Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine
Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: dave.woodhall on July 12, 2019, 11:45:31 AM
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He might as well get his own thread now.
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Up the Villa 8)
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Kalvin who?
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Kalvin who?
We might buy him as well yet.
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Woody stealing Torontos thunder.
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Kalvin who?
We might buy him as well yet.
Latest report I saw suggested Spurs are in for him too.
Hard to know really. Would love to sign him.
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Kalvin who?
We might buy him as well yet.
I think that position is now sorted, because Engels can cover as well.
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Done according to John Percy.
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Looks like the kind of deep lying playmaker Dean was keen on at Brentford. On steroids.
If this goes through it looks a great bit of business, with the usual caveats about his experience over here.
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Good news! Welcome Douglas. Deffo no work permit problems?
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Good news! Welcome Douglas. Deffo no work permit problems?
Was going to ask the same. If City can't get one then how can we?
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Good news! Welcome Douglas. Deffo no work permit problems?
Was going to ask the same. If City can't get one then how can we?
Apparently his loan appearances in La Liga
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Because if they refuse we'll send Tyrone round to have a word.
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Ah , I found this...
While Douglas has played in Europe for the past two seasons, in Spain with City’s feeder club Girona, the requirements to play in England for non EU nationals are slightly stricter.
If Douglas was playing in the Brazil national team he would find a work permit to play in England incredibly easy to come by.
Thats due to the fact that eligibility to play in England now depends on FIFAs ranking system. Players from nations inside FIFAs top 10 – which Brazil are – need to have played in 30 percent of international fixtures in the last two years to be guaranteed a work permit.
Douglas is uncapped at senior international level but thats unlikely to be an issue with a number of Brazilians having already played in this country without experience in the national team.
There is an Exceptions Panel which can grant a work permit to a player provided the buying club can demonstrate his experience and value to their cause.
Man City, who boast midfield stars such as Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva, understandably found it difficult to provide the panel with proof of Douglas’ importance at The Etihad.
But Douglas will be a regular pick for head coach Dean Smith at Villa Park, just as he was during his two seasons at Girona.
Provided there are no major hiccups, Douglas will meet up with his new teammates for pre-season training in the US and become Villas second samba star after compatriot Wesley.
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Welcome to the Villa!
We’ll have one hell of a proper player on our hands if he lives up to his hype and potential.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_Luiz#Aston_Villa
On 12 July 2019 Douglas signed for returning Premier League giants Aston Villa for a fee of £15 million, stating he was dissatisfied with the quality of football at Manchester City and was looking for an opportunity to win the Champions League. He also said it was down to his desire to play alongside the likes of McGinn, Mings and Grealish, rather than amateurish players at his previous club.
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If he has a buy back clause isn't this in effect an glorified loan? As we can't stop him going back if he does well?
May well just be a way for Man City to get around his work permit issue...?
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Good news! Welcome Douglas. Deffo no work permit problems?
Was going to ask the same. If City can't get one then how can we?
Apparently his loan appearances in La Liga
Also the transfer gives him the points he required. It appears Man city tried and failed so need to transfer him to get the points. This is therefore a no risk loan from their perspective as they believe he will come good and then they can grab him back. Still if he helps us stay up and we get a couple of million profit hey ho I guess. 🤷♂️
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More likely a way for them to get around the Financial Fair Play rules, as otherwise they would have just loaned him out again.
Either way, he sounds ace. And if he ends up being good enough for Man City he will have done well for us.
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Surely a buy back clause will be based on when or if we want to sell rather than when or if Citeh want to buy him back, so makes more sense as a first refusal at an agreed fee.
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We may not find out the details of the buy back clause, but for the first time in a good while i've faith that the powers that be know what they're doing. They have shown that they have contingency plans in place for many eventualities, so can't see them being unprepared *if* city decide to re-sign him.
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I'd hope the agreement is for no sooner than 2 years and do less than double your money...
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Does come across as more a fancy loan I suppose but who cares. He might help Wes settle.
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Woody stealing Torontos thunder.
Indeed. This timezone thing is bullshit.
Anyway, I’m just glad we’ve finally got a player with a z in his name.
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Not sure how true this is but if so it makes sense for both clubs as it would make it near imposible for him to get a work permit for Man City in the near futire.
You need to get 4pts out of this list to satisfy the requirements to get a work permit, which for us he will do
3pts - Fee is in the top 25% of all PL transfers this summer.
2pts - Fee is in the top 50% of all PL transfers this summer.
3pts - The wages are in the top 25% at the club.
2pts - The wages are in the top 50% at the club.
1pt - The players current club is in a top league and he played 30% or more games.
1pt - the players current club is in European competition and played 30% of games.
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Woody stealing Torontos thunder.
Indeed. This timezone thing is bullshit.
Anyway, I’m just glad we’ve finally got a player with a z in his name.
Ha Ha.
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Isn't a buy back clause fairly normal in Europe ? A few hours ago i'd never heard of this lad, after seeing 2 minutes of him, i'm convinced he's the best young midfielder in Europe !! Hopefully he can be to us what Kante was to Leicester.
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Traore had one in the Villa/ Barcelona deal
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Traore had one in the Villa/ Barcelona deal
Amazed they never exercised that option !!
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The new way to go about it is to add a “right to match bid clause”
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Traore had one in the Villa/ Barcelona deal
Amazed they never exercised that option !!
When Boro come in for you then you have no chance, clause or not.
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It's like an elaborate loan deal in effect. We sign him for £15 and, if Man City want him back, they pay £Xm. If we wanted him on loan, we'd probably pay £4m - £5m and only have him for a year.
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From what I've read of Pep's opinion of him, how the transfer helps him get the work permit and the suspiciously low fee I think it's very very likely we'll be selling him back next summer. This is essentially a trick loan deal to get him a work permit. Not that I'm complaining really!
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We can only speculate on the terms of the apparent buy back clause but does this mean if he's a success Citeh can snatch him back and give us our cash back but, if he turns out to be a dud, they keep the cash.? If so, it doesn't sound a great deal from our point of view but who knows, we certainly don't.
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Is this a done deal? Nothing on the Official site?
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From what I've read of Pep's opinion of him, how the transfer helps him get the work permit and the suspiciously low fee I think it's very very likely we'll be selling him back next summer. This is essentially a trick loan deal to get him a work permit. Not that I'm complaining really!
It does mean he can play against Citeh for us; unlike a loan.
Look, he'll be contracted to us for x years. When either the club or the player decide to finish it, Citeh get first dibs.
Is all.
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Is this a done deal? Nothing on the Official site?
The OS is the last to know
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Given our stance on loans and not improving a player for someone else the buy back clause if probably just a way of Man City ensuring they get last dibs. Money for them isn’t a problem so it could be that we make a sizeable profit should they come in for him.
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The OS only declares when everything is done, and they've had time to do the shirt-stretching photos and "how does it feel to be at Villa" video.
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The OS only declares when everything is done, and they've had time to do the shirt-stretching photos and "how does it feel to be at Villa" video.
Journalism never sleeps.
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Is this a done deal? Nothing on the Official site?
Photos, interviews...takes time man.
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The OS only declares when everything is done, and they've had time to do the shirt-stretching photos and "how does it feel to be at Villa" video.
You mean "how does it feel to be at a massive club like Villa" video.
Hopefully if he has to get out to the USA quickly we will be spared the video.
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They won’t be getting first dibs. They will have the right to buy him back at a predefined price at predefined points (probably at each seasons end) and we won’t get a choice. Likewise I would also be sure there’s some profit for us, but not amazing. This is a clever work permit busting ruse by city.
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They won’t be getting first dibs. They will have the right to buy him back at a predefined price at predefined points (probably at each seasons end) and we won’t get a choice. Likewise I would also be sure there’s some profit for us, but not amazing. This is a clever work permit busting ruse by city.
Yep, and if he helps is stay in the league and gives us a platform to build on then it will all have been totally worth it.
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It's amazing how many of this site's readers are involved in the contract negotiations!!
This is turning into one hell of a summer! Blown away by the level of input from the new owners, and the total change of direction in our transfer policy. Oh happy day!
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It's amazing how many of this site's readers are involved in the contract negotiations!!
This is turning into one hell of a summer! Blown away by the level of input from the new owners, and the total change of direction in our transfer policy. Oh happy day!
Mad exciting, innit 😊
We are fucking Box Office.
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It's like an elaborate loan deal in effect. We sign him for £15 and, if Man City want him back, they pay £Xm. If we wanted him on loan, we'd probably pay £4m - £5m and only have him for a year.
The similarity with a loan is that the original club still has a tie in to get him back if they want, but at least he's a fully registered Aston Villa player while he's here, we should be able to make some money on him and it's always possible that the original selling club will look elsewhere even if he is good for us. With a loan, he's going back no matter what. The point about the original club looking elsewhere is particularly relevant to Man City, who will probably have forgotten about him after 12 months unless he's bordering on PFA player of the year standard.
I'd be more worried about him being snatched back off us if it was Man Utd or even Chelsea.
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Given our stance on loans and not improving a player for someone else the buy back clause if probably just a way of Man City ensuring they get last dibs. Money for them isn’t a problem so it could be that we make a sizeable profit should they come in for him.
That’s when the bidding war really starts! ;)
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They won’t be getting first dibs. They will have the right to buy him back at a predefined price at predefined points (probably at each seasons end) and we won’t get a choice. Likewise I would also be sure there’s some profit for us, but not amazing. This is a clever work permit busting ruse by city.
Yep, and if he helps is stay in the league and gives us a platform to build on then it will all have been totally worth it.
Totally. At which point we will be buying up the worlds best youngsters and sending them out with buy back clauses! UTV
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Is he actually any good?
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Is he actually any good?
Oooh theres always one.
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If he ends up being good enough for Man City to re-sign in a year or two, that can only been he's been fecking Mings-esque for Villa. I'll take that
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Is he actually any good?
Player of the tournament at the U23 World Cup. So no, he's shit.
All this talk of him going back etc and being a clever ruse by City ignores the fact that we have an astute DoF, CEO and Head Coach. That we are a big club and therefore there surely is more to it for us. I suspect there's a good profit to be made if indeed he does return there.
I don't see a downside to this. Plus it means we've a Brazilian striker and midfielder in the squad...
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No pressure but I hope he's better than Anderson, Fred and his cousin David.
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Is he actually any good?
Oooh theres always one.
The next Djemba-Djemba ;)
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
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They won’t be getting first dibs. They will have the right to buy him back at a predefined price at predefined points (probably at each seasons end) and we won’t get a choice. Likewise I would also be sure there’s some profit for us, but not amazing. This is a clever work permit busting ruse by city.
Maybe; maybe not.
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
Fuck me, we need Phillips as well, because on some of those clips Luiz looks like he could keep Grealish or SJM out of the side.
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Is he actually any good?
Oooh theres always one.
Haha it was worth asking - perhaps I should have put one of those winky things there.
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
Thanks - mind made up - he's very good!
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
Thanks - mind made up - he's very good!
Likewise.
His technique of cleanly taking the ball off attackers is outrageous. If he manages that even once a game for us against quality opposition I'll be on my feet applauding.
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Full name Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo. Formerly of Vasco de Gama (I picked them as a team to follow when I went to see them against Fluminense about 12 years ago.
Now I can wear my Vasco shirt for two reasons...
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
Thanks - mind made up - he's very good!
Likewise.
His technique of cleanly taking the ball off attackers is outrageous. If he manages that even once a game for us against quality opposition I'll be on my feet applauding.
Certainly an upgrade on Whelan and Jedi !!
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Full name Douglas Luiz Soares de Paulo. Formerly of Vasco de Gama (I picked them as a team to follow when I went to see them against Fluminense about 12 years ago.
Now I can wear my Vasco shirt for two reasons...
Great shirts! Funnily enough I was just admiring them thinking, I'd love us to have a strong South American style diagonal stripe 2nd kit (despite the links to Palace and Man City over here). Douglas Luiz looks some player!!! Hope it all goes through ok and he enjoys himself here.
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Oh my goodness I think someone’s just spiked my drink. I’m hallucinating that I’ve just seen a video of a fecking brilliant Brazilian midfielder that we’ve just signed. Must have ingested some pretty strong shit...
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Deep down I've always felt we were going to really struggle next season and all probability be in a relegation scrap.
I'm not one for getting carried away, but I'm now pretty confident we're going to win the league.
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Deep down I've always felt we were going to really struggle next season and all probability be in a relegation scrap.
I'm not one for getting carried away, but I'm now pretty confident we're going to win the league.
Indeed. We won't be doing a Fulham, we'll be doing a Leicester.
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I won’t lie. This pre Man City video of our newest Douglas created some movement in my loins
Thanks - mind made up - he's very good!
Likewise.
His technique of cleanly taking the ball off attackers is outrageous. If he manages that even once a game for us against quality opposition I'll be on my feet applauding.
Certainly an upgrade on Whelan and Jedi !!
The fella looks total quality .........if we sign him he could well be our best player, unless there are more to come :)
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Who would have thought we would have not one but two Brazilians in our team
Can't wait for the season to start
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This Brazilian kid doesn't look as comfortable on the ball as Jedi but that's probably down to that 'Kick and Rush' style they're so synonymous with. Good luck anyway fella.
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Looks like he could easily play as an attacking midfielder if we're chasing a game.
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Is he actually any good?
Oooh theres always one.
Haha it was worth asking - perhaps I should have put one of those winky things there.
Nah you're right mate, he could be the next Hourihane where no one really knows if he's good or crap.
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That video is good, but can he take a throw in?
