Perhaps Fernandinho next to Gundogwan would be better, and Yaya Toure sold completely.
Our rival's squads next year - Man City
- Thread starter Wumminator
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Their central midfield and defence is highly unimpressive, Kompany/Zabaleta are past it, Mangala/Demichelis/Clichy are clowns. Fernando looks like a nothing player to me, Toure regressed massively last season and has only attacking influence. Fernandinho is solid tho and Denayer looks like a fantastisc talent, they should have signed Clyne, Schneiderlin for sure.
They're still a good few signings away from a title challenge imo. Their defence and midfield (bar Toure when he can be bothered) is pretty underwhelming.
Agree that it's strange they didn't show greater interest in Schneiderlin (who also would have helped their homegrown numbers), but it might be a bit risky to completely replace Toure with a player fresh from injury problems. Of course, if he shows the kind of form he has at his best in the past then they would have an excellent replacement. There is Pjanic who I believe is in a similar age group, or Moutinho who would provide definite quality that doesn't go hiding on the big occasions. Borja Valero is another interesting short-term option, so they have plenty of options to explore.
All utter nonsense. Zabaleta has been a constant presence in an Argentina side that got to two consecutive major finals in recent years, and Demichelis started in the latter stages of both tournaments as well. Both were solid for City last season and showed no real signs of decline. Clichy might not be the best full back but the one thing you can't call him is a clown, he's typically very consistent defensively. Toure's season last year was not his best, no denying, but saying he regressed massively is ridiculous hyperbole (the guy had an excellent period of form before the AFCoN and then captained his side to victory in that very competition) and claiming he only has attacking influence means you clearly have some misguided opinion of his style of play. He was still one of the league's better midfielders last season.
However, I'll let you have Kompany is past it and Mangala is a clown, even if they're exaggerated points
It's difficult to judge our squad now for the season ahead when we are clearly still in the market chasing significant targets. Like most have said our attacking options far outweigh our midfield and defensive options but we aren't as doomed as some have suggested, not through my eyes at least.
Our attacking options of Aguero, Bony, Silva, Dzeko, Sterling, Jovetic, Nasri and Navas are excellent - if you replace Jovetic and Dzeko with De Bruyne or somebody equally as exciting then you've got the leagues best options right there, if not already, which is obviously where we are trying to get to. If Aguero stays for then you always have a chance at silverware.
Our midfield is where we seriously need to strengthen - we've obviously recognised that and we can only wait and see who arrives. Yaya has been written off by many, but he's still capable of dictating the play against 75% of this leagues opposition most days. He's an excellent option in the squad. If we don't sign anybody here though then we will struggle for large parts of the season as we did last year, particularly against the more competitive sides in the middle of the park.
Defence I disagree with in many respects, I think the idea that Kompany is now finished is crazy, when he's not injured he's still a class act. Mangala also showed his worth at the back end of the season with a string of impressive performances (which conveniently went unnoticed), the boy has talent and will eventually be a mainstay in the side. What we do need is central defensive cover and a left back.
We are two or three signings from being one of the front runners again, and thankfully we are being linked with players filling all the right holes - whether we get them only time will tell.
Our attacking options of Aguero, Bony, Silva, Dzeko, Sterling, Jovetic, Nasri and Navas are excellent - if you replace Jovetic and Dzeko with De Bruyne or somebody equally as exciting then you've got the leagues best options right there, if not already, which is obviously where we are trying to get to. If Aguero stays for then you always have a chance at silverware.
Our midfield is where we seriously need to strengthen - we've obviously recognised that and we can only wait and see who arrives. Yaya has been written off by many, but he's still capable of dictating the play against 75% of this leagues opposition most days. He's an excellent option in the squad. If we don't sign anybody here though then we will struggle for large parts of the season as we did last year, particularly against the more competitive sides in the middle of the park.
Defence I disagree with in many respects, I think the idea that Kompany is now finished is crazy, when he's not injured he's still a class act. Mangala also showed his worth at the back end of the season with a string of impressive performances (which conveniently went unnoticed), the boy has talent and will eventually be a mainstay in the side. What we do need is central defensive cover and a left back.
We are two or three signings from being one of the front runners again, and thankfully we are being linked with players filling all the right holes - whether we get them only time will tell.
Very strange thread with some major flights of fantasy.
You all realise that City scored 21 more goals and conceded just 1 more than Utd finishing 9 points clear. Yaya going to AfCoN was the major turning point in the season. He was a shadow when he returned, though rallied when it was too late.
City will be top 2 again next season. I think we will win it but then again I would. The nucleus of the team that has finished 1,2,1,2 remains and is not yet over the hill. The addition of Sterling plus others to come will improve the squad.
