FEED ME FOOTBALL!
After a pretty drab start to the World Cup, things warmed up nicely yesterday when we witnessed Ronaldo take his game to laser sharp levels of precision, carrying his Portugal team to a 3-3 draw. I have to say, who knows what the f*ck De Gea was up to yesterday, letting a fairly standard shot slip past him, then presenting one of the greatest with all the space he needed for that freekick was careless. I wish he’d play like that Against Arsenal.
This morning we saw France start with a win against Austrailia, goal line tech stepping in to make sure the good goals are counted. I took in the Iceland vs Argentina game. What a performance from the Europeans. Some of the most handsome warriors at the World Cup kept Messi and co at bay for the most part with a deep block so aggressive and tight, I think Tony Pulis may have fondled himself if he were watching. Messi looked very off his game. I don’t understand why a team as ripped with talent as his feels the need to play in such a subservient manner their star man. He was particularly listless. He doesn’t even look like he’s enjoying himself.
Back on home turf, Arsenal announced that Granit Xhaka has signed a new deal with the club, Emery called him a total baller with great hair. If the manager wants him, we have to give the Swiss a 3rd season to break through and shine. I’m not quite sure why there’s so much love for him. I mean, he passes well, but so did Denilson. I have genuinely never seen a player make so many unforced errors in a season. I think he lacks pace and he’s easily rustled.
Still, if Emery has a different vision for him, I’m game to be proved wrong. Xhaka is used to playing in a very disciplined system, he used to play under Favre who’d stop a session if you were half a yard out of position. Emery is that kind of coach.
Looking at the type of midfielders we’re trying to sign, I’m struggling to work out how we fit them all into a system?
Are we going to play a diamond midfield, Torreira at the base, Xhaka and Ramsey in front, with Ozil at the top? With two strikers? Or will we opt for something different, with Xhaka and Torreira? Or will Xhaka be a squad player?
I have no idea… I mean, it’s not like we need just one system these days…
One player rumoured to be off is Jack Wilshere. John Cross reckons he’s done and not part of Emery’s plans. He says he was offered £110k a week, that could rise to £175k if he plays and wins. Mad cash for a player who has stagnated over the years. Still, maybe he could find himself replacing Torreira at Sampdoria? Anyway, good luck to him whatever he does.
The young centre back we’re all yearning for looks like it could be Caglar. His old president had this to say.
“Caglar Soyuncu is set to join Arsenal,”
“Of course we would make a cut from the transfer if he joins Arsenal.
“Arsenal asked us for data on his time at the club, we have put something together for them which will be handed over.”
With his agent saying this…
“Sven Mislintat has been keen on Caglar since he was at Borussia Dortmund”
I hope young Caglar is cool with his data being breached like that…
Right, that’s all I have time for today, see you tomorrow!
x
It’s called the World Cup. I really don’t get how fun it will be if only the footballing powerhouse countries are invited
Folks need to lay off on the complaint about the quality. The group stages it’s mostly about certain countries enjoying themselves. Some are there just to get a goal. I really do not see anything wrong with that. Serious business starts in the second round
Argentina head coach Sampaoli has been accused of sexual misconduct of some kind, apparently.
Head of Argentine FA had to say something about it this morning.
@ Bamford
Yeah saw that once I posted it..
What’s your take on this three country joint hosting thing for 2026 …i really don’t think it’s such a good idea
Personally I am not going to lose any sleep if Wilshire leaves the club this summer. The only lesson to be learned is that the club should have made the decision to offload him a couple of years ago when we might have conned another club into paying a sizeable transfer fee for his services. The hard facts are that Wilshire is now a second tier player good enough to play for a club in bottom half of EPL or Championship at best. The only reason that any major club would recruit him is to meet the quota of Home… Read more »
Good luck to jack in his next move.
We saw some glimpses of his brilliance but not consistently..
I reckon the England injury against Switzerland in a meaningless. June friendly is the one tackle that fucked him up bad.
Theblad just needs a fresh start.
Will be a superb signing for some club. That’s for sure.
Very harsh stroller. Very harsh indeed.
Bamford 10
I don’t disagree with what you have posted, but I do think that there are perhaps
too many places allocated to weaker teams than there should be.
Hairline
I haven’t really followed that that closely, but I’m not in love with it either. One, I think the World Cup should he hosted by a single country and should take on the “flavor” of that country (for lack of a better word). I also feel like that’s going to require too much travel.
Too large a carbon footprint for me. 😉
I imagine the joint group got it on account of infrastructure, but Canada or Mexico alone would have been better choices, IMO.