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I'm thinking Carlos Sanchez mk2 😁
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That video, holy moly!!!
He's no Danny Drinkwater, that's for sure.
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Wow, am I dreaming?
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Finally it looks like we have a player that will be on the same wavelength as Jack. A mouth watering prospect watching a midfield trio of Luiz, Jack and SJM.
Conor may struggle to get a game, and I would expect to see the likes of BB and Lansbury being moved on now.
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Plays like William from Chelsea. :)
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I'm refusing to watch the video until we've got a shirt stretch.
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I'm refusing to watch the video until we've got a shirt stretch.
A very wise move (it'll save you repeatedly checking the official site for confirmation and be better for your nerves).
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After 1 minute of that video I thought he was horribly one footed, I counted after and got to 12 touches with his left after that point. It's a hellish good right boot tho!
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Strong boy with the passing range of Hoddle
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After 1 minute of that video I thought he was horribly one footed, I counted after and got to 12 touches with his left after that point. It's a hellish good right boot tho!
There's a couple of clips showing him play 30-40 yard passes with his left and one where he cracks a fierce shot from about 20 yards with it so he clearly favours his right but the left isn't for standing on.
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I appreciate. I saw them too, just seems odd to be so reliant on the one when the other is not half bad. But it is a YouTube video so he may turn out to be a natural lefty 😂
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Please let this be so.
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He looks a hell of a player. Fingers crossed.
The Noses make me smile. Anybody else and you'd think it was tongue in cheek, but with these tin foil hat wearing, Vila haters, you know they're being serious:
I am assuming Witton with their connections to the royals and government will pull a few strings to get him a work permit
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On the plus side if it’s a proxy loan surely they can’t insert a clause saying he can’t play against them.
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He looks a hell of a player. Fingers crossed.
The Noses make me smile. Anybody else and you'd think it was tongue in cheek, but with these tin foil hat wearing, Vila haters, you know they're being serious:
I am assuming Witton with their connections to the royals and government will pull a few strings to get him a work permit
Too fuckin right we will. That's the way the world works.
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Strong boy with the passing range of Hoddle
So not quite the new Sid.
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Looks like he could easily play as an attacking midfielder if we're chasing a game.
Not that we will be doing that very often...possibly not all ;)
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I know this buy back thing is in danger of becoming the new release clause/bidding war but the one question I can’t see although the answer would seem to be obvious....
Do they have first refusal and an agreed price IF we sell him or can they trigger a sale? If so, is there likely to be an earliest and latest point where they can trigger it?
I realise these things won’t be known in detail but what do we reckon and is there a precedent?
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I know this buy back thing is in danger of becoming the new release clause/bidding war but the one question I can’t see although the answer would seem to be obvious....
Do they have first refusal and an agreed price IF we sell him or can they trigger a sale? If so, is there likely to be an earliest and latest point where they can trigger it?
The latter. If they want to buy him, there will be an agreed price and the player will already have signed his agreement to the future move.
But the pre-agreed fee is normally a fair bit more than the original transfer.
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I know this buy back thing is in danger of becoming the new release clause/bidding war but the one question I can’t see although the answer would seem to be obvious....
Do they have first refusal and an agreed price IF we sell him or can they trigger a sale? If so, is there likely to be an earliest and latest point where they can trigger it?
I realise these things won’t be known in detail but what do we reckon and is there a precedent?
With most release fees, if someone offers the release amount they get them. In this instance we're only obliged to sell him back to citeh. The only example i know of a release fee being flouted was when arsenal tried to sign suarez and liverpool refused.
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Announce Luis!!
He looks rather special. Two footed, plays a bit like he's a McGinn/Grealish love child. Please get this one over the line.
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Cheers chaps. It does sound in effect like a deal somewhere between a permanent singing and a loan, not that it is necessarily a bad thing.
I wonder how it would work (hypothetically) if his likely price went above the buyback price and they just wanted flip him for a profit?
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Strong boy with the passing range of Hoddle
So not quite the new Sid.
Yes poor show.
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Cheers chaps. It does sound in effect like a deal somewhere between a permanent singing and a loan, not that it is necessarily a bad thing.
I wonder how it would work (hypothetically) if his likely price went above the buyback price and they just wanted flip him for a profit?
That's the big unknown. I can't imagine we'd agree to a shit deal, though, or one just to help out city. One way or another, I'd imagine we'd have a contingency plan in place.
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I know this buy back thing is in danger of becoming the new release clause/bidding war but the one question I can’t see although the answer would seem to be obvious....
Do they have first refusal and an agreed price IF we sell him or can they trigger a sale? If so, is there likely to be an earliest and latest point where they can trigger it?
I realise these things won’t be known in detail but what do we reckon and is there a precedent?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-city-transfer-angelino-buyback-16517641.amp
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Cheers chaps. It does sound in effect like a deal somewhere between a permanent singing and a loan, not that it is necessarily a bad thing.
I wonder how it would work (hypothetically) if his likely price went above the buyback price and they just wanted flip him for a profit?
Then that's exactly what they do. And probably will.
Alvaro Morata for example - Madrid sell him to Juventus for 20m. Buy him back two years later for 30m. Sell him to Chelsea a year later for 60m.
He was at Madrid for a season in between, but nothing stopping them for just selling him straight away.
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It’s no substitute for finding your own gem. But it’ll do for now
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Cheers chaps. It does sound in effect like a deal somewhere between a permanent singing and a loan, not that it is necessarily a bad thing.
I wonder how it would work (hypothetically) if his likely price went above the buyback price and they just wanted flip him for a profit?
That's the big unknown. I can't imagine we'd agree to a shit deal, though, or one just to help out city. One way or another, I'd imagine we'd have a contingency plan in place.
You'd normally set the return fee significantly higher than what you originally paid.
So if we ended up "helping out City", that happened by him being so good for us that they want to give us a profit and he's given us enough good performances in our team to warrant that profit.
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Agreed. I have tremendous faith in these guys to get the details of these deals right which is a new and novel feeling.
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Yeah, I'm more thinking of us not agreeing to a really low release fee. Didn't that happen with a player re-signed from PSV this year? That's the sort of deal i'm pretty confident we wouldn't agree to.
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I assume Man. City will have buy back clause on him, I believe Pep rates him highly but that pesky work permit stopped him being included in their squad so they've had to loan him out.
Haven't read the thread but who are we getting passed that btw, he hasn't been called up for Brazil and BBC article just says we're "confident."
Was also going to mention there is actually a Girona fan who posts on another forum who I'd ask for more information........but let's not go down that route again (wink).
Interesting signing though, think he can also play at CB in a 3 if required.
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Important not to get carried away btw, just looking at his stats and he started 1 game for Girona in 17/18 and just 16 last season in a team that got relegated.
He's obviously got huge potential with Pep rating him but not sure he'll be our week in week out DM, gamble if he is.
This reminds me of when we signed Tiago Ilori who'd had a good loan season in Spain and he quickly faded into obscurity after the managerial change.
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Very clever of Man City really. They have a player they rate highly but can’t get a work permit (and probably feel he’s a year or two away from the first team) for. Sell him (sort of) but insert a buy back at x amount. See how he goes and then either leave him be, buy him back or buy him back and sell him on.
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Very clever of Man City really. They have a player they rate highly but can’t get a work permit (and probably feel he’s a year or two away from the first team) for. Sell him (sort of) but insert a buy back at x amount. See how he goes and then either leave him be, buy him back or buy him back and sell him on.
It's the standard procedure abroad. Barcelona do it with pretty much every young player they sell as already stated with Adama.
Dosen't mean they'll re-sign Douglas as they've signed Rodri who's a DM and will pretty much be Fernandinho's replacement in starting 11 but obviously option is there if they so desire.
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Very clever of Man City really. They have a player they rate highly but can’t get a work permit (and probably feel he’s a year or two away from the first team) for. Sell him (sort of) but insert a buy back at x amount. See how he goes and then either leave him be, buy him back or buy him back and sell him on.
It's the standard procedure abroad. Barcelona do it with pretty much every young player they sell as already stated with Adama.
Dosen't mean they'll re-sign Douglas as they've signed Rodri who's a DM and will pretty much be Fernandinho's replacement in starting 11 but obviously option is there if they so desire.
Considering Jorginho only went to Chelsea because of the coach, they’ve probably got an interest there too. There will always be another De Jong or someone that they can go after first.
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In fairness if Man City deem him a player they want back with all of the options they always have in terms of transfer targets then he’ll have done bloody well with us. And in any case hopefully by that stage, in 3 or 4 years time we will be a lot better off ourselves and competing consistently at the upper end of the table.
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In fairness if Man City deem him a player they want back with all of the options they always have in terms of transfer targets then he’ll have done bloody well with us. And in any case hopefully by that stage, in 3 or 4 years time we will be a lot better off ourselves and competing consistently at the upper end of the table.
Or even selling with a buy back option 😎
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You'd normally set the return fee significantly higher than what you originally paid.
So if we ended up "helping out City", that happened by him being so good for us that they want to give us a profit and he's given us enough good performances in our team to warrant that profit.
That sounds about right - according to Transfermarkt, Man City sold Angeliño to PSV for £5.5m last summer, and triggered his buy back clause for £12m a year later.
If Douglas has more than doubled his value having played for us for a year, we'll probably be happy with the deal regardless. Especially given the urgent squad building that has been necessary this summer.
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We may never know but I’d be surprised if City built in a £15m uplift in the buy back clause. It’s al guesswork but I’m not sure why they would agree that, particularly if this is essentially a work permit fiddle.
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https://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-ingles/noticia/manchester-city-acerta-venda-de-douglas-luiz-ex-vasco-para-o-aston-villa.ghtml
We're making news in Rio. One thing it does mention is that the buy back clause increases in value after every season.
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I presume, like the Engels deal, that it's done, but we are waiting for international clearance? I also presume that he can train with the rest of the squad as they are abroad?
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It would appear so. The article says that it's envisaged that he will travel to the US on Sunday to join Villa on their pre-season in the US.
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Just some no nothing blokes* opinion last season about our soon to be new Douglas.
https://twitter.com/avfc_blog/status/1149586723103367169?s=12
*AKA the outstanding Guillem Balagué
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Luiz looks a really exciting signing in a position we definitely need to recruit one if not two players.
I don't think Citeh are necessarily getting the best end of the deal either. They have a player they want/may want, but have no way for him to be involved with them other than through a sale with an option to buy-back.
That should give us decent leverage to not be screwed on the terms of the deal. Plus lots of people that seem to be well informed are suggesting that the sale overcomes the problem of the work permit (I've no idea on that).
As has been pointed out - another Brazilian as well as a former teammate in Engels, should also help Big Wes settle and we will need him firing from the outset.
Looks like another example of smart people working to an intelligent plan. UTV.
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Just some no nothing blokes* opinion last season about our soon to be new Douglas.
https://twitter.com/avfc_blog/status/1149586723103367169?s=12
*AKA the outstanding Guillem Balagué
This is the vid to watch. Made me much more excited than a YouTube comp - that's some clips from his performance at the Bernabeu last season and just confirms that City really rate him.
I'm so excited about what Grealish and McGinn could do in combination with this fella.
Buy-back clause doesn't bother me at this stage. City are gonna sign Rodri this summer, were interested in Jorginho (as was mentioned above), and have so many top prospects coming through that there will constantly be other options .
If it does get to the point at where they are buying him back with a view to playing in their first team - he'd obviously be playing at a really high level for us and would likely have led us back to top half of the table, minimum. Very different to a loan which always has an in-permanent feel.
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The Man City midfield when on song is the best in the country and possibly in Europe. So the level he has to play at, for Man City to even consider buying him back is very high indeed.
Another positive is that if he wants to go back there, the chances of him acting up and throwing a strop are fairly remote. The Man City dressing room is as professional as any that I can recall.
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Think we could get Alexander Armstrong to announce his arrival?
Hey Dugeeeeeee
ps I know he doesn't actually say it
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The return of (a) Deadly Doug
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So we eventually after all these years sign not one but two Brazilians. What exotic name do the youngsters get to put on their shirts...Wesley or Douglas!
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He looks a good player from the YouTube video's should be a good addition to our team and hopefully with the buy back clause he helps keeps us in the Premier League and Man City find somebody else who they prefer in his position.
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Wats the hold up with any official announcement with this one ?
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Wats the hold up with any official announcement with this one ?
I imagine work permit and international clearance. International clearance for Engels too.
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Judging by the Weselinho signing, we would announce that we had agreed a deal and were waiting on a work permit, if that was the case.
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He looks a good player from the YouTube video's should be a good addition to our team and hopefully with the buy back clause he helps keeps us in the Premier League and Man City find somebody else who they prefer in his position.
Help keep us in the PL?! We're on our way to the top Daz, the tippity top!
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Has Douglas joined up with the guys in the USA? Percy mentioned that he was supposed to join the guys today? Any news on Engels??
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They were both meant to fly out there. Hopefully signed by Wednesday. I’ll send you lot a report if I see him.
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They were both meant to fly out there. Hopefully signed by Wednesday. I’ll send you lot a report if I see him.
Ok, thanks - hopefully they're joined by Neal Maupay!
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I can't imagine Luiz will be flying out as we would have to wait for a work permit for him.
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I can't imagine Luiz will be flying out as we would have to wait for a work permit for him.
From when Percy broke the story
Big breaking news from #avfc. A £15m deal for @ManCity midfielder Douglas Luiz is close. The Brazilian is flying out to join the squad in USA telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/… via @telefootball
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If Man City couldn't get a work permit for him, how will we?
