Premier League 25/26

[Porque]

It is the poor quality of signings that are causing City's deterioration.

Their lineup today is nowhere near good enough for the budget and reputation they have, they could sign much better players. Doku, Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Bobb, Trafford, Lewis, none of those are even close to being considered amongst the best in their position.

The problem is that they don't have a centreback at leftback, a centreback at right back, two centrebacks at pivot and two centrebacks on the wings.

Pep gets those signings and he can turn this around.

 

[jairzinho]

That City GK is horrible.

 

[JamDav1982]

Feels like City have a ton of players that they dont even know what their best role is.

 

[Horatio]

y no Reijnders hype

 

[ajnotkeith]

Haaland can't even do the basics right. Pure poacher almost now. Starting to think he's not good for us even if he somehow becomes obtainable.

We don't really need more than that though, if he can find chances and convert them he will score bags and bags of goals here.

Our creativity is the best in world football easily, he would feast with his movement and finishing. The striker market is also a bit barren so I don't think we'd find better options.

That is, if our finances are ever in a position to enable us to sign him, which I don't see happening in the near future.

 

[JamDav1982]

Haaland is far more likely to score balls in the box than Alvarez as even Sorloth is showing at Atleti.

Also as good as Alvarez is at dead balls.. he isnt getting those ahead of Yamal if arrived.

Smaller factor is Barca already have a small team with the CBs and likes of Pedri who will be a mainstay.. having another small player makes set pieces even more of an achilles heal.

Cant be losing 2 goals in 2 corners v likes of Inter as so dominated in box.. Lewa was missed for those type situations.

Not that has to be Haaland but a good big man who is a target and can help in both boxes would offer more overall than Alvarez for me even though he would score and is a good player.

 

[Iniesta Ultra]

100% take Haaland over Alvarez at CF. Not even close.

Alvarez best position for Barca would be Raphinhas.

so predictable and shameless wanting Vardrid style players

 

[Porque]

Haaland is far more likely to score balls in the box than Alvarez as even Sorloth is showing at Atleti.

Also as good as Alvarez is at dead balls.. he isnt getting those ahead of Yamal if arrived.

Smaller factor is Barca already have a small team with the CBs and likes of Pedri who will be a mainstay.. having another small player makes set pieces even more of an achilles heal.

Cant be losing 2 goals in 2 corners v likes of Inter as so dominated in box.. Lewa was missed for those type situations.

Not that has to be Haaland but a good big man who is a target and can help in both boxes would offer more overall than Alvarez for me even though he would score and is a good player.

Just as well Laporta isn't hell bent on signing Alvarez as his election promise next season then.

...Oh wait

 

[Maradona37]

For a big man Haaland is poor in the air. Also misses a lot more chances than people realise.

Reijnders didn't look good at all. Said before I am not sold on him. Birdy posted a graph that made Doku look good but he never impresses me on eye test - maybe I am biased against him.

This City team looks average on paper compared to their first title under Mancini or Pep's peak teams.

Spurs weren't even great, they just did the basic thing - countered on City and exploited their need to play suicide passes from goal kicks.

 

[Iniesta Ultra]

Match started at 4:30 so I wasn't up to watch but will be happy if City crash like last year or even do worse but I doubt it unless Pep goes full Hamorim in lineup selection. They have too much quality to not make a title run.

Pep's psychotic so his own ego could be his downfall.

 

[jamrock]

y no Reijnders hype

Had a average first half

Seems he was even worse in the 2nd.

He is him though.

 

[JamDav1982]

He was terrible in first half and second.

But is a good player. They just need to find way to use him best.

Looked slow and a step off it defensively today too often and looked like that a bit at AC Milan last season when deeper.

Folk like to make out better than FDJ even when getting Frenkie is dominating Real Madrid and Mctominay is best midfielder in Italy ahead of him.

If he can be better than FDJ for the first time this season then more power to him and good for Dutchies at WC.

In theory Gravenberch, FDJ and Reijnders could have a good balance.

Grav DM, Frenk the 6 and Reijnders the 8 on paper looks good.

 

[Maradona37]

Had a average first half

Seems he was even worse in the 2nd.

He is him though.

Yeah he's clearly a good player, but he had a bad game. Still early days.

 

[JamDav1982]

Reijnders will be better when Rodri is up to speed and dominating the ball. Then he can concentrate more in final third and not chasing back.

He is a good player and will be fine. Games like today can help in long run as settles in and it is a wake up call of what is required.

Hasnt looked at Milan or Netherlands a player that can dictate from deep he is at his best getting into final third and when game is chaotic. A role Gundo played 3 seasons back before his legs went should suit well.

 

[Maradona37]

Reijnders will be better when Rodri is up to speed and dominating the ball. Then he can concentrate more in final third and not chasing back.

He is a good player and will be fine. Games like today can help in long run as settles in and it is a wake up call of what is required.

Spurs really are City's bogey team. They've had their number a lot over the last 8 or 9 seasons.

I worry for City a bit. They dominated English football for so long, but their team doesn't look as strong now and Pep looks exhausted. Maybe their cycle is winding down.