Topic: General Manchester City thread

[planet-terror]

Coolio

[Kopenhagen]

Why is he playing Zinchenko as a LB? 

[Lush is the best medicine...]

Why is he playing Zinchenko as a LB? 

because he played him there in the cups and has no other LBs?

[Samie]

The fucker will play some Right Back up top and will be hailed like the second coming of Jesus for it.

[Xxavi]

Why is he playing Zinchenko as a LB? 

Who else? Delph and Mendy are injured.

He has only 1 LB, Mendy. It is not Delph's natural position either.

Danilo, in theory, can play there, but he is gash. He is a terrible player who somehow managed to fool both Real Madrid and ManCity.

[Medellin]

Another balls up from Ederson flies under the radar! 

[Petadroli]

Another balls up from Ederson flies under the radar! 

It's not costing them at the moment because they have so much possession against the dross of the league that he rarely gets tested. When facing a PSG, Barcelona or Bayern, this will be a decisive factor. He has been quite shaky lately, but he is also very young and in the physically toughest league.

[Phil M]

It's not costing them at the moment because they have so much possession against the dross of the league that he rarely gets tested. When facing a PSG, Barcelona or Bayern, this will be a decisive factor. He has been quite shaky lately, but he is also very young and in the physically toughest league.

He's conceded 18. De Gea and Courtois have conceded 16 each so far. The 3 best keepers in the league.

[Xxavi]

He's conceded 18. De Gea and Courtois have conceded 16 each so far. The 3 best keepers in the league.

Indeed, these are the best in the league. However, I do think Courtois and De Gea are better than Ederson. At least more proven at this point.

Regardless, I'd class these 3 as the best in the world along with Oblak and Ter Stegen.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Indeed, these are the best in the league. However, I do think Courtois and De Gea are better than Ederson. At least more proven at this point.

Regardless, I'd class these 3 as the best in the world along with Oblak and Ter Stegen.

Erm, Neuer?

[Elzar]

The fucker will play some Right Back up top and will be hailed like the second coming of Jesus for it.

 

[Dim Glas]

Erm, Neuer?

the fact he lists ter Stegen and doesn't mention Neuer tells ya everthing you need to know about Xxavi 

[Xxavi]

Erm, Neuer?

Hasn't he been injured for a long time now? Even before his injury, he wasn't at his best. I think the inclusion of him and Buffon in these lists have been unwarranted for a while now. These are legends of the game, but others have overtaken them a while ago due to their injuries and aging.

[Xxavi]

the fact he lists ter Stegen and doesn't mention Neuer tells ya everthing you need to know about Xxavi 

How many times has Neuer played this season?

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Hasn't he been injured for a long time now? Even before his injury, he wasn't at his best. I think the inclusion of him and Buffon in these lists have been unwarranted for a while now. These are legends of the game, but others have overtaken them a while ago due to their injuries and aging.

I agree he wasn't at his best, but he's still one of the best, injury or no injury. And he's 31! Far too early to be talking about others overtaking him.

[Xxavi]

I agree he wasn't at his best, but he's still one of the best, injury or no injury. And he's 31! Far too early to be talking about others overtaking him.

If he gets back to his best, there is no question that he is amongst the best.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

If he gets back to his best, there is no question that he is amongst the best.

If Ronaldo gets injured tomorrow and is ruled out until August, are you not including him in the best 5-6 forwards in the world?

[Xabi Gerrard]

If Ronaldo gets injured tomorrow and is ruled out until August, are you not including him in the best 5-6 forwards in the world?

Xxavi's never rated fully fit peak Ronaldo as even in the top 5-6 forwards in Spain, let alone the world

[tubby]

Yeah a better question would be if Messi were injured for 6 months.

[Xxavi]

If Ronaldo gets injured tomorrow and is ruled out until August, are you not including him in the best 5-6 forwards in the world?

Yes, for sure. Actually, Ronaldo isn't in top 3 in the world as it is right now. If he is injured, you'd be justified to leave him out of top 10 in the world.

Neuer wasn't also at his peak before injury. I am just struggling to think about his best games in CL even prior to his injury. He is a very solid keeper, but he hasn't done much in Bayern's biggest games in recent years. He could replace himself with mannequin in Bundesliga and it would hardly matter. But in CL, Atletico Madrid had 1 chance and they scored. He spoke big when Bayern met Barca about scaring Messi and showing who is the boss, but then, let in a near post goal from outside of the box. Basically, since 2014, other keepers have been catching up (Courtois, De Gea, Oblak). And his injury put Neuer further back.

