
The list of players you mention is accurate enough, but there are plenty of players that hits the ground running in the Premiership aswell. Theres a pretty big chance he could do that.
Alonso is the prime example of someone being ace the first season.
Aquilani is a big lad with experience, its not like he's been playing in the Luxemburger Jupiterliga. He has played in the CL, Internationals and in the serie A.
If he gets through the medical, then there has to be a good chance that he'll stay fit and make an immidiate impact.
The list of players you mention is accurate enough, but there are plenty of players that hits the ground running in the Premiership aswell. Theres a pretty big chance he could do that.
Alonso is the prime example of someone being ace the first season.
Aquilani is a big lad with experience, its not like he's been playing in the Luxemburger Jupiterliga. He has played in the CL, Internationals and in the serie A.
If he gets through the medical, then there has to be a good chance that he'll stay fit and make an immidiate impact.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919411#msg919411 date=1249540630]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919426#msg919426 date=1249542768]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919411#msg919411 date=1249540630]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[/quote]
I'm not debating DiMatteo's ability. I'm pointing out that you've picked one fucking player out from 10 years ago to counter my argument.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919411#msg919411 date=1249540630]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[/quote]
I'm not debating DiMatteo's ability. I'm pointing out that you've picked one fucking player out from 10 years ago to counter my argument.
A good signing, quickly wrapped up for a change (needed to be).
He looks a player of real quality at a good age, and he'll obviously improve with masher covering his arse and Gerrard/Torres ahead of him.
I'm genuinely excited to see this lad play (cheers Oncy) - I've got a feeling we'll all forget about Xabi come next summer.
I'm still expecting Silva next. Luca Toni on loan as Torres cover?
He looks a player of real quality at a good age, and he'll obviously improve with masher covering his arse and Gerrard/Torres ahead of him.
I'm genuinely excited to see this lad play (cheers Oncy) - I've got a feeling we'll all forget about Xabi come next summer.
I'm still expecting Silva next. Luca Toni on loan as Torres cover?
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919427#msg919427 date=1249542967]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919426#msg919426 date=1249542768]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919411#msg919411 date=1249540630]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[/quote]
I'm not debating DiMatteo's ability. I'm pointing out that you've picked one fucking player out from 10 years ago to counter my argument.
[/quote]
Heh, it was more like the only Italian central midfield connection, and what he did in his first season after a transfer from Serie A.
And I also said Alonso was the best example for us, as he was very good in his first season.
I'll find more to counter the 4 you mentioned if you want mate 🙂
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919426#msg919426 date=1249542768]
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919411#msg919411 date=1249540630]
[quote author=Hansern link=topic=35002.msg919408#msg919408 date=1249540556]
Roberto Di Matteo didnt do to badly though Ryan?
[/quote]
That's scraping it big style.
[/quote]
He scored 9 goals in his first season from midfield, thats hardly scraping.
[/quote]
I'm not debating DiMatteo's ability. I'm pointing out that you've picked one fucking player out from 10 years ago to counter my argument.
[/quote]
Heh, it was more like the only Italian central midfield connection, and what he did in his first season after a transfer from Serie A.
And I also said Alonso was the best example for us, as he was very good in his first season.
I'll find more to counter the 4 you mentioned if you want mate 🙂
Alberto Aquilani gamble could pay off for Liverpool
Rafael Benitez has received a barrage of criticism for his haphazard transfer policy since his arrival at Liverpool, but perhaps with the arrival of Alberto Aquilani, a pattern is beginning to emerge.
By Rory Smith
Published: 7:45AM BST 06 Aug 2009
After the Anfield triumph of Fernando Torres, player of the tournament at the European Under-19 championship in 2004, Benitez has signed the brightest star from the 2003 edition.
Then, as captain of the victorious Italian side, Aquilani announced himself to the world. He played every minute of that tournament in Liechtenstein. By its end he was cast as heir to Francesco Totti, eternal idol in the Eternal City.
Sport on television Elegant, stylish and creative, he plays deeper than Totti but shares the traits that have made the latter a star, rather than the snarling efficacy of immediate predecessor at Roma’s academy, Daniele De Rossi.
