Aurelien Tchouameni | Chat **** get banged

[Chaky_Best]

He was outstanding to the point Real Madrid, one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, paid €100m - add ons included - to sign him. He is a defensive midfielder, what exactly are you looking for him to offer? He passes the ball forward at a similar rate to Casemiro, is an absolute beast aerially and defensively, and has a solid pass.

He really thinks he's Pogba and Vieira? Like really, really? How would you know that?

You see Kobbie Mainoo as a metronome, he makes 1 long pass per game, which is in the bottom percentile for midfielders. Strange that.

I am French, so I know a little thing or two about him.

I follow the Ligue 1, and watched him a lot when he was at Monaco.

He was never a 100M player and will never be.

About his mentality. He's like Mbappe. Thinks that he's the new Kobbie Bryandt, says that he wants to be the best, but actually think that he's a 6-8-10.

He has a good year in Liga, where even Raul Asencio was a time a good player , so I won't take it as a good basis.

I am sure that we can have two players for his own package !

His market value is around 75M€, so meaning that he will be more around 80-90M€
His current wages are 240K/w, around 12.5M per year.
He's 26, so he will be on a 4+1 minimum.
So basically the transfer 80M€ (minimum) + his current wages on 50M€, you are at 130M€ on the minimum, excluding all bonuses.

For this package, I'd rather have Baleba or Wharton + Bouaddi in our squad.

He comes to the dressing room with Bruno at 300/w and him as the second best paid. Then what will do the likes of Cunha, Mbeumo, Licha, Dalot ? They will all ask for a pay rise and then it will be again a nightmare.

 

[croadyman]

I am French, so I know a little thing or two about him.

I follow the Ligue 1, and watched him a lot when he was at Monaco.

He was never a 100M player and will never be.

About his mentality. He's like Mbappe. Thinks that he's the new Kobbie Bryandt, says that he wants to be the best, but actually think that he's a 6-8-10.

He has a good year in Liga, where even Raul Asencio was a time a good player , so I won't take it as a good basis.

I am sure that we can have two players for his own package !

His market value is around 75M€, so meaning that he will be more around 80-90M€
His current wages are 240K/w, around 12.5M per year.
He's 26, so he will be on a 4+1 minimum.
So basically the transfer 80M€ (minimum) + his current wages on 50M€, you are at 130M€ on the minimum, excluding all bonuses.

For this package, I'd rather have Baleba or Wharton + Bouaddi in our squad.

He comes to the dressing room with Bruno at 300/w and him as the second best paid. Then what will do the likes of Cunha, Mbeumo, Licha, Dalot ? They will all ask for a pay rise and then it will be again a nightmare.

Can't believe people still banging the Baleba drum

 

[kobbie meh noo?]

In reality, Tchouameni is the dream game changer option for us in fact and accelerates the rebuild quite a bit, but unrealistic IMO and we'll do well to get anywhere close to his level with who we actually sign. Because not a single midfielder on the move is ahead of him as a DM which is the top priority for us.

If City sell Rodri to Real Madrid would they then sign Tchouameni? If so he is the best CDM replacement for City replacing their legend at the same time we are trying to replace ours. I'd be more inclined to think that Tchouameni is the right target if both clubs are fighting to sign him but it's only us who are linked - who is a club that is historically used more as a step up to Real Madrid and a step down from Real Madrid.

I think he is too weak on the ball for City & likewise won't replace Casemiro aswell as we think.

Yet, Man City and United are both interested in Anderson & Tonali. Whilst so far we are the only club linked to Tchouameni.

Real Madrid are great at promoting players that they do not want anymore.

I just hate the idea we want to buy a player in their prime that's not good enough for Real Madrid but is deemed to be good enough for us.

This isn't Casemiro who won 3 CL's in a row for Real Madrid, this is a player alongside their team have underperformed for time and whilst not the main reason, Tchouameni remains a reason alongside the rest of their recruitment, management and even player mentality.

