James Rodriguez | joins Bayern Munich | 2 year loan

James Rodriguez - should we go for him?

  • Yes

    Votes: 404 34.6%
  • No

    Votes: 565 48.4%
  • I hate Silly Season

    Votes: 198 17.0%

  • Total voters
    1,167
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Just because he hasn't in a while doesn't mean his ability to do so has just dissapeared. The notion is just plain ridiculous. There is zero reason why he can't operate as a wide playmaker like Hazard did when he last won Mourinho a league title and like Mhikitaryan did in his best year for Dortmund (and like he has done in his best games for us.) Mourinho after all has always preferred width from his full backs. He prefers his wide men to operate like inside forwards, which for example is how he used CR7 and ADM in his record breaking title winning season at Real. Surely James and Mhikitaryan could do similar for us. Leaving the pure pace and finishing to any new 9 we get and a Griezmann.

The two people you compared James to were Hazard and Mhikitaryan who are miles quicker than James is. You don't get time on the ball in the PL and I don't think James can do that. And by playing with inverted wingers, we constantly narrow our style of play. Yes, it's good to get width from our full backs but not everyone is Valencia who can operate up and down the right wing for 90 min.
 
There are so many players to pick from Madrid and to settle for James is not something I would be too happy with. James has fallen out with Benitez and Zidane. What makes you think he won't fall out with Mourinho? Mourinho is not exactly the pleasant sort. He tends to rip them apart in front of the media like he has done for Martial, Mhiki and Luke Shaw.
 
Typical Madrid, they always seem to get the player they want and get shot of their shitter one's for an extortionate price.
 
I would only want James if Mourinho would use him as n10. He was terrific in that role for colombia at the world cup.

-------------Fabinho-------Pogba-----------------
Mkhitaryan--------James------------Martial
------------------Griezmann-------------------

Or

------------Fabinho-------Pogba----------------
Mkhitaryan------James----------Griezmann
------------------Rashford--------------------

With the option of shifting Pogba a bit further up and playing with a 3th midfielder if needed and Mata/Lingard and one of Rashford/Martial as back-up as rotational options, would be a strong team
 
The matter of fact is that if we get James, we won't get Griezmann and the only reason is because you can't have James playing behind Griezmann. I have my doubts on that working out. Mhiki was bought to play as a No. 10 and he hasn't really played there much. If given the opportunity consistently, he will excel. He's a lot quicker than James. James hasn't really set the world a light being a Madrid player with all the players that Madrid have. The point I'm trying to make is that he won't be able to do much in our team that has inferior midfield compared to Madrid. And when dropped, he's going to sulk and create a sour atmosphere within the team. Has a lot of shades of Di Maria in this deal.

Griezmann to play at No. 10 any day over James.
Given a choice between James and Griezmann, I would take James cos I think he is easier to fit into our current system. To illustrate, you can compare Ozil, james and Griezmann in the #10 role behind the CF: Ozil = lot of creativity but minimal goals; Griezmann = lot of goals but minimal creativity, and james=50% goals + 50% creativity. I think the team currently lacks the creativity more than the finishing. We lack that player that creates easy chances for the other attackers - currently everyone wants to score first

Griezmann is a unique player that we would need to build the attack around, and the attack could become dysfunctional in his absence. If we add Griezmann, you would still need a creative winger (if not 2 for balance) like Silva, otherwise all his runs will be wasted with no one to take advantage of it. If Griezmann is absent, we really dont have anyone that can truly fill in and that may necessitate shuffling the attack which is not good. Mata can try to fill in but will be quite limited and Mkhi is more suited to moving with the ball than without it. The closest current player is Lingard but he does not have the level of quality.

Mkhi needs more space to be impactful, and like at Dortmund, is better suited to starting on the right and drifting centrally occasionally (Kagawa was the CAM). Mkhi can play as CAM but that is not his best role imo. If we get James or any other creative AM, both Mkhi and Mata can still deputize well enough and you can even force Pogba into such a role if needed.

Di Maria was a different case as he was sold by Madrid to finance James. Even before Di maria was sold by Madrid, as soon as he signed the big contract, his performances dipped. Also LvG system is not quite suited to a player like Di Maria. James on the other hand wants to leave Madrid (not madrid wanting to sell) cos he is not getting enough playing time (even though his performances say he should). James issue at Madrid is not unique as Isco, and Morata have similar issues - lack of playing time even while performances suggest otherwise. If he comes, given his quality, I expect him to be a starter and while there is risk of a flop, but that risk exists with all transfers. Actually one of the best bargains are often players who are deemed surplus at madrid with Robben and Sneijder being prime examples. Whatever club James moves to, I expect him to go the extra mile just to prove it to Zidane and the Madrid management.