[Xxavi]

Xxavi's never rated fully fit peak Ronaldo as even in the top 5-6 forwards in Spain, let alone the world

This is not true by the way. I always said Ronaldo is the 2nd best in the world behind Messi. This season, he clearly is not. If he gets injured, again, him being an athletic player, you'd worry if he will ever get back to his best.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Yeah a better question would be if Messi were injured for 6 months.

Was going to ask that but felt Ronaldo was a better example as, certainly domestically, he's not been at his best lately, whereas Messi has.

Yes, for sure. Actually, Ronaldo isn't in top 3 in the world as it is right now. If he is injured, you'd be justified to leave him out of top 10 in the world.

Neuer wasn't also at his peak before injury. I am just struggling to think about his best games in CL even prior to his injury. He is a very solid keeper, but he hasn't done much in Bayern's biggest games in recent years. He could replace himself with mannequin in Bundesliga and it would hardly matter. But in CL, Atletico Madrid had 1 chance and they scored. He spoke big when Bayern met Barca about scaring Messi and showing who is the boss, but then, let in a near post goal from outside of the box. Basically, since 2014, other keepers have been catching up (Courtois, De Gea, Oblak). And his injury put Neuer further back.

Think all of that is reasonably fair on Neuer, but I don't agree in general that an injury means you are 'justified' in leaving an undoubtedly elite player out of a conversation. If they come back negatively impacted by it, that's a different matter of course.

[Xxavi]

Was going to ask that but felt Ronaldo was a better example as, certainly domestically, he's not been at his best lately, whereas Messi has.

Think all of that is reasonably fair on Neuer, but I don't agree in general that an injury means you are 'justified' in leaving an undoubtedly elite player out of a conversation. If they come back negatively impacted by it, that's a different matter of course.

Alright mate, I think Neuer is definitely a top 3 keeper in the world if he comes back. I am not sure if he is the best even if he comes back though. The likes of De Gea have been winning points and matches for their clubs. I just don't remember Neuer doing that in recent years. Oblak has done the same for Atletico Madrid many times. Bayern, however, are just fine even with Ulreich as their keeper, they have a 16 point lead, record for even Bundesliga. Its like Barca with Valdes and Pinto in goal doing well back in Pep years I mean, most of the world probably doesn't even know that Neuer is out. That makes you think about Bayern and their keepers.

But Neuer is an elite player. When you watch him, you see that. I hope he makes a comeback. I personally think both Oblak and De Gea have taken over him in the past 2 years (even prior to his injury), and Courtois is at least his level (as no. 4), but Neuer is still world class if he gets back to his pre-injury level.

[LallanaInPyjamas]

Alright mate, I think Neuer is definitely a top 3 keeper in the world if he comes back. I am not sure if he is the best even if he comes back though. The likes of De Gea have been winning points and matches for their clubs. I just don't remember Neuer doing that in recent years. Oblak has done the same for Atletico Madrid many times. Bayern, however, are just fine even with Ulreich as their keeper, they have a 16 point lead, record for even Bundesliga. Its like Barca with Valdes and Pinto in goal doing well back in Pep years I mean, most of the world probably doesn't even know that Neuer is out. That makes you think about Bayern and their keepers.

But Neuer is an elite player. When you watch him, you see that. I hope he makes a comeback. I personally think both Oblak and De Gea have taken over him in the past 2 years (even prior to his injury), and Courtois is at least his level (as no. 4), but Neuer is still world class if he gets back to his pre-injury level.

I think they are all great goalkeepers with few weaknesses, but have different 'super skills' if you like. Neuer is by far the best with his feet, Courtois is by far the best aerially in terms of claiming crosses, De Gea has the best reflexes/shot stopping ability, with Oblak probably a close second to him in that regard.

Of course they are all more than capable of playing the ball out, claiming crosses, making great saves etc, but I'd have a fit Neuer ahead of Courtois for example because I think Courtois is a lot weaker with his distribution than Neuer is in terms of his reflexes. Stick Courtois in at City or Barca and he'd still be very good but you'd be accentuating his main weakness somewhat. Whereas Neuer could be elite at any club.

[Xxavi]

I think they are all great goalkeepers with few weaknesses, but have different 'super skills' if you like. Neuer is by far the best with his feet, Courtois is by far the best aerially in terms of claiming crosses, De Gea has the best reflexes/shot stopping ability, with Oblak probably a close second to him in that regard.

Of course they are all more than capable of playing the ball out, claiming crosses, making great saves etc, but I'd have a fit Neuer ahead of Courtois for example because I think Courtois is a lot weaker with his distribution than Neuer is in terms of his reflexes. Stick Courtois in at City or Barca and he'd still be very good but you'd be accentuating his main weakness somewhat. Whereas Neuer could be elite at any club.

