O yeah don't get me wrong, prior to the big injury he was pretty good for us, Even a vital part of the team at one point, But that was 2.5 years ago now and has gone backwards ever since. Now I'd rather chance Varela who potentially could be an excellent RB for years to come rather than persevere with Valencia who just 'does a job', If that makes sense.
Guillermo Varela
- Thread starter Ringo 07
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Oh yeah makes perfect sense. I was just pointing out that at the time when he was bought he was good and an injury like that could not have been predicted but I agree, I would rather try Varela at RB than jacko
Spot on. But people here will ignore what you've said and continue to rant, rant, and rant for the sake of it because they like it.
Being a fifth centre back doesn't necessarily mean 5th choice. There's two spots, and having 5 players, including young players like McNair, would provide healthy competition.
It was someone else who suggested that he's there to make up numbers mate, I don't completely agree but it's not like he's a promising youngster. He's 22 now and hasn't played for us once. Hopefully he'll get a few games this year and show he's up to playing for a team like United.
He was very good in his year with us, and many hoped he'd get a chance under Moyes. I think Phil Nev name-checked him too as on the brink.
I think it's also worth remembering that he had decent pedigree too. He joined us for £2.5m at 20, he wasn't a £200k punt from Shrewsbury Town. I'm surprised he hasn't debuted for us yet, and it is certainly not down to him having been poor in the reserves either. Since he's been at the club, he's performed no worse than Blacket or McNair at reserve team level.
I think it's also worth remembering that he had decent pedigree too. He joined us for £2.5m at 20, he wasn't a £200k punt from Shrewsbury Town. I'm surprised he hasn't debuted for us yet, and it is certainly not down to him having been poor in the reserves either. Since he's been at the club, he's performed no worse than Blacket or McNair at reserve team level.
Except it is 5th choice, because the other 4 would be chosen in front of him. So who would you suggest signing to be our 5th choice centre back, baring in mind they'd have to be content in being that far down the pecking order?
No. If we signed a decent young centre back or something, then they'd provide competition for Jones, Rojo or McNair - who have all failed to impress enough or are young and inexperienced (McNair). Smalling is the only good proper centre back we have. Jones and Rojo need to up their game a bit and McNair is 20 years old.
First choice centre backs:
Smalling
Blind
Backup centrebacks:
Jones
Rojo
McNair
Blackett
Flexible players who have or can play CB:
Carrick
Darmian
So we buy a young decent centre back but McNair, a young decent centre back is too inexperienced?
Hold on, you're happy with Blind at CB?
Also Blackett isn't here this season. You seem to be settling for what we have, I merely said I'd like to see a good centre back come in to challenge and provide competition which'll see either him, Jones or Rojo playing instead of Blind.
You're complaining about the squad depth, we aren't discussing the qualities of our starting centreback.
Why bring in a defender to sit in the reserves along with our other promising centreback? You still haven't told me who you would bring in to be our 5th choice centre back.
As @SmashedHombre has already proven our squad depth is no different to that of any other top team.
Valencia is "dross" and Varela is a better right back than him?
The revisionism when it comes to Valencia is a bit embarrassing. Granted his form has tailed off in the last couple of seasons but he was our player of the year not so long ago....hes also easily a better right back than Varela imo.
The revisionism when it comes to Valencia is a bit embarrassing. Granted his form has tailed off in the last couple of seasons but he was our player of the year not so long ago....hes also easily a better right back than Varela imo.
Have you read how this conversation started? Someone suggested that Varela is probably only coming to make up numbers, which isn't acceptable. I said we should've bought a centre back or striker to make up that number, instead of bringing a 22 year old with 0 apps for us. Varela isn't comparable to promising youngsters at other top teams because they're just breaking through.
However, no team is going to have a strong squad across their whole CL selection, I agree. It's just we could do with having another centre back or striker in our squad instead of Varela. I don't know who we should sign, why do you keep asking that
? Ask Louis...Huh?Varela is already in our book for two years and he's overage for B list so need to be registered now.Big difference from bringing someone in.Have you read how this conversation started? Someone suggested that Varela is probably only coming to make up numbers, which isn't acceptable. I said we should've bought a centre back or striker to make up that number, instead of bringing a 22 year old with 0 apps for us. Varela isn't comparable to promising youngsters at other top teams because they're just breaking through.
However, no team is going to have a strong squad across their whole CL selection, I agree. It's just we could do with having another centre back or striker in our squad instead of Varela. I don't know who we should sign, why do you keep asking that
I keep asking that because you clearly don't rate Varela for whatever reason but you can't name an alternative, surely if you can't name a single player then perhaps there's no problem with him being in the squad. To make it easier name an equivalent 5th choice defender from a different team that you think we should be aiming to sign.Have you read how this conversation started? Someone suggested that Varela is probably only coming to make up numbers, which isn't acceptable. I said we should've bought a centre back or striker to make up that number, instead of bringing a 22 year old with 0 apps for us. Varela isn't comparable to promising youngsters at other top teams because they're just breaking through.
