Premier League Squad Review 2015/16

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Good afternoon everyone!

Some might remember this from TFF days, simply post what you expect from your team for the coming season. Run us through your current squad, their ex clubs, where they play, then give us an opinion on them and expectations for next season. For example -

Name - Jonty Rhodes
Age - 22
Position - Right back
Previous Clubs - (Ebbsfleet, Luton, Barnsley, Bolton)
Jonty rhodes is an experienced right back who has played well in excess of 100 games for Walsall FC.
Expectations/Opinion - Definetely one of our best and most experienced players, is a very solid league 1 right back and I am hoping he will perform next season. If he does I'd expect us to keep a very good goals against record next season.


And so on..

Please include a list of your summer transfer dealings (in and out)

As with the "Top 6, Bottom 3" thread this will be something to look back on at the end of the season to see how close or wide of the mark we were.

These will need to be completed by Saturday 1st August.

Good luck!



Completed:

Everton - johnnytodd
Liverpool - Bilo
Arsenal - thespus
Norwich - SUTSS
Bournemouth - AFCB_Mark
West Brom - Y Borth

Blog Entries:

Bilo's Liverpool squad review.
SUTTS's Norwich squad review.
AFCB_Mark's Bournemouth squad review.
JaseTheVillian's Aston Villa squad review.
Smudge's Everton squad review.
 
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I would, but I was planning to do a blog on a very similar subject in the near future!
 

Stocky

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There will be some Premier League glory supporters on here that will have never heard of Jonty Rhodes. Absolute scum.
 

johnnytodd

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No. Goalkeepers Nationality Contract Exp. Status HG
1 Joel Robles SHIT
>21
24 Tim Howard SHITTER THAN ABOVE
>21

No. Defenders Nationality Contract Exp. Status HG
2 Tony Hibbert PENSIONER
Hgn
3 Leighton Baines OVERATED
Hgn
6 Phil Jagielka QUALITY
Hgn
23 Seamus Coleman COST 17 MILLION 940,000 LESS THAN GLEN JOHNSON
>21
26 John Stones VERY HIGH QUALITY
Hgn
27 Tyias Browning PROSPECTS LOOK GOOD
19
29 Luke Garbutt WILL BE LEFT BACK IN 2 YEARS WHEN BAINES QUITS
20

No. Midfielders Nationality Contract Exp. Status HG
4 Darron Gibson INJURED AGAIN
7 Aiden McGeady ALSO KNOWN AS MICHEAL FLATTLEY ( RIVERDANCE)
8 Bryan Oviedo HAS THE BIGGEST C*CK IN THE TEAM
16 James McCarthy BRILLIANT PLAYER
17 Muhamed Besic CAN TACKLE THATS IT
18 Gareth Barry TOO SLOW NOW SORT OF 150/1 HORSE FOR THE NATIONAL
20 Ross Barkley IF PLAYED AS A STRIKER IMMENSE, CANNOT CONCENTRATE ENOUGH IN THE MIDDLE
21 Leon Osman BIT PART PLAYER
22 Steven Pienaar QUALITY BUT TOO OLD
Tom Cleverley DONKEY

No. Forwards Nationality Contract Exp. Status HG
9 Arouna Koné NOW SELLS THE PROGRAMMES
10 Romelu Lukaku ON HIS DAY UNPLAYABLE BUT THATS ONCE A MONTH
11 Kevin Mirallas AS ABOVE
14 Steven Naismith RUNS ALL DAY AND GIVES 110% AVERAGE QUALITY
Gerard Deulofeu WILL TAKE THE PREM BY STORM
 

Abertawe

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3 seasons in a row people have been predicting us to drop. I don't see it happening still, last season I thought we were gone and I actually agreed with people, now, I think we'll build on our side finally as it looks like we may actually have a few pennies to spend, so I reckon we'll consolidate in a comfortable mid table position to be honest.

1. Arsenal
2. Chelsea
3. Man United
4. Man City
5. Liverpool
6. Southampton
--------------------------
18. West Ham
19. Sunderland
20. Bournemouth

No thanks you would bore everyone to death

LOL
 
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I'm assuming you quoted me from another thread by accident there? :lol:
 

AFCB_Mark

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I've got one up my sleeve. In my usual fashion I'll likely have to put more effort into cutting it down to a readable size, than I will to actually write it in the first place. Unless folks want to read paragraphs detailing the life stories of 20 odd players they've never heard of.
 