Emirates
Agree with you there. And now it’s only going to get worse with this 48-team nonsense. There’ll be little reason to begin watching until two weeks in.
RSPC Arsenal
It may be very harsh, but Arsenal have been far too generous in holding onto
“crocked” players.
The list in recent years has been far too long. Money could have been spent
better elsewhere.
Dunno why we keep talking about the Wilshere guy. I love him but dude spent most of last season rolling around on the turf moaning. Getting brushed off the balcony.. Misplacing passed. You all take like he is a guaranteed starter at a lower premier league club but I don’t think he will even merit a starting place in say an everton or West Ham
He is done.
getting brushed off the ball not the balcony. These phones are shameless
John Cross saying that Jack is leaving.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jack-wilshere-leave-arsenal-free-12721052
@ Bamford
Does Mexico have the capability to host a World Cup alone. The infrastructure.. Security and all?
Receding
Mexico did host the world cup in 86 . It was also hit by a huge earthquake a year before.
Looking forward to watching my sweepstake team Sebia a bit later
Serbia
@ Alexander
But a lot has changed since 1986. Fortunes have changed. Take my own country Nigeria for example.. It was way better in 86 than it is now.
Granted I might be underestimating Mexico.. But I still have my doubts
Receding
Fair point. Also, there are more teams now I think and higher standards required technologically.
Surely the clearest choice for a world cup is England- or maybe the whole UK.
Honigstein saying reports are that Ozil will be in the starting XI today. Clearly there has been discussion about this.
Did England / UK put in a bid? It’s about time the event returns to the birthplace of the game. Not only would this make sense for a million reasons, I feel like it would help Brits care about the World Cup again. I just get this sense that Brits don’t care about it the way, say, Italians, Brazilians, Germans or others do. It would be nice if they did, I think.
I got Brazil in my sweepstake which was great because I have a feeling they’ll win. So I’m balls deep in Brazil for the next three weeks
Receding Unless Emery can install some discipline into Ramsey’s play then he should leave. He will never be a frank lampard who had the ability and brain to time his runs into the box ..you would very rarely see lampard arrive early ,he either arrived on time or he didn’t make the run. Ramsey is often seen ahead of our strikers and when/if the play breaks down then he is hopelessly out of position and he continues to make this same elementary mistake time after time especially as Ramsey is usually playing in a 2 man midfield. I can’t see… Read more »
Pierre reports Ozil has kicked his depression for the day and could start. Apparently he has actually done some training sessions recently. You’d be proud
Marko
Serbia vBrazil will make good viewing then
@ Pierre
Have you watched Ramsey play for Wales? Of course he is capable of playing with discipline.
No he doesn’t have the skill set of Mkhi.. Nor half the play making abilities of Ozil. But he does have a better eye for goal than Ozil who rarely tries to score himself.
We can move forward with Ramsey.. He is no hindrance.
Pierre
One, the whole Ramsey-lacks-discipline thing is overplayed. He had a manager who gave him little to explicit instructions. Of course he played a wide open game. Emery is going to required far more organization and discipline and there is absolutely nothing about Ramsey’s personality that would lead one to believe he’d blow off his manager’s explicit instructions.
Two, if Ramsey signs his new contract, I think you’re going to have to get used to seeing him in the Arsenal XI in pretty much every match, be it as a holding mid / CM or as the advanced CM.
Pierre
I disagree regarding Ramsay. I like seeing him in a more forward role- like he plays for Wales- and that’s where he is most effective.
Where it goes wrong for Arsenal is when all our midfielders want to get forward.
If Emery can construct a more defensive base behind Ramsay, i’m happy to see him as a dynamic attacking midfielder with a certain amount of freedom.
Hairline
Agreed. Good post.
Pierre -You keep simplistically equating sitting deep with discipline.
Alot of these midifielders are simply not capable of doing what Ramsey does so what,they are disciplined because they can’t do anything else but stay behind the ball and pass sideways.
Bentancur the other day is a good example. I suppose you think he was disciplined,when in fact he just looks like your typical over-hyped sideways passer that gets lorded these days
Paulinho
Yep. It’s not because he is “disciplined” that Xhaka plays the way he does for Arsenal; it’s because he could never do the kinds of things Ramsey does. He’s just not that kind of footballer or athlete.
