Antonio Valencia

Redfighter · 7th June 2009, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Berbatov's quite good defensively.

If you don't have the movement to play up top our play's just going to get congested, Berbatov doesn't have the same level of movement as Rooney does.

He can be.

As a target player his main duty is to drop of the defenders and lay the ball off to the supporting player. He's excellent at that and his control under pressure is first rate. He also has the height advantage for flick on should we decide to try that route, but tactically we should be playing to feet and building up play through possession high up the field rather than looking for killer balls for the half way line.

lysglimt · 7th June 2009, 20:23

Valencia is a completely different player to what we have today - he is quick, strong and is a much more traditional wing-player than Nani and Ronaldo who loves to go inwards and go for goal

And we lack pace upfront with Ronaldo out of the team - Valencia has that. I would love to see him play for United - he would be very good to have on the counter-attacks

Redfighter · 7th June 2009, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by lysglimt

Valencia is a completely different player to what we have today - he is quick, strong and is a much more traditional wing-player than Nani and Ronaldo who loves to go inwards and go for goal

And we lack pace upfront with Ronaldo out of the team - Valencia has that. I would love to see him play for United - he would be very good to have on the counter-attacks

He would be an excellent addition to the squad.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 20:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redfighter

He can be.

As a target player his main duty is to drop of the defenders and lay the ball off to the supporting player. He's excellent at that and his control under pressure is first rate. He also has the height advantage for flick on should we decide to try that route, but tactically we should be playing to feet and building up play through possession high up the field rather than looking for killer balls for the half way line.

Hmm, well it'll be interesting to see what Sir Alex does next season with those two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lysglimt

Valencia is a completely different player to what we have today - he is quick, strong and is a much more traditional wing-player than Nani and Ronaldo who loves to go inwards and go for goal

And we lack pace upfront with Ronaldo out of the team - Valencia has that. I would love to see him play for United - he would be very good to have on the counter-attacks

I actually agree with that, an added bit of pace on the wings would be quite nice.

That along with his defensive stability, I think I'm actually coming around to the idea of buying him.

Still not sure if we will though. I think it's all SSN bollocks again.

Amir · 7th June 2009, 20:27

I can't believe people are still talking about us needing a lead-the-line, 25-goal-a-season striker. It's just not out system these days. A system that has worked well and brought success.

Yep, it didn't look great last season. It's a system that is supposed to be very fluid and with the changes we kept making and lack of options on the wings - With Ronaldo only being half winger these days, Giggs moving to the center, Nani having a bad year - it wasn't. It also harmed Berbatov, because a lot like Cantona, he needs players to be moving around him and also to know where they are going, and it just wasn't happening.

But a scorer, a Ruud van Nistelrooy, would not have solved anything.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Not good enough.

Absolute and complete tosh

So Eto'o s passing and linkup play is good enough for Barcelona but not good enough for us.

Villa can create 11 assists in a league season matching Berbatov's best ever total, but because he doesnt sit on the half way line playing through-balls his passing isnt good enough for us.

Aguero and Forlan are both team players who often get involved with team moves.

You sound like Peterstorey when he talks about midfielders not being good enough for Arsenal. None of these players fit our system because they dont play exactly the same way as our mid-striker who managed 1 assist in our champions league campaign. Sure

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 20:33

Barcelona play differently to us, and Eto'o's not often involved.

I didn't say Villa's passing isn't good enough, I said his link-up play's not good enough, because his tendency is and always will be to play on the line of the defence. Yeah he's good at picking out passes in and around the box, but that's not what we're looking for.

Forlan's link-up play really isn't that good, nor is his passing. Aguero's is better but he's again similar to Villa.

I didn't say any of those players aren't good enough to play for us.

Aguero, Eto'o, Villa are all individually better than Berbatov for me, but they don't fit the team as well.

Ronaldo's our goal poacher, you don't need two goal poachers.