This does not mean that I am proposing getting James at some ridiculous price, but at about 50m I would consider it a good buy over a 100m Griezmann unless there are better alternatives at similar or lower price which I dont see at the moment.
 
Given a choice between James and Griezmann, I would take James cos I think he is easier to fit into our current system. To illustrate, you can compare Ozil, james and Griezmann in the #10 role behind the CF: Ozil = lot of creativity but minimal goals; Griezmann = lot of goals but minimal creativity, and james=50% goals + 50% creativity. I think the team currently lacks the creativity more than the finishing. We lack that player that creates easy chances for the other attackers - currently everyone wants to score first

I beg to differ that we need someone whose creative than finishing. You do realize that the main issue this season has been that we've created umpteen chances but haven't had the personnel to actually put those chances away. Zlatan has scored majority of those goals but then again, he has missed a huge chunk as well. The reason why majority of the forum want Griezmann is because he's a goal scorer. We need goal scorers. No point having James create and then what? we end up in the same boat. No one to put those chances away.

Now I'm against the idea of having a No. 10 to begin with, but that's just my view. I think we need to switch to a 4-3-3 which implies that Pogba plays higher up the field which also means we just need a trio who can create chances, attack and put away those chances. That's where Griezmann is very good because he's much quicker than James. Griezmann can lead the line all by himself, James cannot. Sure, you can put James on the right of that attacking trio but I don't think he's quick enough. That's the same reason why he doesn't play in the attacking trio for Madrid (Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale are preferred)

As for creativity, Mhiki is a very creative attacking midfielder and he's quick too. There's a probability that James could struggle coming and playing for United. You barely get any time on the ball and that's the main reason Mhiki has struggled. Let me remind you that he was the Bundesliga Player of the Year before he joined us ahead of Robben, Lewandowski, Aubameyang and others. So for you to think James will come and work wonders, is being kinda naive.

Moving on to the price tag, James is being quoted at 50M pounds, I don't think he's worth that much. He's at best worth 35M since his progression has kinda declined in that past year or so. It could perhaps be because he doesn't play enough. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. In comparison, Griezmann has a buy out clause of 87M pounds which is definitely a lot of money. I think based on inflation, he's worth 65M considering the fact that he's been the focal point of which France qualified for the finals in the Euros and he also took Athletico to the finals of the Champions League last year as well. This year he's again in the semi finals on the Champions League. He's performed at the highest level. Not to mention, he came in third behind Messi and Ronaldo in the Ballon D'or. Now that's ahead of Neymar and Bale which is a very good feat to achieve. As for James, he's a tier below Griezmann in my opinion.

Now moving on to dressing room chemistry, Griezmann gets along with Pogba, Martial and he's got a proactive attitude about him. He's a team player. However, James is a primadonna. I believe I read an article earlier this year which saw one of the James' teammates criticizing his attitude when playing for Colombia. He said he got pissed off at one of his teammates when they didn't pass the ball to him and subsequently compared that attitude to CR7. Now when you're talented like CR7, I think you could possibly get away with it but when you're not, you come across as being a jerk. He's had issues with Benitez and Zidane and my guess is, he will have a problem with Mourinho as well. This season and the season with Chelsea, Mourinho tends to criticize his players in the media which may not go down with James too well since he's got an ego. In comparison, Griezmann is a very chilled out guy who will help motivate the players around him which makes me a better fit at United.

Griezmann is expensive but we've got the money to spend. So why not spend on the best and we need goal scorers considering we're not going to get Zlatan back.
 
James is a lot closer to Robben and Sneijder than Ozil and Di Maria, for me. The trouble with the latter two was their attitude, and that was partly driven by the fact they'd already reached the pinnacle of their career at Madrid - and knew it - and they were forced out by the Madrid hierarchy. James, like the other two, had good periods at Madrid but never fully established himself as a key player, still has an awful lot to prove at the highest level of club football and is the one pushing for a move to do so.
 
