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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If we are taking a real reject than we shouldnt spend ridiculous money on him. Give them 30m to get off their hands
 
Jose's perfect 10.

Haven't watched Rodriguez in a while, but in the world cup, he was everything Jose liked as a 10.

“We have different concepts of number 10, me and him,” said Mourinho when asked about whether Hazard will be given a run in his favoured, central role.

“For me a number 10 does a lot of things, with the ball and without the ball. So for me a number 10 is a very special player in my team.

“With a system of two midfield players and one number 10, I demand a lot from a number 10.

“I like a number 10 to score goals. I like a number 10 to get in the box. I like a number 10 to score goals like Oscar's against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

“A number 10 for me is an eight-and-a-half when the team loses the ball, and the number 10 is a nine-and-a-half when the team has the ball.

“Who is my perfect number 10? Wesley Sneijder and Deco. Because they could defend, get in the box and finish goals? Yes.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...ere-better-at-number-10-than-Eden-Hazard.html
That's not James, though it does describe Griezmann to a tee. Guessing he said no and James is a second or third choice.
 
1. We did not "lose the PL" against the best teams in the league. We lost it against sides we dominated.

2. You seem to be just as obsessed with attacking him as any others are with defending him.

I'm not sure James as a ten is a perfect option against City, Chelsea or Spurs. But I do think he can be a great option against most other sides.

1. I never said we did.

2. I am not obsessed with attacking him, I am simply relaying the facts around this player.

We don't need a #10 against any team, and then when we do play the bigger teams we are forced to play a slow #10 on the wing when we move to 4-3-3- to add the extra CM like Jose always does, we'd be better off fashioning a dominant 4-3-3 that doesn't have to become a defensive bore every time we face a tough game.
 
Ozil wasn't defensive under Jose, but he didn't need to be given they dominated 90% of the games they played, and when they played the bigger games he was shunted wide or dropped. As for Sneijder, he always had good workrate. On the offensive side he does score more goals but is a poorer passer and dribbler in the role.

Jesus dude, you are so obsessed with defending James that you are just ignoring everything that points to this being a bad idea. I wasn't saying any of those players had played for Jose, I was talking about players that occupy the same zones he does and who are much more agile and mobile when pressed, an area he will struggle with in the PL, so it's not pointless, this guy is not suited to our team or our league and is massively overpriced. .
Both Ozil and Sneijder improved defensively under Jose, and by the second season Ozil was no longer being dropped like in his first season. Ozil is a better dribbler and creator, but sneijder was neither. IIRC Sneider never had up to 10 goals or 10 assists in a season during his time at Madrid and Inter. What sneijder had most was his understanding and ability to read and dictate the game

Someone posted what Jose described as his ideal #10 and you claimed that James was the total opposite, and then you brought irrelevant comparison of players who never played from Jose or do not play in a similar system or role. Hazard, Coutinho, Silva and Sanchez are played either on the flank and/or in a totally different formation. Such comparison are irrelevant to the current discussion of what Jose desires in a #10.
 
Yes, I've seen the midfielder of the year stuff but it was hardly a 4-3-3, and you can win the ball high up to account for the stats, workrate is about more than stats though, it is about ground coverage and about closing down space and tracking back time after time when an attack breaks down, the stats don't account for that as there isn't a tackle or interception involved.

Like I said, the numbers don't tell the whole story, they are a chapter at best, and I know you don't think James has anywhere near Rooney's workrate when he was good. However it's not relevant either as Rooney should be sold and I'm not advocating using Mata as a #10 or a regular starter.

Of course. And I could have argued that James is pretty decent for an attacking player at covering ground, closing down space and tracking back. Then you could say he is not. And we could keep this back and forth. Instead I went with the stats.

British players tend to run a lot, but quite a few of them are actually pretty useless in defence despite all the running.

James would not be my first choice either. But he would improve us quite a bit.
 
I get you but it doesn't change the point I'm making: that a player is dumped by Madrid or didn't perform well there does not mean such a player will be bad at any other top club including United. We can't write off James just because of an average spell at Madrid. It's not enough basis to emphatically conclude he will be a disaster at United.
To me James is probably the hottest gettable player for us. It would be totally unreal if we signed him. However, I feel it's a position where we have the most quality already. Players like Mata and Mhiki can do a similar job. I would like to see some amazing midfielder with some calming effect on the team, something that will probably make better use of our amazing attack. What about a player like Arda Turan??????? I don't think he's completely happy at Barca. Or even better, Rakitic!!!!!!!!

I'm not writing James off, but just because a player becomes hot after leaving RM don't mean RM were wrong to let him go. Their demands are higher than any other club.
 
That's not James, though it does describe Griezmann to a tee. Guessing he said no and James is a second or third choice.
Except Griezmann hasnt seen much time playing in central midfield and is a bit difficult to judge how he will perform playing that deep, but agreed he checks all the other boxes offensively and defensively.
 
Jose's ideal #10 doesn't exist right now, Rooney was pretty close to it in his prime.

Bernardo Silva has a high defensive work rate. It's gone somewhat unnoticed but the guy works hard every game.