Generally teams play with one goal poacher and then the other players provide for him, that's what Berbatov, Rooney and one other do for Ronaldo.

Just because he plays in a different position doesn't mean he plays a different role to these top goal poachers. He's there to score goals and get a few assists. His biggest strength is his off the ball movement, pace and finishing. He does very little defensively.

Like those you mentioned above.

We play in a unique way with a unique style and that is almost entirely down to Ronaldo and Sir Alex finding a way to get the best out of him, and we've adapted our team to fit around him, because he's better than any of our other players and it's an effective system we're not going to change that because it doesn't seem right to some people that we don't have a goal poacher.

Rowem · 7th June 2009, 20:39

What would the future hold for Nani and Park if we signed Valencia?

To be completely honest I expect that we're just keeping tabs on a fair few reasonably young players, for example Valencia. I can't see us signing him this summer. Nani will surely be given another year at least to prove himself.

Eyepopper · 7th June 2009, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by devilish

Young wingers needs consistency to improve. We currently have 4 wingers in the team (Ronaldo, Park, Tosic, Nani) which will become 5 in January (Ljajic) and 6 if we bring in Valencia. How can you ever give consistency if you have 5 wingers (the right flank is reserved for Ronaldo) fighting for 1 first team role?

We have Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Carrick and Anderson in the centre competing for 2-3 positions (and if you're considering Ljajic and Tosic on the wing you could add Possebon and Gibson to that list).

Up front we have Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov, Wellbeck and Macheda, 5 competing for 1-2 positons.

I'm not arguing that players need consistency but I think Fergie is looking for as much depth in the sqaud as possible.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 20:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Barcelona play differently to us, and Eto'o's not often involved.

I didn't say Villa's passing isn't good enough, I said his link-up play's not good enough, because his tendency is and always will be to play on the line of the defence. Yeah he's good at picking out passes in and around the box, but that's not what we're looking for.

Forlan's link-up play really isn't that good, nor is his passing. Aguero's is better but he's again similar to Villa.

I didn't say any of those players aren't good enough to play for us.

Aguero, Eto'o, Villa are all individually better than Berbatov for me, but they don't fit the team as well.

A player linking up well on the edge of the box is exactly what we're looking for.

Rooney doesnt have to lead the line, with almost any of the players listed he wouldnt do - he'd be the one playing Berbatov's role and playing it better than the Bulgarian does.

Surprisingly for a player of Berbatov's vision he isnt all that incisive with the ball at his feet around the edge of the box. He tends to go for sensible options instead most particularly balls out to the flank.

Regardless, all of those players link up well with team mates, just further up the pitch from where Berbatov tends to link up with players - which is a good thing because it means Rooney plays in the areas he's most dangerous and as an added bonus our front line would be far more clinical.

Quote:

Ronaldo's our goal poacher, you don't need two goal poachers.

Generally teams play with one goal poacher and then the other players provide for him, that's what Berbatov, Rooney and one other do for Ronaldo.

Just because he plays in a different position doesn't mean he plays a different role to these top goal poachers. He's there to score goals and get a few assists. His biggest strength is his off the ball movement, pace and finishing. He does very little defensively.

Like those you mentioned above.

We play in a unique way with a unique style and that is almost entirely down to Ronaldo and Sir Alex finding a way to get the best out of him, and we've adapted our team to fit around him, because he's better than any of our other players and it's an effective system we're not going to change that because it doesn't seem right to some people that we don't have a goal poacher.

You dont have to be a poacher to score 25 goals a season. And Ronaldo played better before we added another very deep creative striker to the mix.

M13 · 7th June 2009, 20:42

I'll be disappointed if we spend 16 million on Valencia.

Amir · 7th June 2009, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyepopper

I'm not arguing that players need consistency but I think Fergie is looking for as much depth in the sqaud as possible.

