Lots of talk of him at full back but he can also play as a DM? Apparently, so he can also be a defensive midfielder..as opposed to Matuidi. It might also be BS so we'll see. We're probably preparing a bid 
Fabinho
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Darmian's defense heavily relies on the system. He is more of forcing the error type (team collective defending) than ball winning type. The period he was doing well, we played ultra possession style. The team focused on keeping shape and being disciplined. Saving grace was left wing with Luke Shaw pushing up. We still very dull going forward. With Shaw injury, Darmian was required to contribute more in attack. With Shaw was taken out the system was more unbalanced which Darmian also often to play on left wing from time to time. So no consistent XI, positions, the back line needed to be more adventurous as the front line underperformed, leading to Darmian unable to pull out his best. He was dragged into duel which is not his type.
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The choice is probably Darmian or Valencia as backup if we sign this Fabinho. Valencia scares me at right back defensively and Mourinho probably would go with a better defender first plus we probably haven't seen the best of Darmian where we have definitely seen the best of Valencia. Darmian can also play left back which is a bonus.
So unless Darmian is going to be used to get another player or receive a great offer then i can't see him leaving.
So unless Darmian is going to be used to get another player or receive a great offer then i can't see him leaving.
Fabinho? Not happening. He is not the fourth player Mou mentioned. That would be Pogba/James/Matuidi.
Yeah it's a fair point about Shaw's absence meaning greater impetus required from the right, which I think Darmian was never capable of providing. It's a problem really as a team like ours needs attacking presence on both flanks.
Those who have seen Fabinho a bit and who are saying that he isn't a rampaging attacking fullback...how is his final ball when he does go forward? If he's got a good end product, that's fine. As a lazy example, more like Ashley Cole rather than Patrice Evra? Or is his end product quite iffy as well?
Fabinho at 188cm would mean out back four should fare significantly better at aerial duels, a prevalent issue last season, particularly against the lower teams. Jose tends to have one attacking full back and one more defensive, with recent examples being Arbeloa and Azpiculeta as defensive, and Marcelo and Ivanovic more attacking. We have Shaw, as an attacking full back, and given his quality and provided he can continue where he left off, it's very likely he'll predominantly start. In that case, I can see why Jose might want to go for a defensive full back. However, I can envisage this acquisition being a hindrance, if Mkhitaryan is mainly used on the right. As it is the case, that Mhitaryan often drifts into central positions, and the width Piszczek provides for Dortmund respectively, often compensates for that. I wouldn't be particularly comfortable with Fabinho taking advantage of the space on the right.
If the money is there and Jose thinks he needs a new rb, than he won't stick to his comments regarding 4 additions.
Darmian hasn't improved, including when he was playing for Italy; TFM is not a rb imo and probably Jose doesn't see Valencia as a starting rb.
Eh, preseason has barely begun. Things could change after he's had a closer look on players. Relax.
He also said they could be further additions depending on who/if anyone leaves.
I think he said he has his four fundamental signings (Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan, Pogba and Bailly) who once signed will allow him to breathe.
Then after that he will have a look at the players and squad to make the adjustments he thinks we need plus replacements for anyone leaving (the supplemental market). This would be like the likes of Fabinho I think
Yup, that's exactly what he said.
Fabinho is not just a typical Mourinho player, he was already a Mourinho player while he was at Real Madrid and Mourinho brought him to play for the Real Madrid Castilla, their U21 team. Probably because he was a Mendes player and while neglecting Carvajal, who was championed by the club's structure, but…
Ah so we finally have a manager who tells the truth 100% of the time
It's not a question of truth. Mou has had ample time to look at his team, and come to a decision regarding additional re-inforcements. 4 players statement came out of this. He may buy 1 or 2 additional players, who knows? But it is clear that RB is not an immediate area of concern for him. He would have added one more player in his buy list otherwise.
He's also very good in midfield. As in, not just do a job, but actually do it expertly. Him and Kondogbia ran the game at the Emirates last year, and he's far more elegant than your average defender who fills in in midfield. I wouldn't be surprised if he quickly ended up our first choice defensive midfielder if he joined us.
So Fabinho isn't happening because he isn't the fourth player Mou mentioned, even though you accept that he might buy 1 or 2 additional players beyond the 4 he mentioned? Hmmm.
Fabinho is so overrated. Hardly any better than Valencia or Darmian in Torino Imo.
Overs nothing going forward and is above average defensively.
Overs nothing going forward and is above average defensively.
Think Jose will like Tony at right back. Hope TFM will get loads of games.