However, no team is going to have a strong squad across their whole CL selection, I agree. It's just we could do with having another centre back or striker in our squad instead of Varela. I don't know who we should sign, why do you keep asking that
So here you say it's shit that we don't have strength in depth yet agree it's no different for every other top team in Europe? Makes sense.
That quote was a general statement. We don't have sufficient strength in depth. Teams like Barca don't usually have a great bench, but the English game requires a strong squad.
I do rate Varela, but I was just agreeing with the other poster that the inclusion of a player with 0 apps highlights the fact we don't have other players who could be there instead, unless LVG is going to give Varela a shot of course.
To be honest mate I've lost track of this conversation. It seems an age ago I was first discussing strength in depth. In summary, I don't mind Varela in the CL squad, but I also agree (with the other poster) that choosing him somehow shows that we have limited squad options. Perhaps it's just down to the fact I think we need a lot more and a lot stronger competition in certain areas, including central defence and up front.
Oh and I'm having to reply on my old blackberry cause I lose my iphone and it's fecking infuriating. I hate this shite thing.
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Mirror suggesting he might be given a start vs Ipswich.
He has played at LB for the reserves but I think they're guessing rather than basing that on any inside info.
Might make the bench if he's lucky imo
He has played at LB for the reserves but I think they're guessing rather than basing that on any inside info.
Might make the bench if he's lucky imo
I was told on this yesterday that he played on Monday. If he played the full 90, then I'd be amazed if he started.
Would be great to see him on the bench though. Would be in pretty good shape throughout the season if we had Darmian and Varela competing for the RB slot. Two very talented players.
Would be great to see him on the bench though. Would be in pretty good shape throughout the season if we had Darmian and Varela competing for the RB slot. Two very talented players.
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Totally forgot that he was still here.
Few more injuries and he might actually get to play. I'd love to see him get a chance just to see how he does. Think he could be a good player and exactly the type of fullback we need.
I've not seen him since before his Castilla move, but he looked to be an identical player to Rafael. A highly energetic attacking fullback who overlaps is what we're crying out for, I'd love for him to get a shot.
Doubt he'll start, must be there to provide cover on the bench. We'll see Darmian RB and Young at LB.
Mainly a RB who can play LB as well. Guess we'll have McNair, CBJ and Varela on the bench
Mainly a RB who can play LB as well. Guess we'll have McNair, CBJ and Varela on the bench
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Would be brilliant for him to be given a chance. Looked good on the 5 times I've seen him - which I know isn't a big sample.
LVG likes to substitute his wing backs so who knows - may make an appearance tomorrow.
LVG likes to substitute his wing backs so who knows - may make an appearance tomorrow.
Good news. Hope this is a sign that he's doing well
About bloody time. His lack of a debut so far has been a big mystery, he looked more than ready in his first year. He was also signed for £2.5m too, so to have not played in two and a bit years here, whilst impressing, is odd.
Weird that we've not even tried him in the first team... bit like Zoran Tosic but even he got two appearances.
Already 22 years old and both with Darmian could cover LB if needed... Louie somehow wasn't afraid to throw Jackson there, why would he hesitate in throwing Varela if the lad is almost past his rookie age ?
Think he lack the physique for PL football personally.
Its about time this kid got a chance. Come on LVG do it! Stick Darmian on the left
They said that about Juninho
3-5-2 it is, then.
I don't think he's a defender is he?
Doesnt matter. Juninho played in areas of the pitch where he was most likely to encounter more physical challenges and he was quite capable of coping.
Varella is a fullback, they dont have to be that big to be effective. Typically today they need to be capable of covering the entire length of the pitch and make long recovery runs after getting forward. The fitness work fullbacks do is quite different to what CB's back. With respect to defending out wide the key things are being nimble, quick and to be able to read, anticipate and be able to get clean nips at the ball. They typically dont have to be involved in big physical confrontations.
BTW he is the same size as Dani Alves and bigger than Phillip Lahm
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True but I have seen Varela struggling defensively a few times in the U21s.Don't think his reading of the game (defensively that is) is enough to cover his physical deficiency.His offensive game is fantastic though.
And Young at wing back is such a beast. He's just not good enough or we'd have seen him already.
Scholes, Blind, Mata, Erikson and Silva and countless others did just fine.
Well to be fair I have only see him play in one game for the U21's so am not in as good a position to assess him as you have been able to.
Yeah I'm not really implying that though.You made a good point.It's just some doubts that I have despite him being a joy to watch when he's on his game.
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He's not a fantastic prospect, clearly has the talent.. which is why Real took him on loan but hasnt hit the next level yet even though he's 22, and also why they didnt try to sign him.. Maybe a chance in the 1st might be the boost he needs?
Personally rated Vermijl higher as a fullback
Personally rated Vermijl higher as a fullback