Humble Pie

[spurs61]

OK, I have a confession to make. I went to the game on Saturday and looked at the line-up to see Lee at right back. "Oh no", I thought, "I'm going to have to endure another 90 minutes of annoyance and frustration caused by the little man". OMG, I was stunned, he actually looked like a proper player! Was this the same guy who had pissed me off all of last season? The player I have branded as imcompetant and a liability? AND to make matters even better his crossing was superb! At this point I think I collapsed in a fit of suprise and I've not yet recovered.

Incidentally I was also struck by the folowing;

1. Benoit A-E looks like a classy little left-back and looks usefull in both defense and going forward, I have high hopes for him. Future French left back?

2. Berbatov's movement off the ball is sensational, he was dragging defenders all over the place. His ability to hang in the air ought to cause defenders a few headaches as well.

3. Zokora is just made for this team, we've needed a combative leader in the mould of a Keane or Viera for over a decade now. I think we now have him!

4. Lennon was under utilised, again! It may be that he's still not fit but he the team have to get him more involved, he was free on the right a number of occasions on Saturday and was ignored.

5. Edgar's legs are going/gone and he can only really play a holding role protecting the back four as his movement is so limited. But he is still a driving force in the side.

6. Jenas still has no idea what his role is in the side. He spent half the game within 5 yards of Zokora and showed no signs of taking on the creative mantle vacated by the sale of Carrick.

[Welsh Spur]

Always rated Lee, thought the error against ManUre was out-of-character, but it exposed his weakness in that he was right footed and playing on the left hand side.

I think we should **** Chimbonda off, Lee could very well be the answer, and if he's competing with Stalteri then it should see fewer errors from either when they get their chance.

The only position that's worrying me is the left wing. And Ziegler is definately NOT the man for the job.

[JuicE]

Your making me jealous and excited for the coming season, the blocks are falling into place! :D

[spurs61]

I think we should **** Chimbonda off, Lee could very well be the answer, and if he's competing with Stalteri then it should see fewer errors from either when they get their chance.

The only position that's worrying me is the left wing. And Ziegler is definately NOT the man for the job.

Agreed Welshie, especially the left wing part. This is fast developing into a serious problem which must be addressed this week. Maybe we should play Jenas there which would allow us to bring in either Tom or Teemu? I'm assuming that Routledge can't play there?

[Welsh Spur]

Of our current players I couldn't decide who to play there, Tainio and Ghaly are both versatile players but I think to continue our progression an out-and-out left winger is required. Davids can play there but as I've mentioned in another post, doesn't have the legs and is better in a central role anyway. I think it should be addressed sooner, as soon as possible, and I'm praying that a superb signing is going to be announced this week.

[TomMcLaren]

Maybe we should play Jenas there which would allow us to bring in either Tom or Teemu?

I'm all in favour of bringing me in, but to be fair I'm better through the middle.

[spurs61]

Lol, I bet you'd at least know what you're job is though.

[choda]

OK, I have a confession to make. I went to the game on Saturday and looked at the line-up to see Lee at right back. "Oh no", I thought, "I'm going to have to endure another 90 minutes of annoyance and frustration caused by the little man". OMG, I was stunned, he actually looked like a proper player! Was this the same guy who had pissed me off all of last season? The player I have branded as imcompetant and a liability? AND to make matters even better his crossing was superb! At this point I think I collapsed in a fit of suprise and I've not yet recovered.

Incidentally I was also struck by the folowing;

1. Benoit A-E looks like a classy little left-back and looks usefull in both defense and going forward, I have high hopes for him. Future French left back?

2. Berbatov's movement off the ball is sensational, he was dragging defenders all over the place. His ability to hang in the air ought to cause defenders a few headaches as well.

3. Zokora is just made for this team, we've needed a combative leader in the mould of a Keane or Viera for over a decade now. I think we now have him!

4. Lennon was under utilised, again! It may be that he's still not fit but he the team have to get him more involved, he was free on the right a number of occasions on Saturday and was ignored.

5. Edgar's legs are going/gone and he can only really play a holding role protecting the back four as his movement is so limited. But he is still a driving force in the side.

6. Jenas still has no idea what his role is in the side. He spent half the game within 5 yards of Zokora and showed no signs of taking on the creative mantle vacated by the sale of Carrick.

I've seen **** all of pre-season but these comments sound right on from the bits I've gathered. I'd prefer we buy a left winger this year and play two sitters, from Zokora, Hudds, Davids or Tainio. If we don't get a left winger then I think Tainio is the only right footer who could maybe adapt to it (because he's so versatile). Maybe this Ghaly could play there? Not so keen on Davids on the left, he doesn't play well there.

I'm over the moon to hear of Lee finding his feet at right back, I thought there was a good chance of that happening.

