Dani Alves

[conormcfc]

Ibra big nose has been moved on loads, mustn't have been good enough

Plenty of United fans are of the opinion that he held them back last year. That can happen when you offer veteran players big contracts.

 

[The Fat el Hombre]

Insane stat. Exceptional signing this

 

[tolmie's hairdoo]

That volley he hit in the semi-final win over Monaco was just beautiful.

Big game player, big game mentality.

His influence in the dressing room could be huge.

 

[Homar]

Why? My opinion on the player is that he's in his twilight years and could struggle. Sorry if that upsets people but it is what it is.

If he is able to continue at a similar level to that at which he performed for Juve then certainly, for a year at least, he would make a good signing?
Free transfer with reasonable wages. What's not to like? His performance against Monaco in the Champions League was exceptional. If he can maintain that level for a year then he should not struggle in the EPL.

 

[conormcfc]

But there's no evidence to back up your assertion that he's on the decline.

We are still in for Walker as well anyway.

I don't think he's anything like what he was 5 years ago. So yes, on the decline. Added to the fact he has no prem experience, think a little skepticism is understandable.

He's played in worse back lines for Barca and coped far better against Madrid than he did in the final.

My opinion is that it'll turn out like Maicon/Schweinsteiger. As I've said, hope the bloke proves me wrong.

 

[conormcfc]

If he is able to continue at a similar level to that at which he performed for Juve then certainly, for a year at least, he would make a good signing?
Free transfer with reasonable wages. What's not to like? His performance against Monaco in the Champions League was exceptional. If he can maintain that level for a year then he should not struggle in the EPL.

I agree with this. I just don't have the confidence that it's gonna happen.

How many players have come to England for the first time at age 34 and maintained their level? Ibra was shocking for the first 3 months last year, can't do that as a defender.

 

[Marvin]

Why? My opinion on the player is that he's in his twilight years and could struggle. Sorry if that upsets people but it is what it is.

I'd admire your bottle for standing your ground, and it would be boring if no one did it, but I disagree with you.

You seem to be making 2 points:

1) Which is legitimate opinion, but I think wrong. Alves has nothing to offer City next season. Or is at best a squad player. I am sympathetic to this as I said similar when the transfer was first discussed. But if you have a look you'll find he was their 1st choice in the big games (he had a leg fracture which interrupted his season) and was outstanding in the Champions League in some very big matches. I don't see how you can hold this position if you go back over Juventus's season and have a look at Alves's role in it. Very impressive.

2) Your historical view of Alves as being a sub-standard defender or as having weaknesses is surely a massive exaggeration. He'll go down as one of the best right backs in the history of the game. He was never moved on from a club because of weakness. barcelona eventually moved him on. Prematurely in most peoples view.

 

[Homar]

I agree with this. I just don't have the confidence that it's gonna happen.

How many players have come to England for the first time at age 34 and maintained their level? Ibra was shocking for the first 3 months last year, can't do that as a defender.

I do agree that there is some risk associated with this transfer. There is a chance that, with his age, his performances quickly deteriorate and he becomes a liability. However, if we were to additionally sign another competent right-back (say Walker), then my opinion is that this is a risk worth taking.

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

It's a belting deal, in principal; there's a core within the squad, should this happen, who have won the lot .... it's not inconceivable that during the evolution of the squad that we'll see a bench as strong as the prem has ever seen.... imagine the baton being handed over in 12 months where the bench is bravo, yaya, komps, alves, aguero, silva..... obviously a few of those are retained but the strength in depth allows no excuses!

 

[Marvin]

I agree with this. I just don't have the confidence that it's gonna happen.

How many players have come to England for the first time at age 34 and maintained their level? Ibra was shocking for the first 3 months last year, can't do that as a defender.

Well he did it in Serie A in Champions league games. Why can't he do it for City? Alves just isn't any other player. Ibra was well over-hyped last season. He was very static and Utd's goal-scoring was no better than the season before so I would say Ibra's season was at best a partial success.

What about Frank Lampard? he scored 15 league goals at the age of 34 for Chelsea.

 

[conormcfc]

I'd admire your bottle for standing your ground, and it would be boring if no one did it, but I disagree with you.

