Paulo Dybala

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How can you guys still get so excited about signing an attacker when you’ve seen what’s happened to the others we’ve signed in the last few years?

Nature of a fan, most always hope things will get better and it will finally click....or some are hoping by next summer we'll have a manager more in tune with the modern attacking game.
 
How can you guys still get so excited about signing an attacker when you’ve seen what’s happened to the others we’ve signed in the last few years?
If you can't get excited about signing one of the best forwards in the world, why are you here?
 
If you can't get excited about signing one of the best forwards in the world, why are you here?
I’m more focused on trying to get the best out of the 30 (or however many) players in our current first team squad, rather than someone we might or might not get. And if we do end up getting him, recent history makes it hard for me to get excited about it.
 
I mean not buying anyone won't help either, so of course we are excited of a potential top player signing. Even if someone like Pogba isn't playing at his best atm, I am happy that we have him. If Jose continues like he does atm, he will be gone rather sooner than later and the next manager might do great things with players like Pogba and Dybala.
 
I don't understand why Juventus would sell Dybala. He was the only creative force today against Verona. The rest of the team was sleeping for 90 minutes. Bad form recently but now it's going up again.
 
How can you guys still get so excited about signing an attacker when you’ve seen what’s happened to the others we’ve signed in the last few years?
Because dybala is on a different level to most of those who have been at United. Do Maria had a class 1 season but turned out to be a 1 season wonder (who also was the antithesis of Van Gaal). Mata has done as well or better then he was before. This is just him. Lukaku has done better then before. This is just him, not too talented and scores in patches.

Dybala is a genuine world class player and after messi and Ronaldo are past it, will be part of the discussion to win the Ballon d'or. Difference to griezmann is that hes much more of a dynamic and individual threat, compared to griezmann who relies on system and the rest of his team. Dybala is like a Messi type, just obviously nowhere near as good. But still would be world class.
 
I'm not convinced Dybala would look as good in the PL to be honest. In any case I don't think any one player will really solve any of our problems, we need to learn to play like a team.
 
Because dybala is on a different level to most of those who have been at United. Do Maria had a class 1 season but turned out to be a 1 season wonder (who also was the antithesis of Van Gaal). Mata has done as well or better then he was before. This is just him. Lukaku has done better then before. This is just him, not too talented and scores in patches.

Dybala is a genuine world class player and after messi and Ronaldo are past it, will be part of the discussion to win the Ballon d'or. Difference to griezmann is that hes much more of a dynamic and individual threat, compared to griezmann who relies on system and the rest of his team. Dybala is like a Messi type, just obviously nowhere near as good. But still would be world class.

That’s all great and all. But I’ve struggled to get excited about any signing since the aftermath of the Di Maria / Falcao transfer window, with the exception of the Schweinsteiger transfer cause he was at the time my favourite non-United player ever.

Dybala will be no different (wrt my excitement). He is a great player though - I thought Barcelona should have gone for him instead of Dembele in the Summer.
 
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My lack of excitement is because I just can't see where he fits in

As a SS (secondary striker) / #10, playing behind Lukaku. Sort of how he does playing behind Higuain but would be under a different formation with United/José managed side.

Something like this which is plausible:


——————Lukaku
Martial———Dybala———New RW
————Pogba———Matic


...except he’d be playing ahead of the wingers and given a roaming role to create and make runs.
 
That’s all great and all. But I’ve struggled to get excited about any signing since the aftermath of the Di Maria / Falcao transfer window, with the exception of the Schweinsteiger transfer cause he was at the time my favourite non-United player ever.

Dybala will be no different (wrt my excitement). He is a great player though - I thought Barcelona should have gone for him instead of Dembele in the Summer.
Well that's just you then. Falcao came off an acl surgery and rushed his recovery. He's a decent striker now but those injuries are always question marks. Di Maria was tremendous for Madrid for 6 months, before and after he was inconsistent. Schweinsteiger old and injuries killed him. Ibrahimovic 35 but still did well. Pogba has done well, albeit we need more. Lukaku, well we know he was ridiculously overpriced. Dybala if we have any tiny chance of getting him and somehow manage to pull it off, well it'd be as wank worthy a signing as anyone.
 