It's like this belief that if we buy players that are not good enough for Real Madrid, that we will kind of be good as them because we bought players who have already played for them.

Real Madrid have sold some gems like Makelele and even Robben. However they arguably sold the best passer I've ever seen in Ozil because they knew both the strengths and weaknesses of that player. Arsenal went at Ozil like a hungry dog and Ozil really didn't acc1elerate Arsenal's growth as people had initially expected even though he was a good player for them.

It personally sucks signing a 26 year old Real Madrid reject, watching them then buy a 20-23 year old player that is already playing better and in 5 years time we are wondering why we didnt sign that player instead.

The difference between Valverde and Tchouameni is huge. One is world class, Tchouameni is a good player but not world class.

Why do we want to sign him if he isn't world class at 26 years old for the team he plays for? He would cost us near 70-100million.
So that he turns out world class for us? This isn't a kid with potential anymore.

I'd say even Pogba is a better Midfielder than Tchouameni though two different types of midfielders. Maybe il change my mind after the world cup.

The only thing I like about him is - players that can play as a false CB turning a 4 at the back formation to a 3 at the back formation is arguably my favourite type of midfielder and I've heard it's one of his strengths. His passing looks very average though.

 

[croadyman]

If City sell Rodri to Real Madrid would they then sign Tchouameni? If so he is the best CDM replacement for City replacing their legend at the same time we are trying to replace ours. I'd be more inclined to think that Tchouameni is the right target if both clubs are fighting to sign him but it's only us who are linked - who is a club that is historically used more as a step up to Real Madrid and a step down from Real Madrid.

I think he is too weak on the ball for City & likewise won't replace Casemiro aswell as we think.

Yet, Man City and United are both interested in Anderson & Tonali. Whilst so far we are the only club linked to Tchouameni.

Real Madrid are great at promoting players that they do not want anymore.

I just hate the idea we want to buy a player in their prime that's not good enough for Real Madrid but is deemed to be good enough for us.

This isn't Casemiro who won 3 CL's in a row for Real Madrid, this is a player alongside their team have underperformed for time and whilst not the main reason, Tchouameni remains a reason alongside the rest of their recruitment, management and even player mentality.

It's like this belief that if we buy players that are not good enough for Real Madrid, that we will kind of be good as them because we bought players who have already played for them.

Real Madrid have sold some gems like Makelele and even Robben. However they arguably sold the best passer I've ever seen in Ozil because they knew both the strengths and weaknesses of that player. Arsenal went at Ozil like a hungry dog and Ozil really didn't acc1elerate Arsenal's growth as people had initially expected even though he was a good player for them.

It personally sucks signing a 26 year old Real Madrid reject, watching them then buy a 20-23 year old player that is already playing better and in 5 years time we are wondering why we didnt sign that player instead.

The difference between Valverde and Tchouameni is huge. One is world class, Tchouameni is a good player but not world class.

Why do we want to sign him if he isn't world class at 26 years old for the team he plays for? He would cost us near 70-100million.
So that he turns out world class for us? This isn't a kid with potential anymore.

I'd say even Pogba is a better Midfielder than Tchouameni though two different types of midfielders. Maybe il change my mind after the world cup.

The only thing I like about him is - players that can play as a false CB turning a 4 at the back formation to a 3 at the back formation is arguably my favourite type of midfielder and I've heard it's one of his strengths. His passing looks very average though.

He is good enough for Real Madrid

 

[Sir Erik ten Hag]

He is good enough for Real Madrid

How's his trophies count for Real so far? Haven't followed him that closely.

 

[cpresc]

If City sell Rodri to Real Madrid would they then sign Tchouameni? If so he is the best CDM replacement for City replacing their legend at the same time we are trying to replace ours. I'd be more inclined to think that Tchouameni is the right target if both clubs are fighting to sign him but it's only us who are linked - who is a club that is historically used more as a step up to Real Madrid and a step down from Real Madrid.

I think he is too weak on the ball for City & likewise won't replace Casemiro aswell as we think.