I think we're just about on the edge. If we sign Tevez, or Valencia, that should be it - unless someone else goes. We're gonna have at least a few matches less next season, and I hope we use that to make less changes. That in itself will improve our football.

devilish · 7th June 2009, 20:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyepopper

We have Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher, Hargreaves, Carrick and Anderson in the centre competing for 2-3 positions (and if you're considering Ljajic and Tosic on the wing you could add Possebon and Gibson to that list).

Up front we have Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov, Wellbeck and Macheda, 5 competing for 1-2 positons.

I'm not arguing that players need consistency but I think Fergie is looking for as much depth in the sqaud as possible.

Giggs and Scholes have just 1 season left in them. Gibson may end up being sold and God knows whether Hargreaves will ever be fit again. Not to forget also that you can't put a Serbian international at par with Possebon.

The 6 wingers Ive mentioned are all young and had costed the club around 6 - 18m each). Not to mention players like Martin and Wellbeck (which would be at par with Possebon).

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekeke

A player linking up well on the edge of the box is exactly what we're looking for.

Rooney doesnt have to lead the line, with almost any of the players listed he wouldnt do - he'd be the one playing Berbatov's role and playing it better than the Bulgarian does.

Surprisingly for a player of Berbatov's vision he isnt all that incisive with the ball at his feet around the edge of the box. He tends to go for sensible options instead most particularly balls out to the flank.

Regardless, all of those players link up well with team mates, just further up the pitch from where Berbatov tends to link up with players - which is a good thing because it means Rooney plays in the areas he's most dangerous and as an added bonus our front line would be far more clinical.

You dont have to be a poacher to score 25 goals a season. And Ronaldo played better before we added another very deep creative striker to the mix.

You know as well as I do this argument's going in circles.

We had this argument last summer, that we needed a lead the line striker.

I said that we don't largely because of Ronaldo and Rooney.

I still maintain that, you still disagree, that's just how it is.

Having the same argument again when nothing's changed, except the fact we were still very successful without one, is pointless.

EZee · 7th June 2009, 20:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

But just imagine Carrick with Hagrevas/Fletcher just sitting. Two out and out wingers in Ronaldo and Valencia/Nani, Rooney in the hole, then Berbatov to stay up and hold the ball, Totti style, conducting things in and around the box. while letting the 3 speedsters behnid him benefit from his vision. It would be Roma 7-1 style attacking every game

it would be a bit like having ince and keane in midfield with kanchelskia and giggs on the wings, cantona in the hole and hughes up front...

except probably not quite as good

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 7th June 2009, 21:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

Barcelona play differently to us, and Eto'o's not often involved.

I didn't say Villa's passing isn't good enough, I said his link-up play's not good enough, because his tendency is and always will be to play on the line of the defence. Yeah he's good at picking out passes in and around the box, but that's not what we're looking for.

Forlan's link-up play really isn't that good, nor is his passing. Aguero's is better but he's again similar to Villa.

I didn't say any of those players aren't good enough to play for us.

Aguero, Eto'o, Villa are all individually better than Berbatov for me, but they don't fit the team as well.

Ronaldo's our goal poacher, you don't need two goal poachers.

Generally teams play with one goal poacher and then the other players provide for him, that's what Berbatov, Rooney and one other do for Ronaldo.

Just because he plays in a different position doesn't mean he plays a different role to these top goal poachers. He's there to score goals and get a few assists. His biggest strength is his off the ball movement, pace and finishing. He does very little defensively.

Like those you mentioned above.

We play in a unique way with a unique style and that is almost entirely down to Ronaldo and Sir Alex finding a way to get the best out of him, and we've adapted our team to fit around him, because he's better than any of our other players and it's an effective system we're not going to change that because it doesn't seem right to some people that we don't have a goal poacher.

By not having a striker who can score 20 goals we have lost Ronaldo's creativity from wide areas. In 2007 he scored 23 times and had over 15 assists IIRC. In short having another goal scorer will make us benefit more from Ronaldo. goals and creativity.

