James Rodriguez | joins Bayern Munich | 2 year loan

[cheeky_backheel]

Fabinho is not a matic , he can not do that job alone, and besides matic failed tremendously in his second season. Also A 4231 will never get the best out of martial , you except to bench him too and sell him later because he is a flop as well?

We have to develop a system which suits every players strengths, and not just shoe horn players in a 4231.

Also be flexible and fluid in our systems so that we can play different systems, a 4231 is very predictable and frankly speaking outdated and against our history.

Rashford should not be shoehorned on the wing also.

The entire chelsea team failed in the last season and not just Matic. Your statement is disingenuous and tries to paint it like Matic was the problem.

Fabinho is good enough to be better than a Matic imo. He has only started playing in midfield this season and I expect will get better with time. Still I would leave that judgment to Mourinho.

Rashford, at his current level, is best used as a LWF. He is not at the level to play upfront alone. We will almost certainly be getting a new CF this summer. With a new CF+Rashford at LWF, the team can transition to 2 CF formation (e.g. 4-4-2) on the field without a sub

Martial has shown nothing this season to put him in the starting lineup ahead of anybody else, talk less of selecting a formation to accommodate him. He will start on the bench next season, and depending on how it goes, might end up being sold. Its unfortunate but flops happen. If he improves, he has a shot at the CF or LWF positions.

If you buy players to suit a system, then you will have a system that suits the players. this is exactly what Mourinho does. Its is a different problem at a smaller club when you cant always buy the type of player you want. In such cases the manager has to be more flexible.

Every team has a base formation but that does not bar them from changing formation within the game. Depending on the players you have on the field, you can adapt your strategy and tactics accordingly. 4-2-3-1, along with 4-3-3, is one of the best formations in the modern game, as shown by its wide spread use. 4-4-2 is less popular while the 3-4-3 and 3-5-2 are seeing a resurgence under italian influence. You cannot say a formation is outdated and in the next phrase make reference to club history. Sticking with club history is what will leave you with an outdated formation.

 

[AgentP]

I feel so indifferent about the prospect of signing James. Will he improve us as a team? Yes. But this would also mean we are not going to sign Griezmann. So if Jose is planning to play 4231 next season and James is the best No.10 that is available in the market, then I'm not opposed to it. Just can't get myself excited about this signing.

 

[midnightmare]

Signing James when we need to add pace to our first team would be a step back.

I know it's been said before, but bear with me - why exactly do we need "pace" added to the team? Would you rather have David Silva or Jesse Lingard? The list of "pacy" but useless players is absolutely endless. What this team needs is someone to play that killer ball to unlock packed defenses. Pace doesn't do that. Pace is only useful for a few counters and when you're looking for pace, you need it in your strikers, wingers and FBs more than anyone else. A CAM / 10 needs to have an excellent first touch, brilliant close control, the movement to make space to receive a ball, the ability to work in closed spaces and the eye (and ability) to thread a ball through to create chances. Right now, the only player who even comes close to this is Mata. He however is not a patch on James. Even as a part-time player coming off the bench, James creates and scores far more - even when played out of position - than Mata.

As yourself where our failures lie for the past few seasons - pace on the counter? Or the inability to pick apart teams that pack the midfield and defence? Given our home form and draws against the poorer teams, it's the latter more than the former. In Mkhi, Martial and Rashford we have pace. We will surely add more in the summer too (we won't make only one signing, you do realize). What we need are players in the middle who can utilize the assets they have around them and enable them to do their jobs. We can't expect just Pogba to do it all and Herrera has been tasked with a different role. Frankly, if we can get James, I'd be very happy. I don't see too many alternatives (and none better) being available for this position in the summer. For all the talk about Silva, let's not underestimate the fact that he's still unproven at the highest level and on the biggest stages.

Also, let's not start on how he's not good enough etc. just because he's not featuring for Real. James may be on the bench for Real, but we're nowhere close to their level right now. Real could pick 7 from the guys on the bench and still beat us handily. James has had seasons at the very top; he was also in the Liga team of the year his first season (the only one when he played regularly).

 

[Paxi]

Pace again, sigh...

This is football, not a marathon.

Not football manager either. I swear that game has turned people into obsessed lunatics.

 

[Janson]

We lost 3 games and got completely dominated, only then Mourinho came to his senses and played in a midfeild 3 and dominated all midfeilds just finishing let us down.

That requires a Carrick type player to work though.