Ramsey imo is best suited for CAM. Ozil won’t be available for every game and we need proper cover. Ramsey to e is a cover player although if we could get £40m+ for him I’d take it without hesitation
Will, Ozil has to start aint it? Looking forward to Germany and Brazil matches. I have Argentina as favorites but closely followed by Spain and then Germany. Not necessarily based on their quality but based on fondness for teams and players. London I also echo what you feel re Xhaka. I feel he will be used deeper for his playmaking capabilities and then allow Torreira (if he is coming) to do the run around Kante type. If we play 4 1 4 1 I think Xhaka is the the 1 after the back four. Exciting but will it work? Your… Read more »
Bamford – I remember Schneiderlin was the darling of Legrove and other forums simply because he was the deepest-lying midfielder for Southampton and picked up the scraps, however if you watched Southampton closely it was clear that Wanyama was the real star; running out to aggressively press the opposition and force them into rushed passes. Also much better on the ball, which indirectly takes pressure off defence anyway when you look at the big picture.
To be fair Ramsey played mostly in a two man midfield and the amount of times last season he wasn’t in position or got caught ball watching was staggering and if you’re going to criticize Xhaka for the same thing it’s only fair that Ramsey gets the same criticism. One shouldn’t get away with it while the other does it’s unfair. Besides they’re both fucking shite and make up a big reason for why our current midfield has been it’s worst since god knows how long. A 400 pound Fatman could dribble past those two unopposed away from home with… Read more »
@ Bamford
The Ozil starting debate is more to do with his Erdogan issues than tactical
When he is fit he starts for Germany under Loew.. Man loves him some Ozil.
I also echo what you feel re Xhaka. I feel he will be used deeper for his playmaking capabilities
Deeper huh well I hope he finally learns how to tackle properly because that’s important if you’re the deepest midfielder protecting the back 4
– I remember Schneiderlin was the darling of Legrove and other forums simply because he was the deepest-lying midfielder for Southampton and picked up the scraps, however if you watched Southampton closely it was clear that Wanyama was the real star; running out to aggressively press the opposition and force them into rushed passes. Also much better on the ball, which indirectly takes pressure off defence anyway when you look at the big picture.
Just for clarification are you suggesting that Ramsey does this?
My problem with Ramsey is not actually his looking for glory all the time (it can be corrected by any coach that has half a system) rather my problem with him is that he is not very technically sound. Ramsey at this stage still struggles with the weight of pass to someone next to him. I have seen him mis hit passes to his closest teammate on a regular and I have also seen him make bringing down the ball from a lofted pass look like 18years imprisonment with hard labour. In our team our potential CAM cannot be found… Read more »
Won’t we be lucky if Ramsey played with half the discipline Wanyana does
Wanyama rushes out to win the ball… Ramsey simply rushes out on his way to play striker while hoping his midfield partner somehow wins the ball back and sends it to him up front.
Wenger ..thats the issue here and it has been removed. By the January we will see who he was holding back and who as we individually suspected was just pony
Receding Sorry but Ramsey doesn’t play with discipline for Wales as he has basically 3 midfielder s behind him so he and Bale play a free role behind the striker with a strong disciplined midfield behind them …that’s how I see it anyway… And that role suits Ramsey perfectly . Alexander Henry So ,you would prefer Ramsey as the CAM instead of ozil or mhkitarayan. …the times when Ramsey has played that role previously he looks like a fish out if water IMO…he is not a player who finds space and makes himself available for the ball , he is… Read more »
@ Mystic
Ramsey’s technique is difficult to judge. I have also seen him do amazing things on the ball technically but I have also seen those simply passes u allude to going astray.
The thing is this if we put Ramsey up for sale tomorrow it won’t be the crystal palaces and West hams coming for his services… He will get a good club just like the Ox did.
Marko – Yes, Ramsey does do that. It’s pretty obvious that pressing high and winning the ball is a big part of his game as well as the other stuff he does.
There was stat a year or so back that was the top midfielder in terms of winning the ball in the opposition’s half. 18 times or something.
Marko
Of course you a being a dick about ozil as I was making a point about Pedro calling Danny Rose a hero for talking about depression and was making the point that if ozil had depression would he be regarded as a hero on here ..obviously not …
But if you wish to twist my words Marko then so be it .
Just look at how ridiculously open Madrid were this year and nearly every other team were.
Teams just back themselves to get the better of the slug-fest these days. Very little care given to defensive midfield amongst the top sides.
running out to aggressively press the opposition
He just as much trotts around letting players go past him with ease.
Also much better on the ball, which indirectly takes pressure off defence
Ramsey is not that great on the ball. It’s a myth. He misplaces a pass just as much as anyone
Paulinho
“.Teams just back themselves to get the better of the slug-fest these days. Very little care given to defensive midfield amongst the top sides.”
Is that your defence for keeping Ramsey.
Receding
“The thing is this if we put Ramsey up for sale tomorrow it won’t be the crystal palaces and West hams coming for his services”
Will have to pull you up on this point.