Yet, Man City and United are both interested in Anderson & Tonali. Whilst so far we are the only club linked to Tchouameni.

Real Madrid are great at promoting players that they do not want anymore.

I just hate the idea we want to buy a player in their prime that's not good enough for Real Madrid but is deemed to be good enough for us.

This isn't Casemiro who won 3 CL's in a row for Real Madrid, this is a player alongside their team have underperformed for time and whilst not the main reason, Tchouameni remains a reason alongside the rest of their recruitment, management and even player mentality.

It's like this belief that if we buy players that are not good enough for Real Madrid, that we will kind of be good as them because we bought players who have already played for them.

Real Madrid have sold some gems like Makelele and even Robben. However they arguably sold the best passer I've ever seen in Ozil because they knew both the strengths and weaknesses of that player. Arsenal went at Ozil like a hungry dog and Ozil really didn't acc1elerate Arsenal's growth as people had initially expected even though he was a good player for them.

It personally sucks signing a 26 year old Real Madrid reject, watching them then buy a 20-23 year old player that is already playing better and in 5 years time we are wondering why we didnt sign that player instead.

The difference between Valverde and Tchouameni is huge. One is world class, Tchouameni is a good player but not world class.

Why do we want to sign him if he isn't world class at 26 years old for the team he plays for? He would cost us near 70-100million.
So that he turns out world class for us? This isn't a kid with potential anymore.

I'd say even Pogba is a better Midfielder than Tchouameni though two different types of midfielders. Maybe il change my mind after the world cup.

The only thing I like about him is - players that can play as a false CB turning a 4 at the back formation to a 3 at the back formation is arguably my favourite type of midfielder and I've heard it's one of his strengths. His passing looks very average though.

What are you talking about? Tchoumeni is absolute quality and him with Mainoo and Bruno would be a crazy midfield

 

[Rozay]

Can't believe people still banging the Baleba drum

He’s a huge talent. We’d be very wise to buy this dip, hopefully the price dips quite a lot.

 

[Dempsey19]

How's his trophies count for Real so far? Haven't followed him that closely.

1 × La Liga
1 × Copa del Rey
1 × Spanish Super Cup
1 × UEFA Champions League
2 × UEFA Super Cup
2 × FIFA Club World Cup / Intercontinental titles

 

[Brophs]

He’s a huge talent. We’d be very wise to buy this dip, hopefully the price dips quite a lot.

At the moment it’s Schrodinger’s dip. I don’t think Brighton will see this season as a basis to take a haircut on him.

 

[Lash]

At the moment it’s Schrodinger’s dip. I don’t think Brighton will see this season as a basis to take a haircut on him.

Maybe, but his contract is up in June 28, I think they'd do more damage than good pricing him out of a move for a 2nd year in a row.

 

[giorno]

He is good enough for Real Madrid

He's not. This season he might have been good enough if we had a Kroos next to him

Past seasons he wasn't, even when we did have Kroos

 

[Fortitude]

He's not. This season he might have been good enough if we had a Kroos next to him

Past seasons he wasn't, even when we did have Kroos

Minds have been made up; he’s a sure thing, world class #6 who is the best possible replacement for Casemiro.

 

[giorno]

Minds have been made up; he’s a sure thing, world class #6 who is the best possible replacement for Casemiro.

I mean, I'm honestly not sure what else is there

At this season's level he's a decent enough replacement for Case, though still a downgrade

 

[Fortitude]

I mean, I'm honestly not sure what else is there

At this season's level he's a decent enough replacement for Case, though still a downgrade

I suppose it depends on what we’re actually looking at as towards how big a leap he is. Doesn’t fill me with any euphoria, but again, if it’s him or some of the terrible players we’ve been linked to, then yeah, Tchouameni.

