IthacaMatt
Old Timer / Unofficial Contributor for 25+ years
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- Aug 26, 2011
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I thought it would be nice to start a couple new threads for the futbol fans out there, so we don't drive the World Cup thread into the ground.
In this one, I'd like to ask you opinions on transfer activity to date, and what you expect in the next month before the window closes.
As for me, I think Chelsea has done great business so far. Fabregas and Costa have settled nicely. I haven't seen or heard much from Drogba yet, but as a back-up he can be a game changer. Filipe Luis is having some trouble settling at left back so far, which surprises me a bit. I think Chelsea is looking at a 3 man rotation among the fullbacks - Ivanovic (who struggled in central defense against Vitesse) on the right, Luis on the left and Azpilicueta switching between the 2 spots. Good flexibility.
It seems like United is finally awakening from their slumbers and are about to do some serious business, starting with Vidal. They have to add a handful of players before the season starts, so Van Gaal better turn up the heat.
Arsenal have quietly done some very good business, and look to have substantially improved their club. Liverpool has, of course, added a load of quality squad players and are a much deeper team than last season, but the lack of European football last year aided them tremendously. They could play with a smaller squad. Brendan Rogers had more prep time for matches, and players were well rested compared to their peers.
This year United gets that benefit, and Van Gaal will likely kick their asses into the top 4, just on bravado and tactical acumen alone. I"m glad to see Spurs finally do some business, but I wonder if Daniel Levy (the cheapest owner in England) feels like he spent all his money on the new manager. They still need to add to that squad.
I look at Everton signing Lukaku as good business for both teams. Lukaku is a bit immature and wants assurances that he will be a starter. Chelsea can't promise that - you have to earn it - just like Real Madrid didn't "promise" Luka Modric that he would be a starter, and it took him a year to settle in to the team. Lukaku belongs at a club like Everton, where he is clearly "The Man" this year. Let's see what he does and if Everton can challenge for a Champions League spot.
I still feel like Chelsea will get either Cavani or Levezzi from PSG before the window closes. I absolutely DO NOT like the mooted trade of Schurrle for Atletico Madrid defender Miranda. Miranda is a fine defender, if we can't get Varane from Madrid, but I see Schurrle as the starter on the right wing, opposite Hazard this year. The only reason Jose Mourinho would get rid of Schurrle, IMO, is because Mo Salah (now that he isn't being recalled to serve in the Egyptian army for three years) is really playing well in the preseason. Between him and Willian and Oscar, I guess we're covered, but I really like Schurrle. I hope we don't get rid of him.
In this one, I'd like to ask you opinions on transfer activity to date, and what you expect in the next month before the window closes.
As for me, I think Chelsea has done great business so far. Fabregas and Costa have settled nicely. I haven't seen or heard much from Drogba yet, but as a back-up he can be a game changer. Filipe Luis is having some trouble settling at left back so far, which surprises me a bit. I think Chelsea is looking at a 3 man rotation among the fullbacks - Ivanovic (who struggled in central defense against Vitesse) on the right, Luis on the left and Azpilicueta switching between the 2 spots. Good flexibility.
It seems like United is finally awakening from their slumbers and are about to do some serious business, starting with Vidal. They have to add a handful of players before the season starts, so Van Gaal better turn up the heat.
Arsenal have quietly done some very good business, and look to have substantially improved their club. Liverpool has, of course, added a load of quality squad players and are a much deeper team than last season, but the lack of European football last year aided them tremendously. They could play with a smaller squad. Brendan Rogers had more prep time for matches, and players were well rested compared to their peers.
This year United gets that benefit, and Van Gaal will likely kick their asses into the top 4, just on bravado and tactical acumen alone. I"m glad to see Spurs finally do some business, but I wonder if Daniel Levy (the cheapest owner in England) feels like he spent all his money on the new manager. They still need to add to that squad.
I look at Everton signing Lukaku as good business for both teams. Lukaku is a bit immature and wants assurances that he will be a starter. Chelsea can't promise that - you have to earn it - just like Real Madrid didn't "promise" Luka Modric that he would be a starter, and it took him a year to settle in to the team. Lukaku belongs at a club like Everton, where he is clearly "The Man" this year. Let's see what he does and if Everton can challenge for a Champions League spot.
I still feel like Chelsea will get either Cavani or Levezzi from PSG before the window closes. I absolutely DO NOT like the mooted trade of Schurrle for Atletico Madrid defender Miranda. Miranda is a fine defender, if we can't get Varane from Madrid, but I see Schurrle as the starter on the right wing, opposite Hazard this year. The only reason Jose Mourinho would get rid of Schurrle, IMO, is because Mo Salah (now that he isn't being recalled to serve in the Egyptian army for three years) is really playing well in the preseason. Between him and Willian and Oscar, I guess we're covered, but I really like Schurrle. I hope we don't get rid of him.