I agree that their signature strength are in different areas, but I believe all 4 of Oblak, De Gea, Courtois and Neuer would be great at any club. Sure, Courtois' distribution have question marks but so what? At ManCity, for example, he would NOT have the same long passing ability, but as long as he can do short passing, he should be fine. I think he wouldn't be worse than Ederson for ManCity, and ManCity are doing fine with Ederson.

Neuer has had the easiest among these. Again, Ulreich has been playing for Bayern, and I guarantee that most of the world doesn't even know that. Still, Neuer, too, would do great in all other clubs. De Gea and Oblak have had the toughest so far, with De Gea probably edging it. De Gea has played in awful Moyes, and Van Gaal teams and remained world class. He has been a one-man team for them. Even this season, ManU have the best defensive record not because Phil Jones and Ashley Young are great defenders. With another goalie, they let in 10-15 more easily. Oblak plays behind a superb defense, but that defense has been giving away chances in top matches, and he has been a rock behind them.

So all have done well under very different circumstances. I am convinced that these would do well anywhere, and be "elite".

[Skeeve]

the fact he lists ter Stegen and doesn't mention Neuer tells ya everthing you need to know about Xxavi 

You would also think that the player that gets picked ahead of Ederson for Brazil would merit a mention too.

[Xxavi]

You would also think that the player that gets picked ahead of Ederson for Brazil would merit a mention too.

Good point, but I think those behind top 3 are fairly close. If we are speaking at this moment in time (with Neuer injured), my top 3 are Oblak, De Gea and Courtois. Then there is a group of Ederson, Ter Stegen and others including Alyson (sp?). I watched him for Roma in CL, and he impressed me. A good keeper.

[Ravishing Rick Dude]

Thanks for your professional opinion Xxavi.

[cdav]

De Bruyne has signed a new deal until 2024, bet he is getting a big wage bump too. An absolutely brilliant player- he is going to be pivotal to them over the next few years (sadly)

[FCukBarca Haw-Haw]

Looks like Laporte signing is imminent, expect to see some 3-4-3 soon

[Xxavi]

Looks like Laporte signing is imminent, expect to see some 3-4-3 soon

4-3-3 with Laporte replacing Stones?

Stones has been poor since his return from injury. Even vs Bristol City, he was panicking under pressure. He wasn't facing Messi and Ronaldo, he was still nervous under pressure.

[RedSince86]

4-3-3 with Laporte replacing Stones?

Stones has been poor since his return from injury. Even vs Bristol City, he was panicking under pressure. He wasn't facing Messi and Ronaldo, he was still nervous under pressure.

Still shocked what Pep saw in him.

He's always been a liability.

I expect it will Otamandi and Laporta partnership as the 1st choice.

[Xxavi]

Still shocked what Pep saw in him.

He's always been a liability.

I expect it will Otamandi and Laporta partnership as the 1st choice.

I think so too, rather than the 3-4-3 formation, I think Laporte goes into the first team in the 4-3-3 formation.

I think Stones is a good talent, but there just is something missing with him. I love defenders of his ilk, he reminds me of Pique. But Stones is all over the place facing some fairly mediocre attackers.

[Xabi Gerrard]

Still shocked what Pep saw in him.

He's always been a liability.

I expect it will Otamandi and Laporta partnership as the 1st choice.

Wasn't he really good before he got injured? I thought a ball playing centre back was key to Pep's system and he was playing it to perfection - in fact, didn't him getting injured coincide with City losing their 'magic' and started scrapping games with last minute winners?

[Achilles Heel]

Stones had a dodgy start in the Liverpool game at the Etihad back in early September. Following that he was pretty much flawless for the 16-18 games or so and in the form of his career  before his injury and not only with the ball but importantly as a strong defender. Man of the match in both the Napoli CL  games and played v well for England against Germany and Brazil.

Looked like the Stones of last season since his return but jeez he is only been back 3 weeks.

[Achilles Heel]

Wasn't he really good before he got injured? I thought a ball playing centre back was key to Pep's system and he was playing it to perfection - in fact, didn't him getting injured coincide with City losing their 'magic' and started scrapping games with last minute winners?

Spot on

[mallin9]

Otamendi is getting on in years and when you don't have a budget, why not.......will be interesting to see Laporte in the PL

[[new username under construction]]

Must be hard managing a club where you're so restrained by budget

[CraigDS]

Must be hard managing a club where you're so restrained by budget

Yup. It's a miracle that Pep has got them where he's got them with the small budget he's had to work with.

[Raaphael]

Melissa Reddy reported that Laporte and Akanji were some of the defensive reinforcements we looked for, but for the summer. Both now at other clubs. Gimenez was another one mentioned.