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Guessing there are some differences that take him over the line like top earners at the club?
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Is anyone from here out there with the team on that VIP deal?
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If Man City couldn't get a work permit for him, how will we?
He has played a full season in a top league, and would be in the top few per cent of transfer fees and of wages at Villa. They paid less, albeit not by much, and he wouldn't be anywhere near their one of their top earners.
If it went down to arbitration we would also be in a better position to argue that he would be an asset to the club as we have far less valuable players ahead of him in the pecking order.
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If Man City couldn't get a work permit for him, how will we?
He has played a full season in a top league, and would be in the top few per cent of transfer fees and of wages at Villa. They paid less, albeit not by much, and he wouldn't be anywhere near their one of their top earners.
If it went down to arbitration we would also be in a better position to argue that he would be an asset to the club as we have far less valuable players ahead of him in the pecking order.
Is it not that points are also allocated for a transfer, meaning the very act of Villa buying him pushes him over the threshold of points required for a permit?
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Only if he is withing the top so many per cent of transfer fees. We are only paying about £3 million more than they paid for him so not that different, and prices have, presumably, gone up since then.
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Does that mean then that if City want to exercise the buy back clause in the future, in order to retain his work permit he would have to be in the top few earners and top few transfer fees for them? If so that suggest s a hefty buy back fee would be required.
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Does that mean then that if City want to exercise the buy back clause in the future, in order to retain his work permit he would have to be in the top few earners and top few transfer fees for them? If so that suggest s a hefty buy back fee would be required.
If they wanted to buy him back you'd assume he'd be a regular for Brazil by then so they wouldn't need to pay stupid money for him surely.
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He's in Minneapolis according to a twitter video
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He's in Minneapolis according to a twitter video
I think it’s actually Eastie on his shoulder filming as they walk together through the Mall of America.
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Good news if Douglas is there!!
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Stalker alert. Found him on insta, and it is indeed him (story)
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I hope we sign him today what is the time difference over there.
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I hope we sign him today what is the time difference over there.
6 hours behind us
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I hope we sign him today what is the time difference over there.
6 hours behind us
Cheers
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According to Birmingham Live Douglas is with the squad at the Minnesota training base?
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According to Birmingham Live Douglas is with the squad at the Minnesota training base?
Yes he arrived there yesterday according to his instagram feed!
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Watching the video Douglas needs to clearly go Back To The Fro
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Interesting reading this from Pep: clicktown (https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-city-transfers-douglas-luiz-16574431)
“The manager from Brazil (Tite) and myself know more than the guys who decide he is not able to play. I am so sad and disappointed for Douglas because he could help us, play with us. He has shown many good things in training sessions and the reason why we spent a lot of money to buy him is because he is a player with a huge capacity to play for us.”
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Sounds like they will more than likely activate the buy back clause if he turns out to be as good for us as much as they rate him. All we can do is see how this pans out and enjoy watching an amazing player no matter how long he is with us for.
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Like others have said, if he stays one season and keeps us up he’s earned us another £100million. If he then goes back to Man City for £15 million, we’re £85 million better off and Dean/Jesus etc have had a year to find an adequate replacement.
Difference is, I trust them at this point to do that.
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Engels announced now, do we think there is an issue with work ‘permit For Douglas ? If not , why[ not announced too ?
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Like others have said, if he stays one season and keeps us up he’s earned us another £100million. If he then goes back to Man City for £15 million, we’re £85 million better off and Dean/Jesus etc have had a year to find an adequate replacement.
Difference is, I trust them at this point to do that.
I think there will be a tidy profit in there for us if he is brilliant. I read that often the buy back goes up each summer after the transfer in these kind of deals. I think it will likely be a couple of seasons before Man City come back for him anyway, so we can enjoy him while we have him and scout alternatives in the meantime.
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If Man City buy him back, we could just go and get Phillips when Leeds inevitably mess up.
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Engels announced now, do we think there is an issue with work ‘permit For Douglas ? If not , why[ not announced too ?
Suspect he'll be announced today in tandem with the away kit launch which is happening over Stateside
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(https://i.ibb.co/TMH3nWh/Main-Window.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMH3nWh)
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Isn't this buy back clause an example of what they specifically said we would not do? Develop players for other clubs?
A bit like a loan except it costs us £15m of it doesn't go well?
Not saying I don't want us to get him but this seems to be massively contrary to the sort of deal they said they wanted.
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Isn't this buy back clause an example of what they specifically said we would not do? Develop players for other clubs?
A bit like a loan except it costs us £15m of it doesn't go well?
Not saying I don't want us to get him but this seems to be massively contrary to the sort of deal they said they wanted.
Depends upon the clause really. I would expect that we will make a profit on this deal even after taking wages into account. It’s not ideal though, I agree.
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The only way it costs us 15mn is if he bombs and ends up leaving us on a free at the end of his contract. I expect that is highly unlikely based on how highly rated he is....
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They do want him back to replace Fernandinho and also Rodri. They double up on the buy back clause. They would play him now if they could. It isn't a bad fall back position when your other target is a bloke Leeds are taking the piss on a transfer fee for.
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It's obviously a ploy for Citeh to get around the work permit issue, but it sounds like a win-win. We get a potentially top notch midfielder for at least a season, we'll get our money back plus, presumably, some profit, Citeh get their player back. We also have at least a year to source a replacement or two. Only downside is if he turns out to be shite, which seems unlikely. I know it isn't ideal to be developing other team's players but we get something out of it and we shouldn't cut off our noses to spite our faces. Loans last year is the reason why we are in the PL int he first place.
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If he is shite they buy him back anyway at cost price is how I would have structured such a deal. Fuck it, he looks good, let's watch him play.
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Let’s get him signed before we start worrying about buy back clauses or whatever.
Its not a done deal yet.
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It's no different to a buy out clause in anyone's contract, other than this one applies specifically to Man City. Nothing stopping other clubs coming in for him if he turns out to be really good, we just won't have to accept their offers.
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It's a good cheap way to get what looks like a top notch player for a season or 2. We're already at c £100m spend, so where we can significantly improve the squad by being creative like this it has to be a good thing. IF we stay up for a few seasons, hopefully we'll be buying players like this with no strings attached. In the meantime, the absolute priority is to stay up and get another year of PL riches under our belt, and if Douggie contributes to that, then that's fantastic.
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Interesting update from Ashley Preece up there - suggesting the deal is no-where near as done as the BBC reports last Friday were suggesting, or he is being spun a line by the club until this afternoon.....
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Isn't this buy back clause an example of what they specifically said we would not do? Develop players for other clubs?
A bit like a loan except it costs us £15m of it doesn't go well?
Not saying I don't want us to get him but this seems to be massively contrary to the sort of deal they said they wanted.
If it's the only way for us to get a player who could be world class, I don't see the harm. I won't be keen on these sort of moves when we are competing with Man City. That's not likely to happen for a good while though, even if you're incredibly optimistic. And even then, he can at least play against them, unlike a loan deal.
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"Down to player now I believe." This doesn't sound done at all. If true that Luiz has gone home to assess his options, no guarantees he'll sign.
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I like the fact that (apparently) we have had the piss taken on transfer fees and have responded by walking away and moving on to a plan B involving different sorts of deals and markets.
On one level it’s a failure to stick to a stated plan, but I see it as a smart response to the situation we were in. In future it should also make selling clubs realise we’re happy to walk away from an inflated fee.
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"Down to player now I believe." This doesn't sound done at all. If true that Luiz has gone home to assess his options, no guarantees he'll sign.
All he's really saying there that's useful is that he's been told that he flew home after holding talks. We don't know if that's really true and if it is we don't have a timescale on when that was, it could have been at the end of last week. I wouldn't worry, some reports a couple of days ago were saying he was there training with the squad.
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It's no different to a buy out clause in anyone's contract, other than this one applies specifically to Man City. Nothing stopping other clubs coming in for him if he turns out to be really good, we just won't have to accept their offers.
But Man city could. A team makes the offer to Man city, they buy back the player and then sell him on...Bingo Man City make the profit on the sale over and above the buy back clause.
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Once he's played for the best team in the world, he won't want to go anywhere else, including Man city.
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I don’t look at this as developing a player for another team. For me it’s no different to us maybe one day selling Jack to Man City, Barcelona or Real Madrid. In essence we have developed him and will possibly sell him up the football food chain. Just in the car of Douglas we know where he might go back to if he does well for us. With a loan you don’t make a profit but at least in this case we will.
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Good point about the buy out clause. It’s effectively only the same as any other buy out clause. Not ideal as we lose control to a certain extent but probably the only way to entice a player here of his quality and at this point in time.
Biggest worry for me is that while this is up in the air, someone else could come in. £15 million is a steal in today’s market.
Hopefully we can get this done, alternatively, we can always fall back on Philips. That said, the potential of watching Douglas has really grown on me.
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It's no different to a buy out clause in anyone's contract, other than this one applies specifically to Man City. Nothing stopping other clubs coming in for him if he turns out to be really good, we just won't have to accept their offers.
But Man city could. A team makes the offer to Man city, they buy back the player and then sell him on...Bingo Man City make the profit on the sale over and above the buy back clause.
Don't FIFA regulations ban playing for three clubs in one year?
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do we know how much the buy out clause is ??
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It's no different to a buy out clause in anyone's contract, other than this one applies specifically to Man City. Nothing stopping other clubs coming in for him if he turns out to be really good, we just won't have to accept their offers.
But Man city could. A team makes the offer to Man city, they buy back the player and then sell him on...Bingo Man City make the profit on the sale over and above the buy back clause.
Don't FIFA regulations ban playing for three clubs in one year?
In this scenario he wouldn't actually play for Man City though?
He'd be registered with three, but that's not uncommon. Bolasie played for us and Anderlecht last year while being registered as an Everton player for example.
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I don’t look at this as developing a player for another team. For me it’s no different to us maybe one day selling Jack to Man City, Barcelona or Real Madrid. In essence we have developed him and will possibly sell him up the football food chain. Just in the car of Douglas we know where he might go back to if he does well for us. With a loan you don’t make a profit but at least in this case we will.
Good point - would we, with the benefit of hindsight, have said no to the chance to develop Benteke for a few years for Liverpool/Palace? Teams don't ever really own players and rightly so. Is a (say) 2 year deal for a player that different from a loan. Or even a longer permanent contract given a player can and will force a move if they want to.
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A bit of a worry if he's left the USA without signing. Maybe another club has entered the fray? Hopefully not, and it's just a case of tying up the loose ends...
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I really hope he has signed and the club are just waiting for clearance before they announce it like they did with Moraes?
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Then why wouldn't he be training with us?
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Then why wouldn't he be training with us?
Presumably without a work permit that would be illegal, and especially in Trump's USA!! He'd be over the wall to Mexico before he knew it!
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Then why wouldn't he be training with us?
Maybe it's a red tape/process? Are you allowed to train with a club when you've not got clearance to play/work in the country?
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Some suggestion he’s over here with the club’s liaison officer house hunting etc while the paperwork is finalised.
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Another suggestion is that we're waiting to tie it in with the kit launch later. There's no rush is there?
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(https://i.ibb.co/TMH3nWh/Main-Window.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMH3nWh)
bit quiet mate. you ok? you need to talk?
I am sure he will sign
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(https://i.ibb.co/TMH3nWh/Main-Window.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMH3nWh)
bit quiet mate. you ok? you need to talk?
I am sure he will sign
I liked Kierons 'non quote'. I found it tantalizingly enigmatic.
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Some suggestion he’s over here with the club’s liaison officer house hunting etc while the paperwork is finalised.
With how thorough medicals are these days, you would think that would all be done over here too.
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(https://i.ibb.co/TMH3nWh/Main-Window.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMH3nWh)
bit quiet mate. you ok? you need to talk?
I am sure he will sign
I liked Kierons 'non quote'. I found it tantalizingly enigmatic.
It's almost like the piece of music with no music in it.
On topic, since he's in the States and we haven't heard anything untoward, I'm staying positive.
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Maybe it would be done at Milwaukee Bucks?
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I just hope he's not this seasons Joe "double crossing cnut" Bryan
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Why are some panicking over this? There is a work permit to be resolved. He’s probably discussed terms. The price is agreed. I don’t see an issue.
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SSN just said he’s flown back and it’s still work in progress so shouldn’t be any problems as long as the work permit is sorted.
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SSN just said he’s flown back and it’s still work in progress so shouldn’t be any problems as long as the work permit is sorted.
He should rest. His arms must be killing him. .....
I'll get my coat
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SSN just said he’s flown back and it’s still work in progress so shouldn’t be any problems as long as the work permit is sorted.
He should rest. His arms must be killing him. .....
I'll get my coat
It's a good sign though, I doubt even McGinn can fly.
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Why are some panicking over this? There is a work permit to be resolved. He’s probably discussed terms. The price is agreed. I don’t see an issue.
Has he stretched the shirt yet?
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He’s not coming
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He’s not coming
Has this been announced?
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He’s not coming
Can you elaborate?
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He’s not coming
I should never have watched that video.
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Someone better tell Purslow as hasn’t he just said that nobody has turned us down?
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A week ago I was googling this guy, I’ve spent all week convincing myself we’re not getting shafted by this buy back clause, but now I can safely say that it he doesn’t sign I’ll kill myself.
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Hi style of play would really suit both Jack and SJM, so I hope that this IS happening! Why couldn't someone ask Christian Purlow just to tip us the wink about this one? I know he said that 'no-one had turned us down', I hope that includes Douglas.