You seem to be making 2 points:

1) Which is legitimate opinion, but I think wrong. Alves has nothing to offer City next season. Or is at best a squad player. I am sympathetic to this as I said similar when the transfer was first discussed. But if you have a look you'll find he was their 1st choice in the big games (he had a leg fracture which interrupted his season) and was outstanding in the Champions League in some very big matches. I don't see how you can hold this position if you go back over Juventus's season and have a look at Alves's role in it. Very impressive.

2) Your historical view of Alves as being a sub-standard defender or as having weaknesses is surely a massive exaggeration. He'll go down as one of the best right backs in the history of the game. He was never moved on from a club because of weakness. barcelona eventually moved him on. Prematurely in most peoples view.

My main point is that he has never played here in a league with football played at a much quicker pace than in Italy or Spain (or even the CL). There are very few players, if any, who have come to England for the first time at his age and still made any sort of impression. It seems logical to me to at least have some concerns on his ability to transition into a completely new country and league at his age.

I don't think Alves was a substandard defender at all, he is certainly one of the best right backs ever. I just don't think he's AS good defensively as some people think in here, I think he's a primarily marauding fullback and the defensive side has always come second to that.

 

[conormcfc]

Well he did it in Serie A in Champions league games. Why can't he do it for City? Alves just isn't any other player. Ibra was well over-hyped last season. He was very static and Utd's goal-scoring was no better than the season before so I would say Ibra's season was at best a partial success.

What about Frank Lampard? he scored 15 league goals at the age of 34 for Chelsea.

Lampard had been playing premier league football for about 16 years prior, he knew what it was all about. Alves hasn't had a kick in this league. Completely different imo.

 

[Marvin]

Lampard had been playing premier league football for about 16 years prior, he knew what it was all about. Alves hasn't had a kick in this league. Completely different imo.

But it does get round the issue that his age makes it impossible. Yes he will have to adapt again. But remember he's playing with top top players. He'll probably find it easier than Walker would (if he ever signs) because of his association with Guardiola

 

[conormcfc]

I do agree that there is some risk associated with this transfer. There is a chance that, with his age, his performances quickly deteriorate and he becomes a liability. However, if we were to additionally sign another competent right-back (say Walker), then my opinion is that this is a risk worth taking.

Again, agreed. As I've said all along I do think he'd be a good squad option.

A 34 year old as first choice having never played here? No.

 

[Chi-town blues]

He said he wanted to go to Italy to learn more about defending. Job done now ready for England. Smart man!
Not moved on . So far going according to plan.

 

[domalino]

Would not be a surprise if Walker & Alves were the 2 best RB's in the country next year, and with Roses' injuries, Mendy & Bertrand the 2 best LB's.

All playing for ickle City.

Just pause and consider that for a second. From Clichy, Kolarov, Sagna, Zabaleta and even Navas...to Mendy, Walker, Alves and Bertrand.

Ridiculous. That's how you address a weakness in your squad.

 

[kaz7]

Such a negative attitude going on,unbelievable

 

[Chi-town blues]

Such a negative attitude going on,unbelievable

Blue moan in a nutshell.
Where is your gif when we need one?

 

[Ashleymcduff]

Signing the best right back for the last decade on a free and people are moaning


Ffs

 

[Marvin]

My main point is that he has never played here in a league with football played at a much quicker pace than in Italy or Spain (or even the CL). There are very few players, if any, who have come to England for the first time at his age and still made any sort of impression. It seems logical to me to at least have some concerns on his ability to transition into a completely new country and league at his age.

I don't think Alves was a substandard defender at all, he is certainly one of the best right backs ever. I just don't think he's AS good defensively as some people think in here, I think he's a primarily marauding fullback and the defensive side has always come second to that.

I do agree that my first thought of Alves as a player, is his bombing forward, but that doesn't mean he can't defend. I've seen him put in some fantastic tackles and his reading of the game is excellent.

If you hadn't taken this standpoint, I might have done. I think his age is a legitimate point of concern, but his recent performances in the Champions league might persuade you. He's also a little whippet. He's not a Rooney. Ageing wont affect him so much. He's also got great technique so even if his physicality has declined somewhat he'll still have instant control which will buy him time.