I'd take him over Laporte personally - we need someone proven in the league, had enough mishaps at CB as is. Van Dijk suits our play style & is a bit of a monster, just wish we hadn't waited until he's got a long-term contract at Sot'on to decide we might want him, plenty of opportunities to have got him cheaper.
He is better than Airewereld in my opinion. There is just more to his game than people give him credit for.
Big, strong, reads the play well, stays generally calm, passes diligently, tackles hard supreme . in the air. His only downside is this season ending injury his just had. Pound for pound he shits on everyone of the other CBS.
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That said I see the allure of Laporte. The symmetry of aleft and right footed CB combo. He is faster than Virgil, and more aggressive. He is a bit like Otamendi. Front footed, aggressive. believes in the supremacy of his defensive talent and like Ota, he too has that rabid dawg go get the ball mentality.
Virgil will be my pick, but Laporte is okay too.
Both. One thing is a consequence of another. Think they'll move for Auba, Griezmann or Mbappe.You don't think Real has real interest in Aguero or that he is good enough for them?
Why would he leave the most prestigious club in his native country? Playing time? Modric isn't getting younger, Isco will become first choice soon enough. My gut feeling is that he's just fishing for a good contract.I think Isco will either sign a new deal (forcing James to leave) or leave Spain.
My thoughts exactly. Ticks all possible boxes.there isn't a better CB on the planet better suited for this team than Laporte.
I fucking HATE agreeing with BlueDeadHead.We have never bought a CB of Laporte's quality or future potential though. Not Ottamendi, Nastastic, Mangala, Savic etc.....Love VVD but there isn't a better CB on the planet better suited for this team than Laporte.
Both. One thing is a consequence of another. Think they'll move for Auba, Griezmann or Mbappe.
Why would he leave the most prestigious club in his native country? Playing time? Modric isn't getting younger, Isco will become first choice soon enough. My gut feeling is that he's just fishing for a good contract.
Have you honestly watched him enough to claim that? If so I'll have to just take your word on it as I can't comment, I've hardly watched the guy play a full 90 minutes. Van Dijk on the other hand I've seen plenty and am impressed the vast majority of the time. Think he ticks a lot of boxes for us.We have never bought a CB of Laporte's quality or future potential though. Not Ottamendi, Nastastic, Mangala, Savic etc.....Love VVD but there isn't a better CB on the planet better suited for this team than Laporte.
Have you honestly watched him enough to claim that? If so I'll have to just take your word on it as I can't comment, I've hardly watched the guy play a full 90 minutes. Van Dijk on the other hand I've seen plenty and am impressed the vast majority of the time. Think he ticks a lot of boxes for us.
Fair enough, I'll take your word for it & be happy with either! Either will cost us plenty.I don't claim to watch every game but whenever Bilbao play in Europe or when they have a big game in Spain I try to watch. I started paying attention to Laporte about 4 years ago. If Pep had to create a CB from scratch this is what he would look like. His passing is sublime. He will leave Bilbao this summer IMO...either us or Barca.