 

[prtk0811]

Not necessarily, look at that Chelsea team post Robben. They had Malouda and Anelka on the wings as starters for most of that successful period between Mourinho left and Villas Boas came, even Joe Cole and Kalou played there. They did have Ashley Cole overlapping on the left but he wasn't that good offensively anyway. None of those had much pace yet they were always 1st or second in the league.

And how much titles did they won after that before they bought hazard ?

 

[Janson]

Could do. Hes exceptional at arriving in the box and finishing off crosses cut backs.

Is he versatile, does he defend? I recall Lampard was helping out alot defensively as well.

 

[prtk0811]

i 100% agreed with you. I love seeing my fellow rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City prospering and doing well signing world class talents while we do the honorable and noble favors by extending generous contracts to the fine gentlemen in our squad like Jesse Lingard, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, and Marouane Fellaini. Our selfless act has allow us to continue in great pursuit of the prestigious Europa League trophy two years in a row and hopefully a third straight venture next fall.

We let Liv arsenal and city sign mane sanchez and kdb haven't we? And sold our dimarias Nani's welbecks players with pace and workrate.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Wouldnt listen them. Caf knows better than Jose or some random Real fans who watched him for past 3-4 years.

Could always listen to the Caf Real fans.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Anyways, @Acquire Me

Griezmann deal fallen through?

 

[Paxi]

Is he versatile, does he defend? I recall Lampard was helping out alot defensively as well.

Yeah he does do his bit. He's got good tenacity. He might look it but hes not a pushover imo. When he gets the ball he often releases it very very quickly, playing the pass into channel for our attack to run into. Jose will like that.

 

[prtk0811]

Once again, it doesn't mean that Mourinho won't make us play in 4231 next year, is that difficult to understand? Is that difficult to grasp the idea that Mourinho might adjust the roster in order to make something that didn't work, work in the future?

But we lack balance in a 4231 and in case of injuries our bench mid ain't good enough also to play in that system. Why is it so difficult to understand.

 

[marukomu]

I've never seen him play. Is he any good?

 

[cheeky_backheel]

That's what I am saying, Belloti has more experience and maybe isn't a one season wonder like Mbappe might be. Football is a team game that is why he is playing like that for Monaco, he could struggle in our team. Mbappe can't win big games on his own, which some people here are expecting that he will do. An 18 year old can't lead an attack on his own, Jose isn't the type of manager who will spend big on young players like Mbappe. The market is inflated currently, teams are now spending 50m for defenders. No one in their right minds would gamble on a unproven player by paying that much. I am not saying Mbappe doesn't have the skills or talent, he could become a world class player in the future or something might go wrong which might stop him from becoming a world class player.

What experience does Belotti have? Mbappe currently has more effective experience than Belotti. Having actual 2yrs experience (like Mbappe) is better than having same one-year experience five times( belotti). Belotti has been playing at lower-mid serie A level for the bulk of his career.

There is nothing proven about Belotti and Mbappe is more proven than him imo. Mbappe has been on the biggest stage and hasnt shied away from the spotlight. Nobody knows how belotti will do when he comes up against the top teams in Europe.

Belotti, at current market prices, is the type of player you gamble on at 30-40m. Anything higher, and its a big risk. Urbano Cairo dreaming of 100m is simply the aftereffect of him getting high on sawdust.

 

[Bratt]

After reading the newbie forum about him being yet another di Maria, a RM-reject, and lastly - too old, I changed my vote from no to yes.
If Mourinho want him, I want him too.

 

[Janson]

And how much titles did they won after that before they bought hazard ?

After that it was AVB who completely changed the system, benching Anelka and Malouda for Mata and Sturridge(who had pace). This is where their problems started. It had nothing to do with pacey wingers.

As I said before, during 07 until 11 I think they won the league once, came second twice and third once. On top if that they were in a CL final and a semi where they also should have been in the final, with the players I mentioned.

 

[Paxi]

I've never seen him play. Is he any good?

For me hes absolutely fantastic on counter attacks. Really quick to turn and spring an attack. Quite versatile as he can play out wide. Good delivery, which will no doubt go to shit when he comes to us. Fantastic long shot. He's a great player imo.

 

[Janson]

Yeah he does do his bit. He's got good tenacity. He might look it but hes not a pushover imo. When he gets the ball he often releases it very very quickly, playing the pass into channel for our attack to run into. Jose will like that.

That sounds good, haven't seen him play much. Although I'm not sure what level he is at.

