He's not featured for the same reasons that Vertonghen, Dembele, Paulinho, Bentaleb, Chadli and Benny haven't - they're on their post-WC break. ...although does Benny really need the same length break, given Cameroon's World Cup ended at least a week earlier than it did for Belgium, France, Brazil or Algeria?
I thought so - I think some of the rumour-mills have taken Lloris not featuring as 'bad noises' and that he wants out, which doesn't make sense when he's just signed a new contract. (I'm under the impression that Lloris is giving us 1 more season - if we don't get CL then he can go)
To win the double is more like it Soldado is 50/1 to finish top goalscorer. Get on it while you can, guys.
How the **** did an optimistic happy go lucky type like you become a yiddo...or as the rest of the world see us... a grumpy glass smashed to **** pessimistic spurs fan?
Soldado at 50-1 isn't the craziest bet you could make. That would be Torres at the same odds. If Soldado starts, and finds his scoring boots, and if Poch's system proves to be the best thing since sliced bread... I'd still rather go for Eriksen at 80-1. There's usually some young player who scores a huge number of goals unexpectedly, like Sturridge last year, and Eriksen seems as likely as almost anyone. Kane at 250-1 is tempting as well...as is Lamela at 100-1. I'll pass on Paulinho at 150-1, though that's likelier than Willian at the same odds. I mean, seriously, Willian? Good player, no doubt, but he scored a wicked four goals last year, and has a career best of eight with Shakhtar. Paulinho had twice as many goals in all comps last year, in 50% fewer games.
Personally speaking I think it is. Don't expect to get your money back on that one. Unless Poch has found some kind of magic fairy dust to pour over him and Solda-doh has suddenly found some finesse, pace and craft hidden away then I doubt his scoring record will be much better this season. I hope it will be but I seriously doubt it.
Soldado's a good striker in the right system, but we don't play in a way that suits him. He needs support and service, whereas our style and that of Pochettino require the frontman to bring others into play and craft a lot for himself. He'd thrive in a 4-4-2 with proper wingers and a midfield playmaker.
I actually think Soldado is very good at the first part of what you describe. Perhaps too good at times as it causes him to be drawn out of position when he's playing as a lone striker. But I totally agree that he's not the type to create something out of nothing for himself with any regularity, like Defoe or even Pav could at times. If our attacking 3 behind the striker can contribute enough, like Chelsea of the previous few years, then he could be an effective part of the system.
I'd like to see Soldado behind Ade with Lamela and Eriksen. I think he'd be good there. He has intelligence to switch with the other 2, and Ade. He's got an eye for a pass and he can cross. It would also take the goalscoring burden off him somewhat
Would he himself like that though I wonder? His whole career to date has been about putting the ball in the net and while you're quite right about him having the intelligence to possibly play a supportive role, I'd wonder or not if it would affect his confidence. It could be perceived as "you're not a good finisher so I'll play you behind the main number 9" and therefore worsen his confidence but then he could take it as a compliment to still play a very important role in the side with his natural abilities put to what the manager may feel is better use, and not having the out and out pressure of being the main finisher in the side, it could eventually work out well for him. Decisions, decisions!
Only people that know him could know or even guess how he would take it. So i guess its up to Poch. Like most things with tactics and players we can discuss it til we're blue in the face but none of us really know enough to be sure on anything
I agree, he would play that role well. Means we can move to 4-4-2 at times when appropriate. Not sure it takes the goalscoring burden off him. Whoever plays there needs to score their share.
The WC players all returned to training today - here's Lloris, Dembele, Chadli and Slavoj Zizek working on their fitness... please log in to view this image
I've been thinking the same thing and asking the same questions about whether Soldado could thrive playing behind Ade. Poch may well be also. With a front four of all central-ish players, we'd need the fullbacks, or wingbacks, to provide width, but are well stocked there, I think. Walker, Lennon, Townsend, Rose (if he stays) and maybe Davies are all good wide. Ade's tendency to roam would also work well with Soldado moving forward at times. One thing I'm sure of is I wouldn't want me setting up our team. I like moving the toy soldiers around in my head, though. It's a harmless enough pastime. It's the toys in the attic that give me trouble.