Bilo

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First team (2015-07-16):

2. Nathaniel Clyne
- Most people know him and have formed an opinion. Will hopefully be the long term right back Glen Johnson should've been if he didn't turn shit at the age of 28.
3. José Enrique
- Very likeable guy.
4. Kolo Touré
- Like Enrique, a very likeable guy. Also a decent footballer, contrary to Enrique.
6. Dejan Lovren
- In my opinion not quite as shit last season as the majority claim he was. He was poor, but not awful. Will hopefully step up this season and at least reach the level of decent.
7. James Milner
- We've got two Hendersons now, which is great.
9. Ricke Lambert
- Liverpool's number 9! I haven't quite figured out what he does well, but he's a local lad and I like him.
10. Philippe Coutinho
- Next summer's big sale. This guy is fucking brilliant.
11. Roberto Firmino
- When he signed I discovered that every Liverpool fan on the planet also is a fan of Hoffenheim and see every game they play. I'm the exception. Never seen him play. Quite good, apparently.
12. Joe Gomez
- Defender signed from Charlton, only 18 years of age. We once signed a midfielder called Jonjo from Charlton at the same age. They don't look anything alike.
14. Jordan Henderson
- Our new captain. One of our more underrated players. Was brilliant 13/14, didn't quite reach the same heights last season but was still one of our better players. Think he can really grow with the armband and having an exact copy competing for the exact same place in the team.
15. Daniel Sturridge
- Injured.
17. Mamadou Sakho
- The only guy in the squad I'd back in a fistfight vs Skrtel.
18. Alberto Moreno
- Very impressive footballer considering he only has one functional leg. Compared to players with two legs, decent at best. Will hopefully improve with age.
20. Adam Lallana
- For a bunch of different reasons, he doesn't play regularly. But when he does play, he's ranging between 6/10 and 8/10. Good squad player. Not worth £26M. Friends with Jon Snow.
21. Lucas Leiva
- The Lionel Messi of central midfield.
22. Simon Mignolet
- Not at all as poor as non-Liverpool fans (and most Liverpool fans) think. Was extremely poor for a short spell last season, but is the best shot stopper we've had since the turn of the century. Yes. Seriously. Wins us points. Reina rarely did that.
23. Emre Can
- If someone can, Emre Can. Honestly, for me, the praise for him has been slightly over the top. Has much to prove, still. Not sure which his best position is.
24. Joe Allen
- Has a mighty beard now. Not strong enough to be a defensive midfielder, not creative enough to be a regular starter in central midfield. Jack of all trades. Doesn't look as small when he's next to Lallana, on the bench. £40M on the bench, that is.
27. Divock Origi
- Could go either way. The most likely way is a bottom half premier league team two years from now, in my opinion. Scored on his friendly debut.
28. Danny Ings
- I have absolutely no hopes for him. If you've seen him have a good game, stand up and be counted. Right now, that count is at 0.
29. Fabio Borini
- On his way out, surely. The guy literally does nothing well.
37. Martin Skrtel
- Good. Ok. Like, he's fine. He's not great but he's not poor. Along with Lucas and Flanagan, the only pre-FSG player we've got.
38. Jon Flanagan
- Was injured last season. Don't think he'll make it here to be completely honest, now that Clyne's here.
45. Mario Balotelli
- What a fucking mess.
50. Lazar Markovic
- I've got high hopes for him, still. Think his coming season will be significantly better than his first one. Sterling leaving can't hurt.

(Arguably) notable youngsters:

26. Tiago Ilori
- Centre back. Quick and looked impressive at the U21 where Portugal reached the final. They eventually lost to Sweden on pens but they kept a clean sheet.
33. Jordon Ibe
- Winger. Some idiots claim his ceiling is higher than Sterling. I'm yet to be genuinely impressed. Strong and quick, that's about it.
46. Jordan Rossiter
- Central midfielder. I like him. Looks good most of the time. Could turn into a decent squad player, but probably won't due to lack of playing time.
47. Andre Wisdom
- Centre back. This guy is awesome. The youngster I rate far and away the most. Think he can become really, really good if we actually let him play.
53. Joao Teixeira
- Attacking midfielder. People have high hopes for him. I have not. Made an impressive appearance at Fulham some years ago. But the guy is 22, can't see him making it.
54. Sheyi Ojo
- Central midfielder (but striker on FM14). The reserve-nerds rate him. Never seen him play. The problem with the reserve-nerds is that they're so fucking biased that if you ask them about future world cup winners at any given time, we've got at least three in the reserves.
57. Joe Maguire
- Left back. Looks like a prospect. Won't make it.