 

[Trigestis]

I mean, I'm honestly not sure what else is there

At this season's level he's a decent enough replacement for Case, though still a downgrade

Nearly every midfielder in the world would be a downgrade on current Casemiro, it's just what it is. Our goal has to be to make the transition as painless as possible, and Tchouameni is incredibly solid. I wonder if your expectations come from being used to a ridiculous midfield trio and expecting all midfielders to be elite passers. I watched Tchouameni in CL and he was excellent, I also watched him against Espanyol and he was also excellent. He would probably be the best replacement for Casemiro we could get. He's the Real Madrid player that has covered most distance in CL (think he's 4th or 5th out of all players), great aerially, good tackler and reads the game well, and a solid passer. Very, very good mentality too.

And even if you believe he isn't good enough for you, he is good enough for us. We're not an elite team able to attract the absolute elite talents out there so we need to build our way up.

 

[AdNani]

Nearly every midfielder in the world would be a downgrade on current Casemiro, it's just what it is. Our goal has to be to make the transition as painless as possible, and Tchouameni is incredibly solid. I wonder if your expectations come from being used to a ridiculous midfield trio and expecting all midfielders to be elite passers. I watched Tchouameni in CL and he was excellent, I also watched him against Espanyol and he was also excellent. He would probably be the best replacement for Casemiro we could get. He's the Real Madrid player that has covered most distance in CL (think he's 4th or 5th out of all players), great aerially, good tackler and reads the game well, and a solid passer. Very, very good mentality too.

And even if you believe he isn't good enough for you, he is good enough for us. We're not an elite team able to attract the absolute elite talents out there so we need to build our way up.

He might be a downgrade in terms of goals, but I don’t see it as a downgrade in the role he’d be asked to play in the team, obviously he’s much younger and able to get around the pitch far better and as of now he’s better than Casemiro defensively. In terms of a DM he’s in his prime physically.

In terms of Leadership we’d miss Casemiro but that was always going to happen because he’s such a monster of a character. Others were always going to have to step up and Tchouameni is more than capable.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

Can't believe people still banging the Baleba drum

Neither can I to be honest.

He's a huge talent, sure, but his reaction to not getting his move showed a weaker side mentally. Nothing wrong with that in general but we've been there before with other players. And it wasn't just a minor blip, either.

Of course there's the death of his mum which would make the whole thing entirely understandable - IF that was the cause. But we don't know. The certainty that people have around him makes me nervous. How many times have we been "certain" of a player and then they've turned out to be shit? I'll also note that the same people with these certainties that Baleba will be brilliant are also certain that Tchouameni will be shit.

 

[Dr. McBeasty]

Neither can I to be honest.

He's a huge talent, sure, but his reaction to not getting his move showed a weaker side mentally. Nothing wrong with that in general but we've been there before with other players. And it wasn't just a minor blip, either.

Of course there's the death of his mum which would make the whole thing entirely understandable - IF that was the cause. But we don't know. The certainty that people have around him makes me nervous. How many times have we been "certain" of a player and then they've turned out to be shit? I'll also note that the same people with these certainties that Baleba will be brilliant are also certain that Tchouameni will be shit.

There’s also the fact that he injured his knee and missed the entire preseason. One more possible factor that I don’t see getting mentioned much at all.

 

[croadyman]

Nearly every midfielder in the world would be a downgrade on current Casemiro, it's just what it is. Our goal has to be to make the transition as painless as possible, and Tchouameni is incredibly solid. I wonder if your expectations come from being used to a ridiculous midfield trio and expecting all midfielders to be elite passers. I watched Tchouameni in CL and he was excellent, I also watched him against Espanyol and he was also excellent. He would probably be the best replacement for Casemiro we could get. He's the Real Madrid player that has covered most distance in CL (think he's 4th or 5th out of all players), great aerially, good tackler and reads the game well, and a solid passer. Very, very good mentality too.

And even if you believe he isn't good enough for you, he is good enough for us. We're not an elite team able to attract the absolute elite talents out there so we need to build our way up.

Yeah that's the trouble with Madrid and PSG they have so much midfield depth in terms of quality. So they will see players like a Tchouameni/Camavinga/Ruiz as players who aren't of the level required for them. However that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't good enough for us.

