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[eiddyfouw]

^smh

Can anyone explain with Xavi's decline why Cesc left Barca? Did he want to leave Barca that much or did Barca like Rakitic that much?

From what I saw, Fabregado just wasn't made to feel wanted enough, so he left to greener pastures.

I thought he was the natural successor to Xavi. Others said Xavi will still have another season or two due to the style of La Liga, and Cesc wasn't willing to wait (he is 27 after all)

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Xavi has been at Barca since starting La Masia at 11.... Quite simply, that's a lot of mileage/wear & tear on that body. Physically, his body is a very very old 34.

Barca & Cesc failed for several reasons. First, he never really fit especially having Xavi & Iniesta in the midfield. Some would argue that he never got a fair chance either. There were rumors that he was also becoming a distraction in the locker room too. What also didn't help was that he disappeared in the back half of campaigns & his play/work rate became very marginal.

You also have to hold Zubi & Co accountable too. They haven't had much success in building the squad properly. Part of that also is due to not having a manager with vision. Tito could've been the one... :\

 

[eiddyfouw]

Xavi has been at Barca since starting La Masia at 11.... Quite simply, that's a lot of mileage/wear & tear on that body. Physically, his body is a very very old 34.

Barca & Cesc failed for several reasons. First, he never really fit especially having Xavi & Iniesta in the midfield. Some would argue that he never got a fair chance either. There were rumors that he was also becoming a distraction in the locker room too. What also didn't help was that he disappeared in the back half of campaigns & his play/work rate became very marginal.

I can definitely see what you're talking about...I remember reading some stat that showed basically around December Cesc disappeared for months on end (I think even at Arsenal, but don't quote me on that).

 

[AZwildcats]

Barca in hindsight replaced Cesc with Rakitic and he is doing a fine job

 

[Coupé It]

SILLY SEASON: Manchester United have offered €150m for Gareth Bale. Real Madrid will not sell unless the player wants to leave. [Cadena COPE]

The rumors do have some legs tho, esp in Spain.

If it were to happen tho it'd be a Summer transfer. I personally don't understand how Gareth Bale can go for that amount of money, it's absurd. Especially when one of the reasons some Real Madrid fans want him gone is because he's not technically proficient with the ball - which is true at times. He just doesn't control the ball as well as the rest of them.

But the numbers (goals & assists) are there as well, and his magic moment in the Copa Del Rey is there - don't understand why half of Real Madrid fans want him gone. You're going to need that speed - if this does happen tho, just about confirms Marcos Reus is going to Madrid.

 

[atransta]

The rumors do have some legs tho, esp in Spain.

If it were to happen tho it'd be a Summer transfer. I personally don't understand how Gareth Bale can go for that amount of money, it's absurd. Especially when one of the reasons some Real Madrid fans want him gone is because he's not technically proficient with the ball - which is true at times. He just doesn't control the ball as well as the rest of them.

But the numbers (goals & assists) are there as well, and his magic moment in the Copa Del Rey is there - don't understand why half of Real Madrid fans want him gone. You're going to need that speed - if this does happen tho, just about confirms Marcos Reus is going to Madrid.

Man the fans want Bale gone!?

What's wrong with them! Bale is the goods and CR7 seems to like playing with him and Benz

Bale and CR7 speed on the counter is scary for other teams

 

[herbshuttles15]

From what I read people don't like him because he's not Spanish, Isco gets loud cheers, while Bale gets a more muted applause.

Bale is one of the most exciting players to watch imo.

I don't think he wants to leave either.

 

[rck3sactown]

Have heard enough by now (including 1 source of my own) to upgrade Bale to Man United from "absolutely insane" to "doubtful but intrigued."
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) December 23, 2014

from yesterday

 

[Beans]

My penis and heart welcome Bale with open arms

 

[Kimchi Papi]

Eww beans...

Rakitic looks indeed good but Enrique needs to play him more consistently. I'd like to see him take some FKs too...