The only question is could he score enough goals and would he be suited to no.10? He's extremely technically gifted so I'd back him in front of goal if given the chance. I just think he's going to get better and better, hopefully with us.
 
Both Ozil and Sneijder improved defensively under Jose, and by the second season Ozil was no longer being dropped like in his first season. Ozil is a better dribbler and creator, but sneijder was neither. IIRC Sneider never had up to 10 goals or 10 assists in a season during his time at Madrid and Inter. What sneijder had most was his understanding and ability to read and dictate the game

Someone posted what Jose described as his ideal #10 and you claimed that James was the total opposite, and then you brought irrelevant comparison of players who never played from Jose or do not play in a similar system or role. Hazard, Coutinho, Silva and Sanchez are played either on the flank and/or in a totally different formation. Such comparison are irrelevant to the current discussion of what Jose desires in a #10.

When he wasn't dropped he was moved wide, still not trusted in the center when playing a good team, and Ozil is half the player when shoved wide. You can't base creativity purely on assists, if so Rooney has put up decent stats this season so lets just keep him for his creativity vs amount of time on the pitch, it's nonense. Sneijder's ability to switch the play, find openings to play the wide players in and circulate the ball through the attack was much better than James and more valuable.

No I didn't, I said that he didn't cover the part Jose said about an 8 and half, because he doesn't. All those players were worth mentioning because they are the same type of players, all have some kind of physical uphill struggle in the PL and use their dribbling and agility to overcome them, don't be so obtuse, James clearly hasn't got the dribbling or agility to not get crowded out whether he's wide or at the #10.
 
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That's not James, though it does describe Griezmann to a tee. Guessing he said no and James is a second or third choice.

Griezmann isn't a number 10, though. He's a second striker, which is a big difference. He hasn't got the ability to control games like a natural number 10 does, unless he alters his game.
 
Of course. And I could have argued that James is pretty decent for an attacking player at covering ground, closing down space and tracking back. Then you could say he is not. And we could keep this back and forth. Instead I went with the stats.

British players tend to run a lot, but quite a few of them are actually pretty useless in defence despite all the running.

James would not be my first choice either. But he would improve us quite a bit.

Stats are a poor crutch though, they don't take into accoutn so many things.

It's not about purely running, it's about making sure your team keeps it's defesnive shape when you lose the ball, by slotting in to offer cover for you midfielders or fullback, it's part of the team game that certain players don't adhere to, they play for themselves, and you can accept it with a Ronaldo or even a Hazard, although our current manager didn't seem to want to.

I don't think he would make us any better, he'd just be another expensive obstacle in forming a proper functioning unit.

Bernardo Silva has a high defensive work rate. It's gone somewhat unnoticed but the guy works hard every game.

The only question is could he score enough goals and would he be suited to no.10? He's extremely technically gifted so I'd back him in front of goal if given the chance. I just think he's going to get better and better, hopefully with us.

Bernardo's workrate is excellent but I don't see him operating as a #10 in the PL, I think he'd be best coming off the flank but not as wide as Monaco play him, more of a WF in a front 3.
 
Surely Madrid aren't going to demand crazy money for him? He's been sitting on the bench all season. £40M tops to me sounds like a fair price. I know a lot of people are not sold on James but from what I've seen of him he's a quality player on his day. I can see us maybe getting rid of Mata to make room for James but I hope I'm wrong on that I like Mata too much :(
 
When he wasn't dropped he was moved wide, still not trusted in the center when playing a good team, and Ozil is half the player when shoved wide. You can't base creativity purely on assists, if so Rooney has put up decent stats this season so lets just keep him for his creativity vs amount of time on the pitch, it's nonense. Sneijder's ability to switch the play, find openings to play the wide players in and circulate the ball through the attack was much better than James and more valuable.

No I didn't, I said that he didn't cover the part Jose said about an 8 and half, because he doesn't. All those players were worth mentioning because they are the same type of players, all have some kind of physical uphill struggle in the PL and use their dribbling and agility to overcome them, don't be so obtuse, James clearly hasn't got the dribbling or agility to not get crowded out whether he's wide or at the #10.
Independent of who plays at #10, Jose will revert to his 4-3-3 whenever he deems necessary, dropping on of the 4 attacking players for a more defensive option. That is not a reflection of the player's ability but of the coach's mindset and approach to the game. You cannot use it as an excuse to not get a player.

Hazard, Sanchez, Countinho, and Silva are different type of players and lumping them together is bad enough, but bringing them into a conversation that they have no relevance to by incorrectly claiming they are similar to James is just disingenuous. Hazard and Sanchez in particular are best suited to playing on the flank where speed and acceleration are very important but you claim they are similar to James who plays more in the middle and relies more on movement to find space where there is none.

It should not be so difficult to stick to the facts and be objective in evaluating a player even if you dont like him
 
Here in Colombia, TODAY, the word is that he is Juve-bound. We're just one of the options that he has on the table and also the fee isn't as high as it's being quoted but the wages are astronomical.

EDIT. It was all over the news the past weekend that we were favourites though, I guess that with Real and Juve playing CL final in a couple days, they want to stir the waters.
 