 

[VanGaalEra]

If he doesn't want to come then its fair enough, because that would mean he's not available for us. As I said my post is based upon the assumption that he is available. Anyway for what its worth I don't think James is a massive upgrade on Mata, so if no better such player is available I wouldn't buy any such playmaker. I would rather invest the money in other positions.

I personally think we have space for 3 attacking players, if James is one of them and the other two are also high quality players, I'll be happy.

Depay/Rooney and Zlatan all need replacing. At the moment we have Rashford/Martial/Mkhi/Mata and Lingard. Will need at least 3 more IMO.

 

[Janson]

After reading the newbie forum about him being yet another di Maria, a RM-reject, and lastly - too old, I changed my vote from no to yes.
If Mourinho want him, I want him too.

Too old? Seriously? He's 26 ffs, that's probably the best age to buy a player. Between 25-28 I would say is ideal.

 

[JPRouve]

But we lack balance in a 4231 and in case of injuries our bench mid ain't good enough also to play in that system. Why is it so difficult to understand.

So, there is no way to fix that during summer? You think that we are only going to bring one player?

 

[JJ12]

I'm not usually one for being a 'transfer muppet' (contrary to what you may think of below). Given our finances, Jose's history and media speculation is the below line-up possible for next season:

DDG (new keeper when likely sold)

Valencia
Bailly
Rojo
Mendy

Dier
Pogba

James
Griezmann
Mkhitaryan

Rashford

Given how attacking the front 4 are it would be imperative to have an anchor in midfield in the mould of Dier. Not necessarily him but a similar style. Mkhitaryan and Griezmann have both also shown good work rate.

That's about £200m without squad depth signings. Expecting massive wages off the bill with Rooney and Zlatan leaving also. It seems as though we will spend ridiculous money this summer.

 

[Adisa]

Now yes, in principle all agreed. @jamesdrodriguez the road to @ManUtd_Es for 4 years.

Goldberg has spoken.

 

[MUFC OK]

Could do. Hes exceptional at arriving in the box and finishing off crosses cut backs.

It's a topic of debate for another thread but this is essentially what I think people mean by 'playing the united way': fast skillful wingers, fullbacks bombing on on the overlap and either a cut back or the winger cutting inside with increased space to create scoring opportunities

 

[kotha]

Don't understand the negativity much.. We are starting Rooney right now, if he even replaces Rooney he is more of an upgrade for us..

 

[Paxi]

 

[Janson]

I'm not usually one for being a 'transfer muppet' (contrary to what you may think of below). Given our finances, Jose's history and media speculation is the below line-up possible for next season:

DDG (new keeper when likely sold)

Valencia
Bailly
Rojo
Mendy

Dier
Pogba

James
Griezmann
Mkhitaryan

Rashford

Given how attacking the front 4 are it would be imperative to have an anchor in midfield in the mould of Dier. Not necessarily him but a similar style. Mkhitaryan and Griezmann have both also shown good work rate.

That's about £200m without squad depth signings. Expecting massive wages off the bill with Rooney and Zlatan leaving also. It seems as though we will spend ridiculous money this summer.

That looks very possible, with the exception of Rashford leading the line. I think that chances are slim Mourinho will rely on Rashford, we will probably bring a replacement for Zlatan.

And I don't think Griezmann will be playing in a position where he needs to defend to much. He's to good for that.

 

[Paxi]

Were definitely short on quality in that area. Signing only Griezmann wont do.

 

[Janson]

Were definitely short on quality in that area. Signing only Griezmann wont do.

We don't know if Rooney will leave though. If he stays then we don't need to sign anybody. That is if he decides to bless us by giving another year of his excellence.

 

[Paxi]

 

[Adisa]

After thinking about it, I think it makes sense. A few points.

• He will be taking Rooney's place in the squad (that's already a plus)
• It seems Mourinho is committed to playing a 4231. If that's the case, I think he's comfortably better than all our options in the hole.
• Meaning he improves the squad and the starting 11
• He's great at set-pieces. I can't stress enough how bad we are at them.
• His signing does stop us improving other areas such as CM, wide areas and up front.
• i don't think we will be paying anything close to the €75 being quoted.
• It seems he really wants to come here and we are his first choice. Makes it different from the Di Maria fiasco imo.

 

[K2K]

It looks like it's on. To say it will be announced Sunday seems like they have confidence in the deal, they could easily ride the story all summer if they wanted too and would look daft if nothing is mentioned this weekend.

