Interesting Thug
Breadknife Collector
5-1
Not bad.
Not bad.
I think I'm the one sad face. I feel attached to Croatia - I think it's because I was once asked if I was Croatian.
Ayala is Argentine, not Brazilian; in other words, he has more to offer than sheer physicality. The only asset he's lost is pace, which he never had in abundance, anyway.
I'm not saying that he should be relied upon entirely, but he was a very influential player and the back line has leaked goals like a sieve since he retired, particularly from set-pieces.
What's Demichelis' current situation? Is he injured? I'd consider moving Heinze into the centre for the time being.
On a side note, have you seen Veron pulling the strings for Estudiantes? He's a superb player, but massively underrated after his time at United.
Really, how come? Tell more!
I think the match yesterday was a disgrace, it was payback time i guess
( i don't know much about football, but wasn't England kicked out of the qualification for the eu championship by croatia 2 years ago? -there's your revenge last night )
Gerrard and Lampard were amazing last night. Not just because they scored two a piece, but Gerrard's quickness of feet and general intelligence, and Lampard's knowledge of knowing when to arrive in the penalty area, but Fabio knows how to play them together at last. Lampard has scored 6 goals in the last 7 internationals. Lampard is FAR better as a midfielder in a conventional sense. Ancelotti has played him at the top of the diamond for Chelsea twice this season and the game has just passed him by. Lampard has developed over the years as a great passer and a playmaker, certainly for Chelsea. Its good that Fabio has noticed this.
Lampard is more direct than whoever has partnered Mascherano in Liverpool's midfield (including Aquilani when he's fit). If Gerrard were to play behind Rooney it would limit Lampard somewhat. That's the theory, anyway.
Wouldn't Barry be the direct comparison to Mascherano/Aquilani?
I'm not sure how direct a comparison, but he plays the same role. The difference is that Liverpool play(ed) two holding midfielders (Alonso & Masch) and one attacking midfielder (Gerrard), whereas England would be playing with one holding (Barry) and two attacking (Lampard & Gerrard). I could see Lampard and Gerrard scrapping for space. It could work, of course. It's just my theory as to why Capello hasn't yet tried Gerrard in lieu of a second striker.
I'm not sure how direct a comparison, but he plays the same role. The difference is that Liverpool play(ed) two holding midfielders (Alonso & Masch) and one attacking midfielder (Gerrard), whereas England would be playing with one holding (Barry) and two attacking (Lampard & Gerrard). I could see Lampard and Gerrard scrapping for space. It could work, of course. It's just my theory as to why Capello hasn't yet tried Gerrard in lieu of a second striker.
I would say that Liverpool have missed Alonso's defensive qualities more than his passing ability. Lucas is able to retain possession just as well; it's the defensive side of his game that lets him down. His creative passing is notably inferior to Alonso's, but precise long balls aren't exactly integral to Benitez's style of play, anyway.
Alonso is no Makalele, of course, but his ability to read the game, as they say, meant that he was able to intercept the ball better than any other, and then move it forward quickly. Invaluable on the counter.
It'll be interesting to see how Aquilani is integrated into this system. He's more similar to Fabregas than he is to Alonso.
Back to England. I can see why Capello is using Heskey as foil, but he's too limited a player. Crouch would be a better option, I reckon.
Target men are an ugly breed, anyway. They're never really on the pitch to play football so much as they are to take up space. That concept bothers me.