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He’s not coming
You can’t just walk in, drop a stinking turd in the middle of the room and walk out like nothing happened.
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He’s not coming
Calm down
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The last I heard on the rumour underground was that he was granted a work permit for us.
Which led me then to question as to why he wouldn’t be granted one for Manchester City?
So... to me it’s like going on a date with a stunning woman, beautiful, intelligent, flirty etc... only to find that she’s in a perfectly happy relationship in the first place.
That said, I would love him to join us. Really love it - but we shall see in due time.
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The last I heard on the rumour underground was that he was granted a work permit for us.
Which led me then to question as to why he wouldn’t be granted one for Manchester City?
So... to me it’s like going on a date with a stunning woman, beautiful, intelligent, flirty etc... only to find that she’s in a perfectly happy relationship in the first place.
We will see if this happens or not now. I would love him to join - he’s exactly what we need in this team. And he was apparently training with the team in the USA but it all stands for nothing if he decides to stay put.
The theory is that he would only be eligible for a work permit if a transfer took place, because he'd play most games for us, but wouldn't at Man City.
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man city paid for him two years ago, so that is no longer relevant.
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I also highly doubt that he did train with the squad as he hasn't yet signed and wouldn't risk injury. Perhaps he visited, had a medical, spoke to Deano and left again to consider his option, singular: stay out on loan and bum from club to club like some footballing vagrant, or, join the very best football team on the planet.
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Has anyone here seen this guy play for Girona?
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Yeah, did the Gironoians want to keep him for another season?
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Have to say I'll be very disappointed if we don't get him now. At least there's no X FC to "hijack the Luiz deal" rumours online.
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Have to say I'll be very disappointed if we don't get him now. At least there's no X FC to "hijack the Luiz deal" rumours online.
Levy: "Hold my beer."
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It's not going to happen, is it?
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No, I don't think so although I would like to be pleasantly surprised.
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Remember how long it took to get Wesley's work permit? We'll be fine.
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As Mr Woodhall started this thread, I have full confidence that he will sign.
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As Mr Woodhall started this thread, I have full confidence that he will sign.
Dave is a touch past his prime, why would we sign him.
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Remember how long it took to get Wesley's work permit? We'll be fine.
We announced that he had signed subject to a work permit. We haven't done so with Luiz suggesting that another issue or issues also need to be resolved.
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Remember how long it took to get Wesley's work permit? We'll be fine.
We announced that he had signed subject to a work permit. We haven't done so with Luiz suggesting that another issue or issues also need to be resolved.
It's down to Douglas now. I don't know why one would jet over to Minnesota, which isn't exactly Los Angeles, just to reneg.
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Girona have signed a Leeds midfielder. Could be due to Douglas joining us.
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Would imagine Pablo Hernandez would be more likely for a Spanish club, but who knows ?
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As Mr Woodhall started this thread, I have full confidence that he will sign.
Dave is a touch past his prime, why would we sign him.
Good point.
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He’s not coming
Ohh yes he is...
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I hope so, then my reverse psychology will have worked!!
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Is a work permit linked to just one employer?
Wouldn't be happy if we've been used as a stalking horse.
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On VT, apparently an Estate Agent's Manager has been showing Douglas around flats in Sutton Coldfield all day??
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On VT, apparently an Estate Agent's Manager has been showing Douglas around flats in Sutton Coldfield all day??
and as someone stated ......since when do you believe what an estate agent says :)
Apologies to any Estate Agents who post on here
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I wont believe it till somebody finds out what wine they serve st his favourite restaurant.
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ITSOTP!
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I wont believe it till somebody finds out what wine they serve st his favourite restaurant.
I'm more than happy to check out the wine list at his favourite rodízio.
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ITSOTP!
Pics or GTFO :)
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I wont believe it till somebody finds out what wine they serve st his favourite restaurant.
Calling Eastie to the Douglas Luiz thread to confirm the soup he is having with his choice of vintage and where if there is a Mrs Douglas, where she is shopping right now in Bull Ring.
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On VT, apparently an Estate Agent's Manager has been showing Douglas around flats in Sutton Coldfield all day??
and as someone stated ......since when do you believe what an estate agent says :)
Apologies to any Estate Agents who post on here
A mate of mine in Shanghai was a Spurs fan and his cousin was the designated estate agent liaison person for Spurs. He somehow also knew Harry and Jamie Redknapp so I had a 24 hr advance nod on Jenas and Hutton signing for us.
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On VT, apparently an Estate Agent's Manager has been showing Douglas around flats in Sutton Coldfield all day??
and as someone stated ......since when do you believe what an estate agent says :)
Apologies to any Estate Agents who post on here
A mate of mine in Shanghai was a Spurs fan and his cousin was the designated estate agent liaison person for Spurs. He somehow also knew Harry and Jamie Redknapp so I had a 24 hr advance nod on Jenas and Hutton signing for us.
I'd forgotten all about Jermain Jenas ever playing for us, I saw his one and only start vs Man Utd, he tripped over and we never saw him again.
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He will sign, everyone needs to chill
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He will sign, everyone needs to chill
Correct. Probably just some paper work to sort. I expect the announcement next week.
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He will sign, everyone needs to chill
Of all the players linked to us he is the one that excites me the most - have only seen brief snippets of him but he looks the type of player that will have fans on the edge of their seats
Please let it happen - it will go some way to making up missing out on Juhnino all those years ago
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Me too, he’s just what we need and might well be the difference between being good or actually very very good.
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Can someone ask Percy for an update via twitter please?
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His personal trainer just posted a pic of him in the gym on instagram 'preparing him for the premier league' and tagged the Villa account.
So it's 100% happening. Right?
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https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1152307040485875716?s=09
I reckon so Keeno, we can all relax now !!
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Can someone ask Percy for an update via twitter please?
Not sure he's on twitter and he tends to post more on the music threads these days.
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Can someone ask Percy for an update via twitter please?
Not sure he's on twitter and he tends to post more on the music threads these days.
Fair enough mate, thanks. Hopefully that picture of Douglas training and the tag to Villa (ish) means that this is happening. this guy will put 5,000 extra on each home gate.
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That's great news, hopefully this gets confirmed soon and, once it is, I'd be happy with our midfield options, just a winger/striker (I really liked the look of Leao but he's gone elsewhere) and then a keeper if we can get a major upgrade. There would still be a few players we'd want to replace but you can't replace 15-16 players in a single window, it's just too much churn, even the work we've done now makes me nervous but at least Mings, Hause, El Ghazi have played for us before and Knosa and Jota have worked with Smith, that mitigates things to an extent. I'd much prefer to be making 2-3 signings (for the first team, can sign as many kids as they want) per window though really.
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Pray for Luiz 🙏🏻
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The thought of Douglas Luiz in the same midfield as Jack Grealish
(https://i.ibb.co/sW30Csz/D4-B9-FC65-7-ED5-4-F63-BAD4-57-FE7-A409-D75.gif) (https://ibb.co/sW30Csz)
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And SJM. That’s a central midfield of real quality.
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I hope you mean positive lol
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I can't see this transfer not happening.
MCFC pushing him to sign, so that he gets a Work Permit.
Luiz thinking that if i sign, i get a Work Permit and Premier League football.
AVFC get to sign Douglas Luiz.
Each and every agenda is satisfied.
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And SJM. That’s a central midfield of real quality.
and, I suspect, a fair bit of steel as well, all 3 seem to have that same overarching desire to win, and have fun doing it. I think it's true for a lot of our squad now and is why I'm really looking forward to seeing how this team progresses.
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It will be great when he tells 2nd placed Man City to get fucked in 2 years because he's staying with the champions, Aston Villa.
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It will be great when he tells 2nd placed Man City to get fucked in 2 years because he's staying with the champions, Aston Villa.
If they have a but back thing that wont happen. What I am concerned about is the coming season and will he help to keep us up
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We’re not playing for survival. I can tell you Dean Smith and Purslow have no desire to be involved in that. This isn’t a Steve Bruce club full of excuses or the one that pathetically came down. We will compete for the top half of the table and finish somewhere in the middle. Fuck this relegation talk bollocks. No way we will be worse than Newcastle, Brighton, Sheff U, Norwich, Bournemouth, Burnley, Southampton. After that it’s a little tougher in mid table mini league.
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It will be great when he tells 2nd placed Man City to get fucked in 2 years because he's staying with the champions, Aston Villa.
If they have a but back thing that wont happen. What I am concerned about is the coming season and will he help to keep us up
If they have the buy back thing he's still got to agree to move, and why would you leave the champions that have just won their last 38 games?
** drink has been taken **
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It will be great when he tells 2nd placed Man City to get fucked in 2 years because he's staying with the champions, Aston Villa.
If they have a but back thing that wont happen. What I am concerned about is the coming season and will he help to keep us up
We are not going down.
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So Douglas is back in Rio according to VT? Hopefully just awaiting his work permit to be confirmed. Need him at BMH asap to integrate with the rest of the squad. Next, get Maupay in!
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get Maupay in anyway.
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You cant be in the country you're applying for your work permit for. It's like doing 12 months in Aus you have to nip to New Zeland to apply to extend it.
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get Maupay in anyway.
At the moment get any bloody goal scorers in !
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
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Apparently his personal trainer has posted a picture of him in the gym saying "lets go, premier league" #avfc
Or something along those lines......
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
It’s not the Brazilian authority who will grant a work permit it’s the British Home Office.
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
It’s not the Brazilian authority who will grant a work permit it’s the British Home Office.
But he'd be out of the country, in a Julian Assange kinda way.
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Hope we get him signed up we need a player like him.
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
It’s not the Brazilian authority who will grant a work permit it’s the British Home Office.
But he'd be out of the country, in a Julian Assange kinda way.
"On foreign soil" is the term you're looking for, I think.
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
It’s not the Brazilian authority who will grant a work permit it’s the British Home Office.
He will need a business visa which would be granted based on the work permit. The visa would have to be done outside UK. As it is very clear that his intention of entering the UK is for work, he couldn't come on a tourist visa and then change.
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Percy saying deal to be concluded in next few days, subject to work permit.
Job done then !
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Percy's lovely isn't he? Frequently brings us such good news. Big fan of Paul Weller too.
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Percy saying deal to be concluded in next few days, subject to work permit.
Job done then !
I can get him a few hours down my shop If he needs help with a work permit.
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Couldn't Luiz go to the Embassy of Brazil in London or the Consulate of Brazil in Manchester for a work permit? Havn't a clue myself but just thinking he could save on the air fare!!
It’s not the Brazilian authority who will grant a work permit it’s the British Home Office.
But he'd be out of the country, in a Julian Assange kinda way.
Haha. We need Prince William to order Border Force to set up a temporary desk on the pavement outside the Brazilian Embassy in London and Dougie can get exit stamp on his passport, walk into the building and then post his passport to the British Embassy in Rio for work visa and once they post it back he can walkout and obtain entry into UK through the temporary Border Force desk. Easy really.... ;D
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Takes a flask, some cheese and tomato sarnies, maybe a KitKat or Double Decker, whatever's his fancy, something to read, all good. Bish bosh, job done.
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This is why we need peter w back on the site. I'm sure he could rubber stamp Luiz's application while nobody was looking.
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He was sacked a bit harshly, Mr W.
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As mentioned the other day, everyone can chill. He will be done early this week
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It is sorted. Stop papping your trousers. Goalie and striker to go.
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Butland and Icardi and we are done.
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It is sorted. Stop papping your trousers. Goalie and striker to go.
Confirmed?
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It is sorted. Stop papping your trousers. Goalie and striker to go.
Confirmed?
You don't need confirmation. If Chelts says it is sorted. You know there is a 60% chance it will get sorted.
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“100% successful, 80% of the time”
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It is sorted. Stop papping your trousers. Goalie and striker to go.
Luiz, Trezeguet and two decent signings in the positions mentioned above and I think we will have to go with that.
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Hopefully this one gets done soon.
This is the signing I am most excited about - it's the one I can see having the greatest impact on how we play.
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It is sorted. Stop papping your trousers. Goalie and striker to go.
If chelts tells us it’s done, it’s done.
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Hopefully this one gets done soon.
This is the signing I am most excited about - it's the one I can see having the greatest impact on how we play.
Absolutely agree that this role is critical to us.
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Let there be light!
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Is Douglas training with the squad.?
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No. He is training alone with his personal trainer who post pics on Twitter and Instagram tagging Villa. This is a done deal as soon as the work permit is worked out. It's more complex than Trezeguet because one is a proven international with loads of caps and the other isn't.
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Posts I've seen have four Lion emojis at the bottom. So, unless he's signing for Millwall, I think this'll happen eventually
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Posts I've seen have four Lion emojis at the bottom. So, unless he's signing for Millwall, I think this'll happen eventually
we have signed th e Egyptian king and next the Lion King
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
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Let there be light!
Almost, except there's no i in light.
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
Both of our Egyptians were born firmly in the African bit, so qualify for ACR status.
As as an aside, is there any other country in the world that has 'ology' appended to it when talking about the study of it?
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
Both of our Egyptians were born firmly in the African bit, so qualify for ACR status.
As as an aside, is there any other country in the world that has 'ology' appended to it when talking about the study of it?
Sinology - China is the only one I can think of.
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Teasing us now
(https://i.ibb.co/sbx2tMQ/41948941-F555-49-D0-AFF5-E3-CA2-B7-F3378.png) (https://ibb.co/sbx2tMQ)
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
Both of our Egyptians were born firmly in the African bit, so qualify for ACR status.
As as an aside, is there any other country in the world that has 'ology' appended to it when talking about the study of it?