Well that's just you then. Falcao came off an acl surgery and rushed his recovery. He's a decent striker now but those injuries are always question marks. Di Maria was tremendous for Madrid for 6 months, before and after he was inconsistent. Schweinsteiger old and injuries killed him. Ibrahimovic 35 but still did well. Pogba has done well, albeit we need more. Lukaku, well we know he was ridiculously overpriced. Dybala if we have any tiny chance of getting him and somehow manage to pull it off, well it'd be as wank worthy a signing as anyone.
I mean, look at the team posted above you - that’s hardly going to sit right with all of the posts today about Pogba and his positioning. How about actually finding an attacking system and getting the best of our current players in that system. Maybe if we do that first, I can get excited about potential signings like Dybala.
 
I’m more focused on trying to get the best out of the 30 (or however many) players in our current first team squad, rather than someone we might or might not get. And if we do end up getting him, recent history makes it hard for me to get excited about it.

Im always going to get excited about signing a world class player no matter how badly others have turned out
 
I mean, look at the team posted above you - that’s hardly going to sit right with all of the posts today about Pogba and his positioning. How about actually finding an attacking system and getting the best of our current players in that system. Maybe if we do that first, I can get excited about potential signings like Dybala.
Lukaku
Martial Dybala
Shaw Matic Pogba Valencia
Lindelof Jones Bailly
De Gea
If we're going all in hypothetical. I agree we need to work on a system, but we also need better attacking players, simple as. I've said it loads but building around Lukaku won't get us anywhere, but at least this way we can get both Martial and dybala in arguably their best positions while rotating rashford and Lukaku.
 
Lukaku
Martial Dybala
Shaw Matic Pogba Valencia
Lindelof Jones Bailly
De Gea
If we're going all in hypothetical. I agree we need to work on a system, but we also need better attacking players, simple as. I've said it loads but building around Lukaku won't get us anywhere, but at least this way we can get both Martial and dybala in arguably their best positions while rotating rashford and Lukaku.
That formation looks good if the wingbacks are upgraded. There will likely be a lot of space between the midfield and attack due to Martial-Dybala's natural inclination to move towards the opposition box rather than drop to the hole to link-up play and also due Mourinho's insistence to keep our midfield deep. Looks appetizing though and might look even better with an attack-minded coach.
 
Lukaku
Martial Dybala
Shaw Matic Pogba Valencia
Lindelof Jones Bailly
De Gea
If we're going all in hypothetical. I agree we need to work on a system, but we also need better attacking players, simple as. I've said it loads but building around Lukaku won't get us anywhere, but at least this way we can get both Martial and dybala in arguably their best positions while rotating rashford and Lukaku.

Still a terrible team. I reteirate that Martial should be a bench option until he improves and we need a superior player in his place. Valencia is finished, offers nothing compared to a good RB. Shaw is also someone I would like to see as second choice, he is not at all convincing for all the praise he's gotten here.

That team would finish 5th-6th next season considering the probable strength of our rivals.
 
As a SS (secondary striker) / #10, playing behind Lukaku. Sort of how he does playing behind Higuain but would be under a different formation with United/José managed side.

Something like this which is plausible:


——————Lukaku
Martial———Dybala———New RW
————Pogba———Matic


...except he’d be playing ahead of the wingers and given a roaming role to create and make runs.
The problem is that Juve are a hard working team that play with work horses/near wing backs in wide positions which allows freedom to your front two. If we go for the Dybala-Lukaku combination, we'll sacrifice the attacking potency of Martial and our RW. Not to mention Pogba will remain a CM which is not the best use of his qualities. I'd rather us figure out a system which doesn't lose control over the middle of the park and also allows Pogba to focus on creating rather than running the game.
 
Adding to the above, the ideal, for me is

Martial Lukaku RW (wide forward or playmaking wide player drifting)
Pogba Xavi/Scholesque CM
Matic

Pogba gets freedom to attack and create while others keep the clock ticking. Martial gets to burn defenders and the right side is sorted.

Esses essentially our 'attack' is Lukaku Martial Pogba and one cracking wide player. I'd also sign a young attacker with pace and talent.
 