& for the record, if we need fullbacks covered/helped out we can have Fletcher and Carrick do that, the way Makelele used to for Chelsea.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 21:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

By not having a striker who can score 20 goals we have lost Ronaldo's creativity from wide areas. In 2007 he scored 23 times and had over 15 assists IIRC. In short having another goal scorer will make us benefit more from Ronaldo. goals and creativity.

& for the record, if we need fullbacks covered/helped out we can have Fletcher and Carrick do that, the way Makelele used to for Chelsea.

We do have a striker who can score 20 goals, Rooney.

Just like in 06/07.

Saha was the only other striker we had then, and he was never going to score 20 goals.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 21:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

You know as well as I do this argument's going in circles.

We had this argument last summer, that we needed a lead the line striker.

I said that we don't largely because of Ronaldo and Rooney.

I still maintain that, you still disagree, that's just how it is.

Having the same argument again when nothing's changed, except the fact we were still very successful without one, is pointless.

Except you're no longer saying we dont/didnt need a player to lead the line. You're now saying that basically only Berbatov can "fit into the side" when in truth he barely did that himself this season.

We were fine with Saha and all those listed link up with team mates better than he does.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekeke

Except you're no longer saying we dont/didnt need a player to lead the line. You're now saying that basically only Berbatov can "fit into the side" when in truth he barely did that himself this season.

We were fine with Saha and all those listed link up with team mates better than he does.

No, I'm saying we need someone who plays behind the striker to play alongside Rooney and Ronaldo.

And Berbatov's the best man for that job.

Spoony Youngblood · 7th June 2009, 21:57

Ekeke thinks we shouldn't sell Nani just in case he comes back and bites Fergie on the arse.

BaldwinLegend · 7th June 2009, 21:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

We do have a striker who can score 20 goals, Rooney.

Just like in 06/07.

Rooney is many things but I wouldn't ever classify him as a goal scoring machine. His goals come in bursts and that characteristic seems too deeply ingrained for him to overcome it. If one was to argue that we need a traditional '20 goal a season' striker, I don't think Rooney is the solution.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

No, I'm saying we need someone who plays behind the striker to play alongside Rooney and Ronaldo.

And Berbatov's the best man for that job.

Isn't it now universally accepted, including by Capello and Ferguson, that Rooney does his best work as the 'second striker'?

Wasn't Berbatov bought by Ferguson to give us 'another option', a 'physical presence' up front?

I'm slightly confused as to why we'd end up playing Rooney and Ronaldo up front with this traditional-centre-forward-physical-presence Berbatov playing behind him.

Surely when Ferguson invested in Berbatov he did so thinking that he'd play up front with Rooney behind him, thus bringing the best out of Rooney?

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 22:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spoony

Ekeke thinks we shouldn't sell Nani just in case he comes back and bites Fergie on the arse.

You aren't much of a mind reader.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

No, I'm saying we need someone who plays behind the striker to play alongside Rooney and Ronaldo.

And Berbatov's the best man for that job.

Silva plays at the same tempo as Rooney and Ronaldo so would be more on their wavelength and links up better. Not that I think we need this type of player. And Rooney is better at this than Silva or Berbatov, or Tevez or anyone.

If the idea is to play Rooney and Ronaldo up front, we should just have 2 other wingers instead of a mid-striker-playmaker-quarterback-with a penalty box phobia who does no work in the channels.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 22:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by BaldwinLegend

Rooney is many things but I wouldn't ever classify him as a goal scoring machine. His goals come in bursts and that characteristic seems too deeply ingrained for him to overcome it. If one was to argue that we need a traditional '20 goal a season' striker, I don't think Rooney is the solution.

Isn't it now universally accepted, including by Capello and Ferguson, that Rooney does his best work as the 'second striker'?