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Nothing to see here imo, just Madrid fuelling the rumours to rid themselves of a player they have wanted out for a while, and as always we fit the fill as the name to link in the hope it'll flush out a club whose really interested.

Hope we steer clear of anything Real Madrid related this summer.
 
I'm up for signing anyone who looks like he might be able to finish a 1v1...
 
He doesn't score in the big games and often goes missing which is a huge concern. If we are playing in the CL we cannot afford for the focal point in attack to not impose himself on games. And if we sign Lukaku we will be playing the same formation as this year most likely. I'd prefer we played with Griezmann and another striker next season in a different set up.

Fair point although I personally feel Griezmann would only work in one system and that's Athletico in La Liga. Seem like he has to play as a SS.

Lukaku not so much.
 
Here in Colombia, TODAY, the word is that he is Juve-bound. We're just one of the options that he has on the table and also the fee isn't as high as it's being quoted but the wages are astronomical.

EDIT. It was all over the news the past weekend that we were favourites though, I guess that with Real and Juve playing CL final in a couple days, they want to stir the waters.

If he's juve-bound then I can't seen them also keeping Dybala, too very similar players. I know he's only just signed a new contract but won't be surprised if he heads in the opposite direction.
 
Having watched a few Madrid games in recent weeks where they have played their "b team" I have to say James would be a very good signing for us. Although signings like this often hinge on the players mentality and desire. If they come for another fat pay check and don't enjoy the culture or brutal slog of the EPL then the level of talent is irrelevant, case in point Di Maria.
 
Here in Colombia, TODAY, the word is that he is Juve-bound. We're just one of the options that he has on the table and also the fee isn't as high as it's being quoted but the wages are astronomical.

EDIT. It was all over the news the past weekend that we were favourites though, I guess that with Real and Juve playing CL final in a couple days, they want to stir the waters.
Colombian radio lied to us?! Any reliable outlets reporting he's off to Juve?
 
@giorno @Vato or @carvajal , are you guys able to share the level of his quality and whether he'd be a fit for Manchester United? From what I recall he simply didn't fit Zidane's system, or is it something deeper and more performance related?

Is James a lazy player, slow player, or a luxury? I read a few posts eluding that way in this thread but I'm unsure how many games some posters have actually seen of his.
He might do well somewhere else, not sure though. I wouldn't call him lazy, but he's certainly not fast.
 
100m euros on belloti? You are more deluded than you think someone else is.

Well, that's the price that has been mentioned in his transfer thread. So you would rather get fleeced by Real for their reject? I know that's not what you said but you want us to sign James?
 
@giorno @Vato or @carvajal , are you guys able to share the level of his quality and whether he'd be a fit for Manchester United? From what I recall he simply didn't fit Zidane's system, or is it something deeper and more performance related?

Is James a lazy player, slow player, or a luxury? I read a few posts eluding that way in this thread but I'm unsure how many games some posters have actually seen of his.
He is not lazy. I never thought if he is slow.I guess that normal for his position in the field.
I think that would fit,mainly because United need more quality.
He wouldn't bring individual pace but speed in the move of the ball and skill to ask It and keep it with sense.
I think that Zidane prefers Isco,if James was spaniard perhaps his situation could have been slightly different.
His attitude has been very positive in the last months but he lost the train to be in the line up.As Guardiola said,he has a lot of level but his team mates are very good.
 
Well, that's the price that has been mentioned in his transfer thread. So you would rather get fleeced by Real for their reject? I know that's not what you said but you want us to sign James?
Yes - James at 75m euros is a steal of the century when compared to 100m euros for Belotti. For 100m euros you can get Mbappe who is younger and shown more potential.
 
Here in Colombia, TODAY, the word is that he is Juve-bound. We're just one of the options that he has on the table and also the fee isn't as high as it's being quoted but the wages are astronomical.

EDIT. It was all over the news the past weekend that we were favourites though, I guess that with Real and Juve playing CL final in a couple days, they want to stir the waters.

Hopefully. Come on Juventus you know you want him. Do us a favour.
 
Here in Colombia, TODAY, the word is that he is Juve-bound. We're just one of the options that he has on the table and also the fee isn't as high as it's being quoted but the wages are astronomical.

EDIT. It was all over the news the past weekend that we were favourites though, I guess that with Real and Juve playing CL final in a couple days, they want to stir the waters.

Weeks. The final is played June 3rd.
 
It might be possible that James is our second option to Griezmann if we miss out on top 4. Or that Zlatan's injury has meant that we have to change our targets and dont want to buy Griezmann and a new striker. James isnt the ideal signing because what we are missing is goals (from striker and wide player) and midfield stability. It could also just be rumours, but James being clapped off by the madrid fans pretty much confirms he is leaving.

If we get both James and Griezmann along with a CM, CB and FB then id be delighted.
 
Id prefer we gave Mata a run at 10 if I'm honest.

Dier/Fabinho ---- Pogba
Mkhitaryan --- Mata --- Costa/Mahrez
Griezmann/Belotti

If you interchange Mata and James in that formation would you see any difference really?
 
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