Adding to the above, the ideal, for me is

Martial Lukaku RW (wide forward or playmaking wide player drifting)
Pogba Xavi/Scholesque CM
Matic

Pogba gets freedom to attack and create while others keep the clock ticking. Martial gets to burn defenders and the right side is sorted.

Esses essentially our 'attack' is Lukaku Martial Pogba and one cracking wide player. I'd also sign a young attacker with pace and talent.

I think putting Pogba in a CAM role would limit some of what he offers and limit United from adding another world class player like Dybala.

He likes holding onto the ball and can pick out long range passes with ease with the vision he has. That’s best suited where he currently plays (alongside Matic with license to roam) as he has more of the field to analyze. And if he were to play there, like some and myself have suggested would allow for us to potentially add a WC player in front of him. What I mostly don’t like with your attack is we don’t get to add that WC player and would really help take some pressure off Lukaku being the sole goal scoring threat atm.
 
442 diamond is a new trend of world football. Lots of spainish teams are using that formation this year, Barcelona, Atletico, Valencia, Real Madrid. If we sign Dybala and we got a manager who has attacking game-plan, we doesn’t need a winger. Pogba can play on his best position at Juve before.

It’s also required a lot from full back, then 3 signings should be Dybala, Savic and left back in summer.

Martial Lukaku
Dybala
Pogba SMS
Matic
New LB Jones Bailly Valencia
Ddg
 
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Still a terrible team. I reteirate that Martial should be a bench option until he improves and we need a superior player in his place. Valencia is finished, offers nothing compared to a good RB. Shaw is also someone I would like to see as second choice, he is not at all convincing for all the praise he's gotten here.

That team would finish 5th-6th next season considering the probable strength of our rivals.
Do you really think we will go into next season with Dybala as our only signing? We will likely upgrade the wingback areas if we are going to play that formation.
I don't agree with what you said about Martial. He's so good we will hardly get a realistic upgrade for him in that position. He's having albeit inconsistent, a good season and should be a starter for us.
 
442 diamond is a new trend of world football. Lots of spainish teams are using that formation this year, Barcelona, Atletico, Valencia, Real Madrid. If we sign Dybala and we got a manager who has attacking game-plan, we doesn’t need a winger. Pogba can play his best position on Juve again.

It’s also required a lot from full back, then 3 signings should be Dybala, Savic and left back in summer.

Martial Lukaku
Dybala
Pogba SMS
Matic
New LB Jones Bailly Valencia
Ddg
The number of teams playing the diamond in the EPL is a grand total of 0, so it's hardly the new trend.
That role at the tip of the diamond is also one for a midfielder not a striker like Dybala. The diamond is supposed to function as a unit, but like I mentioned, Dybala's inclination to attack the opposition box rather than stay/drop into the hole to link the midfield, means the attack will repeatedly be a narrow one. Rather stick to a 433.
 
The number of teams playing the diamond in the EPL is a grand total of 0, so it's hardly the new trend.
That role at the tip of the diamond is also one for a midfielder not a striker like Dybala. The diamond is supposed to function as a unit, but like I mentioned, Dybala's inclination to attack the opposition box rather than stay/drop into the hole to link the midfield, means the attack will repeatedly be a narrow one. Rather stick to a 433.
Yes, it is a new trend. German team used it as well, not only in Spain. English teams always fall behind of the formation trend. Back 3 used by Italian and German teams few years already and English team started to copy from last year.

In addition, Mourinho' Porto won the Champions league by 442 diamond formation . It might long time ago, but it proved he can use that formation quite well.
 
How can you guys still get so excited about signing an attacker when you’ve seen what’s happened to the others we’ve signed in the last few years?

Can't help but feel a bit like this at the moment. We've got great attacking players, who have been made to look so painfully average. What's to say the same won't happen to this lad, or anyone else we buy.
 
Yes, it is a new trend. German team used it as well, not only in Spain. English teams always fall behind of the formation trend. Back 3 used by Italian and German teams few years already and English team started to copy from last year.

In addition, Mourinho' Porto won the Champions league by 442 diamond formation . It might long time ago, but it proved he can use that formation quite well.
Noted, but what do you make of my second paragraph?
 