Wasn't Berbatov bought by Ferguson to give us 'another option', a 'physical presence' up front?

I'm slightly confused as to why we'd end up playing Rooney and Ronaldo up front with this traditional-centre-forward-physical-presence Berbatov playing behind him.

Surely when Ferguson invested in Berbatov he did so thinking that he'd play up front with Rooney behind him, thus bringing the best out of Rooney?

Nah, I have faith in him yet.

He'd improved on his goals per game record year per year up until this year, and I think he's still good for 20 goals a season next year.

By Ferguson? I didn't think so.

I thought he was brought because his level of vision, possession play and link-up play is the best around that wasn't already at the club, rather than because he was a physical presence.

I don't think you could ever use the word traditional with Berbatov, or Rooney for that matter. I think they're both what some people call 9.5's, somewhere between the traditional big number 9 who scores the goals and the smaller creative number 10 who provides the assists.

Well, maybe, but then why was Berbatov playing behind Rooney/Tevez every time he played?

I think Berbatov was brought in to be the deeper striker, but then maybe that was never part of the plan and just sort of happened this season, and we'll revert back to your theory next season.

I've no idea.

Doevle · 7th June 2009, 22:05

BaldwinLegend · 7th June 2009, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

He'd improved on his goals per game record year per year up until this year, and I think he's still good for 20 goals a season next year.

By Ferguson? I didn't think so.

I thought he was brought because his level of vision, possession play and link-up play is the best around that wasn't already at the club, rather than because he was a physical presence.
I've no idea.

SAF:

Quote:

“If you look at the ages of my forward players they are all young. Dimitar takes us up a notch in terms of experience and the composure he will bring to the team.

“Also his physical presence is something we’ve not had for a long time, probably since Teddy Sheringham or Eric Cantona, and his balance and vision are excellent .

“His goal ratio is very good so he brings a lot of things to the team. I think his acquisition is a big, big step forward for Manchester United.”

Ferguson said he thought Berbatov, Carlos Tevez and Ronadlo were each capable of scoring 20 goals.

“If Wayne (Rooney) can add into that you are talking about a fair amount of goals—definitely enough at the level you need to win things.”

I think that last paragraph kind of supports the theory that Rooney isn't seen as an out-and-out striker, a 20 goal a season man.

The quote also shows SAF's thoughts after initally signing Berbatov...

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 22:20

Berbatov also played the furthest man forward in his first couple of games.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 22:20

His initial thoughts being he's comparing Berbatov to a Cantona or Sheringham?

Does that quote not suggest he doesn't see him as someone who plays right up top, but rather someone who drifts deep to conduct the play and pick out incisive passes?

I dunno.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 22:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

His initial thoughts being he's comparing Berbatov to a Cantona or Sheringham?

Does that quote not suggest he doesn't see him as someone who plays right up top, but rather someone who drifts deep to conduct the play and pick out incisive passes?

I dunno.

He was most likely just confused. Afterall he spoke of the physical presence of Cantona and Sheringham, completely forgetting the more recent Ruud Van Nistelrooy or even Saha - though I think he was going for slightly taller players to compare him with.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 22:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekeke

He was most likely just confused. Afterall he spoke of the physical presence of Cantona and Sheringham, completely forgetting the more recent Ruud Van Nistelrooy or even Saha - though I think he was going for slightly taller players to compare him with.

I think he was heavily basing that comment on their balance, which is a physical asset, and one he specifically pointed out and we can all see the similarities.

I do think Sheringham and Cantona played similarly to Berbatov for Spurs in his last season, and I'd like to see him play that way again.

I think it's best for the team.

Pogue Mahone · 7th June 2009, 22:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ekeke

He was most likely just confused. Afterall he spoke of the physical presence of Cantona and Sheringham, completely forgetting the more recent Ruud Van Nistelrooy or even Saha - though I think he was going for slightly taller players to compare him with.

