Cheers. I intentionally left out ESPNFC in the list of pundits - because they are indeed mostly inept (Marcotti and Laurens being the main exceptions).The same collective media outlets spouted the same about KDB, silva and Aguero, all either too small, mentally weak and inflated in price…
I certainly get the point regarding those in front and at full back, however, a fit again Rodri, invariably sees a drop off in opposing teams press, coupled with his ability to spin and drive like nobody else in any league, he’s always been the key to the system, he also has the perfect foil in Reijnders when doubled up on….
Let’s just see, I wouldn’t be putting too much faith in the Shaka hislops, Craig burleys, Gary Neville et al, more blunders in that collective than Michael J fox in goal
IMO this is a myth. The backline aren't great on the ball as some may think. Their midfield is, but the strength of the fb's is to bomb on in attack. They aren't great passers. Neither are Maquinos or Pacho. In fact I watched back some of PSG's CL games to get a glimpse of Donnarumma and PSG were put under a lot of pressure against Liverpool, Villa and Arsenal at times. People also forget that PSG were almost as bad as us in the group phase. Credit to them they did well when it came to knockouts, but they had a bit of luck as well. I don't watch Ligue 1, but I think PSG would struggle playing out of pressure if they had to the PL.Agree with some of your points.
PSG departed ways with Donnarumma mostly due to Donnarumma's wage demands according to what I've read.
That said, PSG - like us - play a ball control system - as both a means of offense and defense. Unlike PSG, we are unable to cope with Donnarumma's weakness at passing - PSG has world class and IMO several #1 in the world players at LB, LCB, RCB and RB. All of them have pace and all of them are excellent on the ball and all of them are excellent when under pressure (AIt Nouri is weak on defense and tends to dribble into trouble when under pressure; Gvardiol is perfect; Dias is less good than Gvardiol but certain can fit with Donnarumma; Stones is perfect; Lewis is terrible and Nunes has potential but isn't great either).
A little research on Donnarumma would reveal that he's #1 or #2 at shot stopping in his box. And that he's not great at commanding the box on - for example corner kicks - and isn't gifted on the ball - and doesn't sweep - and doesn't offer himself as a passing option when building from the back.
Look - I hope that Donnarumma is successful in our side - but for me, he doesn't at all fit our system (not good on the ball) and furthermore, unlike PSG, we can't cope with this deficiency if we want to most often play from the back.
Sure Pep might change our system to hoof it much more often... but that's counter to everything that Pep has done in his entire career so I very much doubt that this is happening.
TL/DR
Welcome Donnarumma - I very much hope that you'll succeed.
But at the same time, given the way that we've always played under Pep and given Donnarumma's average passing ability (at best) coupled with our current defensive line - Donnarumma is a misfit and were going to be worse than if Ederson or Trafford were in goal IMO. I may be wrong in this opinion of course - but pretty much every single pundit I've watched expresses the exact same opinion.
Again I may be wrong - and I hope that I am for the sake of our side - but if I'm wrong, then so are 90% or so of all football pundits.
Laurens is an arsenal loving French parasite. So if your taking his word as Gospel give up fellaCheers. I intentionally left out ESPNFC in the list of pundits - because they are indeed mostly inept (Marcotti and Laurens being the main exceptions).
Seems to be mates with Haaland, so they’re somehow communicating. Might be a scenario where he’s a little rusty and doesn’t want to speak on camera in English just yet?Doesn't speak English? Khus got stick for not being able communicate
Why would it be on purpose? His age, 26? We are a historic club winning things.A good.little interview with him on the os. He certainly seems.pleased to be here. I do like the way he called us a historic club on a couple of occasions, wonder if he did that on purpose.
He speaks some Engliah, but obviously wanted to express himself properly, hence the translation. Comes across as articulate, determined, excited, and with true winners mentality. Can't wait to see him in action.
Why on earth does it matter that he can't speak English?Doesn't speak English? Khus got stick for not being able communicate
Just watched the latest one, wfuch going off the dark clouds he was training today. He’s fucking huge!Just seen his interview on the os.
Speaks well, looking forward to seeing a keeper with a big presence around the area who makes big saves.
That's no slight on Eddie but this guy will win us points for sure.
I know mate, imagine being a opposition penalty taker.Just watched the latest one, wfuch going off the dark clouds he was training today. He’s fucking huge!
All this. My effervescence says we will win it this season, but that’s just me. Maybe we won’t and if so, it’s no hardship.As anyone who has cared to pay any attention I loved Eddie and felt he gave far more than he ever gave away.
But Pep knows what he’s doing. And I trust him to get this right.
Just not sure getting it quite right will be in time to win this season’s title. Lots of adjustments to be made. Think it’s a huge ask this season.
I think we will boss it next season.