Recent content by Calidad

  1. UEFA Champions League Round of 16 - 4/3/25 - 12/3/25

    I hadn’t seen much of him prior to the first leg, but he did play well across the tie. I think Marquinhos is an excellent defender too and doesn’t get enough credit. He’s perhaps had the odd bit of misfortune in the CL (similar to Thiago Silva previously) but he’s been one of top defenders in...

  2. Marcos Asensio | on loan to Villa

    Isco was a fantastic player and one of Europe’s best AM’s at his peak. Also played very well for Spain. Agree re: Asensio though.

  3. La Liga 2024/25

    The issue with that is you’re attempting to replicate the same model, but with inferior players. As you’ve said yourself, Modric and Kroos were generational (or near) players and are not easily replaced. Rodri is a former Atletico player and would also have been prohibitively expensive. I would...

  4. La Liga 2024/25

    Don’t really get this narrative regarding Camavinga. He’s actually been very good this season despite injuries disrupting his rhythm slightly. If he could add a couple of goals to his game, you have a complete midfielder. Tchouameni has overall been disappointing after initially starting his...

  5. United reportedly approached Nuno Mendes and he looks to be staying at PSG

    He’s about a 7/10 in both attack and defence and is therefore a really solid LB. He’s fast, reads the game relatively well and glides past players easily. He was very good at the recent Euros too for Portugal. I think there’s still room for improvement and he is quite injury prone which would be...

  6. Raphinha | Barca player

    According to Wiki, he’s 4th captain - but the first two are injured (Ter Stegen and Araujo) and FDJ is the third captain.

  7. Iniesta - Is there another? | Announces retirement

    Probably my favourite midfielder, ever. He did benefit from having an excellent supporting cast at both Barcelona and the national team, but it would also be remiss to overlook his wonderful flexibility. He was excellent out wide and even better, when played centrally. He even covered the DM...

  8. How good was Pablo Aimar?

    Loved watching him during his time at Valencia. I was just in my early teens but still have decent memories of his performances. I’m not sure if he was world class, nor do I think he had the strongest of mentalities but his vision, touch and ability on the ball was elite level. Objectively...

  9. PL Gameweek 1 | 16/08/24 - 19/08/24

    The way Chelsea seemingly treat their players is pretty awful. Broja, Gallagher, Chaboloah etc forced to train separately and ostracised because they’re suddenly deemed surplus to requirements and the club is wants to force them out. Now this with Sterling, and I suspect the same will happen...

  10. Official: FC Barcelona charged with Corruption over payments to former referees chief | UEFA open investigation

    Didn’t Abidal get an erroneous red card in the same tie, with Barca needing a goal? Would seem a strange thing for the referee to do if it was a fix? Reeked more of incompetence as much as anything else.

  11. UEFA Super Cup - Real Madrid vs Atalanta

    I think they followed Yoro for some time, and probably don’t won’t to make any rash decisions. They’ll be fine if Alaba comes back, but he’s now starting to look very injury prone. Maybe they’ll revisit the situation in January. They look fine at CM though and not sure why they would look to...

  12. Is the 23/24 Premier League the most competitive it's ever been?

    Gap to City might narrow. KDB and Bernardo Silva and Walker a year older. As good as Rodri is, I don’t think they’ll be as strong in midfield next year.

  13. City and Financial Doping | Charged by PL with 130 FFP breaches | Hearing begins 16th Sep 2024 | Concluded 9th Dec 2024 - Awaiting outcome

    Also, he’s hardly a cast off. He started over 40 times for City last season. Either way it’s a lot of money. He has the movement and finishing, but does he have the physicality to lead the line by himself? Not so sure.

  14. Pre-Season Friendlies 2024

    What is Madrid’s MF like this season? Tchouameni, Valverde, Bellingham? I guess with Modric and Camavinga as rotational options? How did they set up in the friendly? Unless Bellingham countinues his goal scoring form from last season, might lack goals…

  15. Riccardo Calafiori | Signs for Arsenal

    I think he will struggle. He doesn’t have a massive amount of experience, and I personally don’t think he’ll settle well - culturally as much as anything else. Will be back in Serie A within a couple of seasons.
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