I think City will significantly improve the points total from last season and I don't see Chelsea declining dramatically which will leave Utd fighting for 3rd at best.
You all realise that City scored 21 more goals and conceded just 1 more than Utd finishing 9 points clear. Yaya going to AfCoN was the major turning point in the season. He was a shadow when he returned, though rallied when it was too late.
City will be top 2 again next season. I think we will win it but then again I would. The nucleus of the team that has finished 1,2,1,2 remains and is not yet over the hill. The addition of Sterling plus others to come will improve the squad.
I think City will significantly improve the points total from last season and I don't see Chelsea declining dramatically which will leave Utd fighting for 3rd at best.
Last season was last season. Assuming things will play out the same is a dangerous thing to do.
If City make more signings like Sterling, players to improve the first team, then I think City will challenge for the title. If it's more of the same sort of dross as Navas and Rodwell and Garcia that City have routinely bought over the last 3 or 4 years then I don't think you will. Arsenal and Utd look stronger already for the next season. I think City will be 3rd/4th.
I also think if you go into another season again relying on those same 4 or 5 players you always do and especially being heavily reliant on Augero you're going to have another poor Champions League campaign.
You need a similar amount of surgery on your squad as us, as it stands. I'm sure you will make the necessary signings in more or less every position, but as it stands, I would say City are no better than Arsenal or United squad-wise.
I'm astonished how it's never taken into account just how small your squad is either. It's practically a squad of twenty and that's including Dzeko and Jovetic who will leave. You need more numbers, but players of sufficient quality. Factoring in a largely ageing squad, with a thin squad like yours is suicide when you are supposed to be competing for all honours.
Sterling is a great start. Fresh legs, pace and energy is what's needed, but it's merely a start. You still need three more additions as a minimum.
I do not think any of the top 4 squads are stronger than another, if chelsea think their squad has it stands is that much better than the rest, then they are getting complacent.
Mangala is a clown, 200% sure. Clichy is no where near the level City should be aiming for, absolutely no where. His lack of quality was so noticeable, especially in the tougher matches.All utter nonsense. Zabaleta has been a constant presence in an Argentina side that got to two consecutive major finals in recent years, and Demichelis started in the latter stages of both tournaments as well. Both were solid for City last season and showed no real signs of decline. Clichy might not be the best full back but the one thing you can't call him is a clown, he's typically very consistent defensively. Toure's season last year was not his best, no denying, but saying he regressed massively is ridiculous hyperbole (the guy had an excellent period of form before the AFCoN and then captained his side to victory in that very competition) and claiming he only has attacking influence means you clearly have some misguided opinion of his style of play. He was still one of the league's better midfielders last season.
However, I'll let you have Kompany is past it and Mangala is a clown, even if they're exaggerated points
Zabaleta and Kompany are past their best, they're not done as player on their top level cause they're still quite good players. However I dont think they're in the world class bracket anymore, and City doesnt really have someone to replace or compete them.
Even in his best ever season imo 2013/14 he was very attacking minded, you'd know as he scored like 20 goals from midfield. His work rate really dropped and even though City olay 4231 a lot, he wasnt really a CVM. More of a free role. Last season he declined in comparison to 13'14, still a good player ofcourse but I think his range is primary now the attacking duties. He's still a huge goal threat, is quite creative, has good link up play, can hold the ball well. But in terms of interceptions, blocks, tracking back, closing spaces, its quite lacking. And its fine to have that, but then you need someone next to him, who really does that.
And again, Mangala really is a clown. The amount of mistakes he's made is really shocking at this level and his transfer free.
Pellegrini has a lot of sorting out to do. Sterling was a very good start, but the squad needs freshening up in most areas.
Don't think we can really pass anything like judgement on City's squad for next season until we can, you know, see their squad for next season.
Right now I think it's solely between ourselves and Chelsea for the Premier League title, but if they bring in the likes of De Bruyne and Pogba like they seem to want to, maybe a new left back and they are not only Premier League contenders but Champions League contenders too.
Right now I think it's solely between ourselves and Chelsea for the Premier League title, but if they bring in the likes of De Bruyne and Pogba like they seem to want to, maybe a new left back and they are not only Premier League contenders but Champions League contenders too.
it's pretty ridiculous to rule out Arsenal who have greatly improved their defence with the signing of Cech. They have a very stable side that was close to challenging last season. That familiarity, allied to Cech and I don't doubt at least 1, maybe 2, big money signings, could see them right up there.
Hope they chase fantasy signings all summer and end up with next to no one. Similar to us in 2013
@BobbyManc and @Manchester Dan any young players I should watch out for as I got tickets to Roma vs City?