I beg to differ that we need someone whose creative than finishing. You do realize that the main issue this season has been that we've created umpteen chances but haven't had the personnel to actually put those chances away. Zlatan has scored majority of those goals but then again, he has missed a huge chunk as well. The reason why majority of the forum want Griezmann is because he's a goal scorer. We need goal scorers. No point having James create and then what? we end up in the same boat. No one to put those chances away.

Now I'm against the idea of having a No. 10 to begin with, but that's just my view. I think we need to switch to a 4-3-3 which implies that Pogba plays higher up the field which also means we just need a trio who can create chances, attack and put away those chances. That's where Griezmann is very good because he's much quicker than James. Griezmann can lead the line all by himself, James cannot. Sure, you can put James on the right of that attacking trio but I don't think he's quick enough. That's the same reason why he doesn't play in the attacking trio for Madrid (Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale are preferred)

As for creativity, Mhiki is a very creative attacking midfielder and he's quick too. There's a probability that James could struggle coming and playing for United. You barely get any time on the ball and that's the main reason Mhiki has struggled. Let me remind you that he was the Bundesliga Player of the Year before he joined us ahead of Robben, Lewandowski, Aubameyang and others. So for you to think James will come and work wonders, is being kinda naive.

Moving on to the price tag, James is being quoted at 50M pounds, I don't think he's worth that much. He's at best worth 35M since his progression has kinda declined in that past year or so. It could perhaps be because he doesn't play enough. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. In comparison, Griezmann has a buy out clause of 87M pounds which is definitely a lot of money. I think based on inflation, he's worth 65M considering the fact that he's been the focal point of which France qualified for the finals in the Euros and he also took Athletico to the finals of the Champions League last year as well. This year he's again in the semi finals on the Champions League. He's performed at the highest level. Not to mention, he came in third behind Messi and Ronaldo in the Ballon D'or. Now that's ahead of Neymar and Bale which is a very good feat to achieve. As for James, he's a tier below Griezmann in my opinion.

Now moving on to dressing room chemistry, Griezmann gets along with Pogba, Martial and he's got a proactive attitude about him. He's a team player. However, James is a primadonna. I believe I read an article earlier this year which saw one of the James' teammates criticizing his attitude when playing for Colombia. He said he got pissed off at one of his teammates when they didn't pass the ball to him and subsequently compared that attitude to CR7. Now when you're talented like CR7, I think you could possibly get away with it but when you're not, you come across as being a jerk. He's had issues with Benitez and Zidane and my guess is, he will have a problem with Mourinho as well. This season and the season with Chelsea, Mourinho tends to criticize his players in the media which may not go down with James too well since he's got an ego. In comparison, Griezmann is a very chilled out guy who will help motivate the players around him which makes me a better fit at United.

Griezmann is expensive but we've got the money to spend. So why not spend on the best and we need goal scorers considering we're not going to get Zlatan back.
That's right, and well explained. You'd have to be nuts to prefer James.
 
James is a lot closer to Robben and Sneijder than Ozil and Di Maria, for me. The trouble with the latter two was their attitude, and that was partly driven by the fact they'd already reached the pinnacle of their career at Madrid - and knew it - and they were forced out by the Madrid hierarchy. James, like the other two, had good periods at Madrid but never fully established himself as a key player, still has an awful lot to prove at the highest level of club football and is the one pushing for a move to do so.
I tend to agree. I don't think James would be a bad signing at all - provided, of course, that he's one of 4 or 5 additions. If he's looking for a move, someone is likely to get a very determined player.
 
I beg to differ that we need someone whose creative than finishing. You do realize that the main issue this season has been that we've created umpteen chances but haven't had the personnel to actually put those chances away. Zlatan has scored majority of those goals but then again, he has missed a huge chunk as well. The reason why majority of the forum want Griezmann is because he's a goal scorer. We need goal scorers. No point having James create and then what? we end up in the same boat. No one to put those chances away.

Now I'm against the idea of having a No. 10 to begin with, but that's just my view. I think we need to switch to a 4-3-3 which implies that Pogba plays higher up the field which also means we just need a trio who can create chances, attack and put away those chances. That's where Griezmann is very good because he's much quicker than James. Griezmann can lead the line all by himself, James cannot. Sure, you can put James on the right of that attacking trio but I don't think he's quick enough. That's the same reason why he doesn't play in the attacking trio for Madrid (Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale are preferred)

As for creativity, Mhiki is a very creative attacking midfielder and he's quick too. There's a probability that James could struggle coming and playing for United. You barely get any time on the ball and that's the main reason Mhiki has struggled. Let me remind you that he was the Bundesliga Player of the Year before he joined us ahead of Robben, Lewandowski, Aubameyang and others. So for you to think James will come and work wonders, is being kinda naive.