All in all, we've had worse squads than this. But the lack of match winners is obvious.
 

G.B

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Milner is a far better player than Henderson.
 

Mr.Andrews

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i am a neutral
i picked a number out of a hat and the team assigned to the number was liverpool so i will analyse their squad

clyne = average right back but anything is better then glen johnson. coleman is better.
enrique = charlie chaplin lookalike that spends more time getting him and his girlfriends picture in the daily mail than playing football.
kolo toure = over the hill.
lovren = gigantic waste of money, soton did liverpool up like a kipper.
milner = meh. big jaw.
lambert = should go back to the beetroot factory.
coutinho = massively over rated by liverpool fans because he can play a through ball every now and then.
firminho = not seen him play.
gomez = who?
henderson = can run about for a long time in a weird manner.
sturridge = hospital inpatient.
sakho = has the grace of a newborn giraffe.
moreno = defender than can't defend. scored that one goal and was then suddenly the best full back in the world.
lallana = average.
lucas = meh.
mignolet = check out the nose on it.
can = over rated.
allen = possibly the worst footballer ever.
origi = not seen him but heard he had ridiculously long goal droughts last seasons. perfect for liverpool.
ings = overpriced at free.
borini = stealing a living and refusing to leave.
skrtel = looks like a drug addict.
flanagan = ugliest footballer alive.
balotelli = gamble that didnt pay off.
markovic = fm players like him but he is shit.
 

mase

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i picked a number out of a hat and the team assigned to the number was liverpool so i will analyse their squad

clyne = average right back but anything is better then glen johnson. coleman is better.
enrique = charlie chaplin lookalike that spends more time getting him and his girlfriends picture in the daily mail than playing football.
kolo toure = over the hill.
lovren = gigantic waste of money, soton did liverpool up like a kipper.
milner = meh. big jaw.
lambert = should go back to the beetroot factory.
coutinho = massively over rated by liverpool fans because he can play a through ball every now and then.
firminho = not seen him play.
gomez = who?
henderson = can run about for a long time in a weird manner.
sturridge = hospital inpatient.
sakho = has the grace of a newborn giraffe.
moreno = defender than can't defend. scored that one goal and was then suddenly the best full back in the world.
lallana = average.
lucas = meh.
mignolet = check out the nose on it.
can = over rated.
allen = possibly the worst footballer ever.
origi = not seen him but heard he had ridiculously long goal droughts last seasons. perfect for liverpool.
ings = overpriced at free.
borini = stealing a living and refusing to leave.
skrtel = looks like a drug addict.
flanagan = ugliest footballer alive.
balotelli = gamble that didnt pay off.
markovic = fm players like him but he is shit.

Are you sure you're a Liverpool fan?
 

thespus

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Arsenal Squad Breakdown, 2015-2016:


Keepers:
Petr Cech - Right up there with Seaman and Schmeichel as the best the Premier League has ever seen. Looked as assured as every filling in for Courtois last season. Massive signing; I expect him to be a big contributor to an ever-improving defense.
David Ospina - I expect he's on the way out, rumoured to Everton.
Wojech Szczesny -Enigmatic and seemingly a veteran, he's still just 25 and will be an excellent back-up for Cech. Hopefully he learns from one of the all-time greats.

