Football/Soccer Thread

[Ed_Reed20]

Cool, didn't know they already played

If you want to see the next superstar go watch Zelalem from Arsenal, he's an Ethiopian-German who came from the states last year. I have never seen, in my entire life, a 16 year old as gifted as this guy, it's fun to watch. Take a look

 

The team could certainly use a play-maker like him behind Cazorla and Wilshere. Hope he continues to develop and joins the first-team in a year or two at the latest. 

 

In the meantime, Wenger has to bolster the squad with immediate upgrades. Suarez and Higuain have seemingly been the primary focus but a keeper and central defender are also key needs.  

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

The team could certainly use a play-maker like him behind Cazorla and Wilshere. Hope he continues to develop and joins the first-team in a year or two at the latest. 

 

In the meantime, Wenger has to bolster the squad with immediate upgrades. Suarez and Higuain have seemingly been the primary focus but a keeper and central defender are also key needs.  

 

that extra £1 on the offer to Liverpool won't get Suarez anywhere soon and Hiquain was signed by Napoli

don't really get it why we sent Reina to Napoli on a loan when we could've made a packet of Suarez and him for like £60 mil just for you; central backs we haven't got either lol

Edited July 24, 2013 by horus13corvineus

[Ed_Reed20]

that extra £1 on the offer to Liverpool won't get Suarez anywhere soon and Hiquain was signed by Napoli

don't really get it why we sent Reina to Napoli on a loan when we could've made a packet of Suarez and him for like £60 mil just for you; central backs we haven't got either lol

 

It sure won't and I agree with Liverpool's assertion that he's worth £50 mil, but considering his issues, they should be willing to sell him for less. Higuain to Napoli stings but there's no guarantee he would have found success in the Prem. That would have been interesting package deal but I'd take Julio Cesar over Reina. Hoping Arsenal renew their interest in spite of his wages.

[Ozzsome]

The team could certainly use a play-maker like him behind Cazorla and Wilshere. Hope he continues to develop and joins the first-team in a year or two at the latest.

In the meantime, Wenger has to bolster the squad with immediate upgrades. Suarez and Higuain have seemingly been the primary focus but a keeper and central defender are also key needs.

I still can't believe this kid lol(and I already was a big fan of Gnabry) I'm already looking forward to seing them when they play cup games

I agree with adding another forward, someone like Suarez would obviously be great, although he's a little headache, I wouldn't have wanted Higuian to be honest, he's too much of a Giroud type IMO and our #1 striker should be a different type of player, at least that's what I prefer

Other than that I really like our squad. The Merte-Koscielny combination was great at the end of the year, if we can get Vermaelen out of his slump too we would have a great 3rd CB. Sagna is a complete package he can do it all. Gibbs is great offensively and a good tackler. In the midfield we have Arteta who is a great passer, Rosicky and Ramsey chase everything down they can, with Ramsey finishing last year strong, Wilshere is a great passer, great tackler, great leader (hope he stays injury free) and Cazorla obviously is our best midfielder with deadly passes to the forwards. And up front we have our speedstar in Walcott, that funny german guy Poldi and Giroud who displays great positioning and finishing in the box

I may be one of the few Arsenal fans who actually thinks we have a good squad, we need to add a #1 striker though. And I would like to see a big strong defensive midfielder, as we can't bet on Diaby or Frimpong to stay healthy. We certainly missed Song last year, Arteta uses his body well in DM role but he's no Song, Fellaini or M'Vila

[Ozzsome]

that extra £1 on the offer to Liverpool won't get Suarez anywhere soon and Hiquain was signed by Napoli

don't really get it why we sent Reina to Napoli on a loan when we could've made a packet of Suarez and him for like £60 mil just for you; central backs we haven't got either lol

I read somewhere that they offered the extra pound because in Suarez' contract there's a clause that says if a team offers more than 40 mil £ this team is allowed to start contract talks with Suarez, not sure about that though

And to be honest, with Hugain leaving I think Suarez will go to Real, he actually said he'd love to play for them

Edited July 24, 2013 by Ray The Day

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

I read somewhere that they offered the extra pound because in Suarez' contract there's a clause that says if a team offers more than 40 mil £ this team is allowed to start contract talks with Suarez, not sure about that though

it triggered the clause that says that liverpool has to tell suarez and the world about the offer, not that they have to negotiate it

Edited July 24, 2013 by horus13corvineus

[Ozzsome]

it triggered the clause that says that liverpool has to tell suarez and the world about the offer, not that they have to negotiate it

Well I've got wrong sources then lol

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Well I've got wrong sources then lol

it was a sneaky move from Arsenal, who had a previous offer refused; as ER20 said above, Liverpool wants about £50 mil or keep him and if Real Madrid buys Bale, which looks like it's full go now, then I can't see anybody else paying that much; that's why I said a package offer of £60 mil for Suarez and Reina from Arsenal would've made more sense... for both clubs