Moving on to the price tag, James is being quoted at 50M pounds, I don't think he's worth that much. He's at best worth 35M since his progression has kinda declined in that past year or so. It could perhaps be because he doesn't play enough. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. In comparison, Griezmann has a buy out clause of 87M pounds which is definitely a lot of money. I think based on inflation, he's worth 65M considering the fact that he's been the focal point of which France qualified for the finals in the Euros and he also took Athletico to the finals of the Champions League last year as well. This year he's again in the semi finals on the Champions League. He's performed at the highest level. Not to mention, he came in third behind Messi and Ronaldo in the Ballon D'or. Now that's ahead of Neymar and Bale which is a very good feat to achieve. As for James, he's a tier below Griezmann in my opinion.

Now moving on to dressing room chemistry, Griezmann gets along with Pogba, Martial and he's got a proactive attitude about him. He's a team player. However, James is a primadonna. I believe I read an article earlier this year which saw one of the James' teammates criticizing his attitude when playing for Colombia. He said he got pissed off at one of his teammates when they didn't pass the ball to him and subsequently compared that attitude to CR7. Now when you're talented like CR7, I think you could possibly get away with it but when you're not, you come across as being a jerk. He's had issues with Benitez and Zidane and my guess is, he will have a problem with Mourinho as well. This season and the season with Chelsea, Mourinho tends to criticize his players in the media which may not go down with James too well since he's got an ego. In comparison, Griezmann is a very chilled out guy who will help motivate the players around him which makes me a better fit at United.

Griezmann is expensive but we've got the money to spend. So why not spend on the best and we need goal scorers considering we're not going to get Zlatan back.
I don't think it's as clear cut as just getting a clinical finisher. Of all the games we've drawn half have been due to bad finishing and the others we've created very little and a draw was the deserved result. Yes our early season draws definitely came down to bad finishing but looking at our more recent games we've created very little especially without Pogba. Which one of our number 10 has been consistent this season? All have shined at some point or another and then look equally useless in other games. The reason we all look for the 4-3-3 is because we've gotten better performances on a more consistent basis, but it's very unlikely we'll be able to play that with either James or Griezman. I do think we'll get Griezman this summer but doubt his role will be to lead the line, more a false 9/10. Hopefully we also get a player like James or Isco (referring more to his play style) as it would be just as important.
 
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Why would we buy Rodriguez? Sell Mata and don't spend the Rodriguez money and we would have enough cash to go after Alli.
 
The two people you compared James to were Hazard and Mhikitaryan who are miles quicker than James is. You don't get time on the ball in the PL and I don't think James can do that. And by playing with inverted wingers, we constantly narrow our style of play. Yes, it's good to get width from our full backs but not everyone is Valencia who can operate up and down the right wing for 90 min.
Mata does it with his slowness. Silva too at City. The way people talk of James's pace one would think he is another Blind or Riquelme. Yet he is faster than both Silva and Mata. James is more than good enough on the ball to get out of tight spaces and is not so slow that he can't get away from anyone. People forget this is a league in which Beckham with average pace and no dribbling was a wing god. James is quicker than that, exceptional on the ball and isn't a totally lazy type. Even working as hard as Mata tries too would be enough for him to survive EPL flanks IMO. Especially if a Griezmann is in the same team. After all EPL fulbacks no longer get tight to wide operators in defensive areas.
 
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Not every Real player is a massive bellend like Di Maria. Bayern got Robben from Real and he's been an incredible signing for them.

Inter got Wesley Sneijder from Real and considering the impact he made, it was almost like stealing a Messi.
 
When
I beg to differ that we need someone whose creative than finishing. You do realize that the main issue this season has been that we've created umpteen chances but haven't had the personnel to actually put those chances away. Zlatan has scored majority of those goals but then again, he has missed a huge chunk as well. The reason why majority of the forum want Griezmann is because he's a goal scorer. We need goal scorers. No point having James create and then what? we end up in the same boat. No one to put those chances away.