Can you see any of city,Liverpool, spurs,Chelsea, united, PSG,Bayern,real Madrid ,barca coming in for Ramsey…
https://youtu.be/sXYrU9SQdrM
https://youtu.be/u4SoXGc-ZR0
Ramsey doesn’t escape criticism and shouldn’t
@ Pierre
Yes I see Liverpool being in for him… I also see Chelsea and United showing an interest
Real and Barça nope. Don’t even know why you mentioned Bayern but they did fall for that scam called Tolisso so who knows
Players in the last year of theirx
Paulinho
”Alot of these midifielders are simply not capable of doing what Ramsey does so what,they are disciplined because they can’t do anything else but stay behind the ball and pass sideways.”
If you are playing in a 2 man midfield,Running into the box at every opportunity does not make you a great footballer ..
That’s basically schoolboy football .
Depression can be so debilitating.
I hinted some weeks back Ozil could
be suffering.
I really feel for him.
players in the last year’s of their contracts don’t get put on sale. If they are needed thats when clubs start bidding for them. My point is that don’t need an invitation.
Pierre – Yeah it is. Look at Liverpool, playing any old clown in midfield but they do what they do with conviction and impose themselves on the opposition and it more or less works.
If I was choosing between Ramsey and a certain Swiss to move forward with in this time of multi-functional midfielders that look to play predominantly on the front foot then it’s no contest.
Torreira is not exactly ‘disciplined’ either. So you might be disappointed with him as well.
“If you are playing in a 2 man midfield,Running into the box at every opportunity does not make you a great footballer”
He doesn’t though. That’s a complete myth.
He adapts his game to the opposition.
My biggest problem with Ramsey in a midfield two is the lack of rhythm to his game. He can’t knit play together in the accomplished way a Modric or Kroos can. Even someone like Golovin is smoother. Ramsey can be a bit wooden.
Torreira is not exactly ‘disciplined’ either. So you might be disappointed with him as well.
If Torreira at some point in his Arsenal career disappears from midfield and forgets his duties to go talk to the bench while the opposition is scoring yet another goal like what Ramsey did last season away to Liverpool then Lucas is open to justifiable criticism.
Ronaldo free kick goal was de Gea tactics gone wrong. He sort of tried to direct Ronaldo in, didn’t account for the power in the free kick.
So we acknowledge de Gea erred, but he is not shit Alumina level by any extent . De Gea is among the best still
It’s very simple: when it comes to drive, energy, commitment, leadership, Ramsay is far and away the best we’ve got. He’s not short on ball skill, vision, play-making, etc, either. The talk about him being ‘undisciplined’ is laughable. It makes about as much sense as calling Cristiano Ronaldo undisciplined. Ramsay played the way Wenger wanted. Because he is an all-rounder, Wenger used him as a utility player. And because Ramay was a team player, he went along with that, whereas someone like Ozil sulked (or didn’t play at all) if he didn’t et the role he wanted. Ramsay is at… Read more »
Good post, England. Agreed.
Unai Emery looks like a Spanish Matthew Mccoughnaey.
Especially from the Side Profile.
I don’t know how this is relevant but it felt important to share
It’s very simple: when it comes to drive, energy, commitment, leadership, Ramsay is far and away the best we’ve got Commitment? Hasn’t signed a new contract yet. Leadership? Like how he trotts back into position like the two city games last season. Again watch the criticism of him and the others from the links up top. Leadership don’t make me laugh he wilts away like the rest of the pussys in our squad the last few years he’s nothing special. The talk about him being ‘undisciplined’ is laughable. It makes about as much sense as calling Cristiano Ronaldo undisciplined Ronaldo’s… Read more »
“My biggest problem with Ramsey in a midfield two is the lack of rhythm to his game. He can’t knit play together in the accomplished way a Modric or Kroos can. Even someone like Golovin is smoother. Ramsey can be a bit wooden.”
Exactly my issue too. I addressed it earlier. Your CAM needs to be smooth and have the ability to conduct/knit play together. His timing of the run and indiscipline won’t be an issue in that position but sometimes he will be required to come deep and get the ball.
I know Pierre has been getting the sticks nonstop for his incessant calling out of how Ramsey vacates his position times without number but I kind of see the point he’s driving at… I feel Emery needs to ask Ramsey certain questions: 1.Is he even staying?if yes then deal should be signed asap and position sort out seeing as the season is almost upon us, if no sell for 50M to preferably a club outside England 2.would he be playing CM for us?..If yes then he has to be disciplined enough in a 2 man midfield and help his partner… Read more »
Mitrovic should’ve finished that. Great passing combination, though.