Edited July 25, 2013 by horus13corvineus

[Ed_Reed20]

I still can't believe this kid lol(and I already was a big fan of Gnabry) I'm already looking forward to seing them when they play cup games

I agree with adding another forward, someone like Suarez would obviously be great, although he's a little headache, I wouldn't have wanted Higuian to be honest, he's too much of a Giroud type IMO and our #1 striker should be a different type of player, at least that's what I prefer

Other than that I really like our squad. The Merte-Koscielny combination was great at the end of the year, if we can get Vermaelen out of his slump too we would have a great 3rd CB. Sagna is a complete package he can do it all. Gibbs is great offensively and a good tackler. In the midfield we have Arteta who is a great passer, Rosicky and Ramsey chase everything down they can, with Ramsey finishing last year strong, Wilshere is a great passer, great tackler, great leader (hope he stays injury free) and Cazorla obviously is our best midfielder with deadly passes to the forwards. And up front we have our speedstar in Walcott, that funny german guy Poldi and Giroud who displays great positioning and finishing in the box

I may be one of the few Arsenal fans who actually thinks we have a good squad, we need to add a #1 striker though. And I would like to see a big strong defensive midfielder, as we can't bet on Diaby or Frimpong to stay healthy. We certainly missed Song last year, Arteta uses his body well in DM role but he's no Song, Fellaini or M'Vila

 

I'm looking forward to seeing how Zelalem. Let's see he responds to playing with the big boys. 

 

Higuain is a finisher like Giroud but he's a different player in the way he makes his runs and gets into positions. 

 

I think Vermaelen can still be a solid player but injuries have taken their toll over the past few seasons. Rather betting on him as the third option, it would make much more sense if Wenger actually signed a quality CB to develop behind Koscielny and Mertesacker or even push them. I like Sanga but he's on the decline and it would be nice if a long-term RB was brought in to compete with Jenkinson. Agreed on Gibbs and Arteta. Hopefully, Ramsey builds on his strong finish and Wilshere stays relatively healthy for a full season. Cazorla is class all the way.

 

Agreed again on Arteta; he's a very solid player but was miscast in his role last season. Even though the lack of a true holding MF has hurt the squad (especially against the top teams) for years, knowing Wenger, he'll neglect the position yet again. 

 

There's a strong core in place but key pieces are clearly missing and there needs to be more quality depth. 

[easternshore97]

http://www.( profanity deleted).co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-23443565

 

Reminds me of when Ronaldo scored on a free kick and had to show everybody his quadricep

[Geving]

You guys actually like Mertesacker? He's utterly terrible imo. Koscielny while better than Per is not exactly ace either.I like Vermaelen better than both even though he had a poor campaign last year.

Arsene has been making a huge profit on sales vs buys during his career. Which I really respect, but he should seriously make some big time transfers, he's titled to it, and he should use that money to bring in some big time players on that defense imo.

Suarez would be nice for them, but they have firepower, I would like to see them bring in some class at the back.

 

I don't consider them a contender anymore with teams like Chelsea and City splashing the cash, and even Tottenham making big strides, and it's unfortunate.

As a United fan, I miss the old Arsenal from the Keane vs Vieira era. So I hope they make it back.

[Ozzsome]

I'm looking forward to seeing how Zelalem. Let's see he responds to playing with the big boys.

Higuain is a finisher like Giroud but he's a different player in the way he makes his runs and gets into positions.

I think Vermaelen can still be a solid player but injuries have taken their toll over the past few seasons. Rather betting on him as the third option, it would make much more sense if Wenger actually signed a quality CB to develop behind Koscielny and Mertesacker or even push them. I like Sanga but he's on the decline and it would be nice if a long-term RB was brought in to compete with Jenkinson. Agreed on Gibbs and Arteta. Hopefully, Ramsey builds on his strong finish and Wilshere stays relatively healthy for a full season. Cazorla is class all the way.

Agreed again on Arteta; he's a very solid player but was miscast in his role last season. Even though the lack of a true holding MF has hurt the squad (especially against the top teams) for years, knowing Wenger, he'll neglect the position yet again.

There's a strong core in place but key pieces are clearly missing and there needs to be more quality depth.

As much as I'd like to see more depth, I can't see Wenger buying a lot. Because if he really is breaking the bank for Suarez which would likely be more than 50 million, Wenger won't buy any more players. Contract talks broke down with Williams, I can't see him join Arsenal and as much as I'd love to get that big defensive midfielder I can't see Wenger spending 75 million for Suarez and Fellaini.

