Kalidou Koulibaly | Signs new contract.

[Infra-red]

What things do VVD offer better than Koulibaly?

Koulibaly's short passing is superior and he's quicker/more agile than Van Dijk.

Van Dijk is much more dominant in the air (Koulibaly is fairly average in that regard), and possesses a greater range of passing. They'd actually make a very good partnership, as their skillets would compliment each other quite well.

 

[Nick7]

Koulibaly's short passing is superior and he's quicker/more agile than Van Dijk.

Van Dijk is much more dominant in the air (Koulibaly is fairly average in that regard), and possesses a greater range of passing. They'd actually make a very good partnership, as their skillets would compliment each other quite well.

Oh good, another defender average in the air. Just what we needed.

 

[sunama]

We have to buy the next Vidic!

Next Vidic? I would much rather buy the next Messi.

 

[sunama]

I'd probably want Skriniar over him due to his age, but this would be an immense signing if we could pull it off. Not sure any defender is worth 100m though.

In today's market, that's what a top quality CB is going to cost.

 

[sunama]

Wont be signing anyone unless MBS is the new owner come January, then Mourinho will be given a blank cheque!

I hear that Jose usually wins the title when he has a blank cheque book.
I can live with that.

 

[Suv666]

Could end up with Sarri at Chelsea if they don't see Christensen being part of their plans. Might involve some kind of swap deal maybe?!

Dont really see much of a difference between Chelsea and us tbh. Only Real, Barca and maybe Bayern are the clubs which have a greater pull than us.

 

[red thru&thru]

Dont really see much of a difference between Chelsea and us tbh. Only Real, Barca and maybe Bayern are the clubs which have a greater pull than us.

Chelsea have Sarri. We saw with the Jorghiho move, how important that can be!

 

[United Pro]

If we don't sign him for 75 mil, we are jokers. VVD cost Pool the same amount and they both are currently of same age (VVD is some 3 weeks younger). Anyways, I think Napoli will ask for around 100 mil

Tbh I doubt Napoli will sell at £75m in January tbh. In fact, I doubt they'd sell full stop. I don't think there's any fuel in this transfer.

 

[reddaz71]

I hear that Jose usually wins the title when he has a blank cheque book.
I can live with that.

Yes, just like at Porto and Inter....

 

[sam147]

Oh good, another defender average in the air. Just what we needed.

More like a CB who is consistent, good injury record, top tackler and reader of the game and sublime ball playing ability. Yes thats what we need. In terms of aerial ability, he isnt far behind Alderweireld. He is better than Lindelof and Bailly in the air for sure. And not a lot of teams lump the ball into the box anymore. If balls do come into the box its from crosses. He always gets infront of his man and is strong enough to make it difficult for any striker to score. Would be a better fit than Alderweireld imo

 

[giorno]

Napoli I read claimed they turned down a 90 million pound/euro (not sure currency) bid for him in the summer.

So I’ve only seen him play a few times and I’ve never really been blown away so anyone watch him regularly? Comparison level compared to say VVDJK?

€100m.

And he's easily the best CB in the world. Would take something like £150m to have any chance at him in January

 

[Ekeke]

€100m.

And he's easily the best CB in the world. Would take something like £150m to have any chance at him in January

If he's easily the best CB in the world, how come Napoli had the 3rd best defensive record in Serie A last season and 5th best defensive record in Serie A this season?

Juventus have had a better record both times.

Someone who is clearly the best CB in the world will surely make his team one of the better ones in the world defensively. Koulibaly hasnt done that.

He may be among the best on the ball in the world, like Ramos etc. But theres a lot more to being easily the best CB in the world than just passing.

 

[giorno]

If he's easily the best CB in the world, how come Napoli had the 3rd best defensive record in Serie A last season and 5th best defensive record in Serie A this season?

Because playing style matters, and overall quality of the players matters even more. Milan's famous backline of Tassotti-Baresi-Costacurta-Maldini, generally considered the best ever, had the best record in serie A in 2 out of 6 seasons

Someone who is clearly the best CB in the world will surely make his team one of the better ones in the world defensively. Koulibaly hasnt done that.