 

[Mr Pigeon]

There’s also the fact that he injured his knee and missed the entire preseason. One more possible factor that I don’t see getting mentioned much at all.

Ah, fair play I didn't remember that. That's also a concern though, isn't it?

 

[Dr. McBeasty]

Ah, fair play I didn't remember that. That's also a concern though, isn't it?

He seems to have recovered ok, haven’t seen much about any ongoing concerns or other injuries from overcompensating. Any way you slice it, I think there will be a fair amount of risk involved in a Baleba transfer, which is why tchouameni should be the #1 option as the defensive mid target. But if that deal proves impossible, Baleba as the backup isn’t the worst thing.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Nearly every midfielder in the world would be a downgrade on current Casemiro, it's just what it is. Our goal has to be to make the transition as painless as possible, and Tchouameni is incredibly solid. I wonder if your expectations come from being used to a ridiculous midfield trio and expecting all midfielders to be elite passers. I watched Tchouameni in CL and he was excellent, I also watched him against Espanyol and he was also excellent. He would probably be the best replacement for Casemiro we could get. He's the Real Madrid player that has covered most distance in CL (think he's 4th or 5th out of all players), great aerially, good tackler and reads the game well, and a solid passer. Very, very good mentality too.

And even if you believe he isn't good enough for you, he is good enough for us. We're not an elite team able to attract the absolute elite talents out there so we need to build our way up.

I don’t necessarily agree with that first sentence. Casemiro is basically a min max player these days, so the things he does well he still does better than almost any midfielder in football (anticipation, tackling/interceptions, box defending, attacking set pieces), but he’s also absolutely bottom tier at other parts of the game at this point (carrying, mobility, any sort of recovery pace, or anything else requiring more finesse and agility).

So while he’s absolutely carried us in certain games, he can still be exposed and we are forced to play around that a bit more than we might be with a more well rounded DM.

Honestly I’m more concerned how we’re going to replace his goals than his DM duties. We can find plenty of options to help shield a backline, but not many that will also pop double digit PL goals

 

[croadyman]

He seems to have recovered ok, haven’t seen much about any ongoing concerns or other injuries from overcompensating. Any way you slice it, I think there will be a fair amount of risk involved in a Baleba transfer, which is why tchouameni should be the #1 option as the defensive mid target. But if that deal proves impossible, Baleba as the backup isn’t the worst thing.

Yeah I'm hoping that's what the club is thinking

 

[croadyman]

I don’t necessarily agree with that first sentence. Casemiro is basically a min max player these days, so the things he does well he still does better than almost any midfielder in football (anticipation, tackling/interceptions, box defending, attacking set pieces), but he’s also absolutely bottom tier at other parts of the game at this point (carrying, mobility, any sort of recovery pace, or anything else requiring more finesse and agility).

So while he’s absolutely carried us in certain games, he can still be exposed and we are forced to play around that a bit more than we might be with a more well rounded DM.

Honestly I’m more concerned how we’re going to replace his goals than his DM duties. We can find plenty of options to help shield a backline, but not many that will also pop double digit PL goals

Maybe that's why we want to sign experienced striker who is able to make up those double digit goals

 

[davidmichael]

Honestly I’m more concerned how we’re going to replace his goals than his DM duties. We can find plenty of options to help shield a backline, but not many that will also pop double digit PL goals

Reality is no one knew Casemiro had goals in his locker when we signed him as he was simply a ball winner that shielded the back four so Kroos and Modric could do their thing, with the size and physical attributes that Tchouameni has how do we know he won’t do the same if Bruno is putting chances on a plate for him at set pieces ?

At Real it’s very clear Tchouameni’s role is similar to Casemiro’s was as Bellingham, Valverde and Guler play further forward to supplement Mbappe and Vinicius much and another example would be Yaya Toure as at Barca he was just a physically imposing ball winner playing behind Xavi and Iniesta yet when he went to City he became a box to box monster who scored for fun.