Now I'm against the idea of having a No. 10 to begin with, but that's just my view. I think we need to switch to a 4-3-3 which implies that Pogba plays higher up the field which also means we just need a trio who can create chances, attack and put away those chances. That's where Griezmann is very good because he's much quicker than James. Griezmann can lead the line all by himself, James cannot. Sure, you can put James on the right of that attacking trio but I don't think he's quick enough. That's the same reason why he doesn't play in the attacking trio for Madrid (Ronaldo, Benzema and Bale are preferred)

As for creativity, Mhiki is a very creative attacking midfielder and he's quick too. There's a probability that James could struggle coming and playing for United. You barely get any time on the ball and that's the main reason Mhiki has struggled. Let me remind you that he was the Bundesliga Player of the Year before he joined us ahead of Robben, Lewandowski, Aubameyang and others. So for you to think James will come and work wonders, is being kinda naive.

Moving on to the price tag, James is being quoted at 50M pounds, I don't think he's worth that much. He's at best worth 35M since his progression has kinda declined in that past year or so. It could perhaps be because he doesn't play enough. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. In comparison, Griezmann has a buy out clause of 87M pounds which is definitely a lot of money. I think based on inflation, he's worth 65M considering the fact that he's been the focal point of which France qualified for the finals in the Euros and he also took Athletico to the finals of the Champions League last year as well. This year he's again in the semi finals on the Champions League. He's performed at the highest level. Not to mention, he came in third behind Messi and Ronaldo in the Ballon D'or. Now that's ahead of Neymar and Bale which is a very good feat to achieve. As for James, he's a tier below Griezmann in my opinion.

Now moving on to dressing room chemistry, Griezmann gets along with Pogba, Martial and he's got a proactive attitude about him. He's a team player. However, James is a primadonna. I believe I read an article earlier this year which saw one of the James' teammates criticizing his attitude when playing for Colombia. He said he got pissed off at one of his teammates when they didn't pass the ball to him and subsequently compared that attitude to CR7. Now when you're talented like CR7, I think you could possibly get away with it but when you're not, you come across as being a jerk. He's had issues with Benitez and Zidane and my guess is, he will have a problem with Mourinho as well. This season and the season with Chelsea, Mourinho tends to criticize his players in the media which may not go down with James too well since he's got an ego. In comparison, Griezmann is a very chilled out guy who will help motivate the players around him which makes me a better fit at United.

Griezmann is expensive but we've got the money to spend. So why not spend on the best and we need goal scorers considering we're not going to get Zlatan back.
Mkhi has only 5 assists in 26+10 games, but he has scored 11 goals. That indicates he is more of a scorer than a provider. Same with Mata, he has only 6 assists in 30+9 games but has scored 10 goals. Zlatan often had to drop back to help create opportunities instead of waiting to get on the end of a good pass like a normal CF would.

So far, the top assist providers for United in all competitions this season are
Herrera - 11 in 41+4 games
Rooney - 10 in 21+ games
Zlatan - 9 in 41+5 games
That list consists of a CM/DM, a worn SS on his way out and a 35yr old CF that seems to know the secret of immortality. Two of those 3 are unlikely to play any significant role next season, leaving Herrera as the primary source going into next season. Those stats are evidence of a team that lacks a true creative source in the final 3rd and unfortunately, Griezmann is not the solution as he is even more inclined towards scoring (with 25 goals vs 11 assists). One can look at other top teams for comparison.

Yes, we seem to have many shots (even on goal) but most often they are half chances and not clear chances (the sort that comes from breaking down or unlocking a defence). This is not to say that the finishing could not be better, but that with a more creative midfielder, there would be more clear chances, and even if the finishing does not improve, there would still be more goals. Also, goal scoring for a lot of strikers depend on rhythm and confidence, and those easy chances would help the striker develop confidence and rhythm, making the harder chance easier to convert. Once a striker starts to overthink instead of shooting almost on instinct, even the best finisher could end up in a drought. Bottom line, whether its James, Ozil, Silva or any other AM, the team needs a creative AM to make the attack potent and effective. This is also important for whoever the incoming CF will be - easier chances would help him settle in faster.

My opinion is that given what is currently on the roster, particular the issue of the best role for Pogba, a 4-2-3-1 is better suited as the base formation with a 4-3-3 used against the occasional better midfield opposition. But that is an entirely different argument. Whether we play with a #10/CAM or not, the need for creativity remains and its a personnel problem which a change in formation cannot resolve.