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Let there be light!
Almost, except there's no i in light.
Fuck! What with confusing El Ghazi and Elmohamady, I'm having a bad day. You might call me a Luzer.
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
Both of our Egyptians were born firmly in the African bit, so qualify for ACR status.
As as an aside, is there any other country in the world that has 'ology' appended to it when talking about the study of it?
Sinology - China is the only one I can think of.
Japanology, Iranology, Assyriology, Tibetology
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Armenology, Byzantinology, Indology.
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Democratic Republic of the Congology.
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Oh great, a fucking punology!
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Oh great, a fucking punology!
Agree, not on subject
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Will Brexit impact these sort of signings in future? Or only EU based ones?
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It would make no difference to players without a passport from an EU/EEA country. They will be subject to work permit requirements as they are now. Theoretically, the EU players could be too (with the probable exception of UK, Gibraltar and Ireland).
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Our favourite, Philology
Phillippines👍
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We don't need no African Car Reverser nor no Togolese Zidane!
Need to check the birth places of our Egyptians to see if they are African or Asian continent, presumably within Egypt you can transform into an Asian Car Reverser in the same manoeuvre? Do we we have the Geography teacher equivalent of Bad English on here?
Both of our Egyptians were born firmly in the African bit, so qualify for ACR status.
As as an aside, is there any other country in the world that has 'ology' appended to it when talking about the study of it?
Sinology - China is the only one I can think of.
Japanology, Iranology, Assyriology, Tibetology
Damn you Rissology, there was me meditating at the start of my weekly Buddhist group, and what does my mind start doing given the space? Tibetolog...Indology... AND I’m beaten to it.
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Democratic Republic of the Congology.
Jest ye not.
www.congology.net “SITE D'ETUDES CONGOLAISES”
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Oh great, a fucking punology!
Agree, not on subject...
...ology
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Tom Ross on Talk Sport about an hour ago. He said he's pretty sure that we've done spending now. So he seems to think Luiz won't be coming.
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If we’re done spending I’ll eat my hat.
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Tom Ross on Talk Sport about an hour ago. He said he's pretty sure that we've done spending now. So he seems to think Luiz won't be coming.
He didn’t even know monk was getting the old tin tack
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Ron Toss doesn’t know if he’s having a shit or a haircut. Ignore.
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Democratic Republic of the Congology.
Jest ye not.
www.congology.net “SITE D'ETUDES CONGOLAISES”
😂
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I expect it to be announced by the weekend. I have nothing to go on BTW, this is just a feeling I have.
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How can we announce Trezeguet awaiting international clearance and visa and he’s here , but we haven’t with Luiz ?
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How can we announce Trezeguet awaiting international clearance and visa and he’s here , but we haven’t with Luiz ?
I would imagine some clearances are just a matter of waiting for the paperwork to go through while some are infinitely more complicated and require more adjudication/lawyers etc.
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How can we announce Trezeguet awaiting international clearance and visa and he’s here , but we haven’t with Luiz ?
That leaked photo may have forced their hand on announcing it.
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The leaked photo of Trez signing the contract last night probably forced their hands.
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I wonder whether the club is waiting for a physical appointment where they have to present their argument to a board of people and we just have to wait for that appointment? Work permit turned down and we wait to see a board to put the appeal to them?
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No news today on Douglas?
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How can we announce Trezeguet awaiting international clearance and visa and he’s here , but we haven’t with Luiz ?
Can we just deal with this one more time? Luiz hasn't played enough full international matches to garauntee a work permit. Trez has. That's a full stop. so is that...
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some reports from Belgium suggesting Nakamba is coming to us on loan. Maybe Option B if Doug doesn't get his WP?
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One or two fringe players likely to leave, hence us bringing In Nakamba? Luiz still getting done but taking time. Two for every position.
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I think someone said Luiz's personal trainer said it would be announced next Monday
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According to Transfermarket profiles both of similar height but Luiz is right footed and Nakamba is left footed.
This may or may not be relevant if looking to bring in both of them.
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Marvin Hagler might be an alternative to McGinn though primarily, with the possibility of playing in Douglas's position as well if needed. A bit like Jota coming in as an alternative to Grealish but can also play on the wing.
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And in case anyone needs further calming, Percy is also saying Luiz is on the way.
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https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1154383344198717441
"We are delighted to confirm the signing of Douglas Luiz from Manchester City, subject to a work permit. ✍
👉 http://bit.ly/30XToGl
#WelcomeLuiz #ThursdayMotivation #AVFC https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1154383344198717441/photo/1"
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Luiz confirmed on twitter official club account
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Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Douglas Luiz subject to a work permit.
The Brazilian midfielder arrives from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.
Luiz was named Player of the Tournament at this summer’s prestigious Toulon Tournament as he helped Brazil U21s win the competition.
Having come through the ranks at hometown club Vasco da Gama, Luiz was snapped up by City in 2017 although he never played a game for the reigning Premier League champions.
He spent the past two seasons on loan at Girona, racking up nearly 50 appearances for the Spanish side.
Head Coach Dean Smith said: “Douglas is an extremely talented young player with an outstanding pedigree who I am sure will fit nicely into our style and system of play.”
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Now that is fantastic news!
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Get in!!!!
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Now this is the one I was hoping for!
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Now this is the one I was hoping for!
Me too.
Absolutely delighted this has been confirmed.
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yikes another day of not concentrating on work and coming on here !!! give myself another written warning ! looks a good player
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Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Douglas Luiz subject to a work permit.
The Brazilian midfielder arrives from Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.
Luiz was named Player of the Tournament at this summer’s prestigious Toulon Tournament as he helped Brazil U21s win the competition.
Having come through the ranks at hometown club Vasco da Gama, Luiz was snapped up by City in 2017 although he never played a game for the reigning Premier League champions.
He spent the past two seasons on loan at Girona, racking up nearly 50 appearances for the Spanish side.
Head Coach Dean Smith said: “Douglas is an extremely talented young player with an outstanding pedigree who I am sure will fit nicely into our style and system of play.”
We've got a system of play! Do you hear that Lambo, Timbo and, er, Stevo? A system of play! In your face.
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Brilliant news!
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Fekin YAY !!!! 😄😄
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
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if Tom Ross says something think the exact opposite and you won't be far wrong.
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Fuck yes!
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Now that is fantastic news!
What a MARVELOUS day this is
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
EGGS -FACE - SPLAT!! SPLAT!!
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
I'm hoping he announces that the Tories are gonna win the next General Election. 😉
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I can't keep up.
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https://youtu.be/LAE46NyrWRI
First interview with Doug
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Ron Toss no longer has the inside track on local football, he lost that when his employers ditched local football coverage.
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Really happy with this one, I think this was the most important position to fill this summer and from what I've seen Douglas is exactly the sort of player I was hoping for.
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Exciting options in the centre of the park, something we probably haven't had since Barry, Petrov, Milner, Delph etc. Really puts good competitive pressure on John and Conor, the latter I think might struggle to hold down a regular place.
Here's to a successful long loan ;)
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Ron Toss no longer has the inside track on local football, he lost that when his employers ditched local football coverage.
Maybe he meant starting from now ??
he should say nothing really
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Would it be wrong to call him deadly?
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What a mature young man. And I didn’t even realize he won Player of the Tournament for Brazil this summer. Awesome
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Agreed TV.
I watched the interview and thought he looks a natural leader.
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This has made the transfer window in my opinion. Brilliant news.
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This could be the best one of the summer, not just for us, but in the whole league. Looks to have a lot about him, can dictate the pattern of play, exciting times.
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Hands up! It was me who quoted Tom Ross yesterday.
#mental note to self: stop listening to twats like him and definitely don't quote him..
Welcome to the Villa Douglas Luiz. I'm very happy about this one. He sounds like a real prospect.
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Really impressed with this signing, and his attitude seems spot on.
I might just get my thinning head of hair braided in his honour.
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Superb! Really excited about this fella. He looks like the perfect fit to sit behind our free flowing midfielders and in front of our ball playing defenders.
If we pull this off and play to the same high tempo as last season with this extra quality, this could really be some turnaround from the turgid shite we have witnessed for so long. Those who go regularly to the games could be in for such an exciting period for us. I must say I will be quite jealous! Maybe one day when all my brood are older I can justify the expense of live football again.
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I would'nt expect anything else from Tom Toss,he is a bluenose after all
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I would like to see Brazilian flags down VP this season.
Christ the Redeemer statue unveiled outside the refurbished North Stand.
The half time entertainment should feature Capoeira performers.
Beer will be removed from the menu and replaced by Caipirinha.
It will be like watching Brazil 🇧🇷
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Yes, get in.
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Agreed TV.
I watched the interview and thought he looks a natural leader.
Think of the lift in morale for our squad right now. Ok panning Walsall isn’t a celebration moment but it builds confidence. But now to roll into Bodymoor today to find not did we secure Trezeguet the night before but now Douglas and hopefully soon Marvellous. They must just on cloud nine
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I can’t believe all that’s happening ! Although really excited, why do we need marvellous, Luiz on top of HOURIHANE with new contract plus Konsa and Engels can play dfm..... we are still extremely light in quality no 9 position after Wesley and big part Kodjia
So why do we need so much money spent on dfm ?
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I can’t believe all that’s happening ! Although really excited, why do we need marvellous, Luiz on top of HOURIHANE with new contract plus Konsa and Engels can play dfm..... we are still extremely light in quality no 9 position after Wesley and big part Kodjia
So why do we need so much money spent on dfm ?
Luiz really would be the only natural defensive midfielder at the club. Hourihane does a job in the championship but that's not his game, Nakamba is more a box to box and Konsa and Engles, like you said can play there but it's not their natural position.
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I trust that Dean knows what he is doing.
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I can’t believe all that’s happening ! Although really excited, why do we need marvellous, Luiz on top of HOURIHANE with new contract plus Konsa and Engels can play dfm..... we are still extremely light in quality no 9 position after Wesley and big part Kodjia
So why do we need so much money spent on dfm ?
The signings may come in no particular order Daz.
We’ve replaced Whelan and Jedi with Douglas and Marvellous both of whom appear to be better than our existing midfielders. This means we’ve upped the squad standard and not just the starting 11. No need to juggle 3 or 4 positions just because one player is out.
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He’s doing that heart thing with his hands. 🤮
Send him out on loan now!
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From elsewhere.
The last time I saw two Brazilians in the same window I was in Amsterdam.
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From elsewhere.
The last time I saw two Brazilians in the same window I was in Amsterdam.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
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From elsewhere.
The last time I saw two Brazilians in the same window I was in Amsterdam.
Weird them selling Romario and Ronaldo jerseys in Amsterdam.
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From elsewhere.
The last time I saw two Brazilians in the same window I was in Amsterdam.
Weird them selling Romario and Ronaldo jerseys in Amsterdam.
😂
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I would like to see Brazilian flags down VP this season.
Christ the Redeemer statue unveiled outside the refurbished North Stand.
The half time entertainment should feature Capoeira performers scantily clad samba dancers.
Beer will be removed from the menu and replaced by Caipirinha.
It will be like watching Brazil 🇧🇷
Fixed.
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Welcome to Aston Villa Douglas Luiz and adding to the Brazilian theme as anybody out there had a Brazilian waxing yet.
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I'm super pumped now. He looks a true baller!!
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I think it's fucking brilliant, waited for a Brazilian to sign for 20 odd years or more, got close with Juninho and now 2 come along at once. They both look good ones as well. I fucking love Brazilians me.
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I would like to see Brazilian flags down VP this season.
Christ the Redeemer statue unveiled outside the refurbished North Stand.
The half time entertainment should feature Capoeira performers scantily clad samba dancers.
Beer will be removed from the menu and replaced by Caipirinha.
It will be like watching Brazil 🇧🇷
Fixed.
I'm going to have PM you BV. I'm planning to be in Rio and Sao Paulo later this year.
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What a window this is shaping up to be. Absolutely nobody is guaranteed a start next season, which is how it should be. As it stands, apart from Steer.
#announceakeeperalready
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Exciting times ahead for us can't wait for the new season to start.
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Just a quick question I'm going to the Charlton game on Saturday does anybody know if he will get his clearance to play or will it take longer for his permit to be stamped.
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This is the one I wanted from the moment it was muted. I think we have done some really good business so far but this boy looks special and even though City may have a buy back arrangement he might be just what we need to cement our place back in the Premier League. Goals have been - and probably still are - my only other concern. We look solid but need to hope that there are now more goals spread throughout the team. Butland would do it for me now but if we can get another striker I think we them just need to leave it to DS to put together.
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Hopefully the work permit is granted? Surely the club have checked this through to be fairly certain - hopefully we don't have to wait 2/3 weeks for a decision like Wesley's application? ?
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I’d imagine the club have been told the WP is approved and are waiting for the official paperwork.
They would not have announced him if they weren’t 100% sure.
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I’d love hair like his. Actually I’d like hair...
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I'm going to have PM you BV. I'm planning to be in Rio and Sao Paulo later this year.
No worries at all, anytime.
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Another highly rated young Brazilian, in a key position too, and the whole squad is starting to look very tasty.
This summer is fucking ace.
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Just a quick question I'm going to the Charlton game on Saturday does anybody know if he will get his clearance to play or will it take longer for his permit to be stamped.
I'd be very surprised if Trezeguet, Douglas or Nakamba will be involved Saturday to be honest chap.
Probably be ok for the Saturday after.
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Hopefully the work permit is granted? Surely the club have checked this through to be fairly certain - hopefully we don't have to wait 2/3 weeks for a decision like Wesley's application? ?
