And you also need to remember his age as he was still developing (football wise) when he came here and then had Bruce leading the way instead of someone like Howe. Can you imagine the difference it could have made as far as Max's footballing development is concerned?
Exactly. He will have learned absolutely ****ing nowt. “Here ya gan, Maxy son, here’s a ball, gan ootside and play ya little heart oot”. No wonder he enjoyed it. But in terms of development, just….no. Now he’s got real coaching. I’m excited to see what happens.
Newcastle United's English midfielder Jonjo Shelvey, 30, is set to earn a one-year contract extension worth more than £3m. (Mirror) It will be like signing a new player. @Darren Peacock's Ponytail
I don't think we will. I can't see that much business getting done at the moment. Jan window is always a pain in the arse regarding prices and value for money and will be even more insane straight after a world cup. Not saying we won't sign anyone, just can't see us kicking the Granny out of it. Of course, I could be completely wrong, I just think the priority was a right winger and that needs been dwindled due to Miggy's form. We have Kuol coming in and seem to be getting linked with various wonderkids from Brazil. Can't see Diaby or Maddison or the likes coming in till end of the season now.
There's far more 'noise' about us going in for Trossard, rather than Maddison now. I never pay too much attention to the media, as they are just speculating to sell headlines, but given that Trossard is a free transfer in the summer, it's at least feasible that Brighton will listen to offers in January. Equally with his current form, they might just hold on to him this season and then let him go. Re Maddison, I think Leicester will hold out, so we'll probably only see him here if he creates and puts in a transfer request to push things through.
RCM is where we are weakest now definitely I'd say. I know we've scored quite a few goals recently but I think we need one more goal scorer/creative spark. Madders would be perfect.
Free's at the end of the season and could be available at decent prices: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/statistik/endendevertraege I get the hype over Maddison but I'd prefer Tielmans who's one that list! Then this lad as a long term replacement for Schar would be immense - him and Botman either side of CB would be mint! 2.5 years on his current contract but for £20-25m he could play here for 10 years and develop into a quality player.
Maddison is just the obvious choice. 10+ goals plus 10+ goals a season PL proven, still doing it in a shakey Leicester side, already on 6 goals for the season. Creates, scores, works hard, PL proven.
Trossard/ASM--------Isak/Wison----------Almiron/Tross ----------Joelinton------Bruno-----Maddison----- Burn------------Botman------Schar-------------Trippier ------------------------Pope-------------------
Think Tielmans does that all as well as defending better but Maddison is **** hot this year. Just buy them both.
Maddison got 12 goals and 12 assists last season. He averages somewhere around 20 goal involvements a year give or take a few.
No disputing that Maddison is an attacking beast and maybe we need someone to get more goals from the CM positions but I think if you are looking for an all round player who can defend as well as attack Tielmans is the one - also he's got 6 months left on his contract which would make him a more viable target. £50/60m for Maddison or £20/30m for Tielmans?
I personally don't care about Tielmans, I don't see anything special. Maddision can play LCM, RCM and RM/RW also if needed. He's versatile. I understand your point about defending, but we have Bruno and Joelinton to sort that out, and Maddison is ok defensively.
Oooh - is this your Xmas list of gifts for us ? Does it depend on whether we've been naughty or nice - had it been checked twice?
Not one for us - maybe some might like the idea but not for me but .... James Milner - just seen the article on the BBC (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62930826) and noticed he is free at the end of the season - will probably have made 850+ first team appearances by the end of the season. Could anyone see him sticking around in the EPL at a mid table team after his contract expires. I'd love to see him over take Giggs and Barry for the all time EPL record (599/653) and also to hit 1000 first team appearances across all comps although he'd need to stay in a European team to break 1000 I think but will be 37 by the end of the season but still consistently getting run outs for Liverpool. Would anyone take him here? I wouldn't personally but can understand how he could still be seen as an upgrade on Fraser/Murphy and even a few others! Regardless always had a soft spot for him as he seems like a great bloke and I'd love for him to hit 1000 games now - much like the takeover thread needs to hit 4k...