If we for some reason would be able to get Rooney it'd be great. I can't see it happening but I would love it

And I also don't see him signing a new RB, as I know him he would much rather stay with jenkinson and see what this bellerin guy can do

Edited July 25, 2013 by Ray The Day

[Ozzsome]

http://www.( profanity deleted).co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-23443565

Reminds me of when Ronaldo scored on a free kick and had to show everybody his quadricep

Wow that's gotta hurt Edited July 25, 2013 by Ray The Day

[flaccopoe]

Wow that's gotta hurt

 

How's the Austrian National Team doing?

[Ozzsome]

You guys actually like Mertesacker? He's utterly terrible imo. Koscielny while better than Per is not exactly ace either.I like Vermaelen better than both even though he had a poor campaign last year.

Arsene has been making a huge profit on sales vs buys during his career. Which I really respect, but he should seriously make some big time transfers, he's titled to it, and he should use that money to bring in some big time players on that defense imo.

Suarez would be nice for them, but they have firepower, I would like to see them bring in some class at the back.

I don't consider them a contender anymore with teams like Chelsea and City splashing the cash, and even Tottenham making big strides, and it's unfortunate.

As a United fan, I miss the old Arsenal from the Keane vs Vieira era. So I hope they make it back.

Well, Mertesacker and Koscielny was, by far, our best defensive combo last year, they played great at the end of the year and they compliement each other really well, Per is the box defender winning much of his headers and Koscielny is the more athletic defender. I'm not saying they are the best individuals but they play great together.

Chelsea got Mourinho so they finally found someone who can form a good team out of those great individuals.

I hate ManCity and this Mancini guy, I hope their oil king drops out in a few years and they fight relegation. Nothing more to say about ManU, let's see what Moyes can do. If Real goes after Bale and he signs Tottenham is screwed, he was the only reason they competed for fourth place and even as an Arsenal supporter I don't want him to leave, he's a great player.

[Ozzsome]

How's the Austrian National Team doing?

Actually pretty good. We are currently second place in our world cup qualifying group only behind Germany and we have some good talent. Alaba of course is our best player but we have other good players like Harnik, Weimann, Fuchs or Baumgartlinger who are regulars at their clubs in ther German Bundesliga or in the Premier League.

This is actually the first Austrian team that IMO has the ability to qualify for the Euro Cup and maybe even next years World Cup

We're not a great football country lol

Edited July 25, 2013 by Ray The Day

[gabefergy]

Most of you probably dont care, but I am highly optimistic about the USMNT. They are very deep, should be interesting to see what the WC squad looks like.

[easternshore97]

Most of you probably dont care, but I am highly optimistic about the USMNT. They are very deep, should be interesting to see what the WC squad looks like.

The level of play in MLS is not sufficient enough to get them past the round of 16. Granted, more and more of USMNT is playing abroad, but they are still on the trajectory. Also, more importantly, MOST IMPORTANTLY, it's a cultural thing that Jurgen Klinsmann alluded to. He had probably the most brilliant statement ever...he said

 

'...you Americans have it backwards. You put your kids through the grass roots process and hope that they end up with a scholarship...'

 

If we applied the American baseball farm system model to MLS (obviously what they do in Europe), they'd instantly make every WC group The Group of Death.

[Ed_Reed20]

As much as I'd like to see more depth, I can't see Wenger buying a lot. Because if he really is breaking the bank for Suarez which would likely be more than 50 million, Wenger won't buy any more players. Contract talks broke down with Williams, I can't see him join Arsenal and as much as I'd love to get that big defensive midfielder I can't see Wenger spending 75 million for Suarez and Fellaini.

If we for some reason would be able to get Rooney it'd be great. I can't see it happening but I would love it

And I also don't see him signing a new RB, as I know him he would much rather stay with jenkinson and see what this bellerin guy can do

 

While I'm not expecting Wenger to buy much, it would be insane not to even if Suarez was brought in. The lack of steel in mid-field (a yearly issue) and quality depth along the back line, as well as someone to challenge Szczesny are all necessities. I'm not too fussed on either Williams and Fellaini, especially when you consider the numerous cheaper alternatives. I really don't want Rooney.  

 

 

[Ozzsome]

 

While I'm not expecting Wenger to buy much, it would be insane not to even if Suarez was brought in. The lack of steel in mid-field (a yearly issue) and quality depth along the back line, as well as someone to challenge Szczesny are all necessities. I'm not too fussed on either Williams and Fellaini, especially when you consider the numerous cheaper alternatives. I really don't want Rooney.  