Interestingly he didn't answer the question "lastly just talk to us about the plan from here now in terms of when you link up with the squad properly?" in his interview on the OS with a specific date/or from immediate effect.
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And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
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so this morning then?
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And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
The buy back clause doesn’t worry me. He is just the player we need at the moment and if Citeh do want him back hopefully we will make them pay top dollar. I trust this current set up to have a decent clause inserted.
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In a way the buy back clause reassures me. Why would City let a player apparently this good go to a club in the same division at what looks like a relatively low fee given the market? The fact they still want him makes me think we've got A City-calibre player - and that's really high level stuff.
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This is an exciting sign of the way we are going to approach this season - I like the way we are looking to settle players in by having fellow nationals or ex team mates on board
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Just my gut instinct, but if he does well with us I don't reckon he'll be going back to MCity. I reckon we have owners with the means and acumen to hold on to a player if need be.
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And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
Horrible paper. Reads like it hates Birmingham.
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Just my gut instinct, but if he does well with us I don't reckon he'll be going back to MCity. I reckon we have owners with the means and acumen to hold on to a player if need be.
Yep...I do think our management and owners are far more clued up than in previous years.
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And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
Horrible paper. Reads like it hates Birmingham.
Amen.
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Get the fuck in!!! Welcome to the Villa Douglas! 😊
Absolutely delighted with this one and another piece of the jigsaw completed...keeper and another striker still to come hopefully to sure things up at the back and add much needed clinical finishing up front.
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Welcome Douglas.
Be brilliant and happy at The Villa!
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
The day Tom Ross knows more about what is going on down the Villa than us I will shit in a Wellington Boot and wear it as a hat.
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
The day Tom Ross knows more about what is going on down the Villa than us I will shit in a Wellington Boot and wear it as a hat.
You'll do for me, have a bronx hat.
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
The day Tom Ross knows more about what is going on down the Villa than us I will shit in a Wellington Boot and wear it as a hat.
You'll do for me, have a bronx hat.
With a shit in it?
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And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
The buy back clause doesn’t worry me. He is just the player we need at the moment and if Citeh do want him back hopefully we will make them pay top dollar. I trust this current set up to have a decent clause inserted.
I dunno. If it's a work permit fudge then I doubt City will have been prepared to build in a big uplift. It won't be less than £15m. I suspect it won't be a huge amount more either. If it goes well it will have been a cheap loan of what could be a very important player for us. If he plays well and helps us stay up, it will have been well worth it.
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The buyback will have to be something substantial, unless he plays lots of times for the Brazilian first team, or Manchester City won’t be able to demonstrate that he is as important a player for them as he is for us and therefore will not get a work permit. So unless they pay a premium price, the buyback clause is somewhat redundant.
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The buyback will have to be something substantial, unless he plays lots of times for the Brazilian first team, or Manchester City won’t be able to demonstrate that he is as important a player for them as he is for us and therefore will not get a work permit. So unless they pay a premium price, the buyback clause is somewhat redundant.
Yep. It is double money and a few more for good luck.
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cant wait to see him play against the sky blue Mancs
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I don't know, but If a player has a WP for the uk then that's it. He has a WP. Is there any case where has one for one club, but couldn't sign for another one in the same league?
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The buyback will have to be something substantial, unless he plays lots of times for the Brazilian first team, or Manchester City won’t be able to demonstrate that he is as important a player for them as he is for us and therefore will not get a work permit. So unless they pay a premium price, the buyback clause is somewhat redundant.
Fantastic if true.
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I don't know, but If a player has a WP for the uk then that's it. He has a WP. Is there any case where has one for one club, but couldn't sign for another one in the same league?
Apologies, I quoted the wrong post previously. I meant to reply to chrisw1. I dont understand the work permit machinations but there is a huge uplift on the buy back for us regardless.
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No probs can't expect anyone to know the whole shenanigans, but I'm still smiling a lot today.
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Can't wait to see Douglas set up Wesley for a stunner hopefully in front of the Holte where a booming chorus of "it's just like watching Brazil" will be legitimitely sung for the first time in 140 years down Villa Park. I'll dance the fecking samba in me local if one of them gets a hat-trick.
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Can't wait to see Douglas set up Wesley for a stunner hopefully in front of the Holte where a booming chorus of "it's just like watching Brazil" will be legimitely sung for the first time in 140 yearIfs down Villa Park. I'll dance the fuckin samba in me local if one of them gets a hat-trick.
Chelts likes this.
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Can't wait to see Douglas set up Wesley for a stunner hopefully in front of the Holte where a booming chorus of "it's just like watching Brazil" will be legimitely sung for the first time in 140 yearIfs down Villa Park. I'll dance the fuckin samba in me local if one of them gets a hat-trick.
Chelts likes this.
Damn it. You got in before i had corrected my usual spelling mistakes.
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So on the day that Tom Ross says we're not buying anybody else, we announce two more signings?!
The day Tom Ross knows more about what is going on down the Villa than us I will shit in a Wellington Boot and wear it as a hat.
You'll do for me, have a bronx hat.
With a shit in it?
Yes, Craig Gardner.
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I don't know, but If a player has a WP for the uk then that's it. He has a WP. Is there any case where has one for one club, but couldn't sign for another one in the same league?
If its anything like the real world they are attached to your employer. If he moved to a new employer he would need to apply again.
I really cant believe we have signed him, cant believe the summer we are having. Leaving Wembley I couldnt even dream it would be this good.
I dont know why but i am totally fine with the buy back clause, in my head i am thinking if Man City want him back he has been amazing for us.
The Villa we could only dream of the last 10 years is now a reality.
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This is the one I was hoping for the most.
I really dont like that buy back clause though, not so much because City will want him back but because if he turns out to be brilliant for us but not so much at the level that they wrequire for themselves they will just buy him back and sell him on for a huge profit like Madrid did with Morata at Juventus.
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This is the one I was hoping for the most.
I really dont like that buy back clause though, not so much because City will want him back but because if he turns out to be brilliant for us but not so much at the level that they wrequire for themselves they will just buy him back and sell him on for a huge profit like Madrid did with Morata at Juventus.
Not unless the buy back clause is based upon an open market valuation so we are the ones selling for a huge profit. Otherwise we may as well just loan him and if City really wanted to keep him then they’d have loaned him out anyway.
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I think I've got the music sorted for the teams coming out at Villa Park. You need to hear it until the end - you're in for a treat. Either that or fast forward to 3 minutes.
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
I totally agree - this signing has got me buzzing
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
Agreed. Plus we now have the nous to put a deal together - couldn't see previous regimes, stretching back to Doug/Steve Stride perhaps (when likely different rules applied) to construct a complicated deal to get him in.
Well chuffed.
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Interesting signing. Seems highly thought of which is good but I don't know a thing about him. Welcome Doug.
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What type of player is he?
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
Agreed. Plus we now have the nous to put a deal together - couldn't see previous regimes, stretching back to Doug/Steve Stride perhaps (when likely different rules applied) to construct a complicated deal to get him in.
Well chuffed.
This is an excellent point. We appear to have found a way to manipulate a problem for Man City into a solution for ourselves.
This exites me almost as much as the player himself, we look like we actually know what the fuck we're doing.
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What type of player is he?
Defensive midfielder, very comfortable on the ball, likes to find space and pick out a pass.
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
Agreed. Plus we now have the nous to put a deal together - couldn't see previous regimes, stretching back to Doug/Steve Stride perhaps (when likely different rules applied) to construct a complicated deal to get him in.
Well chuffed.
This is an excellent point. We appear to have found a way to manipulate a problem for Man City into a solution for ourselves.
This exites me almost as much as the player himself, we look like we actually know what the fuck we're doing.
Really impressed with Purslow, Suso and the recruitment team they’ve put together.
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What type of player is he?
Amazeballs.
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https://youtu.be/8PYKOo_jgJo
Hello to Douglas, our new 🇧🇷 player
And to Wesley, of course.
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The girl in the photo has a Villa rosette :)
Meant to be.
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He reminds me of Craig David. In which case ‘I hope you’re really good on Saturday, not so bad on a Sunday, be very good on a Monday or even if you play on Tuesday.’
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He reminds me of Craig David. In which case ‘I hope you’re really good on Saturday, not so bad on a Sunday, be very good on a Monday or even if you play on Tuesday.’
By Wednesday he'll be too busy making love, I'd imagine.
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I have been scanning the internet every day for the past two weeks on this.
Absolutely delighted we have got this one over the line.
Douglas could prove to be our best signing of the summer.
We've taken advantage of Citeh and doesn't Guardiola hate it.
Someone posted earlier about our signings being brought in to complement our style, and non more so than this one.
By the end of the season Douglas won't want to leave as he will have realised he is already at the world's best club.
If we could just get in a quality goalkeeper and a small forward I think we will be a match for anyone.
Can't wait for it to all get started now.
UTV
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Or alternatively we will have started a bidding war over his buy back clause.
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Very pleased this has been confirmed.
Sorry if it's already been asked and answered, but is his English ok?
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Very pleased this has been confirmed.
Sorry if it's already been asked and answered, but is his English ok?
There’s a club video/interview with him. He doesn’t speak English by the looks of it.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. City appear to think very highly of him so there’s a good chance that if he fulfills his potential, he will go back.
I’m hoping that we’ll get 2 seasons out of him as City hold all the cards and have no need to rush,unless he’s that good that he’s going to get into their side.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. City appear to think very highly of him so there’s a good chance that if he fulfills his potential, he will go back.
I’m hoping that we’ll get 2 seasons out of him as City hold all the cards and have no need to rush,unless he’s that good that he’s going to get into their side.
How do you know that?
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. City appear to think very highly of him so there’s a good chance that if he fulfills his potential, he will go back.
I’m hoping that we’ll get 2 seasons out of him as City hold all the cards and have no need to rush,unless he’s that good that he’s going to get into their side.
How do you know that?
Know what?
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
With a deal like this, the player's agreement to the potential future move is locked in at this stage.
So he's already agreed to the return move if it ever comes up.
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He's only 21 years old and if he lives up to the hype (and his YouTube highlights) then he has a very good future in the game ahead of him. We've only managed to sign him due to the work permit issues for Man Citeh, and everything about the buy back clause is pure speculation at this stage...we may even be able to negotiate the buy back clause is removed. We'll just have to see how it pans out, enjoy his football and see what happens until or if any further details are released.
Very pleased this has been confirmed.
Sorry if it's already been asked and answered, but is his English ok?
Doesn't speak a word of English by the looks of it, but having Wesley alongside him should help with any communication issues on and off the pitch.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
With a deal like this, the player's agreement to the potential future move is locked in at this stage.
So he's already agreed to the return move if it ever comes up.
How does that work regarding wages? Say he's amazing, wins PFA Player of the Year and gets called up by Brazil. We give him a wage increase to reflect his value. Then Man City sign him does he get to keep his pay increase or does he have to go back to the wages he left on?
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Forgive the question as it has probably already been asked but, is he yet allowed to train with us? or is that also dependent on the work permit being issued?
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Don’t think he can train. The Pravda said he was signed subject to work permit. If he was injured and then refused a work permit we could be in a difficult situation.
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I’m impressed by all of our business this summer, but this is the signing that really excites me. Purely on reputation and clips clearly, but sounds like a potential superstar.
Same here, from what I’ve seen he looks a real step up from everything else we have.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
With a deal like this, the player's agreement to the potential future move is locked in at this stage.
So he's already agreed to the return move if it ever comes up.
How does that work regarding wages? Say he's amazing, wins PFA Player of the Year and gets called up by Brazil. We give him a wage increase to reflect his value. Then Man City sign him does he get to keep his pay increase or does he have to go back to the wages he left on?
Wouldn't be able to give you a definite answer to that I'm afraid.
If I had to guess, I'd assume that future increases would be written into what has been agreed now.
So something along the lines of "current Villa salary plus 40%" to allow for changes to his contract with us.
So if he's amazing and we give him £100k per week, they have to decide whether he's worth a further increase to that.
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Ok for the terminally thick - namely me
We have bought him off man city (so we own him) for £15m directly. If he turns out to be brilliant Man city can
A/ just say we want him now and pay the £15m we paid and he goes
B/ As A but with an alternate higher fee already agreed
C/ Other teams can try to buy him but Man city have first refusal.
D/ If he is not what we expect he is ours and Man city can refuse to take him.
Any of that right?
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Ok for the terminally thick - namely me
We have bought him off man city (so we own him) for £15m directly. If he turns out to be brilliant Man city can
A/ just say we want him now and pay the £15m we paid and he goes
B/ As A but with an alternate higher fee already agreed
C/ Other teams can try to buy him but Man city have first refusal.
D/ If he is not what we expect he is ours and Man city can refuse to take him.
Any of that right?
We don't know. Nobody does.
For all the talk about it on this thread, we do not know if the buy back clause exists and if so, at how much, or under what circumstances Man City could trigger it.
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This seems to be as much as we know, thanks Chelts.
And the first thing the Evening Mail jump on: is the fucking buy back clause! Can’t you just be happy you fucking morons!
Welcome Douglas. This is the most excited I’ve been over a player since I last shit my pants.
The buy back clause doesn’t worry me. He is just the player we need at the moment and if Citeh do want him back hopefully we will make them pay top dollar. I trust this current set up to have a decent clause inserted.
I dunno. If it's a work permit fudge then I doubt City will have been prepared to build in a big uplift. It won't be less than £15m. I suspect it won't be a huge amount more either. If it goes well it will have been a cheap loan of what could be a very important player for us. If he plays well and helps us stay up, it will have been well worth it.
