Arena "The Beautiful Game" - The Official JCC Football (Soccer) Thread.

Potential, yes... but just about the best potential that's available.

 

That's fairly meaningless without number of games played. But I imagine his GPG average would be up there?

 

I agree it's a statistic in isolation, but it's encouraging even when viewed as such. To be honest I'm not sure I can be bothered to work out the GPG average at 21 for each of those players, but I'd be surprised if Lukaku didn't come out favourably. Certainly a better deal than 20-something million for Lallana.

 

It's pointless to compare Lukaku to Adam the Llama or the fat **** Shaw, they have entirely different roles and purposes.

 

Money is money. Liverpool have overpaid for English talent. That's a fact. Not saying they won't do well, but overpay Brenda did.

 

The proof of that pudding will be in the eating. Delicious, delicious pudding.

 

Lukaku was tipped to be the 'new Drogba' for Chelsea, it has turned out that Drogba is the new Lukaku.

(not mine )

 

Peter Capaldi Romelu Lukaku Peter Capaldi Romelu Lukaku Peter Lukaku Capaldi Romelu Peter Lukaku!!!!!

 

What do you think you'll get for him, Everton ?

 

So did Kenwright have to sell the stadium to get the money for Lukaku?

Good deal for Chelsea, seeing as they have to comply with the FFP

 

If he stays for two or three years, helps us push on, then goes for more than we paid, that's absolutely fine.

EDIT: Plus, that was his opinion twelve months ago. Back then I'm certain he saw the loan as a step towards leading the line at Chelsea or moving back to the continent. Neither option came to pass. So whilst I think he now knows he needs to be the main man at a good club for a couple of years to attract the attention of a 'bigger club', he's also open to the idea of sticking around if my some miracle 4th place can be achieved this season or next.

I think it's a fantastic signing. For no bigger reason than this preserves the side that finished 5th last year. Stability is a huge deal, and is the advantage we have over some of the sides around us or immediately above us - Liverpool, Spurs, Manchester United (when they do spend), Arsenal... they are all buying more players who won't necessarily gel. Liverpool in particular. I know that this sounds like a way of excusing a lack of investment at Goodison, and in part it probably is, but letting this squad build on last year without too much disruption isn't a bad thing.

 

Also Ross Barkley, the most coveted English talent since the Player of his Generation ®, isn't going anywhere.

 

It isn't building on last year, it's standing still.

Liverpool are buying players because of the influx of money and because there are more games. Although you're probably loathe to say it outloud, but I bet you think Everton will finish above Liverpool. That Liverpool will implode. But that's fanciful thinking, and that's a fact.

To go back to "over paying for English players", Lukaku cost the same as two Daniel Sturridges and a Ricky Lambert. I know which I'd prefer.

I also looked at Lukaku's stats, and the majority of goals were scored in the mighty Belgium league, so yeah, that table is a bit of a nonsense. He is slightly under a one in two striker in England, which is good and a more accurate star.

Also, no Bertrand to Liverpool. Wooohooo!

 

Paulie. Building on last season does not necessarily equate to buying more players. Stability is a fantastic thing. That's a fact. New faces are great to, but not until they gel. There's a slim chance of finishing above Liverpool, but it's unlikely... though please do keep trying to read my mind. Sturridge was bought when he was a bit of a gamble, but a good prospect. He flourished alongside Suarez. I doubt he'll get as many this season. Looking at his stats before last season (given that he's 24 now) hardly puts him in a higher bracket than Lukaku. As for Lambert... lol... given the choice you wouldn't have had him at Liverpool. He'll look out of his depth very quickly, and you know it. Lukaku has scored more EPL goals in the last two years than anyone except Suarez and van Persie. I think that's everything. No, wait... I'll read your mind. You know Lukaku is a great signing but are loathe to admit it.

 

If anything happens to Costa then Chelsea have an old Drogba and a continually **** Torres to fall back on. Good luck with that. Also, turning loanees into permanent deals signified progress in my eyes.

halibut heels1785 thoughts on Lampard playing for City for the first half of the season?

 

It saddens me as he said he'd never play for another PL team. But I don't think he really had a choice in the matter. As heels said, it will be awful seeing him in that kit. But at least it's not a red kit.

 

Mourinho has said he was offered a new deal. So make of that what you will.


On another, Wenger-and-his-open-wallet-related, note, I am intrigued by Carvalho but would still love us to sign Khedira. £150k a week is a lot to pay a defensive midfielder, though. No matter how good he is.


-JR

 

So United win the International Champions Cup.
It was an interesting series of matches adopting LVGs new style. I like that it helps the attacking players but I do worry about defence. United conceded two penalties in two games, having a back 3 can cause problems against a good attacking side especially if you have wingers who need to drop back & defend which isn't. Their strength.

Still, preseason wins over Real Madrid & Liverpool are good for the team. Winning a trophy gives them confidence in the new system

 

Need new defenders. And another midfielder. I like how It fits RVP, Rooney and Mata in. Given they're the best 3 players, it's the way to go. Something Moyes never understood playing Mata out wide and Rooney in the 10.

In fact, given in many ways England's problems, particularly with Rooney, mirror United's off last season, Roy should given the formation a go too. It will help that Shaw, Smalling and Jones will all eventually get used to it. Plus I could see Johnson actually do okay in such a setup.