It takes more than just a decent squad to win the CL. Tactics, experience and ability to handle the pressure come into play a whole lot more. This team could not go past the round of 16 for the last 4-5 years and you expect them to be suddenly contenders for the CL?
I have no idea who'll be playing to be honest. Most likely to get meaningful minutes will be Denayer, Lopes and Iheanacho as they all have a chance of making breakthroughs in the first team this season. If Barker plays he's worth keeping an eye on too, true Mancunian lad and an exciting winger/playmaker, but he'll likely be going out on loan this season.
Talk about fecking Micah Richards over at Villa now...
I don't know what he's trying to achieve here. He should just stay under the radar for a while after his shitty City U-turn.
Any idea about the contract he is on approximately?
I can't but help thinking that if you take Aguero out of their line-up, it's very average. And the best way to take Aguero out of their lineup is for us to get Benzema, leaving RM to poach their long term target.
City had the squad last season to challenge but didn't, the question is can Pellegrini motivate this group of players to put up a tough fight to the end. My instinct is no since Nasri is a cancerous player/Jovetic can't be at all happy with the decision to be left out of the champions league squad and could leave before the window closes, Kompany looks in serious decline and Mangala looks like Bebe playing at CB.
City do have some of the best players in the world.. You know that right? You don't win 2 of the last 4 PL titles without them; or if you do, then Pellegrini and Mancini are fantastic managers. Take your pick.Erm what ?
Delph needs to stfu
@BobbyManc @Manchester Dan
Where do you guys see Delph fitting into your side? Do you see him getting many starts in the league or do you think he will tend to feature more in domestic cup and champions league group games?
Where do you guys see Delph fitting into your side? Do you see him getting many starts in the league or do you think he will tend to feature more in domestic cup and champions league group games?
Maybe he's laughing at Richards thinking that City is the best club in the world?
I can't but help thinking that if you take Aguero out of their line-up, it's very average. And the best way to take Aguero out of their lineup is for us to get Benzema, leaving RM to poach their long term target.
Silva is brilliant too.
City has become a lot worse over the summer going by opinion here.
Regressed from 2nd to most likely to finish outside the top four of the top four.
Regressed from 2nd to most likely to finish outside the top four of the top four.
I seem to be much higher on them than most people here in that I think their offence will be great (Sterling for Navas is a big upgrade) and their D has potential to surprise considering how little they got from talented, inconsistent defenders like Kompany and Mangala.
But I don't see a serious CL run likely at all. They don't have the quality of midfielders or defenders for it. Bayern were absolutely dominant against them and the Aguero and madness that saved them isn't realistically replicable over 3 two-legged knockouts.
I think they'd have to do it with backs against the wall and Pellegrini isn't that kind of manager and I have no idea how to play both Silva and Toure in a purely counter-attacking side.
I'm not sure why they didn't just sell Fernando for whatever they could get and buy Schneiderlin, who is homegrown and the kind of solid DM they need for the CL. An upgrade at LB and a CB are needed, too.
City won in two very poor seasons. The decadent end of era at United (and you still nearly ballsed it up despite our best efforts) and then while Chelsea were rebuilding and United were under the inspired leadership of Moyes. The team that wins the league deserves it but City's struggles in the CL give a fairly accurate indication of where they stand relative to current European powers and past EPL winners.
If there is one oil based global football franchise project to be the first to fall please let it be this one this season. Just had to get that off my sumptuous pigeon chest.
A side with the likes of Silva, Aguero and Toure is going to get top four. You'd think we'd sold our star players and signed some rejects. We've just added a player who has precisely the style we were missing last season in Sterling. Delph won't add much in all likelihood but he's not exactly going to weaken the squad. So the squad that scored the most goals last season is somehow going to just collapse and allow one of Spurs/Liverpool/Southampton to finish above them, even though no key players are leaving? There is zero reasoning for the assumption we've become a lot worse.
It's hard to call right now really. Right now I'd have said he'll be third choice CM behind Toure and Fernandinho. But there's a decent possibility we go three in midfield next season and at any rate Yaya and Fernandinho are both over 30 so I'd say Delph will get to start at least 10 PL games next season, as well as the cups and some CL matches. If he develops well he could oust Fernandinho but that remains to be seen.
Christ... You won't finish above city.
Can we quote you on that?
Its debatable if you can finish above Stoke City.
Completely depends on how he develops. I'm not Fernando's biggest fan so between Yaya, Fernandinho and Delph he'll see plenty, especially as I think we'll line up 4-2-3-1 which suits Delph's game. (Silva centrally behind Aguero, Sterling and one more, with two holding midfielders). That said, I fully expect us to sign another midfielder and if we don't it's a weak area going into the season.