Does anyone actually believe Dybala actually wants to join United given the opportunity?
It will obviously take the majority of our budget to even get Juve, the notoriously tight fisted cheapskates to even consider it. Just curious as to if we have an actual chance based on solid info or is this just another wish we sign him thread.
 
Imagine how much will Juve want for Dybala, given that Liverpool want 140m for Coutinho.
 
Noted, but what do you make of my second paragraph?
I agreed the best diamond should be all midfielder, then we need to buy two midfielders instead of one. Also, I really doubt if there's any available option of us to find that player. The tip of the diamond one needs to be someone got pace, vision and able to defend, someone like De Bryune. Pogba got these skill-sets but for me his best role on diamond formation should be on left side.

Dybala can be or suitable to be front 2, possibility like Messi role at Barca this season. But Messi is unique, he does some magic no one can do, even Dybala not up to that standard yet. That's the reason I think we can't put 4 typical central midfielders cause upfront will lack pace with only Dybala and Lukaku/Martial/Rashford. There's only one penetration asset from Lukaku/Martial/Rashford. Unless we can accomplished like Barca or Madrid which can break opponents with one/two and through balls, really well to hold up the ball and attack with efficiency. I can't see Mourinho is capable to do it with that approach TBH.

If we play 433 as you mention, then Dybala has to play on the right. It's the same problem as Griezmann, you don't buy a 100m player but play him out of position. You have to play him on his best position.
 
The only way I really see Dybala fitting here would be in a 352. I also think this set up would need to play a high line where the team defends and attacks as a unit. When in possession, play aggressive football with lots of movement..<---- The exact opposite of what Mourinho plays

De Gea
Lindelof - Bailly - Jones
Valencia - Matic - Pogba - Shaw
Ozil
Lukaku - Dybala
I'd like full backs and a CB but that team has everything going forward.
Matic and Pogba keep the ball great and both have a range of passing. With their height, they are a shield for the defence also
The back 3, along with the full backs give Pogba the license to express himself more than he does in a basic midfield 3
Ozil is the creator. Looking to play in the front two as much as possible. Exceptional passing can unlock a defence.
Lukaku is the out and out scorer of goals and gives an aerial threat, where Dybala can pass, score and dribble. He'd be unpredictable. Defenders would have a nightmare.

But of course, this would need to be played with a high line. Squeeze the opposition, make them make mistakes. Our defence is quick, we can play it. Going forward the midfield and attack can all pass the ball. It's a team effort over individual brilliance.

The above side managed by Poch I think would be great to watch
 
The only way I really see Dybala fitting here would be in a 352. I also think this set up would need to play a high line where the team defends and attacks as a unit. When in possession, play aggressive football with lots of movement..<---- The exact opposite of what Mourinho plays

De Gea
Lindelof - Bailly - Jones
Valencia - Matic - Pogba - Shaw
Ozil
Lukaku - Dybala
I'd like full backs and a CB but that team has everything going forward.
Matic and Pogba keep the ball great and both have a range of passing. With their height, they are a shield for the defence also
The back 3, along with the full backs give Pogba the license to express himself more than he does in a basic midfield 3
Ozil is the creator. Looking to play in the front two as much as possible. Exceptional passing can unlock a defence.
Lukaku is the out and out scorer of goals and gives an aerial threat, where Dybala can pass, score and dribble. He'd be unpredictable. Defenders would have a nightmare.

But of course, this would need to be played with a high line. Squeeze the opposition, make them make mistakes. Our defence is quick, we can play it. Going forward the midfield and attack can all pass the ball. It's a team effort over individual brilliance.

The above side managed by Poch I think would be great to watch

Its a great formation well done. My only concern is Pogba in a 2 men CM. Both Juventus and us had tried him there and he backfired spectacularly. If you ask me would should go for something like this


------------------DDG-----------------
---------Jones--Lindelof---Bailly-

Valencia------------------------------Ghoulam

-----------------Matic--------------------
----------Jorginho-----Pogba------------

---------------------Dybala/Martial
--------Lukaku/Rashford---------------
 
I agreed the best diamond should be all midfielder, then we need to buy two midfielders instead of one. Also, I really doubt if there's any available option of us to find that player. The tip of the diamond one needs to be someone got pace, vision and able to defend, someone like De Bryune. Pogba got these skill-sets but for me his best role on diamond formation should be on left side.

