Was disappointed to see Raul go if i'm honest but found it hard to see where he'd play once SG was fit, so wasn't surprised once it was confirmed Modric wasn't going anywhere and given the players tie to the manager, I was actually surprised that it was kept under wraps for so long.... Having said that, our midfield now looks reasonably balanced and full of assists and goals. With SG to return, Lucas, Adam, Downing and Henderson all seemingly in form and working well together things look good...we also have some outstanding young talent waiting for their chance and Raul's exit expedites this somewhat. So all in all, I am very pleased with what we've seen - I thank Raul for his contribution at a critical time last season and wish him as much success as mr. Torres at Chelski ;-) I am also looking forward to seeing Johnson return at RB....I think that he will flourish in the current set up. Coates looks like a steal, let's hope he settles in as quickly as his compatriot! Finally, I have a sneaky suspicion that Bellamy may prove to be an inspired signing, albeit for the short term; Next year we will surely be looking to add at least one more world class striker but in the meantime, I think we'll all be happy for the coming season. Missing? Perhaps a wide right player.....but I really think Johnson's return will give us the necessary width on the right. All in all, I'm a happy man and really do know that the club is moving forward after a summer of change.
Downing? Bellamy? Enrique? Or maybe the OP means the way we move the ball at pace rather than individuals... Charlie Adam certainly doesn't come under that bracket though
All of the above; I'd add Suarez and even Henderson (both are not slow) and definitely Johnson.......
very true, don't know how I forgot our Luis! and once stevie is back his movement should work sublimely with adam, and with gerrard, suarez and downing floating around the pitch... I love the fluency we play with these days that the front 3/4 don't actually have a set position all the time- especially when kuyt/suarez are leading the line- they are impossible to mark!
very true, don't know how I forgot our Luis out of everyone! and once stevie is back his movement should work sublimely with adam, and with gerrard, suarez and downing floating around the pitch... I love the fluency we play with these days that the front 3/4 don't actually have a set position all the time- especially when kuyt/suarez are leading the line- they are impossible to mark!
Very much agree; add Enrique & Johnson Marauding down the wings and Adam pinging pinpoint passing from deep - this team is full of goals.....However, I cannot understate what makes much of this possible; Lucas!! the once maligned midfielder is the key to our attacking prowess, manfully plugging gaps when we lose the ball..... all of this without Carroll hitting form yet.....happy days!
Yes! I was saying the exact same to me dad at the weekend.. He was saying he couldn't believe Lucas was player of the season last season- he then went on to have a blinding game against Bolton where he was unlucky not to be man of the match (second only to Suarez...) but god forbid Lucas gets an injury the way he is playing at the moment- who would of thought those words would be coming out of our mouths 3 or so years ago
for me theres pace.... and then there's nothing but pace..... so if you want a player like babel or cisse fine but i'd rather have a guy who can stand a defender up then knock it by him... or indeed someone who can win the race in a 50-50 rather than someone who just relies on pace. for me downing has enough pace to make him light years ahead of rieira who played left wing when we finished second. For me adam may not be alsnso but he's got a good passing range, works hard and is probably quikcer than xabi... for me suarez is twice the player on the ball that torres was.... But i have to say that carroll and kuyt are not quick at all. Enrique is lightneing, johnson is no slouch... all in all I think we've a good range of pace, a well balanced team and a good range of passing.... the secret is not raw pace its not stopping and wiating for someone to pass to you its keeping moving for the next pass... and this is what kenny et al will bring... pass and move
Tosser. See this is what it's come to now. Having a go at genuine, Red through and through, articulate and highly intelligent individuals because there are no mancs around. I'm going over there now to drum up some business.
I wouldn't bother mate. No-one goes on their board now the banter thread is quiet. I'll kick start the banter thread
