Champions League Thread (the dawn of time - 2014)

[thedon5]

They should've bought a proper defensive mid instead of so many attacking ones tbh.

Essien isn't a DM either though, he's a B2B.

 

[Bevab]

Well, he's the closest they had. Pretty sure he started out as a DM, but later became a box-to-box.

 

[MasterBlaster76]

Now that is a list of quality defenders, sorry had remove irwin from there, he just didn't look right next to these.

Can't really agree with that - he was a stalwart fullback at Utd for many years, a key part of the team, he got forwards and scored goals and was a freekick specialist to boot!

In fact, I'd also add the 'Twin Towers' of Man Utd in the early nineties - Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. Very little got through them. How about Baresi? He was from Maldini's era as well, wasn't he? Unless we're talking the very recent past - Maldini did go on forever I suppose! Otherwise we could include many other names, like Sammer of Germany - equally at home in defence or midfield.

 

[War]

Can't really agree with that - he was a stalwart fullback at Utd for many years, a key part of the team, he got forwards and scored goals and was a freekick specialist to boot!

In fact, I'd also add the 'Twin Towers' of Man Utd in the early nineties - Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. Very little got through them. How about Baresi? He was from Maldini's era as well, wasn't he? Unless we're talking the very recent past - Maldini did go on forever I suppose! Otherwise we could include many other names, like Sammer of Germany - equally at home in defence or midfield.

Ye basically.

 

[Epic]

They should've bought a proper defensive mid instead of so many attacking ones tbh.

Essien isn't a DM either though, he's a B2B.

Where's that Marin guy btw, haven't heard a thing about him since the transfer.

 

[thedon5]

Yeah he's injured. Forgot about him completely tbh. Even if he wasn't injured he's easily the worst out of the new AMs, barely better than Kalou.

So that's Kalou out, Hazard, Oscar, Moses and Marin in, with De Bruyne waiting as well. Makes sense..

 

[spooony]

I've noticed that as well, especially with City, we're playing with the same players but for some reason our defense just looks abysmal.

Thank your manager for that. City were undermanned on the right flank. Mou saw it and exploited it.

Meireles isn't a defensive midfielder, where as Mikel is. Although he's quite useless and Chelsea should have bought a defensive mid option or atleast kept Essien.

Define defensive midfielder. Mikel and Meireles are both good interceptors of the ball where Mikel is strong in the air.AVB lost his job thanks to a high line and what did Di Matteo go and do? Play a higher line

 

[War]

Liked the look of United 4-3-1-2 formation today with Rooney playing as the "triquartisita". Did a good job of mimicking the role Scholes played vs Spurs at the weekend.

However if United are going to adopt that winger-less formation in future vs stronger teams they will need a right-back with more defensive solidity than Rafael.

 

[thedon5]

Rvp fc.

Edit: Why the hell have caps been removed!?

 

[puddleduck]

Liked the look of United 4-3-1-2 formation today with Rooney playing as the "triquartisita". Did a good job of mimicking the role Scholes played vs Spurs at the weekend.

However if United are going to adopt that winger-less formation in future vs stronger teams they will need a right-back with more defensive solidity than Rafael.

Bit harsh on Rafael considering it's been down Evra's side they've been getting exposed.

 

[BKB1991]

Gonna go for City v Dortmund tonight

 

[War]

Bit harsh on Rafael considering it's been down Evra's side they've been getting exposed.

Both sides have been exposed if i'm to be fair. However i know Evra has some semblance of defensive acumen in his game, while Rafael hasn't displayed such skills in his career.

I see the romours of Ash Cole to United is circulating regularly now though, ever since the talk Big Roman isn't likely to offer players over 30 extended contracts:

Manchester United could consider Ashley Cole - ESPNFC

 

[Epic]

Gonna go for City v Dortmund tonight

Lucky, hopefully we'll beat them.

I seriously know nothing about Dortmund, like I know their big names Gotze, Reus and Lewandowski, but nothing more.

 

[Skater]

Lucky, hopefully we'll beat them.

I seriously know nothing about Dortmund, like I know their big names Gotze, Reus and Lewandowski, but nothing more.

German champions two years running and 1997 Champions League winners.

 

[thedon5]

You'll know a lot about Dortmund after today then.

They have the great CB pairing of Hummels and Subotic, an outstanding RB in Piszczek, a Bender brother, Kuba and more. One of the most entertaining teams to watch in the world.

Also, when they sell players they replace them with someone better, e.g. Reus for Kagawa.

Also their manager Jurgen Klopp is a genius.