Extraordinary Swindle

I'm sure they were delighted to be rid of Zenden.

I don't think it's a case of switching to Plan B, a player who could provide natural width from midfield would add another dimension to the team. Barry seemed to be the priority signing for the summer but there have been links to wide players all along also. Before the introduction of Aurelio and El Zahr, the midfield was too compact with both Benayoun and Kuyt cutting in so quickly which meant that Sunderland back four could compact and suffocate both Torres and Keane. When the wide players were introduced the Sunderland fullbacks couldn't just tuck in to double up on Torres and that in part contributed to creating the extra yards of space for him when he scored.

Where’s Waldo?

So we have to sell him for over £13M to break even on the transfer deal with Sociedad. That was a shrewd bit of business, Mr. Parry obviously played a stormer in the negotiations.

Absolute b0110x talk there.

No we don't Plessis could handle Malbranque, Taino and whatever other muppets Keane signs single handedly.

At this stage we may as well leave it until the 28th to meet their valuation of the player. Complete the medical and submit the registration before close of business on the 29th and sit him on the bench on the 31st.

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This formation is more Roy Evans-esque than Rafa Benitez but it would run riot against Sunderland. ------------ Reina ------- Carragher Agger Skrtel --- Degen -------------- Dossena --------Gerrard -------- Barry ------------- Benayoun -------- Torres ---- Keane

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You're right your post is a little over the top.

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Don't be a sucker - it's sean giving odds from the bookies again.

MON changes the rules to suit his mood.

What are his stats like in Football Manager?

The Mancs are fighting back. Dalglish : 52.9% Best : 41% Rush : 2.8% Moore : 2.7% Banks : 0.6%

Excellent post royhendo. Alot of what you say in it reflects what is written regarding the Valencia crushing machine in Rafa Benitez: The Authorised Biography by Paco Lloret

57.8% now

Quality at this hour of the morning.

Carragher has started 50+ games every season for the last 4/5 years. Given the way he plays it's going to take its toll on his body sooner rather than later. Henchoz had the same style of defending, 100% commitment and throwing his body at everything and when he started to decline it was quite quick. I'm not saying that Carragher is going to go the same way but unless he adapts his game then chances are he will not enjoy the longevity of a playing career like that of Sami Hyypia.

It's too defensive. Gerrard - Mascherano - Lucas - Barry would be better as it gives you more possibilities : flat four across midfield / Mascherano holding in front of the centre halves, other three narrow in midfield giving the fullbacks the wings to advance into / diamond with Macherano holding and Lucas/Gerrard forward. Lucas has been described as Kaka playing from deeper in midfield, he would certainly offer more going forward than Alonso but whether he has the stamina for the Premier League is still unknown.

It was mentioned on the radio yesterday. Barca apparently want £15M for him.

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