What we need is to spread goals out like this season as I think we’ve got five players on around double figures in the league in Sesko, Bruno, Cunha, Mbeumo and Casemiro so if next season Amad improves to score double figures then you get 15 goals from hypothetically Mainoo and Tchouameni we actually end up scoring more from being more fluid and mobile than we are this season.

 

[giorno]

I wonder if your expectations come from being used to a ridiculous midfield trio and expecting all midfielders to be elite passers.

That's part of it but also, he really just wasn't good. One good performance followed by 4 bad ones. Ancelotti was dropping him whenever he could

I watched Tchouameni in CL and he was excellent, I also watched him against Espanyol and he was also excellent.

He's been good this season individually, but he's not what we need and at this point there's little reason to believe he can be

And even if you believe he isn't good enough for you, he is good enough for us. We're not an elite team able to attract the absolute elite talents out there so we need to build our way up.

On this season's form he could be, but we need a different player in his role. Valverde, Bellingham and Guler aren't going anywhere and Nico Paz and Endrick are coming back too. We need a Kroos

He might be a downgrade in terms of goals, but I don’t see it as a downgrade in the role he’d be asked to play in the team, obviously he’s much younger and able to get around the pitch far better and as of now he’s better than Casemiro defensively. In terms of a DM he’s in his prime physically.

I'm not sure he's as good as Casemiro defensively, but I haven't seen enough of Case this season admittedly. He's a far cry, a very far cry, from our Case though

Reality is no one knew Casemiro had goals in his locker when we signed him

Zidane literally used him as an hybrid DM/Shadow Striker in his second stint....did you never watch him play?

At Real it’s very clear Tchouameni’s role is similar to Casemiro’s was

Yes, but that's because of his own limitations, not because we don't ask/need more from him

 

[IrwinwasbetterthanCarlos]

Reality is no one knew Casemiro had goals in his locker when we signed him as he was simply a ball winner that shielded the back four so Kroos and Modric could do their thing, with the size and physical attributes that Tchouameni has how do we know he won’t do the same if Bruno is putting chances on a plate for him at set pieces ?

At Real it’s very clear Tchouameni’s role is similar to Casemiro’s was as Bellingham, Valverde and Guler play further forward to supplement Mbappe and Vinicius much and another example would be Yaya Toure as at Barca he was just a physically imposing ball winner playing behind Xavi and Iniesta yet when he went to City he became a box to box monster who scored for fun.

What we need is to spread goals out like this season as I think we’ve got five players on around double figures in the league in Sesko, Bruno, Cunha, Mbeumo and Casemiro so if next season Amad improves to score double figures then you get 15 goals from hypothetically Mainoo and Tchouameni we actually end up scoring more from being more fluid and mobile than we are this season.

The thing I like about Tchouameni is that he replaces Casemiro’s height. He might not get as many goals, but it’s just as important to replace his aerial ability at the other end. Mainoo and Bruno are both short, and he could be playing in front of Martinez (short) and Yoro (lacks strength). If we end up with a team of short arses, some teams (Arsenal) will just Pulis-ball us into oblivion.

 

[davidmichael]

Yes, but that's because of his own limitations, not because we don't ask/need more from him

Obviously you watch more Real games than I do but I remember the same things being said about Casemiro when he signed for us and Yaya Toure when he signed for City which is my point, football in La Liga is far more technical and far less physical than the PL is so Tchouameni COULD do the same as Casemiro and Toure did in the PL due to his size and strength.

The thing I like about Tchouameni is that he replaces Casemiro’s height. He might not get as many goals, but it’s just as important to replace his aerial ability at the other end. Mainoo and Bruno are both short, and he could be playing in front of Martinez (short) and Yoro (lacks strength). If we end up with a team of short arses, some teams (Arsenal) will just Pulis-ball us into oblivion.

Exactly and what he may lack in terms of replacing Casemiro’s goals he’d make up in terms of mobility and athletisicm which in turn helps the rest of the team as right now we have to hide Casemiro’s limitations.