Defence:
Hector Bellerin - Signed a new contract today. Rumours have it that he was promised a go as the first choice RB to begin the season. He's as quick as Walcott and maybe a better dribbler. His composure around the box last season was excellent, including a wonderful goal against Liverpool, and I expect him to challenge for a place in the League XI by season end. At 20, he's already one of the best fullbacks in the league.
Per Mertesacker - He struggled post-World Cup last season, but regained form for a decent second half. I think Gabriel could usurp him if he improves his distribution, but Per is necessary right now for his composure and distribution from the back. He's underrated by some, but certainly could be improved upon.
Laurent Koscielny - Second best center back in the league and I expect him to partner Terry in the League XI at the end of the season. He has a mistake in him, but his proactive style and recovery pace are as good as any CB I've seen. Arsenal's most important player.
Nacho Monreal - I never rated him until his contributions to our excellent defensive throughout the 2nd half of last season. I still expect the LB position to be a battle between him and Gibbs. He's a bit limited going forward and his pace is pedestrian for a fullback, but he is a smart defender.
Gabriel - Nearly as quick as Koscielny and with a similar style, he looks a similar signing to the Frenchman. He needs to improve on the ball, and apparently communication is a problem with the Brazilian, but I expect he will usurp Mertesacker for a stretch of the season.
Mathieu Debuchy - I expected him to begin the season as first choice, but apparently that will be Bellerin. He's still one of the better RBs in the league and looked a good fit on our right when playing last season. He suffered two freak injuries that held him out for long periods which allowed Bellerin to blossom. We could see him fill in at CB a few times this season.
Kieran Gibbs - Can't ask for much better in a backup LB. He gets underrated by most outside the club, but can be overrated by some Arsenal fans. He has excellent periods where is instrumental to our attack and also stretches where he is a liability. I think he will end the season as our first choice LB if he can put the injury problems behind him. If he can't, I expect Wenger to address the LB position next summer.
Callum Chambers - I'm a big fan of his. He was the club's player of the month in both August and September last season, largely due to some very mature performances at CB, but his form suffered after the good start. Due to our poor depth last season, we likely asked too much of him in the beginning. He's not suited to be a RB due to his lead-footed lateral movements against tricky wingers (see Monterp @ Swansea last season), but he reads the game very well for his age, is decent on the ball, and has good size. There is some debate if Wenger sees him as a CDM rather than a CB.

Midfield:
Santi Cazorla - One of the best midfielders around (more assists than anyone in the league since his arrival in England), he seemed to relish the deeper role last season. He's two-footed, a world class dribbler in tight spaces, and a goal threat when he gets up the pitch. As technically-gifted of a player I've seen in the Wenger era, and that's high praise.
Mesut Özil - One of the finest footballers in the league, he led the division in chances created per 90 last season despite competing for time on the ball with Alexis, Cazorla, and Ramsey. His best form came after he beefed up during an injury spell, and with this being his first actual preseason with Arsenal, I expect his best season in England yet. If we sign a Benzema caliber CF, I expect him to be on the shortlist for PFA POTY next May.
Aaron Ramsey - Indifferent 14/15 after being one of the best midfielders in Europe the season prior. He seemed to be trying too hard at times last season, but returned to his high work-rate, keep it simple game that led to his Arsenal revelation. A 15 goal league season isn't out of the realm of possibility. My favourite Arsenal player for his combination of tackling, goal scoring, and dribbling. Ace hair, too.
Francis Coquelin - One could argue he's out most important player after Koscielny. A team first player in an era of primadonna's. He led the league in both tackles and interceptions per 90 after his introduction, and our improved defensive record in that time wasn't coincidence. We haven't had as quality of shield in front of the back four since Gilberto. If he can keep it up, he's one of the best DMs in the league and even an outside shot at the France squad for Euro 2016. I think he'll be fired up for this season, but he needs to improve his passing range to reach these ambitions.
Jack Wilshere - I wrote more about him down below, but this will be the biggest season of his professional career. His knack for scoring wonder goals is brilliant, but we need to see a season with fitness and consistency. He has an outside shot of taking Coquelin's starting position in games against weaker opposition. He needs to work on his rash decision making, but there is no doubting his technical ability whether it's dribbling, passing, or shooting.
Mikel Arteta - Underrated by most Arsenal fans. He's on a similar level to what Schweinsteiger will be for Manchester United; an excellent pivot in lower tempo games. It's criminal he's lumped in the same category as Flamini. He's been nothing but a model professional for Arsenal since joining and is rightly the captain.
Mathieu Flamini - Likable man, but a liability at this point. There is rumoured interest from Galatasaray. Please be true.