First: no, he would not. Team sport and all thst.
Second: Napoli haven't been one of the best sides in the world defensively? They gave up 29 goals last season.

He may be among the best on the ball in the world, like Ramos etc. But theres a lot more to being easily the best CB in the world than just passing.

Except what makes him good is his ability to defend. The quality on the ball is a bonus

 

[Ekeke]

Because playing style matters, and overall quality of the players matters even more. Milan's famous backline of Tassotti-Baresi-Costacurta-Maldini, generally considered the best ever, had the best record in serie A in 2 out of 6 seasons


First: no, he would not. Team sport and all thst

The clear best player in the world would improve any team a lot. The best midfielder in the world will improve any team a lot. The best CB in the world might not make his team have the best record in the world, but it'll surely be very close.

Second: Napoli haven't been one of the best sides in the world defensively? They gave up 29 goals last season.

Thats 5 more than Juventus. 1 more than United. 2 more than City. Thats just looking at 2 leagues, let alone the others.

Keep in mind most people seem to have the opinion that United's defense is somewhere between crap and average. Personally I can see its not that bad but 1 more CB would help a lot.

Except what makes him good is his ability to defend. The quality on the ball is a bonus

If thats the case, it should be even more evident that Napoli are a great defensive team because he's having such a big influence. But it isnt.

I'm not saying that he isnt one of the best CBs in the world. I'm looking at you saying he is clearly the best CB in the world. There is no evidence of that.

 

[deafepl]

The clear best player in the world would improve any team a lot. The best midfielder in the world will improve any team a lot. The best CB in the world might not make his team have the best record in the world, but it'll surely be very close.

Thats 5 more than Juventus. 1 more than United. 2 more than City. Thats just looking at 2 leagues, let alone the others.

Keep in mind most people seem to have the opinion that United's defense is somewhere between crap and average. Personally I can see its not that bad but 1 more CB would help a lot.




If thats the case, it should be even more evident that Napoli are a great defensive team because he's having such a big influence. But it isnt.

I'm not saying that he isnt one of the best CBs in the world. I'm looking at you saying he is clearly the best CB in the world. There is no evidence of that.

There's a difference between one of the best CBs in the world and the best CBs in the world.

 

[giorno]

The clear best player in the world would improve any team a lot. The best midfielder in the world will improve any team a lot. The best CB in the world might not make his team have the best record in the world, but it'll surely be very close.

Juventus: Buffon-Licht/De Sciglio/Barzagli-Chiellini-Benatia/Barzagli/Rugani-Alex Sandro. Pjanic-Khedira-Matuidi in midfield. Mandzukic up top

Napoli: Reina-Hysaj-Raul Albiol-Koulibaly-Mario Rui. Jorginho-Allan-Hamsik in midfield

Juventus, a very, very defensive side for most of the season, pretty much from the moment Allegri decided he didn't trust them to just outscore everyone. Deep-sitting defence, two organized banks of 4, CBs tasked mostly with dominating the box and controlling forwards in 1on1 situations just long enough to for help to arrive

Napoli, a team that averages over 60% possession and spends most of the time playing in the opposition's half. Meaning defenders are tasked with patrolling 50+ meters, often left 1on1 with a forward

 

[Ekeke]

There's a difference between one of the best CBs in the world and the best CBs in the world.

And theres also a difference between being "the best CB in the world" and "clearly the best CB in the world" which is my point entirely. If he's clearly the best CB in the world there would be some kind of indication that he's well ahead of anyone else. There isnt.

 

[charlenefan]

First: no, he would not. Team sport and all thst.

