A few months ago I read an article on Eric Dier who grew up in Portugal and went through their youth system. He said it was very regimented and only the highest of standards were tolerated in all areas and kids stayed with their club through all levels. It may sound old fashioned but if that score line tells a story it may be an indication of how clubs see the way to go.
Still proud of them anyway despite a bit of a disastrous scoreline. I suspect we didn't set up well against them, maybe should have gone for the frustrate and try to nick something route rather than going toe to toe. Anyway like I say still pleased for them and further confirmation that we've got a good thing going with our yoof even if they aren't world beaters.
Well to be fair to Bri he did say they were'nt ready and this defeat seems to be proof of that - or maybe its a serious developmental wake up call and they'll come back stronger or fade away . Maybe the occaision got to them. I did'nt see the match but did we threaten their goal ? - we seem to lack goals atm - even the Sunderalnd ladies -lose 4-0 Hope we get this right next year
It's not like it never works though and it's a different team with a different manager. It's not like the 5-0 defeat was a roaring success is it.
Most reports saying that Porto were absolutely outstanding, and head and shoulders above our lads in terms of quality. Great achievement for them nonetheless getting so far.
Wasn;t having a go mate - just saying that we probably should play like that against better sides - but not against ****ing Bournemouth and Swansea!!!
I get you now mate yeah we've had poor tactics all season, we've stuck when we should have twisted and twisted when we should have stuck. Mainly stuck though.
In fairness it was our under 23's vs the team that won the Portuguese second tier last season. They are Porto B a team playing professional football week in week out. That Galano who scored 2 signed permanently last week and has a £40m release clause. The other winger Kayambe played over 20 times for Rio Ave last season and they finished 6th in The Primeira Liga. People criticising are being ridiculous. There's still half a dozen lads played last night who'll play a part next year and do well.
Think this sums it up perfectly - they are a "reserve" side rather than an Under 23 side. They've been playing high(ish) level professional football whilst our u23s haven't and this showed from what I've seen and read. There is no shame in this result - they are a better side than us and that's all there is to it
I don't think anyone has really criticised them - hopefully it was a one off poor display against a well prepared motivated team . I wonder how much Moyes influence played last night as Love was palying but is he a regular in the u23 team, as he was very poor by reports I've seen ? Against Bournemouth he was woeful and the lack match practice was obvious but he played.
Master class by the young Porto team. They are streets ahead of us.. I agree with Comm regarding the dicks that had a go at the Porto fans.. If I hadn't been at the opposite end of the ground I would have been tempted to give them a slap.
Whilst I'm not Love's biggest fan, he was playing up against one of the best wingers at that level in the game. Moyues has no say on the selection of the U23s - Dickman has said as much in an interview in the past (I'm sure I remember it but can;t find it mind so someone can correct me if I'm wrong) Love has had a few games for the U23 team I believe
Imo Love was the worst player on the pitch last night and looked the weak link. He was playing out of position at centre back in his defence. From what I've seen of Embleton and Ethan Robson I'd play them ahead of Gibson and Pienaar every day of the week and Honeyman is better than Larsson. Greenwood and Molyneux are good inverted skilful wingers and Maja and Asoro will have big futures. I'd have them in and around the first team squad next season with the "core" of players left and the new signings. Would like to see Ruddy - free Manga - free Flint/Roberts - £5m Mcgeady - £2m Naismith - free Jota - £4m Cummings £2m Assombalonga - £8m £21m outlay on 8 players. Hopefully less than we'll receive for Pickford alone. I think we'll raise around £40-50m in player sale.