Attackers:

Alexis Sanchez - I expect more of the same, but it might be a rough first month (he's supposed to miss the first 1-2 games) after playing more football the past few seasons than almost anyone else on the planet. Tough to do when you play with his intensity. I expect a slight goals regression since we won't depend on him as much, but he'll be right up there among PFA candidates again.
Olivier Giroud - One of the toughest players to properly appreciate due to his finishing and mobility limitations. When he's scoring in consecutive games, we're quick to label him as nearly a world class forward. When he isn't scoring, he gets unwarranted abuse. Very few CFs of his stature are as capable of linking the play as well as him and his technical ability has improved every season. He won't ever be a 30 goal scorer, but I don't think it's impossible to win the league with him as CF. That being said, if we can sign Benzema, we should. We'd win the fucking league.
Theo Walcott/Danny Welbeck/Oxlade-Chamberlain - Career defining seasons for all three; I've touched more on this in the "key points" section below. If we win the league this season, it's because one of these three made the step up to score 15-20 goals. I could make a case for all three having the potential, but I think if we win the league it's because Oxlade-Chamberlain stayed fit and showed England he's every bit as good as Sterling — and a better shot to boot!

Youngsters We Could See:

Emiliano Martinez - Looks better at this age than Szczesny ever did and filled in nicely last season. If Ospina leaves and Szczesney doesn't sort himself out off the pitch, we could see him learning from Cech this season. I think he's destined to be our next #1 once Cech retires/moves on.
Serge Gnabry - Had a torrid time with injuries last year, but looked a very capable Premier League player two seasons ago. He's quick, creative, and strong. I think he has a big future, and could feature heavily if we don't sign another forward, but I expect we will and that he will be loaned.
I think it's too early for concrete predictions re: Crowley and Zelalem, but I expect they'll be named in a few squads this season.

Key Points:

1) Internal Improvement and Fitness: Having a fit and in form Ramsey + Özil will be a bigger bost to Arsenal's title hopes than any potential signing. Last season saw a 25% improvement in the fitness department, but we still saw long term injuries to the aforementioned + Giroud, Wilshere, Koscielny, and Debuchy.
2) Underrated Defence: Arsenal finished with the third best defensive record in the league last season, and were the best from Coquelin's introduction onwards. A full season of Le Coq, Petr Cech, and an ever-improving Bellerin (with Debuchy, too) could see Arsenal as surprise rivals to Chelsea's defensive record.
3) English Core's Now or Never: Wilshere, Walcott, Welbeck, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Gibbs are all facing the most important season of their careers. The first four are likely to make the England squad provided they are fit, but all three have the chance to kick on and become permanent fixtures in the side. Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain in particular can become very important players for England with Walcott and Welbeck as important pace/power options off the bench. Welbeck's strength and work-rate and Walcott's ability to score gives both Arsenal and England good variety from the bench. Gibbs will need to usurp Monreal to have a chance of playing at Euro 16. Intra-squad competition is a very good thing.

Predictions:

League - An agonizingly close 2nd place to Chelsea. I think we'll be five points off at most.
Champions League - We've finally lost our Pot 1 seeding, but we also skipped the dreaded August qualifiers, too. I think we'll put in our best CL performance in awhile and make the QF's. I'll stick my neck out and predict us to surprise everyone and make the SF.
Cups - I reckon we'll make the final of one of the two domestic cups. Difficult to predict which one, but a third straight FA Cup would be brilliant as it makes Wenger the most succesful FA Cup manager in History.
Top Scorer - Tough, but I think it'll be Alexis again barring any signings. We could see 5-6 players all finish with 10 or more in all comps. I'd be disappointed if Giroud, Alexis, Walcott, Welbeck, and Ramsey didn't hit these numbers. Özil, Cazorla, Wilshere, and Oxlade-Chamberlain all have the ability to do so, too.
POTY - Koscielny.
Most Improved - Oxlade-Chamberlain.
 
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Storzy

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Theo Walcott/Danny Welbeck/Oxlade-Chamberlain - Career defining seasons for all three; I've touched more on this in the "key points" section below. If we win the league this season, it's because one of these three made the step up to score 15-20 goals. I could make a case for all three having the potential, but I think if we win the league it's because Oxlade-Chamberlain stayed fit and showed England he's every bit as good as Sterling — and a better shot to boot!