Actually yes he would. Take VVD as an example as he and he alone transformed the Liverpool defence even before they brought in a new keeper in the summer (which has probably improved things even more)

 

[Ekeke]

Juventus: Buffon-Licht/De Sciglio/Barzagli-Chiellini-Benatia/Barzagli/Rugani-Alex Sandro. Pjanic-Khedira-Matuidi in midfield. Mandzukic up top

Napoli: Reina-Hysaj-Raul Albiol-Koulibaly-Mario Rui. Jorginho-Allan-Hamsik in midfield

Juventus, a very, very defensive side for most of the season, pretty much from the moment Allegri decided he didn't trust them to just outscore everyone. Deep-sitting defence, two organized banks of 4, CBs tasked mostly with dominating the box and controlling forwards in 1on1 situations just long enough to for help to arrive

Napoli, a team that averages over 60% possession and spends most of the time playing in the opposition's half. Meaning defenders are tasked with patrolling 50+ meters, often left 1on1 with a forward

Average positions :

Udinese Vs. Napoli

Udinese Vs. Juventus

Other than Napoli having a bit more width its very very similar. If anything Juventus were more attacking with their deepest CM Pjanic being 5 yards into the opponent's half whereas Napoli's deepest CM Alan being 5 yards into his own half. Plus of course Alan is a DM who battles hard for the ball while Pjanic is a creative passer.

Juventus' CBs are slightly higher up the pitch but the fullbacks are bombing forward. For Napoli the fullbacks spent most of their time in their own half.

 

[SAFMUTD]

€100m.

And he's easily the best CB in the world. Would take something like £150m to have any chance at him in January

I don´t think he is even top 5, I don´t se much of Serie A but Napoli isnt even the strongest defence of the league. He may have the potential to become the best but right now there are better defenders than him (Godin, Ramos, Hummels, Umtitti, Bonucci, Chiellini) and younger ones to (Skriniar, Varane, De Ligt).

Sure he must be a good player, but the overhype here is over the top.

 

[giorno]

Actually yes he would. Take VVD as an example as he and he alone transformed the Liverpool defence even before they brought in a new keeper in the summer (which has probably improved things even more)

Sure he did. But also? Liverpool last season gave up 16 goals in the first 9 league games. Check their defensive record starting after the wembley game. The splits since then, with/without VVD, are nearly identical. The truth is liverpool had already morphed into a good defensive side before they signed VVD

 

[giorno]

I don´t think he is even top 5, I don´t se much of Serie A but Napoli isnt even the strongest defence of the league. He may have the potential to become the best but right now there are better defenders than him (Godin, Ramos, Hummels, Umtitti, Bonucci, Chiellini) and younger ones to (Skriniar, Varane, De Ligt).

Sure he must be a good player, but the overhype here is over the top.

yeah, those guys play in Italy, where Koulibaly is widely considered the best CB in the league. In Italy, not on the caf

@Ekeke those are games from this season. Not that it makes that much difference, the bottom line is juventus as a team are far better than Napoli, and they play(ed) a less risky, more defensive football

 

[Ekeke]

yeah, those guys play in Italy, where Koulibaly is widely considered the best CB in the league. In Italy, not on the caf

Also where Pogba was considered the best midfielder in the world.

 

[giorno]

Also where Pogba was considered the best midfielder in the world.

The best midfielder in the league, not in the world

 

[SCP]

I don´t think he is even top 5, I don´t se much of Serie A but Napoli isnt even the strongest defence of the league. He may have the potential to become the best but right now there are better defenders than him (Godin, Ramos, Hummels, Umtitti, Bonucci, Chiellini) and younger ones to (Skriniar, Varane, De Ligt).

Sure he must be a good player, but the overhype here is over the top.

He is. Not saying I watch him a lot but for example current Skriniar isn't better, De Ligt is the best CB born in 99 but not better now and the list goes on. By the way don't think Juventus fans would mind to have Koulibaly instead Bonucci. He makes top 5 for sure, certainly better than Rudiger or David Luiz for example.

 

[iluvoursolskjær]

Bailly had a promising start but has since fell off a cliff (i feel some of the blame is on Jose though), Lindeloff is struggling with the jump up in league quality, and Rojones are liabilities.

We've been crying out for a marquee signing in defence for years so this so welcome news if true, no matter the cost!

