the digler

[JPK]

Or he could be like Alonso and go desperately downhill after his first season to an extent that he doesn't even warrant a place on the bench.

Even poor old Xabi is getting brought into it now

[MrMichael]

Oh, if you only knew how wrong you were.



Rafa would shaft you and send you to the ressies along with LeTallec for that statement.

[Shaggy]

Oh, if you only knew how wrong you were.



Rafa would shaft you and send you to the ressies along with LeTallec for that statement.

Haha Tomas, very funny indeed.

You know what I meant. Clearly, I wasn't saying "no need to work hard", a la ALT. Hard work ALONE is not enough.

[Shaggy]

Even poor old Xabi is getting brought into it now

Xabi's my favourite player but he was absymal yesterday. He needs to step it up, sharpish.

[Guest]

So let's not pick on individuals, let's pick on Rafa.

No fella, not picking up on him. But ultimately, in the grand scheme of things, the buck stops where ?

We have fantastic players on our books and how successful this side becomes is down to Rafa and his coaching staff in the end.

But as you say, it's only pre-season.

[JPK]

Xabi's my favourite player but he was absymal yesterday. He needs to step it up, sharpish.

One of mine too.He needs Mascherano beside him and Gerrard in front of him.

[Shaggy]

One of mine too.He needs Mascherano beside him and Gerrard in front of him.

We're going off topic a bit here but I agree, and, to bring it back on topic, I think our "strongest side" will feature those three and no Kuyt.


---Mascherano----Alonso-----

---------------Gerrard---------

--JP/Yossi------------Babel/Kewell/Leto

--------------Torres--------------

[dww]

To be fair it was a glorified training session which other than when the fight broke out and Pennants ludicrous challenge we didn't seem all that bothered about. I'm not at all worried by any performances in such games. Obviously I would like to see us destroying teams in friendlies but in the long run it matters little except for getting players fit.

If we play as badly against Villa (who play a similar formation to Feyenoord) then I will be unhappy.

[tomasjj]

Xabi's my favourite player but he was absymal yesterday. He needs to step it up, sharpish.

Yes of course he has....especially since he has been very good in the other pre-season matches...


As for your other lovechild, Crouch, now we are talking about ****e form.

[Marky]

He needs to stay upfront man, not drop into midfield all the damn time.
I rate him and think he'll do well for us this season but he has to improve this part of his game and i don't know why he feels the need to drop into midfield all the time.

[Imy]

We're going off topic a bit here but I agree, and, to bring it back on topic, I think our "strongest side" will feature those three and no Kuyt.


---Mascherano----Alonso-----

---------------Gerrard---------

--JP/Yossi------------Babel/Kewell/Leto

--------------Torres--------------

Based on pre season so far i'd go with JP and Babel out 'wide'

[Shaggy]

Yes of course he has....especially since he has been very good in the other pre-season matches...


As for your other lovechild, Crouch, now we are talking about ****e form.

Huh?

The other pre-season games have been against Sunday League teams. Xabi's level has dropped, big time, and he needs to sort it out.

If you'd paid any attention, you'd have seen me posting on Friday about Crouch's ****e pre-season form.

Please keep up Tomas.

[JPK]

We're going off topic a bit here but I agree, and, to bring it back on topic, I think our "strongest side" will feature those three and no Kuyt.


---Mascherano----Alonso-----

---------------Gerrard---------

--JP/Yossi------------Babel/Kewell/Leto

--------------Torres--------------

Glad you started this.
Reina
Finnan Carra Agger
Gerrard Xabi Monster/Momo Babel
Torres

You know exactly what you are getting with everyone bar the new two.
There level is always high and they should start weekly to get us off to a good start.The pressure is on the rest and they should get nothing easy.

[WILF]

I see no counter-argument. No justification for the time he spends outside the box.

Rafa tells him to !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rafa_el_Gafa]

Xabi has adapted his game.

He came a flair player who spray balls all over the park.


Now he gets stuck in and wins challenges and keeps it simple.


We don't pass the ball like they do in spain and the amount of time you get on the ball is far far less. So in that respect Xabi has shown what a good player he is. Torres is going to have to do the same...


The first midfielder i would have on the team sheet is Sissoko he has been awesome in pre season and merits a starting place.