If Camavinga can prove his fitness I’d be happy to bring Tchouameni in and Camavinga in on loan with an option to buy which then allows us to bring in Mateus Fernandes too if West Ham go down and packs our midfield out with Mainoo also included and upgrades things massively on a quality level in terms of ability and athletisicm.

 

[Yagami]

I suppose it depends on what we’re actually looking at as towards how big a leap he is. Doesn’t fill me with any euphoria, but again, if it’s him or some of the terrible players we’ve been linked to, then yeah, Tchouameni.

Not for me. There are always good technical CMs out there who can compete physically. We just have to actually identify them and be willing to take the risk in believing that they can step up.

Tchouameni will just see more of the same we've seen from our midfield since the early 2010s - being easily overrun from a technical standpoint by the top teams. Madrid could still win the European Cup with him in the squad because he was complimented by the likes of Kroos and Modric still. We don't have that luxury. We need the Kroos' and Modric's first before signing water carriers.

 

[giorno]

Obviously you watch more Real games than I do but I remember the same things being said about Casemiro when he signed for us and Yaya Toure when he signed for City which is my point, football in La Liga is far more technical and far less physical than the PL is so Tchouameni COULD do the same as Casemiro and Toure did in the PL due to his size and strength.

The difference is we didn't ask much of Casemiro on the ball because we had Kroos and Modric, in possession we needed him to either keep it simple and give it to Kroos/Modric, or push up and join the attack. Mind you, Casemiro's main limitation on the ball was always his lack of agility, so he could struggle under pressure. Whenever opponents man marked Kroos and Modric and dared him to run our play, leaving him open, they ended up regretting that decision

Right now we very much need Tchouameni to be more than a pure destroyer and to be our midfield metronome and director, and he looks like he has the passing range and quality to be that too, but unfortunately he's just not doing it. Tchouameni looks a lot more like Xabi Alonso or Matic rather than Palhinha, but he plays like Palhinha for some reason -.-

But yeah, if you only need him to be a pure destroyer who isn't a total liability in possession - basically an Ugarte who can stay on the pitch - I guess he could be good for you. At the current season's level

 

[sp_cgb]

We need the Kroos' and Modric's first before signing water carriers.

Who would that be though? And even prime Modric or Kroos would be suspect, without prime Casemiro behind them. Especially in this league.

It's obvious, that we're looking for someone to play next to Mainoo. That automatically narrows the profile to a more defensive midfielder, or a very physical, dynamic box to box player. I agree we need midfielders who can actually pass the ball forward. Unfortunately you can only buy what's out there at any given time.

 

[giorno]

Who would that be though? And even prime Modric or Kroos would be suspect, without prime Casemiro behind them.

IT SHOULD BE TCHOUAMENI THAT'S THE MOST INFURIATING THING ABOUT HIM

 

[croadyman]

IT SHOULD BE TCHOUAMENI THAT'S THE MOST INFURIATING THING ABOUT HIM

Presume you aren't selling him and Camavinga?

 

[Ali Dia]

Croady is keeping all these midfielder threads ticking over daily.

 

[croadyman]

Croady is keeping all these midfielder threads ticking over daily.

Oh yes, need something more concrete though

 

[bosskeano]

if Jose returns to Madrid this summer, i think that will kill this transfer option

 

[croadyman]

if Jose returns to Madrid this summer, i think that will kill this transfer option

Yeah I fear you could be right

 

[Trigestis]

On this season's form he could be, but we need a different player in his role. Valverde, Bellingham and Guler aren't going anywhere and Nico Paz and Endrick are coming back too. We need a Kroos

Let's say you did have Kroos and Modric; what player that plays now would you put behind them that could play there for years? Aside from the obvious ones like Rodri, Kimmich etc.

 

[bosskeano]

Mourinho likes a proper defensive midfielder in his starting XI

Yeah I fear you could be right

 

[giorno]

Let's say you did have Kroos and Modric; what player that plays now would you put behind them that could play there for years? Aside from the obvious ones like Rodri, Kimmich etc.

Valverde. Duh