Walcott has already done that though? Literally the last time he had a full season. The question isn't whether Walcott can score the goals, it's where to fit him in.

I suspect Wenger is worried about playing both Sanchez and Walcott outwide as that could have an adverse effect on our improving defence. So for me that leaves striker. He won't get involved as much as Giroud, but with the midfield we finished the season with his movement is vital. We are far too narrow with Giroud, Ramsey, Sanchez, Ozil and Cazorla all looking to occupy similar space.

Unless we can get a top quality striker in and I remain unconvinced on Benzema, then I'd like to see if Walcott can keep his place as the centre forward.
 

thespus

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This isn't the thread for it, and I mean no disrespect, but anyone who isn't sold on Benzema hasn't watched him enough. He'd score 30+ for us and removed from Ronaldo's shadow. He's pacy, strong, and can take defenders on. He's a big improvement on Giroud and would still be an excellent creator in addition to his goals. He's better than Cavani, Higuain, etc. He's on a level with Costa and Lewandowski but fits our system better. There isn't a better option available to us.
 

Super_horns

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I'll have a go in the future.

Got so many players signed though and TBH I don't know much about them myself!
 

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Arsenal Squad Breakdown, 2015-2016:



Mikel Arteta - Underrated by most Arsenal fans. He's on a similar level to what Schweinsteiger will be for Manchester United; .

:fish:

Lets be honest if Arsenals players were even half as good as Thespus continually tells us they are they'd have won the league every year since the 'invincibles' by about 30 points.
 

Storzy

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This isn't the thread for it, and I mean no disrespect, but anyone who isn't sold on Benzema hasn't watched him enough. He'd score 30+ for us and removed from Ronaldo's shadow. He's pacy, strong, and can take defenders on. He's a big improvement on Giroud and would still be an excellent creator in addition to his goals. He's better than Cavani, Higuain, etc. He's on a level with Costa and Lewandowski but fits our system better. There isn't a better option available to us.

Or just has a different opinion than yourself. Only ever scored 20+ league goals once since being at Real Madrid, hasn't he? I'm not convinced he's as consistent a goal scorer as Costa.
 

smat

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I just did this:

Screenshot_2015_07_18_at_10_13_45.png


Benzema has better assist stats per 90 minz, but is that because he's got Ronaldo to pass to and not Daniel Welbeck? That said, he has fewer shots at goal than Giroud at Real, so perhaps he'd score more for Arsenal.

I'd take him because he has different qualities to Giroud and is tried and tested at a very high level. I don't know if there's space in the squad without getting rid of Walcott or Welbz though, and I don't think Wenger's got any intention of doing that. I think our spending is over already.
 

thespus

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Benzema scored 30+ for Lyon before being in Ronaldo's shadow. He'd score more than Giroud for Arsenal.

:fish:

Lets be honest if Arsenals players were even half as good as Thespus continually tells us they are they'd have won the league every year since the 'invincibles' by about 30 points.

How many times did you watch Schweinsteiger last season? I saw at least a dozen matches of his and one in person. It's interesting the only quote you center on for my Arsenal bias is related to Manchester United. I don't think Schweinsteiger is going to be great for Manchester United; I've repeatedly said Schneiderlin will. It's a football opinion that I've given reasoning for several times on this forum. You should try offering your own support for why he will be a great player for United and promote discussion rather than being an angry git. I predicted Arsenal to finish 2nd and haven't predicted a league title in a decade - hardly simpatico with your 30 points claim.

Let's have a charity bet about which side finishes higher.
 
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thespus

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Only ever scored 20+ league goals once since being at Real Madrid, hasn't he?

If we're only looking at goals scored stats, he's scored 20+ in the league more times in his career than Costa. How many times has a striker scored 20 league goals playing with Ronaldo at Madrid? Look at Suarez and Ibrahimovic playing with Messi . You have to become more selfless playing next to a Messi or Ronaldo. Ibra didn't accept that so he was sold. Suarez transitioned from one of the best scorers on the planet to one of the best team players in sport. Judging Benzema only for his league goal stats is an odd response to the question of how often have you watched him play.