Not sure about Darmian, but he surely does need more time. He was great in his first few games. And he started at the beginning of the Euros for Italy. Maybe Juve fancy him...
Not sure about Darmian, but he surely does need more time. He was great in his first few games. And he started at the beginning of the Euros for Italy. Maybe Juve fancy him...
I remember watching PSG vs Monaco around the same time as the Arsenal match and he was playing in midfield there, too. I was watching, wondering who this bulldozer of a midfielder was breaking up play and distributing the ball well, and when I saw the number 2 I was pretty shocked. He looked right at home there.
Personally, I'd prefer him at RB if we signed him, but I can definitely see why he'd be played in midfield.
He was loaned by Rio Ave (Mendes controlled club) to Real Madrid and Monaco. So if he joins, expect Mendes to take a big chunk of the profit. To be fair, he did take the kid out of Fluminense and gave him a chance.
Honestly wouldn't mind it: we sorely lack a defensive midfielder with genuine mobility.
You need to check your eyes and brain.
I didn't mean it in a kind way. Its just he comfortably looks better than Darmian.
You misunderstand me. Mourinho can always buy one or two additional players if he has got money! But apart from the four he mentioned, others would be young squad options with potential, not first team certainties. Fabinho can be safely counted out.
I'm one of those who doesn't think our right back situation is as dire as some, and if anything, defensive midfield has more questions. Valencia for me is good enough to be first choice, and Darmian isn't a total lost cause either. I also think Varela is excellent, and I'd be comfortable with him playing any number of games.
and this assumption is based on...?
Common sense. Mourinho has it, so have I!
I'm still unsure as to whether Valencia and Darmian are good enough to be our starting RBs but if we went into the season with either of them starting I'd wait until we have a settled team before writing them completely off. Valencia's okay even if he is a bit suspect defensively and predictable in attack, and Darmian, despite being largely unimpressive since his first couple of games, could do with some more time before making a call on his career with us.
I agree about Varela, though. However, it looks like José might view him as a midfielder rather than a RB which I actually like. I'm hoping to see more of Varela in midfield on the tour.
Anyone else think Mendes might be reluctant in pushing this through in light of all the business we've thrown his biggest rival Raiola?
Wouldn't that be rather counter-productive? Cutting down his business with us further because it's been cut down?
Not at all. We've a good relationship with him. He's the agent of our manager, going by reports we're using him to broker the Pogba deal. And I doubt he's that petty. Plus do you even know they're rivals, or simply guessing because they're both agents?
None of Fabinho, Darmian and Valencia are good enough to play right back for us. We should have both a left back and a right back who can provide width and an attacking threat. We have Shaw and we need one for the opposite side. How about Florenzi? He's perfect on FIFA and FM
I doubt Mourinho will play with both full backs bombing forward.None of Fabinho, Darmian and Valencia are good enough to play right back for us. We should have both a left back and a right back who can provide width and an attacking threat. We have Shaw and we need one for the opposite side. How about Florenzi? He's perfect on FIFA and FM
None of Fabinho, Darmian and Valencia are good enough to play right back for us. We should have both a left back and a right back who can provide width and an attacking threat. We have Shaw and we need one for the opposite side. How about Florenzi? He's perfect on FIFA and FM
I don't think Mourinho will play with two ultra attacking FB's. But if he did I would like to see Varela given a chance at RB
Out of Fabinho, Darmian and Valencia: Fabinho looks the most likely to please everyone. He can attack, dribble, cross and shoot, but is solid in defence. I've never seen Darmian attack and Valencia has a load of critics constantly harping on about him not being a proper right back. Buy him, keep Valencia as backup, sell Darmian.
Im sure if we put an arm around him and tell him how much we like him and how great his players are he might come down from his room.
Apparently Mendes has been helping to broker all those deals
We could actually do with another defender. Not sure whether Shaw and Darmian both at the same time would be playing under Jose's reign. A more phyiscal fullback is important, i think back then Chelsea was also linked with Fabinho.
I question Darmian's mentality to cut it at the highest level, if someone offers >15 mil he can go as far as i'm concerned. Valencia has shown that he can do it, 30 mil. from PSG ain't real, but if the money is good...point is, both of them are expendable imo. We should always look for the best player and Fabinho would be a huge upgrade, imo.
I question Darmian's mentality to cut it at the highest level, if someone offers >15 mil he can go as far as i'm concerned. Valencia has shown that he can do it, 30 mil. from PSG ain't real, but if the money is good...point is, both of them are expendable imo. We should always look for the best player and Fabinho would be a huge upgrade, imo.
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