Oh well we will see one way or another on Sunday. I won't lie the thought of James playing just behind Griezmann next season is pretty exciting if both deals go ahead.

I take it you didn't follow the De Gea saga in 2015.

AS and Marca mentioned a new date for the announcement each week.

 

[prtk0811]

So, there is no way to fix that during summer? You think that we are only going to bring one player?

So, there is no way to fix that during summer? You think that we are only going to bring one player?

We are only going to buy one midfeilder and we are not liked with any wingers or wingbacks with high work rate workhorses when infact we need 2 of them. Going to blow majority of the money on a striker.

 

[cheeky_backheel]

But we lack balance in a 4231 and in case of injuries our bench mid ain't good enough also to play in that system. Why is it so difficult to understand.

We have a bench better suited to a 4-2-3-1 than a 4-3-3.

If you left out Rooney, Carrick and Zlatan as they are likely gone, and assuming we are buying only 3 players for midfield+attack with a CF and DM likely guranteed and the 3rd being a #10 or CM.

In a 4-2-3-1 we will have 7 players for the 4 attacking spots (rashford, Mkhi, Mata, Martial, Lingard plus new CF and new #10) and 4 player for 2 midfield spots (Pogba, fellaini, Herrera plus new DM)

In a 4-3-3 (assuming we buy a CM instead of a 10) we will have 6 players for the 3 attacking spots (rashford, Mkhi, Mata, Martial, Lingard plus new CF) and 5 player for 3 midlfield spots (Pogba, fellaini, Herrera plus new DM and new CM).

With the 4-3-3 option we are overstacked in attack with not much improvement in quality (only one addition) but undermanned in midfield, and the midfield needs more coverage for injuries and particularly suspension.

I still dont understand what you mean by "we lack balance in a 4231"?

 

[Philadelphian]

Well, this has escalated quickly.

My personal reason for being quite peed off with this news, and I'm sure others, is it fails to address any of our pressing issues.

We are crying out for:

1) A new CB (top class)
2) 1-2 new FB's
3) A top-class Carrick replacement
4)Winger(s) with PACE and dribbling.
5) A new striker who can take on Zlatan's quota of goals

That's five pressing matters, of which James solves not a single one of them.

We also have Mata, Mkhitaryan, Lingard and Pogba, all of whom are capable of playing as a #10.

So its easy to see why some of us see this as nothing more than a luxury, 'media friendly' superstar signing to deflect some attention of our lacklustre season.

It's not that I don't rate the guy, though.

Or, we could move Rooney and Mata both on, as James is younger and better than both. And then free up another space for an additional midfielder/FB/etc. by getting rid of one of the many #10's in the team.

 

[Adisa]

I think is academic discussing if we have a squad more suited to 4231 or 433. Of our current midfielders, only Herrera and Pogba are guaranteed to be here next season.

 

[Janson]

After thinking about it, I think it makes sense. A few points.

• He will be taking Rooney's place in the squad (that's already a plus)
• It seems Mourinho is committed to playing a 4231. If that's the case, I think he's comfortable better than all our options in the hole.
• Meaning he improves the squad and the starting 11
• His signing does stop us improving other areas such as CM, wide areas and up front.
• i don't think we will be paying anything close to the €75 being quoted.
• It seems he really wants to come here and we are his first choice. Makes it different from the Di Maria fiasco imo.

I think we have too many who can play there, Mata, Miki and Lingard and I still don't know who is the best fit to play there. To me, sometimes it seems that both Miki and Lingard are better centrally, and Mata is good both on the left and the middle.

Can James also play anywhere across the three behind the striker?

 

[K2K]

Right so Mendes is Rodriguez agent, he's also De Gea's agent and Jose's agent, I see a pattern emerging here....

And we signed 75% of our signings from Raoila last season.

There's no pattern whatsoever.

 

[Janson]

I think is academic discussing if we have a squad more suited to 4231 or 433. Of our current midfielders, only Herrera and Pogba are guaranteed to be here next season.

It doesn't really look like Fellaini is going, Mourinho clearly values him, but not as a starter of course.

 

[Adisa]

I think we have too many who can play there, Mata, Miki and Lingard and I still don't know who is the best fit to play there. To me, sometimes it seems that both Miki and Lingard are better centrally, and Mata is good both on the left and the middle.

Can James also play anywhere across the three behind the striker?

Mkhi's great season for Dortmund came on the right hand side and he's mostly played there for us. I don't want to bring Lingard into this conversations because I think he's nowhere near good enough.