This does not take away from Griezmann as he is clearly superior to all the attacking players we currently have, but i just dont think he is what we need the most. Add the price tag, and one can see that there is better value to be had upgrading other areas. Griezmann is well suited and vital to the atletico system, but I think his value would be diminished at a team like United. I think we have enough options that can score the needed goals if given enough chances. If we buy him, Griezmann would probably score a lot of chances we have missed this season, but that only means he is a better finisher and does not make the chances any easier. When he is not available, the other players would still have to finish those hard chances. On the other hand, the absence of a creative midfielder is less catastrophic, if the players have developed enough confidence to finish the half chances in his absence.

In the current market, £20-35m is what you pay for squad players and I doubt you could get a player of James caliber in that range. Last summer, sissoko, sane, mkhi, and mane all cost about £30-40m. This summer, I expect similar players to cost £40-50m (if not more) and I rate James higher than those listed.

James currently has the 3rd most assist for Madrid (behind Kroos and Marcelo) despite playing less time and often out of position. he has also scored 9 goals which places him 6th (behind CR, Morata, benzema, Ramos and Isco). When he has been on the field, he has performed well,as shown recently against Barcelona, Deportivo and Valencia. He moves well with and without the ball, and a player of his quality should have no problem playing in any league.

James is captain of the Colombian team, and if he is a cancer in the locker room, he shouldnt have been able to lead them successfully for so long. I have no problem with him chewing out a player who failed to make the correct pass cos he was seeking his own selfish end. Asprilla actually felt James picked the habit off his close friendship with CR. A lot of very good players have such tendencies which does not necessarily make them a bad character.

James had a very good seasons playing for Porto, Monaco and under Ancelotti at Madrid. His issues came after, which to me indicates it stems from the coaching changes at Madrid not the player. James issue with Benitez seems to have started when Benitez wanted him to return earlier to camp despite the club having given James an extension due to the copa america. James showed up on the prior agreed date, which benitez deemed late. Benitez subsequently accused James of being overweight, which given the kids physique was hard to believe. Dont think their relationship ever recovered. With Zidane, I think its more of issues with lack of playing time.

James does not play at Madrid primarily cos of politics. Be it on the order of Perez, marketing needs and/or personal relationships with the coach, Zidane has made it clear that CR, Benzema and Bale will always start whenever they can crawl on to the pitch. This has left Morata, James and Isco on the bench, even when the trio have performed well when called upon. Benzema has been particularly terrible while Bale has simply been out injured (but Zidane was quick to put him on the pitch for el classico where it was obvious he was not fully recovered and out of form). Most madrid fans are hoping that the management gets rid of benzema and Bale this summer, in hope of convincing both James and Morata to stay.
 
Simply 'do not want'. I'd be amazed if he ends up here anyway. We need two no.9's, not another 10 even though some good points are made in relation to our current players assist ratios. If you could get him on the cheap, then he's a 'maybe', but as of now we definitely need to spend on other areas.
 
Could someone explain the difference between James Rodriguez and Bernardo Silva? Both can play as a #10, both can play wide and both are playmakers rather than goalscorers. So why do some people on the site want one and not the other? There must be some big differences in terms of how they play.
 
Could someone explain the difference between James Rodriguez and Bernardo Silva? Both can play as a #10, both can play wide and both are playmakers rather than goalscorers. So why do some people on the site want one and not the other? There must be some big differences in terms of how they play.
Ones better or at least has more potential then the other (hint: Hes Portugese). Also I wouldnt take silva either if it was just a straight swap for DDG, which seems like it would happen if he came here.


Silva's being touted as sub 50 million, definitely much more value for money then what James would cost.
 
Dont really care about this transfer. He is a risk but has the potential to be world class, if Mou can sort out his attitude and injury problems. Griezmann as 9, Rod at 10, Martial and Mkhi on the wings, that would be some lineup
 
Could someone explain the difference between James Rodriguez and Bernardo Silva? Both can play as a #10, both can play wide and both are playmakers rather than goalscorers. So why do some people on the site want one and not the other? There must be some big differences in terms of how they play.

Bernardo Silva is agile, has a higher work rate, better dribbler, more like Coutinho.

James Rodriguez is slow in every way and he can't dribble, but can find a pass out of nowhere and has a great cross and shot. He also has that X factor.
 
Could someone explain the difference between James Rodriguez and Bernardo Silva? Both can play as a #10, both can play wide and both are playmakers rather than goalscorers. So why do some people on the site want one and not the other? There must be some big differences in terms of how they play.
To me they are different kind of players.