Giroud has never done this for Arsenal nor has Walcott. He's an improvement on both purely in goals, and he's a better all around player than both. I've hypothesized he would outscore Giroud at Arsenal. You may not put him in the same category as I do, but being unconvinced sounds like you aren't sure he'd improve Arsenal, which is crap. Of course he'd improve Arsenal. Our record signing from Madrid recently said he's the best striker he's ever played with.
 
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Storzy

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Higuain managed to score 20 league goals at Real Madrid alongside Ronaldo more often.

I'm sorry I don't keep a tally on how many times I've seen Benzema play, but considering he plays for the biggest club in the world, plays regularly for France and started his career at Lyon it's safe to assume I've seen him plenty of times. This isn't Liverpool fans becoming Hoffenheim experts overnight.

I remain unconvinced that Benzema is at the same level as the strikers our main rivals have.
 

SUTSS

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Goalkeepers:

John Ruddy -
Proven himself to be more than adept at this level. Was at his best before injuring his groin a couple of seasons ago and missing a few months and I don't think he's ever reached that level again. The definite number 1 and I don't think there is a better keeper that we could realistically get.

Declan Rudd - Been at the club for ages now and really needs to start making the step up before his career stagnates. At 24 he is still young but it is time for him to make a big push for the first team. I don't see him displacing Ruddy but if there is an injury he'll have to step up and the jury remains out on whether he'd be good enough.

Defenders:

Steven Whittaker - I think we could do with an upgrade on Whittaker. He has improved in leaps and bounds since Neil took over but that is mainly because he's had the freedom to go forward. He won't have the same time attacking this year and there are question marks over his positioning and concentration at the back.

Russell Martin - I think Martin is going to be playing for us for most of the rest of his career. The big question is how often. If we sign a new centre back then he might take Whittaker's role on the right. Not convinced he's good enough to be a starting centre back in the Prem, but would be more than good enough to fill in for injuries.

Michael Turner - Has been a decent defender for us but he's too old now. Wouldn't surprise me to see him leave.

Ignasi Miquel - We paid a lot of money for him and then never played him. I have literally no idea how good he is or what sort of defender he is. Will go out on loan I'd imagine.

Martin Olsson - He can occasionally go through a rough patch of form but when he's on his game he is more than good enough. Like Whittaker he looked very good under Neil who liked his full back to be as much a part of the attacking force as the defensive. Unlike Whittaker, Olsson is a pretty solid defender as well.

Ryan Bennett - If you speak to some Norwich fans they will tell you that this guy is the best thing since sliced bread but successive managers have disagreed and he's been mainly a substitute. I've never seen what the fuss is about myself. I don't think he's intelligent enough on the pitch and the amount of time he tries a Steven Gerrard style 40 yard cross field pass is frustrating.

Sebastien Bassong - The big question mark over Bassong is 'which Bassong will turn up this season?'. Depending on what kind of mood he is in then Bassong can be a solid defender who would get into a large percentage of Premier League teams or he can look like a complete liability. I think he has bought into Alex Neil though so I'm hopeful we will get the good Bassong this year.

Harry Tofolo - This guy might still be loaned out but I think with Olsson's injury that he will be involved in the early season. Part of the FA Youth Cup winning side of a couple of years ago he impressed at Swindon last season and is looking impressive in pre-season. If/When Brady signs it'll mean he will probably start the season on the bench but I think he will pick up some first team appearances this year.

Midfielders:

Bradley Johnson - If you had asked me a year ago I would have told you that Johnson was atrocious and we should be looking to get rid but what a difference a year makes. He has stopped being played as a defensive midfielder and started to be played in a more attacking role, often on the left hand side. This has led to goals, assists and his becoming an integral part of the side. If he can replicate that in the Premier League he is going to be a huge asset for us.

Jonny Howson - There aren't many better sights than Jonny Howson in full flow on a football pitch. Managers puzzle as to just what is his best role in the midfield but when they get it right then Howson looks incredible. Neil seems to have got the best out of him so far so long may that continue.

Tony Andreu - He has the commitment, the work rate, the passion and the hipster credentials to make him a cult hero but does he have the ability? You have to suspect he was signed when it looked like Dorrans wouldn't be coming and he has a lot of work to make it into the first team.

Wes Hoolahan - A luxury or the most important player in the team? I am firmly in the Wes Hoolahan fan club and I think our success or failure this season will be influenced but how well this man can play. Age isn't on his side but it doesn't appear to be catching up with him just yet.