More likely the comparison was deliberate, in fairness. I mean, Berbatov is much more similar in the way he plays to Sheringham or Cantona than he is to Saha or Ruud. Similar, in terms of how he plays the game but not yet at their level, especially when it comes to goal-scoring (in a United shirt anyway)

Physical presence can be used for more than just getting on the end of crosses in the box.

Ekeke · 7th June 2009, 22:31

Physical presence in most cases means being able to hold off challenges or to be strong in the challenge yourself. Which Ruud obviously was. And strong. And fairly well balanced himself.

I'm now thinking he didnt mention Ruud because he didnt want to draw comparisons with Ruud.

BaldwinLegend · 7th June 2009, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brwned

I think he was heavily basing that comment on their balance, which is a physical asset, and one he specifically pointed out and we can all see the similarities.

I do think Sheringham and Cantona played similarly to Berbatov for Spurs in his last season, and I'd like to see him play that way again.

I think it's best for the team.

You're right, it's a weird quote. Cantona and Sheringham are perhaps the two best examples of 'second strikers' in the Premiership's history... It's even referred to as the 'Sheringham role'...

I dunno either... I think a lot of the 'save Rooney' brigade, of which I'm a member, took these quotes to mean that Berbatov would be played ahead of Rooney allowing Rooney to excel in his preferred position.

Brwned · 7th June 2009, 22:39

Well I'm of the opinion that Rooney doesn't need to be saved and can excel playing ahead of Berbatov with the way we play.

Once Ronaldo leaves I think things might change, and Rooney might be 'saved'.

I didn't expect Berbatov to have played as deep as he did all season, so I'm still not entirely sure what's going on with his role in the team, but I think it'll become a lot clearer next season, for the good or the bad.

Hopefully the good.

friendlytramp · 7th June 2009, 23:03

Eyes on Antonio Valencia tonight...

Top · 7th June 2009, 23:43

He was completely invisible tonight.

Burndogg · 7th June 2009, 23:47

but his eyes were nice tonight

Ramshock · 8th June 2009, 00:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top

He was completely invisible tonight.

dont see what anyone sees in him!

beardsleybob · 8th June 2009, 01:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redfighter

He can be.

As a target player his main duty is to drop of the defenders and lay the ball off to the supporting player. He's excellent at that and his control under pressure is first rate. He also has the height advantage for flick on should we decide to try that route, but tactically we should be playing to feet and building up play through possession high up the field rather than looking for killer balls for the half way line.

Berbatov knocking the ball on for the supporting striker would work if Rooney played the way he did in 2004. He doesn't burst onto the ball and shoot like he did back then. Both players don't play with as much speed and unpredictability as they did

JCurr · 8th June 2009, 01:15

A bit miffed at our interest...

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7th June 2009, 20:23	#402 (permalink)
lysglimt Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,693	Valencia is a completely different player to what we have today - he is quick, strong and is a much more traditional wing-player than Nani and Ronaldo who loves to go inwards and go for goal And we lack pace upfront with Ronaldo out of the team - Valencia has that. I would love to see him play for United - he would be very good to have on the counter-attacks

7th June 2009, 20:27	#405 (permalink)
Amir First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rehovot, Israel Posts: 16,097	I can't believe people are still talking about us needing a lead-the-line, 25-goal-a-season striker. It's just not out system these days. A system that has worked well and brought success. Yep, it didn't look great last season. It's a system that is supposed to be very fluid and with the changes we kept making and lack of options on the wings - With Ronaldo only being half winger these days, Giggs moving to the center, Nani having a bad year - it wasn't. It also harmed Berbatov, because a lot like Cantona, he needs players to be moving around him and also to know where they are going, and it just wasn't happening. But a scorer, a Ruud van Nistelrooy, would not have solved anything.