Silva can play in the middle but is better suited on the flanks. He is very fast and can dribble at pace with very short strides. He is most dangerous running at defenders and luring them to commit to those silly tackles. His runs typically attract defenders to him, which creates spaces for his team mates to exploit. But he is on the smaller side, and the congestion and physicality of playing through the middle would take away his strong points and expose his weaknesses. Silva is younger and has shown a lot of potential.

James on the other hand is best as a #10 (behind the CF) but can play on the flank. He is not as fast as Silva but is bigger and stronger. He can also dribble, but his dribbling style is more suited to tight spaces than taking on defenders at full speed. His slower pace limits his effectiveness on the flanks. He is also a very good finisher, moves well off the ball, and can deliver on set pieces as well. He does have the "television goal" in him, so some might find him more entertaining.

Ideally, we would get both, with James in the middle and Silva on the right flank. If the rumored prices of about 50m each is true, I will take their combo over a lone 100m Griezmann.
 
Ones better or at least has more potential then the other (hint: Hes Portugese). Also I wouldnt take silva either if it was just a straight swap for DDG, which seems like it would happen if he came here.


Silva's being touted as sub 50 million, definitely much more value for money then what James would cost.

Bernardo Silva is agile, has a higher work rate, better dribbler, more like Coutinho.

James Rodriguez is slow in every way and he can't dribble, but can find a pass out of nowhere and has a great cross and shot. He also has that X factor.

To me they are different kind of players.

Silva can play in the middle but is better suited on the flanks. He is very fast and can dribble at pace with very short strides. He is most dangerous running at defenders and luring them to commit to those silly tackles. His runs typically attract defenders to him, which creates spaces for his team mates to exploit. But he is on the smaller side, and the congestion and physicality of playing through the middle would take away his strong points and expose his weaknesses. Silva is younger and has shown a lot of potential.

James on the other hand is best as a #10 (behind the CF) but can play on the flank. He is not as fast as Silva but is bigger and stronger. He can also dribble, but his dribbling style is more suited to tight spaces than taking on defenders at full speed. His slower pace limits his effectiveness on the flanks. He is also a very good finisher, moves well off the ball, and can deliver on set pieces as well. He does have the "television goal" in him, so some might find him more entertaining.

Ideally, we would get both, with James in the middle and Silva on the right flank. If the rumored prices of about 50m each is true, I will take their combo over a lone 100m Griezmann.

Interesting analysis. I heard James Rodriguez was available flr around €35m if I recall which would be even better. Both are also clients of Jorge Mendes, Mourinho's agent which might make potential deals easier. If De Gea has to go, trying to get Rodriguez + cash (e.g. £30m) or Rodriguez + Varane (because of Rojo's injury) might be really valuable.

?
Mkhitaryan - Rodriguez - Silva
Pogba - Herrera
? - Rojo - Bailly - Valencia
?
I suspect our attack would be a lot better, and then we could go for Oblak as a replacement GK and potentially still have cash available to get a Left-back and possibly a Striker (or even demand Rodriuez + Morata for De Gea).

I think that team might be more attainable than fitting Griezmann in as well. The problem is that I don't think Silva and Mkhitaryan are adding enough goals, Rodriguez could potentially but really if you had Griezmann + a reliable Striker you have two playmakers either side and two goalscorers for the balance of the attack.
 
If we can get Morata + Rodriguez for De Gea and add Silva for 50m, then we can still play Rashford as LWF and have Martial, Mkhi, Mata, and Lingard for rotation and/or coming of the bench. Such a mix in the attack should have enough quality, depth and versatility to challenge for titles, and, as a bonus, wouldn't break the bank.

We then need a new GK, DM, LB and two CBs to round things out but players on the defensive end tend to come cheaper and total cost for all five shoul be less than 150m.

Its an interesting analysis but dont think we will see that many new players in a single window.
 
Potentially he could be a great signing. At least, we would get a good signed player out of him under Mourinho.

James is definitely quality, and would upgraded our overall squad quality to the next level. He's capable of performing at the highest level too and under pressure (World Cup and playing for Real) so perfect for our club. We need more quality players in our squad plus a bit more player who have ego. He'll have to adapt to the EPL though so there'll be harsh criticisms in the early part of next season if he joins. Pretty much, definitely he'll improve our squad. Good at scoring goals, helps solving our finishing and goal scoring issues. Plus, he would improve our attacks even further with his many attacking qualities. We still need natural finisher though.