Elliott Bennett - Has been fairly injury prone and a player that often flatters to deceive. Won't be a regular and could even be moved to being the back up right back, a position he has played before and has played this pre-season.

Josh Murphy - Great potential. Will be used mainly as an impact sub but could still be vital. Fast and with bags of tricks he could become a regular at this level but he's not there yet. Might spend some time out on loan.

Nathan Redmond - The most frustrating player in a Norwich shirt. He has all the attributes but I question his football intelligence and decision making at times. I think we'll see him move more into a central role where I prefer him and he seems to influence the game more from that position.

Jacob Murphy - See Josh Murphy.

Alexander Tettey - He is one of those players that you notice more when they are not playing. Underrated by Norwich fans for a long time he has now started to get the recognition he deserves. He just sits quietly in front of the defence doing the donkey work for the midfield. He also boasts a magical set of dance moves and constantly looks surprised whilst playing. Dodgy knees are his downfall.

Youssouf Mulumbu - I suspect he has been brought in to rival Tettey who can't play every week. Hopefully this will mean they will both raise their game. Mulumbu is obviously experienced at this level and I think he'll prove to be an astute signing.

Gary O'Neil - Very tidy player on the ball but don't think we'll see a lot of him this season. May even leave.

Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe - A very highly rated player who missed nearly all of last season with injury. Looked good in the brief glimpses we saw of him. Strong and loves to get forward, looks very comfortable on the ball. An interesting one to watch next season.

Graham Dorrans - Made his loan move permanent. Very tidy player and seems to be able to play a variety of roles across the midfield. He's done it at this level before. He'll play a big part in this season but there is plenty of competition for places in the midfield.

Strikers:

Lewis Grabban - His main skills are his positioning and his off the ball ability. Quick and likes to drift out wide which seems to suit Neil's style of play allowing the midfielders to get forward and score. I think he can be useful at this level but he does miss some very easy chances at times.

Cameron Jerome - One of those players that seems to be too good for the Championship but not quite good enough for the Premier League. He's strong and fast and, like Grabban, under Neil has been expected to drift out wide and bully the defenders. An example of this working is his goal in the Play Off Final or his setting up on Howson in the Play Off semis.

Kyle Lafferty - I suspect he will go before the start of the season. Good work rate but can't see him being good enough at this level. Loves a yellow card as well.

Gary Hooper - I feel that Hooper would have been an excellent Premier League striker 10 years ago in an old school 4-4-2 with a big man and a little man upfront. I don't think he is really cut out for playing up front on his own. Wouldn't surprise me if he left but if he doesn't he'll mainly be a super sub.

Ricky van Wolfswinkel - The prodigal son returns from his year in France. There is no player I want to succeed in a Norwich shirt more than Ricky. His effort and desire should never be questioned. Victim of the Hughton regime and injuries but with just dumb luck you'd expect more than one goal in a season. Had a good couple of months in France but the rest of the season was pretty average. Although there were some reports that if Ricky played more than a certain amount of games then St. Ettienne would have to buy him, which they couldn't afford, which would explain why he was dropped toward the end of the season. I want him to succeed but I don't think he will.

Overall think the midfield is our strongest department. Robbie Brady looks certain to join. Need a couple of quality signings now. A centre back has to be a priority but goals keep you up and I think we'll sign a striker as well.
 

mistermagic

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How many times did you watch Schweinsteiger last season? I saw at least a dozen matches of his and one in person. It's interesting the only quote you center on for my Arsenal bias is related to Manchester United. I don't think Schweinsteiger is going to be great for Manchester United; I've repeatedly said Schneiderlin will. It's a football opinion that I've given reasoning for several times on this forum. You should try offering your own support for why he will be a great player for United and promote discussion rather than being an angry git. I predicted Arsenal to finish 2nd and haven't predicted a league title in a decade - hardly simpatico with your 30 points claim.

Let's have a charity bet about which side finishes higher.
True enough but Arteta never really was anywhere Schweini's level in his better years. Neither will take the Prem by storm given age and injuries but Schweini will bring so much more to Utd than Arteta to Arsenal who seems to be kept on in some weird "he's one of us" kind of way. Bit like Rosicky.
 

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