However as someone else mentioned acquiring a top CB alone will not solve our defensive issues as the protection in front is non-existent. Matic is finished.

Skrinniar would also be a good shout as he's been doing well in my FUT and 85 rated. oh and he's young apparently.

 

[Cassidy]

Also where Pogba was considered the best midfielder in the world.

No he wasnt

 

[JoaquinJoaquin]

I do think Jose will be allowed to sign a CB in January if he is still here, although i'm not sure he will be given the kind of money needed for Koulibaly. He would be the ultimate signing for us though IMO. Guess we will see if Woody has the balls or not to make such a big signing in January. Could certainly turn our season around.

 

[Rajma]

Haven't really seen him play besides one or two games, how's his positional play? Noticed someone mentioned Bailly to describe his style is he that rush and unpredictable too?

 

[Rozay]

Can’t stand the stats freaks who invade every footy discussion.

A man says a player is the best defender in the world, other posters, who by the sound of things have never watched him but do have a text-book/Wikipedia access come back with ‘he can’t be, his team conceded 1 more than this team, 2 more than that team’. Next thing you know I’m seeing fecking pie charts!

‘The game’s gone’, as the old folks say.

 

[Gio]

I don´t think he is even top 5, I don´t se much of Serie A but Napoli isnt even the strongest defence of the league. He may have the potential to become the best but right now there are better defenders than him (Godin, Ramos, Hummels, Umtitti, Bonucci, Chiellini) and younger ones to (Skriniar, Varane, De Ligt).

Sure he must be a good player, but the overhype here is over the top.

In the last three years Koulibaly has comfortably outperformed Bonucci (who was poor last year) and Hummels (who isn't the defender he was). I agree that Godin, Ramos and Chiellini have performed as well or better, but that won't be the case in 12-18 months time as their age takes its toll and the new wave of Koulibaly, Van Dijk, Umtiti and Varane takes over the mantle.

 

[VP89]

Isn't he very unavailable anyway? Naploli have snubbed huge offers for him in the past.

 

[endless_wheelies]

Get him to dye his hair blonde. Woodward will need a defibrillator after his run to the negotiation table.

 

[Ekeke]

No he wasnt

Yes I can remember talking about in one of his threads, that a manager from Serie A said that he was the best midfielder in the world.

 

[Ekeke]

The best midfielder in the league, not in the world

Again I remember comments came out from a manager in Serie A that he was the best in the world, and then we discussed it here.

 

[giorno]

Again I remember comments came out from a manager in Serie A that he was the best in the world, and then we discussed it here.

Some people did consider him the best in the world, but the majority did not. One of the best, but not the best. Still, that's not really relevant. Pogba was considered the best by people who didn't see much of Modric, Kroos, etc.

Chiellini, Bonucci, Skriniar and Koulibaly play in the same league. For years. People are judging them based on seeing them play every weekend. Koulibaly is the best CB in Italy.

 

[MyOnlySolskjaer]

Anymore news since Castles?

 

[SAFMUTD]

In the last three years Koulibaly has comfortably outperformed Bonucci (who was poor last year) and Hummels (who isn't the defender he was). I agree that Godin, Ramos and Chiellini have performed as well or better, but that won't be the case in 12-18 months time as their age takes its toll and the new wave of Koulibaly, Van Dijk, Umtiti and Varane takes over the mantle.

I just did some research and Koulibaly has been in the Serie A team of the year for the past 3 years, so maybe you are right but right he may be a true jewel. I would have my doubts for Koulibaly, since Serie A has not been truly competitive for quite a while now. Maybe is because I remember Darmian, but on the other hand from serie A also came Salah, Alisson and Jorginho who are delivering quite well.

I just think that for 100 million we should be getting the very best defender, personally I would prefer someone who has played at the very top level, Varane or Umttiti, who are also younger but right now I see no reason why would they prefer us over their current teams.

 

[Walters_19_MuFc]

Playing against PSG tonight.

 

[Zoo]

He’s a rock.