Barton or Nolan

Even before Cabaye I felt that he would have a reduced roll this season, effectively having to compete with Ben Arfa for the AM role. If the deal goes through that will make it even harder for him.

I know it sounds harsh but I am glad that we are discussing whether Barton and Nolan will have starting places next season. It is a sign that our squad is strengthening and there is going to be competition for places, something that has been lacking for a long time.

 

Precisely, for 95% of this season our team (particularly midfield) has picked itself. Nolan hasnt got the legs for a 38 game season and Tiote is suspended a lot, even Jonas was saying they needed to be rested more than they are being.

 

There is nothing wrong with him physically though!!!!

He has the right physical ability to do what he does. He lacks agility, but that's about it. He isn't unfit, he can play 90 mins fine and works his arse off. His passing is great, his ability around both our box and the oppositons box is excellent, not just because he scores goals, but he creates chances with clever little flicks ons and passes and he helps out in our defense. He's got good aggression and adds strength to the midfield. He can dispossess players and help us push on.

People just don't give Nolan enough credit and he's probably the most under rated player on the team, even though he's credited as one of our best players this season, people think his only use is goals and leadership but it's not.

I have no doubt we can find a better player than him, but he deserves more credit than just a captain and a goal scorer, because he does alot for the team and he IS a technical midfield player.

 

Nothing wrong with him physically? He looks about 40, goes out on the lash most weekends and generally looked a little overweight towards the end of this and last season. Last 15-25 minutes of a game he is clearly struggling.

I love the guy, he'll always be an NUFC legend (not just for the hat trick either) but he has not looked after himself physically for a Premier League footballer. He can manage a year or 2 more at the top level, then he'll be what Smith is now.

 

?

 

Charlie Adam looks about 40 yet he's only 26. He doesn't look overweight, he's a stocky build which is perfect for the type of player he is. Nolan can still run throughout the 90 minutes, he may look tired but it doesn't stop him.

 

Sorry but I can't agree with this. Nolan's eye for goal and finishing are excellent but he is a one trick pony. Without his goals he wouldn't get near the first team. Tiote has been carrying him all season as far as a competitive centre midfielder goes. My gran could put in a better shift and win more tackles than him and she's been dead for over twenty years.

 

I cant argue against someone this biased, I give up.

 

Ofcourse he'd be dropped if it weren't for his goals, and i doubt Nolan will be in our starting 11 very often next season, but he can put in a good shift, his passing and vision is good and as i said his aggression helps out in defense and in attack.

He's not as technical as our other midfielders, but without Barton and Nolan we've looked insanley weak. I dare say people will appreciate him more when he's gone as they'll see what he brough to the team.

 

Well im sorry you can't see the many qualities Nolan possesses. Do you go to many games? If not that could be the reason why.

 

He's better than Vargas

 

We looked a lot more energetic against Chelsea and West Brom without him, especially on the counter attack. I still want him to play next season, but he's not in especially good shape and "technical" is pretty far from a description of Nolan. He's an experienced, leader on the pitch with an eye for goal.

 

I am a season ticket holder, and watch all the away games on TV/online. You need to take off your black and white tinted specs and realise Nolan's shortcomings.

 

This! Technical = Nolan. What a joker you are Tash.

 

I'm not biased towards him mate, i've been saying for quite a while that i don't think he'll be in our starting 11 next season, but he'll still play a big role.

He has more qualities than goal scoring and leadership, that's all i'm saying.

If i was really that biased i would say Nolan is our best player because he's scored the most goals, and he's also been the best midfielder this season, but i don't think he is at all.

He's actually more of a support striker than a midfielder to be honest, the same as Ben Arfa. I think if we give Ben Arfa a big midfield role it will hold him back, he needs to be set free into attack to show his true colours.

 

His passing and vision are ok but not excellent and he is far from being athletic enough to get around the pitch enough to contribute as you would expect to the defensive duties of the team. With the calibre of players we are being linked with and/or already have waiting in the wings his time is numbered if he cannot improve in this regard. Ben Arfa in a full season will probably score as many goals as him but has more vision and creativity in his little finger than Nolan has in his whole body.

 

Well i'm sorry you don't agree, but if you're just going to laugh then you can go **** yourself.

EDIT: Taken away what you said Tash but left the point in simply because I believe you are getting unnecessary stick.

 

I actually think Nolan will get a few more goals from open play (a lot of them come from corners) next season playing alongside Ben Arfa. His clever through balls and Nolan's instinct might well be a match made in heaven. HBA gave a couple of lovely passes v Everton.