Yep. It is double money and a few more for good luck.
I don't know, but If a player has a WP for the uk then that's it. He has a WP. Is there any case where has one for one club, but couldn't sign for another one in the same league?
I dont understand the work permit machinations but there is a huge uplift on the buy back for us regardless.
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Ok for the terminally thick - namely me
We have bought him off man city (so we own him) for £15m directly. If he turns out to be brilliant Man city can
A/ just say we want him now and pay the £15m we paid and he goes
B/ As A but with an alternate higher fee already agreed
C/ Other teams can try to buy him but Man city have first refusal.
D/ If he is not what we expect he is ours and Man city can refuse to take him.
Any of that right?
“Confused? You won't be after this week's episode of Soap Aston Villa.”
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Ok for the terminally thick - namely me
We have bought him off man city (so we own him) for £15m directly. If he turns out to be brilliant Man city can
A/ just say we want him now and pay the £15m we paid and he goes
B/ As A but with an alternate higher fee already agreed
C/ Other teams can try to buy him but Man city have first refusal.
D/ If he is not what we expect he is ours and Man city can refuse to take him.
Any of that right?
“Confused? You won't be after this week's episode of Soap Aston Villa.”
I think B comes in a year Bob, and the fee will rise again after 2 years. Do I win £5?
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Yes - it will be B.
We would never accept scenario A as we would take 100% of the risk for no benefit...
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Er - we don't 'own' him...!
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What type of player is he?
Defensive midfielder, very comfortable on the ball, likes to find space and pick out a pass.
Exactly what we need!!!
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Er - we don't 'own' him...!
I thought we paid a transfer fee, no mention of loan fee, so surely he is our player?
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Er - we don't 'own' him...!
I thought we paid a transfer fee, no mention of loan fee, so surely he is our player?
"Owning" him is a bit of a weird way to put it though? Do you regard your employers as "owning" you?
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FFS whatever
Is "Have we bought him" wrong as well.
It's a turn of phrase
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Er - we don't 'own' him...!
I thought we paid a transfer fee, no mention of loan fee, so surely he is our player?
"Owning" him is a bit of a weird way to put it though? Do you regard your employers as "owning" you?
It's not that. The general consensus is this is more a deal for a few seasons to help him get a work permit for City when they buy him back...which if he does as well as they think, they will.
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We own title to his registration. Muhahahaha
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Er - we don't 'own' him...!
I thought we paid a transfer fee, no mention of loan fee, so surely he is our player?
"Owning" him is a bit of a weird way to put it though? Do you regard your employers as "owning" you?
It's different for footballers, though, talking about a club 'owning' a player is standard footballspeak.
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I guess it is standard, but, well, blimey, should it be?
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Is it that common? I think the idea is implied but actually outright stating ownership isn't something I can recall seeing all that often. I think phrases like "we've got him" and "he's one of us" are common, along with various deviations around those ideas but "we own him" doesn't come up all that often (in my opinion).
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I guess it is standard, but, well, blimey, should it be?
Villa own part of your soul, why can't we own one of Doug Louie's dreadlocks?
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Is it that common? I think the idea is implied but actually outright stating ownership isn't something I can recall seeing all that often. I think phrases like "we've got him" and "he's one of us" are common, along with various deviations around those ideas but "we own him" doesn't come up all that often (in my opinion).
Well the players are assets on a balance sheet (or their registrations are) so that's where the ownership idea comes from. You heard a lot about 'ownership' when it was third party, like the Tevez and Mascherano cases.
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Manchester City have a buy-back clause inserted into the transfer agreement for Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian midfielder completed his move to Aston Villa in an initial £15million deal yesterday, with another £1million to be earned in add-ons if the 21-year-old proves to be a success.
That ended a frustrating two years for Luiz with the Blues , as he was unable to get a work permit and ended up spending two seasons on loan at sister club Girona.
Luiz is likely to fall foul of the same rule when Villa apply for a permit, but the Midlands club are confident that the appeal process will work in their favour.
The appeal works on a points system, with points available if the transfer fee or wages are suitably high, in a bid to prevent less wealthy clubs being disadvantaged when pursuing foreign players.
Luiz will earn appeal points if his salary, as is likely, is in the top 25 per cent on Villa’s wage structure.
City did not want to sell Luiz – in fact last summer Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration at being unable to give the holding midfielder an opportunity to stake a claim as number two to Fernandinho.
So a buyback clause was inevitable, although neither club is revealing any details about what that entails.
Sources close to Villa claim that it is likely to be heavily stacked in their favour, and on an escalating scale, with talk of it being £25million next summer and £30million the year after.
But that does not fit with City’s recent strategy.
They sold Angelino for £5million last year and bought him back for around £5.35million last month – and it would be no great surprise if the terms of Luiz’s deal are along similar lines.
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Come on. It's a loan deal in all but name.
The BIG difference is, Man City are paying US to have him on loan. 😂
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Is it that common? I think the idea is implied but actually outright stating ownership isn't something I can recall seeing all that often. I think phrases like "we've got him" and "he's one of us" are common, along with various deviations around those ideas but "we own him" doesn't come up all that often (in my opinion).
Well the players are assets on a balance sheet (or their registrations are) so that's where the ownership idea comes from. You heard a lot about 'ownership' when it was third party, like the Tevez and Mascherano cases.
That's about the context where I could think of 'ownership' being outright discussed. I might be wrong but I just can't think of a time where I've heard it said about a new signing before. I don't have a problem with it because I think it's clear that it means we own his registration not him I'm just not sure it's 'standard footballspeak' which was the specific thing I was replying to.
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Sources close to Villa claim that it is likely to be heavily stacked in their favour, and on an escalating scale, with talk of it being £25million next summer and £30million the year after.
But that does not fit with City’s recent strategy.
They sold Angelino for £5million last year and bought him back for around £5.35million last month – and it would be no great surprise if the terms of Luiz’s deal are along similar lines.
Well I certainly hope it's nearer to the first estimation than what happened with Angelino! My guess it will be somewhere between the two though.
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I don't think you can draw comparisons between this one and Angelino. The latter was available to play for them so keeping him if they didn't get the deal they wanted wasn't a problem. With Douglas he had to leave, either on loan or permanently, but on loan did nothing to get him a work permit unless he got a Brazil call up and played every game, 2 years of taking that route has pushed them into a weaker position.
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There's been weeks of negotiating, likely over this clause. We've obviously ended up with a deal that we're happy with so there's likely to be a good return factored in.
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And in the end what does it really matter? He will be playing for us this season. That’s ultimately the most important thing.
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Well, it does matter, because if he has a good season, and this clause exists, they can contractually buy him back.
That's something which definitely makes a difference - because if he does have a great season, and they like the look of him, we have no choice but to sell him to them for a pre-arranged price after one season.
If that does happen people aren't going to be on here saying what a good deal it was and be happy it panned out that way, you can bet on that.
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Well, it does matter, because if he has a good season, and this clause exists, they can contractually buy him back.
That's something which definitely makes a difference - because if he does have a great season, and they like the look of him, we have no choice but to sell him to them for a pre-arranged price after one season.
If that does happen people aren't going to be on here saying what a good deal it was and be happy it panned out that way, you can bet on that.
I doubt you’d have gotten him for anywhere near £15 million without a clause being included.
I can see the advantages to us, not least because it allows us to squeeze our war chest that little bit further.
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My point is none of us know the specific details of the clause. It’s all speculation. And secondly, if Jack or Trezeguet or AEG have a brilliant year then what’s to stop Man City it anyone else coming in for them? A contract doesn’t determine how long a player will stay at a club. It just gives us leverage when time comes to sell them. In this case our leverage if the clause is to be believed is pre determined and allowed us to get a player realistically worth a lot more in today’s market, for relatively speaking, a very low price.
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At the end of the day we've got what appears to be a very good player who will play for us for at least a season, worst case scenario is we go down but him leaving is the least of our troubles if that happens. Stay up and he is sold back to them and we will be in a much stronger position to buy a replacement. If we stay up and he has a shit season then tbh who cares, we stayed up and we didn't break the bank to sign him.
That's my take on it.
Now let's drink some caipirinha and do a little samba dance.
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At the end of the day we've got what appears to be a very good player who will play for us for at least a season, worst case scenario is we go down but him leaving is the least of our troubles if that happens. Stay up and he is sold back to them and we will be in a much stronger position to buy a replacement. If we stay up and he has a shit season then tbh who cares, we stayed up and we didn't break the bank to sign him.
That's my take on it.
Now let's drink some caipirinha and do a little samba dance.
And Big Wes has got a mate to boot
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And in the end what does it really matter? He will be playing for us this season. That’s ultimately the most important thing.
And if he ever wants to get back to City, that'll only happen if he's a cut above just about every other player in his position in the division.
None of us is privy to these clauses, it's all guesswork. But unlike in the past, I now very much doubt we'll be getting our pants pulled down.
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My point is none of us know the specific details of the clause. It’s all speculation. And secondly, if Jack or Trezeguet or AEG have a brilliant year then what’s to stop Man City it anyone else coming in for them?
No, you're right, but to give the example of Jack, we managed to stop him leaving last summer.
In the case of Luiz we would be contractually obliged to sell him, and at a price we'd agreed in advance with another club.
I am not massively shitting myself over this, I'd still buy the player, but to suggest it doesn't matter when it has a legally defined impact on our future is wide of the mark.
Let's agree to revisit this in 12 months time, and see if they've called him back, and see what peoples' reactions are.
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It’s not ideal but it’s not the end of the world. He looks like he could be a great player for us, and you never know what will happen with regard to this buy back clause. After a decade of misery I can live with it!
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I don't see the problem here. The only way City trigger the buy-back is if he has an outstanding season for us which hopefully equates to us being comfortably mid-table rather than fighting relegation all season. Our goal here is to become established in the upper echelons of the premier league and he may be a stepping stone to achieving this. I would be disappointed to lose an influential figure, but it's hardly fatal for us under these circumstances.
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My point is none of us know the specific details of the clause. It’s all speculation. And secondly, if Jack or Trezeguet or AEG have a brilliant year then what’s to stop Man City it anyone else coming in for them?
No, you're right, but to give the example of Jack, we managed to stop him leaving last summer.
In the case of Luiz we would be contractually obliged to sell him, and at a price we'd agreed in advance with another club.
I am not massively shitting myself over this, I'd still buy the player, but to suggest it doesn't matter when it has a legally defined impact on our future is wide of the mark.
Let's agree to revisit this in 12 months time, and see if they've called him back, and see what peoples' reactions are.
Might end up the other way - there was a fairly large chunk of the Paul Lambert thread where people were panicking about what we'd do when Dortmund inevitably tried to pinch him off us!
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Come on. It's a loan deal in all but name.
The BIG difference is, Man City are paying US to have him on loan. 😂
I can't see Villa being up for developing players for other clubs, Purslow ruled that kind of thing out.
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I reckon there is zero chance he'd be joining us without the clause, if he leaves in a year then it will be because he's played well enough that the best side in the country want him. If they do trigger the clause then i'd imagine most will be disappointed but will be smart enough to realise that without the clause he wouldn't have been here in the first place rather than saying it was a shit deal we negotiated.
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And if he does leave next year, chances are he will have played well enough to help keep us up - and if we're still up, we'll be in a better position to replace him.
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I think if we just treat him as a loan player in our expectations, we won’t all be too despondent when he goes back. I fully expect this to be a short term but very useful acquisition.
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Come on. It's a loan deal in all but name.
The BIG difference is, Man City are paying US to have him on loan. 😂
I can't see Villa being up for developing players for other clubs, Purslow ruled that kind of thing out.
There are so many variables here: Rodri may have a fantastic season for Citeh, and other holding MF there may also raise their game; Guardiola may go before any option-to-buy is activated; Luiz may not actually do very well with us; we might pay Citeh more to remove the buyback option.
Who knows?
I'm going to enjoy having two Brazilian players playing for us next season.
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Come on. It's a loan deal in all but name.
The BIG difference is, Man City are paying US to have him on loan. 😂
I can't see Villa being up for developing players for other clubs, Purslow ruled that kind of thing out.
Is Marvelous his "understudy?"
If Man City do take him back we have got a ready made replacement who has had a season to get up to speed with what is required to seamlessly slot into the vacant DM position
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My point is none of us know the specific details of the clause. It’s all speculation. And secondly, if Jack or Trezeguet or AEG have a brilliant year then what’s to stop Man City it anyone else coming in for them?
No, you're right, but to give the example of Jack, we managed to stop him leaving last summer.
In the case of Luiz we would be contractually obliged to sell him, and at a price we'd agreed in advance with another club.
I am not massively shitting myself over this, I'd still buy the player, but to suggest it doesn't matter when it has a legally defined impact on our future is wide of the mark.
Let's agree to revisit this in 12 months time, and see if they've called him back, and see what peoples' reactions are.
Just to clarify my comment on whether it matters or not surrounded the fact that the deal is done and there’s just now an acceptance of what this deal is without knowing the specifics of it. So really it was me saying fuck it let’s enjoy him in a Villa kit and Jack and the rest for as long as we can. But it will be interesting to see this play out. Man City will want top players and if that means two years lighting it up for us then count me in.
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I'm not overly happy about the suggested recall clause, but:
- Man City have some amazing players, and will presumably continue to buy other amazing players. He's going to have be brilliant for us for them to want him back, and we'll have hopefully done very well on the back of him being that good.