 

 

 

IMO it would be insane too, I heard rumours that Lars Bender is linked with Arsenal but he won't come cheap either and I think Wenger rather wants a player who shows good positioning and work ethic along with good passing in the defensive midfield position than a big guy who wins balls but is just an average passer. I know you are not with me on this lol but Rooney may very well be my favorite striker, he is a great finisher, gives everything to win and works everywhere, he just doesn't slow down, but ManU said they won't sell him to a Premier League team so whatever

And what just struck my mind, think about it, we will most likely pay more than 50 mil for Suarez, Falcao went for 51 to Monaco could you imagine him at Arsenal? I know he gets an awful lot of money per week from Monaco which Wenger wouldn't have paid but just think about it lol

[Ed_Reed20]

IMO it would be insane too, I heard rumours that Lars Bender is linked with Arsenal but he won't come cheap either and I think Wenger rather wants a player who shows good positioning and work ethic along with good passing in the defensive midfield position than a big guy who wins balls but is just an average passer. I know you are not with me on this lol but Rooney may very well be my favorite striker, he is a great finisher, gives everything to win and works everywhere, he just doesn't slow down, but ManU said they won't sell him to a Premier League team so whatever

And what just struck my mind, think about it, we will most likely pay more than 50 mil for Suarez, Falcao went for 51 to Monaco could you imagine him at Arsenal? I know he gets an awful lot of money per week from Monaco which Wenger wouldn't have paid but just think about it lol

 

I remember Leverkusen turning down an Arsenal bid for Bender early in the month. It would be interesting if the interest in him was renewed. Agreed on the kind of player Wenger currently appears to value as his holding MF. I didn't study the game quite as much when he was playing as much as I do now, but I don;t remember Gilberto Silva being that exceptional a passer during his heyday. Still, he was arguably the last Gunner holding MF who not only brought steel in the middle but played with his head. As good a player as Song developed into before leaving, he was prone to mental lapses.  

There's certainly a lot to like about Rooney but I'm just not a fan.

 

Falcao at Arsenal would obviously be sweet but Benteke is the the striker I would have loved to see Wenger pursue this summer.  

[Ozzsome]

I remember Leverkusen turning down an Arsenal bid for Bender early in the month. It would be interesting if the interest in him was renewed. Agreed on the kind of player Wenger currently appears to value as his holding MF. I didn't study the game quite as much when he was playing as much as I do now, but I don;t remember Gilberto Silva being that exceptional a passer during his heyday. Still, he was arguably the last Gunner holding MF who not only brought steel in the middle but played with his head. As good a player as Song developed into before leaving, he was prone to mental lapses.  

There's certainly a lot to like about Rooney but I'm just not a fan.

 

Falcao at Arsenal would obviously be sweet but Benteke is the the striker I would have loved to see Wenger pursue this summer.  

Bender would be nice, he's a strong big bodied kid still young and more polished offensively than his brother Sven. I can't comment on Silva I wasn't following football closely at that time, but before Song left he was great a bit too agressive considering his yellow cards during the first half of a game, but he won most of his challenges and developed into a great passer. I read somewhere that he was upset with Wenger that he exclusively played defensive midfield because he wanted to be more in an attacking role, maybe that explains his mental lapses.

 

Totally forgot about Benteke but he certainly would be a nice addition, he played great for a rather weak Villa squad last year and played a part in 60% of Villas goals last year

[Ed_Reed20]

Bender would be nice, he's a strong big bodied kid still young and more polished offensively than his brother Sven. I can't comment on Silva I wasn't following football closely at that time, but before Song left he was great a bit too agressive considering his yellow cards during the first half of a game, but he won most of his challenges and developed into a great passer. I read somewhere that he was upset with Wenger that he exclusively played defensive midfield because he wanted to be more in an attacking role, maybe that explains his mental lapses.

 

Totally forgot about Benteke but he certainly would be a nice addition, he played great for a rather weak Villa squad last year and played a part in 60% of Villas goals last year

 

Good to know on Bender and agreed on Song. I've never heard that before. He's perfectly suited for a box-to-box role like Yaya Toure's but Wenger 4-3-3 system seems rather rigid. 

 

He's a beast.

 

Just saw this hilarious cartoon.

[Ozzsome]

Good to know on Bender and agreed on Song. I've never heard that before. He's perfectly suited for a box-to-box role like Yaya Toure's but Wenger 4-3-3 system seems rather rigid. 

 

He's a beast.

 

Just saw this hilarious cartoon.

Haha John Terry lol

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

apparently The Lilywhites are buying the most promising romanian (Vlad Chiriches) by the end of the week... so Bale could be gone soon too... then they'll be their old self battling relegation lol

[flaccopoe]

apparently The Lilywhites are buying the most promising romanian (Vlad Chiriches) by the end of the week... so Bale could be gone soon too... then they'll be their old self battling relegation lol

 

How's the Romanian national team doing?

[arnie_uk]

Footballs back baby.

[George70]

I think I should check on when Champions League gets their qualifying going for 2013-14.

 

Also, I am somewhat disappointed in the current state of the Columbus Crew of MLS.

[Ed_Reed20]

Shameful way to open the season for Arsenal. Really hope they rebound against Fenerbahce on Wednesday. 

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Liverpool did quite well without Mr Suarez