I'm beginning to think that maybe this verhaelen or whatever his name is from Ajax could be a good buy as he doesn't seem to want sorin for some reason.

But I agree, the left wing is the only big problem. Everywhere else I can see us getting by okay even with injuries. MJ buy some big shot to fill the left wing!

[Welsh Spur]

There are two players; MGP and Petrov; who I think would do the job we want on the left. Pedersen is something else, I think he's my number one choice, and Petrov's attacking play is direct and skilful, and with Berbatov already here he'd settle in great.

I really do think that we should launch a £10mill+ bid for either of these. It's not like we're short of cash, and what's the point of having £18.6million if you can't use it to strengthen the main weakness in your team?

[spurs61]

MGP, whilst being a terrific player, does not fit into BMJ's way of thinking. We need a left winger who is going to get down to the byline and whip a decent cross in. MGP cuts in field far too much a takes up the positions which either Defoe of Dimi wuld take up. I'd only buy him as a last resort. As I've said before, Petrov would be perfect, pace and guile and puts in a lovely cross either on the run (a dying art) or from the dead ball.

[mjbmedia]

reckon we'll have to wait until jan window for Petrov unless Berby puts in a great word in the international meet up

[TomMcLaren]

Basically, what we want is a left footed Lennon.

[hastingsyid]

if only lennon did have a twin who was left footed......now that would be heaven

[TomMcLaren]

if only lennon did have a twin who was left footed......now that would be heaven

"Lennon crosses it in... and it's volleyed home by Lennon!"

[choda]

There are two 16yr. old Brazilian twins who manu are apparently trying to bring over to manchester... one plays right wing and the other the left. Fabio and Ricardo or something like that.

[SharX]

There are two 16yr. old Brazilian twins who manu are apparently trying to bring over to manchester... one plays right wing and the other the left. Fabio and Ricardo or something like that.
The Hasan twins of Egypt have been playing football for more than 2 decades. Before settling as a right back (Ibrahim) and a striker (Hossam) they played in many different positions. Ibrahim started as a right winger, then a striker, then a playmaker, then a centre defender, occassionally a sweeper, and finally excelled as a right back. Hossam has started as a left winger and has played in that position for years, before discovering his talent in off-the-ball runs and ability in air. Snce then he played as a striker/playmaker and is one of the world's most prolific goal scorers. They both played for Ahly, Zamalek, Masry in Egypt and abroad in several European leagues.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38590000/jpg/_38590353_hassantwins300.jpg

since we were talking about twins :D

[sundancer]

Hate too say this again because I know that most people do not rate him, but the best crosser from the l.w. is Downing.

[sundancer]

:cool: Hate too say this again because I know that most people do not rate him, but the best crosser from the l.w. is Downing.

[WelshSpur82]

I think Downing is the one Big MJ wants as well

[highlander]

i must admit Downing can place a ball really well and i never used to like him but he has impressed me and i would quite like to sign him now

[TomMcLaren]

The problem with Downing is not his passing ability, but his ability to beat people. He reminds me of Steve Stone - head down and run, no tricks. Nto sure I want that kind of player on our left, would prefer a Ginola type...

[Chinaman]

The Ginola type is now extinct. Having said that, I'm not keen to spend upwards of 10 million on Downing who may be marginally better than Taino or Ziegler on the wing.

[hastingsyid]

bring back ginola....seriously with the situation we are in with the left wing jol needs to act very quickly

[GOONHATER]

I've Got A Signed Shirt From Ginola Hanging On My Wall Of Fame!may With A Little Lipo Suction,a Wig And A Canny French Accent I Could Do The Job!

[hastingsyid]

I've Got A Signed Shirt From Ginola Hanging On My Wall Of Fame!may With A Little Lipo Suction,a Wig And A Canny French Accent I Could Do The Job!
LMFAO dont forget your zimmer goonhater my friend lol

[Danishspurs]

The problem with Downing is not his passing ability, but his ability to beat people. He reminds me of Steve Stone - head down and run, no tricks. Nto sure I want that kind of player on our left, would prefer a Ginola type...
Totally agree with you. He never does any tricks to try to beat his man. His got good pace and a good left foot, but he not really good at beating people. And wouldn't spend 10 mill. on him.

[Houdini logic]

He couldn't beat a small child with a blow torch!

I know that doesn't make sense, but he couldn't.

[Welsh Spur]

I think Downing is complete and utter shite. Currently the most over-rated player in the English squad. And I don't care what anyone says he's only there coz McLaren is manager.

[spurs61]

Never understood all the fuss about Downing. The press have rightly critised Beckham for a lack of variation but at least he takes a decent freekick. Downing has one attribute to his game and even then hits the first defender more often than not.