OKish free kick
Kolarov with a world class set piece goal. Have always liked him.
an upset might be on the cards later on,Brazil has been touted favorites but the Swiss are not exactly novice at the World Cup also….Shaqiri,Xhaka,Rodriquez,Licth,Embolo,saferovich,Drmic.. on their day can be alot to handle
Switzerland over Brazil? Please. Switzerland will be lucky to keep Brazil to three goals, IMO.
Commitment (like loyalty) is a two-way street: if you don’t get it, why give it? I don’t believe anyone can question Ramsay’s commitment to the Club. But he is a professional, with a wife and family, and he is entering the last major contract of his playing career. Naturally self-interest comes first, as it does with us all. A more sensible question to ask is: why didn’t the Club commit to HIM? World-class is world-class whether you’re a striker, a defender or a mid-fielder. IMO Ramsay is world-class, his performances for Wales are proof of that. Wenger did not use… Read more »
Really like that stadium in Samara. Highbanking to keep the fans close to the pitch, and the Soviet space age inspired roof.
That was the worst match I’ve seen so far
Germany playing 4-2-3-1.
Ozil, Müller, Draxler the three, with Werner in front of them.
Interesting.
World-class is world-class whether you’re a striker, a defender or a mid-fielder. IMO Ramsay is world-class, his performances for Wales are proof of that. Wenger did not use him properly.
His performances for Wales are proof he’s world class? So not Arsenal? Either way no
Ramsey chat today..
Did someone just dismiss his lack of discipline by using Cristiano Ronaldo as an example of someone with no discipline? That’s…..interesting lol
Englandsbest on Ramsey.
“Give him his head, give him freedom. His instinct will take where he should be, where the action is, up-front, mid-field, or at the back.”
Yep.. Schoolboy football.
If you want to watch class then switch on the TV and you will watch a master of how to find space, dictate the pace of the game and do it in a calm, casual disciplined way.
Mesut Özil.
Ramsey has proved season after season he has great talent. Scoring important and well executed goals.
Any criticism of him should be viewed in the context of Wenger-management and poor tactical set-up.
For me, like someone already stated, he should try and emulate frank lampards style of midfield play. He can certainly step up to become close to that standard.
The xhaka faith from emery is a head scratcher. Xhaka has attributes, so expect to see him shooting more and passing long, if emery has seen his useful attributes.
Marko
I like Ramsey, but to call him “world class” is going a little bit too far.
It will be interesting to see how Emery utilizes him. We all know that Wenger gave him too much of a free rein and, on too many occasions, got him playing out of position.
Given structure and a progressive system to follow, I am convinced that we will see the best of Ramsey.
@englandsbest…I wrote my opinion of ramsey BEFORE seeing yours….great minds eh?
Mexico putting the Germans to shame with that national anthem
The Germans resurrected a lot of corpses to play in this World Cup.
Too many players returning from injury or off-form for 4 years.
If you want to watch class then switch on the TV and you will watch a master of how to find space, dictate the pace of the game and do it in a calm, casual disciplined way.Mesut Özil
Yeah right
Oh Pierre. Your opinions are gross. Ozil is a talented but largely passive and ineffectual pussy.
Hope Low doesn’t do his scratch and sniff routine
Wenker-wanger
“Any criticism of him(Ramsey) should be viewed in the context of Wengers management and poor tactical set up”
EXACTLY!
We can infact say the same for every other player playing under Wenger over the past decade.
Emery’s first communiction to all the players when he gets them all together should be –
“Good morning gentlemen, today we are going back to basics”
Good game this
Looking forward to watching Lozano.
Been saying for a while we should be looking at him.
Early doors, but the Germans look vulnerable.
Of course, based on my crap predictions, this means Germany will win 4-0!
That said, Ozil looks up for this.
Simple maths calculation for you all –
Every Arsenal player since 2006 + Wengers tactical prowess = Predictable brittleness.
Should be a standard exam question for all GCSE students.
Second time there has been acres of open space where Kimmich should be.
Ozil will do what he always does.
Start well, then allow a really soft tackle to completely throw him off his game…..then disappear and hide.
You can see Lozano like Guedes is this great young talent who just needs to work on his decision making at times. He looks some talent
Hummels is having a shocker.
Does Ozil sweat when he brushes his teeth? Fuck me, the guy is perpetually shiny. He’s done nothing the skinny fat bastard.
Kimmich is the key for Germany he’s got great distribution
Phil Neville choking down some Ozil meat. Joker.
Again another nearly great counter but Lozano makes the wrong decision. Guy looks class though
Marko
What does he distribute? Does he have a warehouse full of stuff? I bet he owns lots of trucks.
Third time.