7th June 2009, 20:33	#407 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	Barcelona play differently to us, and Eto'o's not often involved. I didn't say Villa's passing isn't good enough, I said his link-up play's not good enough, because his tendency is and always will be to play on the line of the defence. Yeah he's good at picking out passes in and around the box, but that's not what we're looking for. Forlan's link-up play really isn't that good, nor is his passing. Aguero's is better but he's again similar to Villa. I didn't say any of those players aren't good enough to play for us. Aguero, Eto'o, Villa are all individually better than Berbatov for me, but they don't fit the team as well. Ronaldo's our goal poacher, you don't need two goal poachers. Generally teams play with one goal poacher and then the other players provide for him, that's what Berbatov, Rooney and one other do for Ronaldo. Just because he plays in a different position doesn't mean he plays a different role to these top goal poachers. He's there to score goals and get a few assists. His biggest strength is his off the ball movement, pace and finishing. He does very little defensively. Like those you mentioned above. We play in a unique way with a unique style and that is almost entirely down to Ronaldo and Sir Alex finding a way to get the best out of him, and we've adapted our team to fit around him, because he's better than any of our other players and it's an effective system we're not going to change that because it doesn't seem right to some people that we don't have a goal poacher.

7th June 2009, 20:39	#408 (permalink)
Rowem First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 8,557	What would the future hold for Nani and Park if we signed Valencia? To be completely honest I expect that we're just keeping tabs on a fair few reasonably young players, for example Valencia. I can't see us signing him this summer. Nani will surely be given another year at least to prove himself.

7th June 2009, 20:42	#411 (permalink)
M13 Reserve Team Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: I delete my own threads when I'm tired. Posts: 5,124	I'll be disappointed if we spend 16 million on Valencia.

7th June 2009, 21:57	#420 (permalink)
Spoony Youngblood Wants to be more like Top Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: RIP Sydney Youngblood, who died in a tragic go-karting accident in 2007. RIP my cat 2001-09. iRIP Steve Cunting Jobs Posts: 42,368	Ekeke thinks we shouldn't sell Nani just in case he comes back and bites Fergie on the arse.

7th June 2009, 22:05	#425 (permalink)
Doevle First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 6,867

7th June 2009, 22:20	#427 (permalink)
Ekeke First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,739	Berbatov also played the furthest man forward in his first couple of games.

7th June 2009, 22:20	#428 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	His initial thoughts being he's comparing Berbatov to a Cantona or Sheringham? Does that quote not suggest he doesn't see him as someone who plays right up top, but rather someone who drifts deep to conduct the play and pick out incisive passes? I dunno.

7th June 2009, 22:31	#432 (permalink)
Ekeke First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 22,739	Physical presence in most cases means being able to hold off challenges or to be strong in the challenge yourself. Which Ruud obviously was. And strong. And fairly well balanced himself. I'm now thinking he didnt mention Ruud because he didnt want to draw comparisons with Ruud.

7th June 2009, 22:39	#434 (permalink)
Brwned Poster of the year: 2010 Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 33,938	Well I'm of the opinion that Rooney doesn't need to be saved and can excel playing ahead of Berbatov with the way we play. Once Ronaldo leaves I think things might change, and Rooney might be 'saved'. I didn't expect Berbatov to have played as deep as he did all season, so I'm still not entirely sure what's going on with his role in the team, but I think it'll become a lot clearer next season, for the good or the bad. Hopefully the good.

7th June 2009, 23:03	#435 (permalink)
friendlytramp More full of crap than a curry house toilet Join Date: May 2004 Location: J Stand Posts: 2,696	Eyes on Antonio Valencia tonight...

7th June 2009, 23:43	#436 (permalink)
Top Admin Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 23,558	He was completely invisible tonight.

7th June 2009, 23:47	#437 (permalink)
Burndogg Magic Meat Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Viva La Soviet Union Posts: 16,916	but his eyes were nice tonight

8th June 2009, 01:15	#440 (permalink)
JCurr Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: way right Posts: 2,304	A bit miffed at our interest...