Aquilani’s talent has never been in question. Chelsea and Arsenal have both wanted to sign him since he was a youth player. Watching him dominate Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack for 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League last season before withdrawing injured, it was not hard to see why.
Concerns mount, however, when it comes to his injury record. He can control tempo like Xabi Alonso, the man he will replace, and his passing range matches the Spaniard’s but will his body cope with the rigours of the Premier League?
Last season he started just 14 Serie A games for Roma, and the campaign before he played just 21 times in total. He is already playing catch-up this season as he has only started light training last week after ankle surgery in May.
His qualities may make him the best-qualified candidate to replace Alonso, but £20 million gamble taken by Benitez is whether he will be fit enough to display them.
Can't help it, but I'm really excited by this signing. Let's hope for the love of God that he stays fit..
Rafael Benitez has received a barrage of criticism for his haphazard transfer policy since his arrival at Liverpool, but perhaps with the arrival of Alberto Aquilani, a pattern is beginning to emerge.
By Rory Smith
Published: 7:45AM BST 06 Aug 2009
After the Anfield triumph of Fernando Torres, player of the tournament at the European Under-19 championship in 2004, Benitez has signed the brightest star from the 2003 edition.
Then, as captain of the victorious Italian side, Aquilani announced himself to the world. He played every minute of that tournament in Liechtenstein. By its end he was cast as heir to Francesco Totti, eternal idol in the Eternal City.
Sport on television Elegant, stylish and creative, he plays deeper than Totti but shares the traits that have made the latter a star, rather than the snarling efficacy of immediate predecessor at Roma’s academy, Daniele De Rossi.
Aquilani’s talent has never been in question. Chelsea and Arsenal have both wanted to sign him since he was a youth player. Watching him dominate Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack for 45 minutes at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League last season before withdrawing injured, it was not hard to see why.
Concerns mount, however, when it comes to his injury record. He can control tempo like Xabi Alonso, the man he will replace, and his passing range matches the Spaniard’s but will his body cope with the rigours of the Premier League?
Last season he started just 14 Serie A games for Roma, and the campaign before he played just 21 times in total. He is already playing catch-up this season as he has only started light training last week after ankle surgery in May.
His qualities may make him the best-qualified candidate to replace Alonso, but £20 million gamble taken by Benitez is whether he will be fit enough to display them.
Can't help it, but I'm really excited by this signing. Let's hope for the love of God that he stays fit..
if this boy can stay fit he'll do well. regardless i don't expect him to be a alonso type player nor do i expect him to play nearly every game when fit like alonso did.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
[quote author=rage link=topic=35002.msg919461#msg919461 date=1249545632]
if this boy can stay fit he'll do well. regardless i don't expect him to be a alonso type player nor do i expect him to play nearly every game when fit like alonso did.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
[/quote]
The question on everyone's mouth is rage, will he make Lucas look good?
if this boy can stay fit he'll do well. regardless i don't expect him to be a alonso type player nor do i expect him to play nearly every game when fit like alonso did.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
[/quote]
The question on everyone's mouth is rage, will he make Lucas look good?
[quote author=Piedro link=topic=35002.msg919465#msg919465 date=1249545744]
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
I agree, definitely not a Silva or a Villa anyway, they would have been prime targets had we been in for them.
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
I agree, definitely not a Silva or a Villa anyway, they would have been prime targets had we been in for them.
[quote author=mark1975 link=topic=35002.msg919466#msg919466 date=1249545833]
[quote author=Piedro link=topic=35002.msg919465#msg919465 date=1249545744]
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
I agree, definitely not a Silva or a Villa anyway, they would have been prime targets had we been in for them.
[/quote]
We'll sign a Forward or Centre Half for about 3-5 million, and thats yer lot folks.
The Yanks will be pocketing the 10mil left over from Xabi.
[quote author=Piedro link=topic=35002.msg919465#msg919465 date=1249545744]
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
I agree, definitely not a Silva or a Villa anyway, they would have been prime targets had we been in for them.
[/quote]
We'll sign a Forward or Centre Half for about 3-5 million, and thats yer lot folks.
The Yanks will be pocketing the 10mil left over from Xabi.