I didn't follow Real that much, so I'm not sure how his manners and attitude are, but he's fighting for a place in Real right so definitely a fighter, and doesn't seem to be reported having falling out with Zidane nor excessive complain being dropped right? Moreover, he doesn't seem to be a player that hides in games especially against the top teams. So, I'm just going to assume he have the right mentality for us. And he high likely will work well under Mourinho. Also, he would have to adapt a lot to Jose's demands in tactics, James would need to do more defensive work, which I think won't be a problem.

My only small concern is whether he would clash or get in the way of Pogba during matches. The question would be can they play together effectively at the same time, or get in each other's way. I'm not too worried though, Mourinho is a class manager, he could arrange various certain tactics and formation that would get the best of all his players and able for them to play together without getting in each other way, as we can see from this season - Martial and Pogba, plus Pogba and Herrera.

Additionally, for sure he would improve the financial aspects of our club. Plus greater reputations too I suppose. Us signing another potential world class player (good age too 25) would improve our image and brings confidence in breaking back to the highest football level. Money is not really a big problem for us.

More importantly, this would lead to greater competitions for the no.10 and wing positions, so Mkhi and Martial have to start performing or else necessarily drop. It's frustrating when they don't play up to their standard. It would also lowered down Lingard in the pecking order. Except Mata, all of them fail to perform high standard for us this season. Part of the reasons why we struggle too. So, in theory, James will bring good improvements. Downside, prolly this would mean Pereira have less gaming times, but I'm not worried about that too since Pereira is a hard worker and Mourinho rewards playing times to them, as evidence from this season.

:cool:No harm in signing him. Just buy him~
 
James can play on the opposite flank to Mhikitaryan. People forget he started out at Porto on the flanks. He is not only a 10.

Come on Chief, that is a recipe for disaster in the English league. When are United going to learn, play wingers out wide FFS stop signing number 10's and then playing them out of position on the flank.

Year after year subjected to the same shit since Moyes.
 
If Real offered £50m and James in exchange for DDG, would United accept?

I would prefer Kroos than James, we need a DCM more than a ACM. I had to edit my post as I don't have anymore posts left for today. @El General 1994 De Gea is indispensable for us, we need to get something which is as valuable as DDG in return.
 
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If Real offered £50m and James in exchange for DDG, would United accept?

I would sign with both hands but we will never get this kind of deal, people saying we shouldn't accept that live in lalaland.

James is a £50m player easily in todays market and that is with his hype down in the gutter because if he would start performing at his best like at the world cup he would be outright impossible for us to sign. Another £50m in cash would make that a £100m deal for DDG, we will never get that, if we do we should take it without any doubts.

I'd say if United can negotiate a deal for James + £20m in exchange for DDG they would have made a very good deal.

A straight swap for both let alone us paying cash on top of it would be a bad deal no doubt about it. DDG should be worth easily £60m-£70m, I think for James you need to count on £40m-£50m valuation.

Not saying we should sign however but getting him as part of DDG deal wouldn't be all that bad I think. He is a good player, don't know why so many on here think he isn't. I would be just as happy signing B.Silva however.
 
A straight swap for both let alone us paying cash on top of it would be a bad deal no doubt about it. DDG should be worth easily £60m-£70m, I think for James you need to count on £40m-£50m valuation.

How marketable do you think James is? Would a good amount of Columbians rush out a buy a United jersey with his name on? Genuinely interested to know?
 
If Real offered £50m and James in exchange for DDG, would United accept?

If De Gea makes it clear he wants to leave then yes that's a fantastic (and very unrealistic!) offer. If he's happy here and genuinely wants to stay then absolutely not.
 
It is not unrealistic today a DDG for James+£20m swap and United going for Schmeichel, adding quality is never a mistake. In the case, I akso think you should go for Lukaku or similar target man upfront, possibly Belotti, and forwards are ok. Rooney and Ibra going, you would have half a million / week salaries to spare and reinvest.
 
Hope not. One di maria is enough. We didn't learn anything? Players who are deported from real behave like their life is ruined.
This guy is one more prima donna. Imagine his reaction when jose puts him on the bench in some big match.
And he is no10. Mata and miki are better. And they want to be here.
From real only player i want is varane. He is young, he wouldn't be depressed because he left madrid, knows mourinho, we need defender....
 
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