Smalling

Originally Posted by pedr0

We've struggled trying to build from the back as it is. Imagine smalling ffs, would be a calamity.

I'd go for the Celtic centre back Ajer. Physical and good on the ball. He'll probably go to Southampton and we'll spend 100m on him in two years.

You've spelt Liverpool wrong mate.

Dave and Mike trying to play out from the back would be quite a thing.

Originally Posted by NedKelly

Dave and Mike trying to play out from the back would be quite a thing.

Add AWB into the mix and PT Barnum could take them on tour.

we're terrible building out for a couple of reasons...
Harry plays the LCB and he won't pass with his left so he's always playing it to Shaw
AWB is not very good on the ball right now
We don't have a true holding mid that is decent on the ball or works to get on the ball...this being the most important issue

Smalling is comical at best on the ball...he makes Matic look like Busquets

Originally Posted by atticusgrinch

Add AWB into the mix and PT Barnum could take them on tour.

Originally Posted by bosskeano

we're terrible building out for a couple of reasons...
Harry plays the LCB and he won't pass with his left so he's always playing it to Shaw
AWB is not very good on the ball right now
We don't have a true holding mid that is decent on the ball or works to get on the ball...this being the most important issue

Smalling is comical at best on the ball...he makes Matic look like Busquets

Was calling for us to break the bank for Busquets for years.
The roundest of pegs for the roundest of holes.

Originally Posted by bosskeano

We don't have a true holding mid that is decent on the ball or works to get on the ball...this being the most important issue

you're really determined to run with this one, aren't you?

Originally Posted by atticusgrinch

Add AWB into the mix and PT Barnum could take them on tour.

We apparently played the fewest long balls in the whole league this season, Liverpool's kick and rush football was top 5 IIRC...

https://www.premierleague.com/stats/...tal_long_balls

Originally Posted by atticusgrinch

Dunk said that Smalling was better than Maguire 2 years ago mate. He won't admit he was wrong.

You are quite literally wasting your time.

Originally Posted by jem

true.

the main reason wan-b looks shit is because we don't have any wingers.

and because he's spent his years at crystal palace where a full backs job is "£#%&!ing defend and then just give it to Zaha"

Originally Posted by jem

you're really determined to run with this one, aren't you?

do you disagree?? are Matic, Fred and McT good enough to help us win in the CL? Seems like since the break Ole has lost a bit of faith in the last two guys

Originally Posted by bosskeano

do you disagree?? are Matic, Fred and McT good enough to help us win in the CL? Seems like since the break Ole has lost a bit of faith in the last two guys

matic is world class. so, yes. however, the nonsense with playing one £#%&!ing defensive midfielder has to stop.

Originally Posted by jem

matic is world class. so, yes. however, the nonsense with playing one £#%&!ing defensive midfielder has to stop.

Was. for 1 season 5 years ago..

Originally Posted by dunk

Was. for 1 season 5 years ago..

I hope you don't get a thread ban for going off-topic.

in case you hadn't noticed, matic has been our stand-out player recently. with bruno shining all too briefly and pogba shuffling around doing £#%&! all, as always, matic has held the midfield together.

five years ago, my arse.

Originally Posted by jem

I hope you don't get a thread ban for going off-topic.

in case you hadn't noticed, matic has been our stand-out player recently. with bruno shining all too briefly and pogba shuffling around doing £#%&! all, as always, matic has held the midfield together.

five years ago, my arse.

He's been adequate, mostly. Was good for the first 2 or 3 back and slowed to usual performance about the time he gave the ball to Bailly at throat height to gift Bournemouth a penalty.

Originally Posted by dunk

He's been adequate, mostly.

matic was decent years ago...was decent the first couple games when we returned but as soon as his legs go, he's shocking.

No pace, No vision...and he can not play without a partner next to him and that partner can't be Pogba

Originally Posted by bosskeano

matic was decent years ago...was decent the first couple games when we returned but as soon as his legs go, he's shocking.

No pace, No vision...and he can not play without a partner next to him and that partner can't be Pogba

he can play without a partner, but it would be madness. pogba shouldn't even be allowed in our half. if you think matic lacks pace or vision, then I fear you may.

Matic is absolutely top drawer, he just can’t play two per week for long stretches anymore. We have no one who knows that role one tenth of the level Matic does, and his basic technique is streets ahead.

Bringing Smalling back would be the definition of going backwards. Which is why he wont be coming back and if he does its because we cant sell him.