Javi Martinez

[Marvin]

He was one of the top rated defenders/midfielders in the world when he went to Bayern. Gone out of picture I must admit. Presumably due to his injury problems. But if he's over them would be a great player for us.

 

[Homar]

Oh, god, this has got to be the worst examples of modern football fandom ever. "He can't be any good because his other team aren't kicking up a fuss about him leaving!!!"

Dani Alves was Juve's first choice RB last year, and was going to be their first choice next year. Losing him has caused them to scramble to try and sign someone - did they kick up a fuss? No.

Bayern & Juve have always operated on an "it's an honour to play for us, if you don't want to, we'll get someone who does" system. If a player wants out they don't keep them.

No to mention the fact that they've had coaching changes, and maybe a player who was absolutely vital under Pep isn't so needed under Ancelotti - that's doesn't make him a worse player.

This is nothing like Alves. Alves seems to have had a clause that allowed him to terminate his contract. What would have been the point of Juve fighting against him?

If you think Bayern will immediately sell anyone who who questions whether they want to stay at the club then surely they would have made it known that he wanted to leave.

Ancelotti is no fool. If he saw real talents in the player then he would make room for him in his system.

Not everyone has to jump for joy at every signing that we make. I'm sure you also celebrated the arrival of Nolito, Fernando, Mangala and the others. Judge a player on their qualities and not on whether they are willing to don a blue shirt.

 

[schfc6]

Bayern under Pep always played with highline for the same reasons - to make pressing possible. When the team had the ball, defenders stayed high, the system was totally based on it, be it at Barca or Bayern. The only exceptions were when they deliberately 'deepened' the play on particular occasions to overcome oppo's pressing.

Xabi Alonso did not press in a high line defence. He barely crossed the halfway line.
When you have a midfielder that spends the majoriety of his time in hs own half, the who team is not playing a high press.

Out of interest, why do you think we've signed players like Sané & Jesus, are looking at full backs like Mendy & Walker if we don't intend to use their pace?
If we pen teams in deep in their own half where are they expected to use their pace?

 

[Andrew___K]

He will be challenging Gundogan, Fernandinho and Yaya for that role. Do you start him ahead on any of those?

I can see him coming on to close games out, much like we saw with Fernando last season.

Definitely no, he's pretty poor as pivot. Was very good as a pure destroyer under Heynckes, but Pep simply doesn't use this kind of players in midfield. IMO, he'll play as CB only.

 

[schfc6]

I’m being sarcastic mate. Maldini was slow as hell.

Sorry bud, I knew that. I was being fairly sarcastic myself!

 

[malg]

Well another slow news day, so if anyone interested.....youtube highlights of Javi!;)

Seriously now, anyone watching that and thinking he'd be a success in our league needs to think again. He'd be red carded every other game for us.

 

[Homar]

Definitely no, he's pretty poor as pivot. Was very good as a pure destroyer under Heynckes, but Pep simply doesn't use this kind of players in midfield. IMO, he'll play as CB only.

But do you start him ahead of Kompany and Otamendi? I can see him getting game time there, particularly with Kompany's injury record, but I wouldn't start him ahead of those two if all were fit and able.

 

[SebastianBlue]

This is nothing like Alves. Alves seems to have had a clause that allowed him to terminate his contract. What would have been the point of Juve fighting against him?

If you think Bayern will immediately sell anyone who who questions whether they want to stay at the club then surely they would have made it known that he wanted to leave.

Ancelotti is no fool. If he saw real talents in the player then he would make room for him in his system.

Not everyone has to jump for joy at every signing that we make. I'm sure you also celebrated the arrival of Nolito, Fernando, Mangala and the others. Judge a player on their qualities and not on whether they are willing to don a blue shirt.

You have an interesting strategy for ingratiating yourself as a new member of the forum.

 

[Andrew___K]

Xabi Alonso did not press in a high line defence. He barely crossed the halfway line.
When you have a midfielder that spends the majoriety of his time in hs own half, the who team is not playing a high press.

Out of interest, why do you think we've signed players like Sané & Jesus, are looking at full backs like Mendy & Walker if we don't intend to use their pace?
If we pen teams in deep in their own half where are they expected to use their pace?

Sorry, it's just your odd conclusion. Pacy athletic players are beneficial for every team and every tactical solution.

 

[TimmyP]

This is all about strength and depth in the squad. PG has always wanted two top players in every position, and Martinez provides good cover for this. Yes, he may not be the quickest, but he's played for BM many a time and I remember when we were linked previously that'd we'd be over the moon with the signing.

Martinez will be able to cover CB and DM. If we had him this past season, he would have covered perfectly for Gundogan. We've missed that, so for me, I think he'll be a top signing.