 

[eiddyfouw]

SILLY SEASON: Manchester United have offered €150m for Gareth Bale. Real Madrid will not sell unless the player wants to leave. [Cadena COPE]

Spoiler

The rumors do have some legs tho, esp in Spain.

If it were to happen tho it'd be a Summer transfer. I personally don't understand how Gareth Bale can go for that amount of money, it's absurd. Especially when one of the reasons some Real Madrid fans want him gone is because he's not technically proficient with the ball - which is true at times. He just doesn't control the ball as well as the rest of them.

But the numbers (goals & assists) are there as well, and his magic moment in the Copa Del Rey is there - don't understand why half of Real Madrid fans want him gone. You're going to need that speed - if this does happen tho, just about confirms Marcos Reus is going to Madrid.

I would love for the Da Hair Gawd to join United, but realistically speaking, he's getting injured waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too often lately.

 

[Coupé It]

From what I read people don't like him because he's not Spanish, Isco gets loud cheers, while Bale gets a more muted applause.

Bale is one of the most exciting players to watch imo.

I don't think he wants to leave either.

No, it's not because he's not Spanish. It's because he's not the dribbler Isco and James are and he still makes mistakes you'd think he'd learn not to by now. That's what they're saying, I sort of agree, I watch a lot of Real Madrid games so I can understand that side.

But the Madrid fans are def blowing it out of proportion, they just always want something shiny and new. Bale has been better than I expected since he went to Madrid and he's such a threat that I've come to like to watch him play.

For Bale personally tho, he'll never be able to be "the man" as long as Ronaldo is there. He would at United tho, he'd do whatever he wanted there. So I think it really is up to him

 

[flyeed]

Dude seems to enjoy being Ronaldo's little adopted brother.

 

[Beans]

I would prefer Reus too but Bale is proven in England.. that price tag is OD.. they better half that

 

[flyeed]

I like him on Real, just wish he can cross as well with his right foot as he does his left

 

[8pm at msg]

I mean Madrid >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Manchester in terms of lifestyle but he can go back and be the man easily. Even though he's from Wales he'll be the face people associated with the biggest club in England, that's worth something.

I see him staying though, at least for another year.

 

[truth-serum]

United would be stupid to get Bale. Even at a discount I would pass on him. Running at speed in a straight line with the ball becomes predictable fast.

The smart move will be to get Marco Reus. Knew he was the truth since day one. He has the skills you just can't teach and his confidence on the ball is indicative of that 

 

[rck3sactown]

man, I did not like this kid and his stupid hair when he first came on the scene....

now, I wish Yedlin nothing but the best and hopes he finds success in North London

.

 

[Coupé It]

I would prefer Reus too but Bale is proven in England.. that price tag is OD.. they better half that

They won't, they know Man United spent 40 millions Euros on Luke Shaw and 50 million on Juan Mata.

Every team in Europe knows United's money is up for the taking

 

[eiddyfouw]

 

[eiddyfouw]

SIGNING: BREAKING: We’re pleased to announce that #SaintsFC has reached an agreement for the signing of winger Eljero Elia who has 27 caps for Holland, will complete his move to #SaintsFC when the transfer window opens on 3rd January.
(Southampton FC)

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[eiddyfouw]

NEWS: Chelsea with and without Matic

View media item 1318259

 

[eiddyfouw]

SIGNING: Swansea City have agreed to sign Nelson Oliveira on loan from Benfica until the end of the season. The deal was finalised on Tuesday and the Portugal striker, 23, will be eligible to play for the Premier League club from January. (BBC Sport)

View media item 1318263

 

[eiddyfouw]

SIGNING: We are pleased to confirm that DeAndre Yedlin will be joining the Club in January. (Spurs)

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[8pm at msg]

- Matic and Cesc (and Costa) are probably our most important players, while Hazard is our best player. And we got the stonewall (and offensively inept ) Mikel and Ramires as back-ups....completely 180 from Chelsea of just a year or two ago.

- Yedlin at Tottenham :\ For his sake I hope it works out.