Dybala can be or suitable to be front 2, possibility like Messi role at Barca this season. But Messi is unique, he does some magic no one can do, even Dybala not up to that standard yet. That's the reason I think we can't put 4 typical central midfielders cause upfront will lack pace with only Dybala and Lukaku/Martial/Rashford. There's only one penetration asset from Lukaku/Martial/Rashford. Unless we can accomplished like Barca or Madrid which can break opponents with one/two and through balls, really well to hold up the ball and attack with efficiency. I can't see Mourinho is capable to do it with that approach TBH.

If we play 433 as you mention, then Dybala has to play on the right. It's the same problem as Griezmann, you don't buy a 100m player but play him out of position. You have to play him on his best position.
I think Dybala could work in a genuine 433, cutting in from the right and occupying the 'hole' just like Messi did in the MSN era.
Lukaku's natural tendency to drift to the right in possession will also allow Dybala to frequently get in the box and go for goals. This would also help Martial occupy the central areas where he's most dangerous, with the fullbacks providing width.
We would need an AM-CM hybrid who is quite prolific in creating and pops up with the occasional goal ala Iniesta, to play through one side of Matic, with Pogba playing through the other side.
 
I don't see how fitting in Dybala would be s problem. We need a number 10, he is one and in comparison to Ozil or Griezmann I can see him beeing a much better fit as playing as a striker or from the right than those 2 if we want to play with 3 midfielders. He is a creative playmaker but also is improving his end product every year, so I can see him banging in tons of goals as a striker too in his prime. He is was too good to not try to get him, signing Özil and him makes not much sense for me. We should rather add Goretzka as a free transfer alongside Dybala if it's possible.
 
OK folks, I don't really see much European football, but obviously been aware of Dybala for a while, and seen some impressive stuff from him occasion. So (and I'm sure you'll all say something different) to give me an idea of what he can do, what past or present Premier League player would you say he's closest to in style / level / strengths etc?
 
I don't see how fitting in Dybala would be s problem. We need a number 10, he is one and in comparison to Ozil or Griezmann I can see him beeing a much better fit as playing as a striker or from the right than those 2 if we want to play with 3 midfielders. He is a creative playmaker but also is improving his end product every year, so I can see him banging in tons of goals as a striker too in his prime. He is was too good to not try to get him, signing Özil and him makes not much sense for me. We should rather add Goretzka as a free transfer alongside Dybala if it's possible.

Keep hearing so many fans talking about Goretzka. But I see absolutely nowhere we are linked with him, seems like its' all Liverpool. Is there any concrete source linking us to him?
 
Keep hearing so many fans talking about Goretzka. But I see absolutely nowhere we are linked with him, seems like its' all Liverpool. Is there any concrete source linking us to him?

No, almost only Bayern and Liverpool. Then Juve and Barca a bit. But seems to be the former 2 at the moment
 
Dybala would be a HUGE upgrade in comparison to Rashford and even Martial.

Not only is he more skilled than those two, but he is so much more intelligent as a football player.

Rashford suffers from the "footballer from the British Islands"-syndrome: his decision-making is poor, making him a very
predictable player.
 
OK folks, I don't really see much European football, but obviously been aware of Dybala for a while, and seen some impressive stuff from him occasion. So (and I'm sure you'll all say something different) to give me an idea of what he can do, what past or present Premier League player would you say he's closest to in style / level / strengths etc?
Gianfranco Zola.
 
I think Dybala could work in a genuine 433, cutting in from the right and occupying the 'hole' just like Messi did in the MSN era.
Lukaku's natural tendency to drift to the right in possession will also allow Dybala to frequently get in the box and go for goals. This would also help Martial occupy the central areas where he's most dangerous, with the fullbacks providing width.
We would need an AM-CM hybrid who is quite prolific in creating and pops up with the occasional goal ala Iniesta, to play through one side of Matic, with Pogba playing through the other side.
Love that
 
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