[quote author=rage link=topic=35002.msg919461#msg919461 date=1249545632]
if this boy can stay fit he'll do well. regardless i don't expect him to be a alonso type player nor do i expect him to play nearly every game when fit like alonso did.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
[/quote]
I can't see us signing any big players now mate, I think it's all over on the transfer front. Even though we need one.
We'd best just pray Torres stays fit for the whole campaign.
if this boy can stay fit he'll do well. regardless i don't expect him to be a alonso type player nor do i expect him to play nearly every game when fit like alonso did.
with the squad we have at the moment i can see us playing 442 far more this season than a 4231. not a problem really, we adapt the formation to make the best use of the players that we have.
the challenge is that we need to hit the ground running and i still think we're lacking an attacking signing to do so.
we need to see a silva/villa/aguero type signed next week with the money we have left.
[/quote]
I can't see us signing any big players now mate, I think it's all over on the transfer front. Even though we need one.
We'd best just pray Torres stays fit for the whole campaign.
[quote author=Piedro link=topic=35002.msg919465#msg919465 date=1249545744]
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
We mightn't sign anyone else, but that's more down to our targets being way too expensive in the first place than the Yanks looking to pocket the cash.
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]
We mightn't sign anyone else, but that's more down to our targets being way too expensive in the first place than the Yanks looking to pocket the cash.
[quote author=Ryan link=topic=35002.msg919327#msg919327 date=1249513070]
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. If he starts more than 20 games in all competitions, that'd be a surprise to me. We'll see the best out of this lad (if we ever do) in 2 years time, which currently isn't when we need it. Que sera sera.
[/quote]
If we're having to wait two years to see a genuine replacement for Xabi in him, then his purchase will rightly come under criticism. It won't necessarily be his fault, but as you say... we are in real need for someone to come in and really hit the ground running.
It would be a major blessing if Lucas could somehow elevate his game by a few levels.
- I wish him good luck. He's a footballer, and a capable on at that. He'll benefit enormously from playing alongside such quality, and I expect Rafa to ease him in gently. If he starts more than 20 games in all competitions, that'd be a surprise to me. We'll see the best out of this lad (if we ever do) in 2 years time, which currently isn't when we need it. Que sera sera.
[/quote]
If we're having to wait two years to see a genuine replacement for Xabi in him, then his purchase will rightly come under criticism. It won't necessarily be his fault, but as you say... we are in real need for someone to come in and really hit the ground running.
It would be a major blessing if Lucas could somehow elevate his game by a few levels.
[quote author=Piedro link=topic=35002.msg919465#msg919465 date=1249545744]
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]I think people are assuming that Rafa signed a new contract having been assured of funds.
Given that he said after the Johnson transfer 'we could afford 1 more without transfers'
you'd have to assume he was given around a £20m budget to make that statement make sense. That leaves 12m after the Johnson purchase.
Its also fairly standard practice to give a manager the money from sales, which is 37m and rising.
If Aquilani cost 20m (at the highest) that still leaves 29m.
Even if the yanks took 10m each we'd still have money to do something. Ie-rvn and distin.
This doesnt count the money we will still be hoping to get for Voronin and Dossena.
Im sure we arent spent up yet.
Ok a marquee player isnt very likely but its not impossible. And id say squad strengthening is a certainty.
Everyones going on about the 10 million we have left from the Alonso sale, and also any money from Arbeloa, etc.
Doesnt anyone think the yanks are gonna pocket a few bob?
We wont sign anyone else (well, not a big name anyway).
[/quote]I think people are assuming that Rafa signed a new contract having been assured of funds.
Given that he said after the Johnson transfer 'we could afford 1 more without transfers'
you'd have to assume he was given around a £20m budget to make that statement make sense. That leaves 12m after the Johnson purchase.
Its also fairly standard practice to give a manager the money from sales, which is 37m and rising.
If Aquilani cost 20m (at the highest) that still leaves 29m.
Even if the yanks took 10m each we'd still have money to do something. Ie-rvn and distin.
This doesnt count the money we will still be hoping to get for Voronin and Dossena.
Im sure we arent spent up yet.
Ok a marquee player isnt very likely but its not impossible. And id say squad strengthening is a certainty.
- Status