- If they do call him back, we have a much better quality of squad now, and hopefully are now capable of attracting much better players. Him going back therefore shouldn't be the same hole that we'd have had if Greaslish had gone to Spurs last year., for example.
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What I take from the alleged buy back clause is that Pep is massively fucked off having lost a player he likes. So good for us for as long as we have him.
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I’m not particularly bothered by the buy back clause because if it’s activated it means he’s done well.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s good enough for city - just that he’s worth more than whatever the buy back price is. Look at frankfurt and Jovic. They buy him off benfica for a pre determined amount and sell him straight away to Madrid for a profit. That is probably the most likely outcome for DL I reckon. Either way, means he’s done decent for us assuming the buy back is >£15m (see Angelino for a low city buyback recently)
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I’m not particularly bothered by the buy back clause because if it’s activated it means he’s done well.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s good enough for city - just that he’s worth more than whatever the buy back price is. Look at frankfurt and Jovic. They buy him off benfica for a pre determined amount and sell him straight away to Madrid for a profit. That is probably the most likely outcome for DL I reckon. Either way, means he’s done decent for us assuming the buy back is >£15m (see Angelino for a low city buyback recently)
Yeah, but we're fucking loaded so we could just buy him at a higher price, without any clause.
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I’m not particularly bothered by the buy back clause because if it’s activated it means he’s done well.
However, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s good enough for city - just that he’s worth more than whatever the buy back price is. Look at frankfurt and Jovic. They buy him off benfica for a pre determined amount and sell him straight away to Madrid for a profit. That is probably the most likely outcome for DL I reckon. Either way, means he’s done decent for us assuming the buy back is >£15m (see Angelino for a low city buyback recently)
Yeah, but we're fucking loaded so we could just buy him at a higher price, without any clause.
City probably wouldn’t have sold him without one
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Yeah, but if like you say they buy him back to sell him on for more, I'm saying we could pay if we wanted to, and buy him outright.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. .
How do you know that?
Know what?
The control bit?
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Yeah, but if like you say they buy him back to sell him on for more, I'm saying we could pay if we wanted to, and buy him outright.
Valid. Maybe if he doesn’t quite make the City mustard we will negotiate to remove the clause and keep him ourselves.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. .
How do you know that?
Know what?
The control bit?
It’s contractual I would expect. But perhaps if he doesn’t want to go back or go back and be sold on he could object. But I’m sure he wouldn’t object unless we turn stellar. We certainly would be powerless
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In order to make our way to top spots in the league I think we have to accept that players who do well for us will attract interest from the current top clubs. We will lose some, as we always have. I doubt many of them had aspirations to play for Villa, it's just that we are in the Premier League again that we are an option. The key difference for me is that we now seem to have proper scouts and coaches who can replace them and actually build the squad, rather than let it be depleted. Buy low and young > sell for big money > re-invest and climb that league! I don't mean that to sound defeatist, but rather that we as a club are looking better prepared (if I'm allowed to say that word again) for all eventualities. About time.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. .
How do you know that?
Know what?
The control bit?
It’s contractual I would expect. But perhaps if he doesn’t want to go back or go back and be sold on he could object. But I’m sure he wouldn’t object unless we turn stellar. We certainly would be powerless
Correct. That’s what a buy out clause is. It gives the selling club the opportunity to buy back at some point if they wish. If Man City want him back, there’s nothing we can do to stop them activating the clause.
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If City activate the buyback clause, does it mean he has to go back there regardless of whether he wants to or not? You’d have to assume he probably would want to go back, as he’d likely be having a tilt at the champs league with City. But we might have a decent season and he may want to stay. What happens then?
We have no control. .
How do you know that?
Know what?
The control bit?
It’s contractual I would expect. But perhaps if he doesn’t want to go back or go back and be sold on he could object. But I’m sure he wouldn’t object unless we turn stellar. We certainly would be powerless
Correct. That’s what a buy out clause is. It gives the selling club the opportunity to buy back at some point if they wish. If Man City want him back, there’s nothing we can do to stop them activating the clause.
Well that all depends. On time-frame, numbers, what's actually in the deal, whether it's a buy back or first refusal job..
And given our other business recently, do you think we'll just have rolled over as easily as that?
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In the not too distant past yes, it would have been a question of us paying City £30m before sending him back.
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There’s surely going to be more clauses in the buy back clause that may be to our advantage. As an example, if Citeh activate the buy back clause in order to sell him on rather than keep him, and we wanted to keep him permanently, then it would be daft if we then became involved in a bidding war with other clubs so surely we’d also have a first refusal or option to buy out the buy out clause.
Another thing to consider is that Luiz can’t play for Citeh so his market value to them at the moment is significantly less than it should be. I don’t know how much they paid for him in the first place but they essentially have an asset that has a lower value because they can’t utilise it.
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Let's wait and see if he's any good. I'm an optoooooomist.
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I’d guess any clause is heavily in City’s favor if their recent similar examples are anything to go by.
On the upside, looks like we’re getting a very good player for a knock-down fee who would otherwise have probably been unobtainable. If ends up back at City in 12 months then he’ll have been pretty special for us.
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My point is none of us know the specific details of the clause. It’s all speculation. And secondly, if Jack or Trezeguet or AEG have a brilliant year then what’s to stop Man City it anyone else coming in for them?
No, you're right, but to give the example of Jack, we managed to stop him leaving last summer.
In the case of Luiz we would be contractually obliged to sell him, and at a price we'd agreed in advance with another club.
I am not massively shitting myself over this, I'd still buy the player, but to suggest it doesn't matter when it has a legally defined impact on our future is wide of the mark.
Let's agree to revisit this in 12 months time, and see if they've called him back, and see what peoples' reactions are.
They can't just pick all good players. Some common sense will prevail (oh the ignorance)
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I would imagine that Man City can not get around the permit rules by arranging a straight loan deal with a PL club, or they would have done that, possibly last season.
Obviously they see this as a way around the system.
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His work permit has been granted to villa rather Thant city because we can show that he is going to be a regular starter and will improve on the players already available in his position. If he goes back to City they have to say the sa
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Sorry.... have to be able to prove the same... I.e start ahead of de Bruyne and co.... tech fail b4 not used to posting from phone!!
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Sorry.... have to be able to prove the same... I.e start ahead of de Bruyne and co.... tech fail b4 not used to posting from phone!!
A phone up the Hope Valley, good grief DrGonzo, next thing you know they will have running water.
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Videos on twitter/IG today show Doug training........in Brazil.
https://twitter.com/astonforza/status/1156643414584254465?s=21
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Blimey, this seems to be a longer tail than anything Emmerdale has to offer.
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How come the work permit is taking so long?
I reckon this is our most important signing. I am starting to get a bit concerned.
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How come the work permit is taking so long?
I reckon this is our most important signing. I am starting to get a bit concerned.
This and Marvellous are the key transfers due to where they play on the pitch. No way can we go into the season with Hourihane in there, great though he was last season, this is a different level and he's not up to it.
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Have other teams been getting work permits more quickly? Established internationals at top fifty ranked nations should do automatically. Others shouldn't be getting pushed through before ours.
You'd think they might get extra staff in for the last couple of weeks of the transfer window.
I expect Hot Lips to start at Tottenham as these guys won't be ready.
Annoyingly, when we had a Villa fan as Home Secretary they still couldn't wait to fast-track Arshavin's application through and shaft us out of the top four.
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Probably down to lack of resources at the Home Office.....Tory austerity measures coming to the fore! Most civil service departments have suffered severe job cuts....thanks Theresa May and fuck-off!
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Videos on twitter/IG today show Doug training........in Brazil.
Just over visiting his mate Bolsonaro!
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Videos on twitter/IG today show Doug training........in Brazil.
Just over visiting his mate Bolsonaro!
:)
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May use Engels as a DM against Spurs.
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Videos on twitter/IG today show Doug training........in Brazil.
Just over visiting his mate Bolsonaro!
If he's mates with that homophobic bellend we can send him back to Man City!
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Neither him or Marvelous are starting against Spuds.
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Neither him or Marvelous are starting against Spuds.
One thing I understood at a very early age thanks to the Aston Villa News & Record was the team starting the first game looked completely different to the team that finished the season.
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Neither him or Marvelous are starting against Spuds.
I'm beginning to think the same. In order for either to start, they need a run out on Saturday and this is looking increasingly unlikely unless something goes through today.
I'm not comfortable with either Conor or Engels playing there. It's a key position against one of the best teams in Europe, away from home.
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Have other teams been getting work permits more quickly? Established internationals at top fifty ranked nations should do automatically. Others shouldn't be getting pushed through before ours.
You'd think they might get extra staff in for the last couple of weeks of the transfer window.
I expect Hot Lips to start at Tottenham as these guys won't be ready.
Annoyingly, when we had a Villa fan as Home Secretary they still couldn't wait to fast-track Arshavin's application through and shaft us out of the top four.
Seemed like we got Wesley's much quicker than this.
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Signed subject to work permit 13th June.
Completed signing 2nd July.
So nineteen days. How long have we beat waiting on Luiz, now?
Edit: it's only been seven days 😢
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Neither him or Marvelous are starting against Spuds.
Marvelous might be?
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I've had a vague feeling he might be plan B, insurance against Doug not getting a permit.
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I don't understand why we'd parade him on the Official Site if it isn't fully completed.
Surely it gets everyone's hopes up?
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Home Office probably busy with WP's with the deadline next Thursday. Wesley's took over two weeks. Also, don't forget this is a Government run department, so bound to be inefficient and lacking resource.
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
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Good news on Doug's WP. Imagine midfield will be Jack, SJM and Doug.
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
That's Dean's H&V honeymoon period over. ;)
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
Oh Deano. What have you done!
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Was Douglas at training today? Deano said he would be in Germany with the squad. WP apparently sorted.
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
As an honorary South Wallian, who's visited a few Con Clubs down there, I can assure you that most attendees are there for the price of the beer - not to vote for the Greedy, Toxic Tossers' Party!
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Given he was apparently in Brazil(?) yesterday according to his social media, you'd think that training or being involved in the game after a 6,000 mile trip to Germany probably won't happen...
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Players often have to do that though.
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
As an honorary South Wallian, who's visited a few Con Clubs down there, I can assure you that most attendees are there for the price of the beer - not to vote for the Greedy, Toxic Tossers' Party!
Your beer money's funding the pricks. Form a WMC!
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Some on VT claiming that Dean did some sort of Q and A tonight and said that the WP for Douglas is sorted and he will be in Germany for the game. No clue where this Q and A took place though.
It was at the Conservative club in Great Barr
Oh Deano. What have you done!
His uncle runs it.
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good for him, I love a discounted pint of Doombar, me.
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Why do WMCs always sell doom bar? Not complaining, I like it and I love my local one. Part sports bar part Phoenix nights cabaret club, £10 a year, can’t go wrong.
Our local is ruled by a squad of butch matriarchs who dish out rough justice. Best memory is some piss head being made clean up his own sick in the bogs when he could barely stand up or talk.
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When I was very young my parents rented a friend's house in Cadgwith, Cornwall, three times a year and I'm still going back there now. The local pub serves Doombar and the first thing our friends do when they come down with us is to down a couple of pints before unpacking.
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His personal trainer has said that Luiz will be in the UK on Monday. Looks like everything cleared.
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Why do WMCs always sell doom bar? Not complaining, I like it and I love my local one. Part sports bar part Phoenix nights cabaret club, £10 a year, can’t go wrong.
Our local is ruled by a squad of butch matriarchs who dish out rough justice. Best memory is some piss head being made clean up his own sick in the bogs when he could barely stand up or talk.
It's the ale version of Carling, cheap and nasty and everywhere.
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Why do WMCs always sell doom bar? Not complaining, I like it and I love my local one. Part sports bar part Phoenix nights cabaret club, £10 a year, can’t go wrong.
Our local is ruled by a squad of butch matriarchs who dish out rough justice. Best memory is some piss head being made clean up his own sick in the bogs when he could barely stand up or talk.
It's the ale version of Carling, cheap and nasty and everywhere.
This is correct. It tastes like somebody has marinated a pack of digestive biscuits in dishwater overnight.
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His personal trainer has said that Luiz will be in the UK on Monday. Looks like everything cleared.
At last, where did you hear that?
He'll be massively important for us this year!
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Must admit I don’t mind it. It’s insipid but drinkable after a game of 5 aside when I’m gasping and, admittedly, senses are compromised. The alternative is actual carling as well.
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His personal trainer has said that Luiz will be in the UK on Monday. Looks like everything cleared.
At last, where did you hear that?
He'll be massively important for us this year!
Here you go (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/03/15m-aston-villa-signing-douglas-luiz-set/)
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His personal trainer has said that Luiz will be in the UK on Monday. Looks like everything cleared.
At last, where did you hear that?
He'll be massively important for us this year!
Here you go (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/03/15m-aston-villa-signing-douglas-luiz-set/)
Looks promising for Monday! A Manchester City grade player in our team! Hopefully he can get up to speed quickly. A long drawn out process but worth it. A pivotal signing!
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His personal trainer has said that Luiz will be in the UK on Monday. Looks like everything cleared.
At last, where did you hear that?
He'll be massively important for us this year!
Here you go (https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/03/15m-aston-villa-signing-douglas-luiz-set/)
My real identity unmasked. That’s my Instagram that asked Luiz’s trainer
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That muppet Jack Woodward interviewed Deano for nearly 10 minutes (on Youtube) and failed to ask about Douglas and his WP situation. Deano did mention him when he went through the list of recruitments, but didn't mention any update on his whereabouts. I think things are probably ok but there's still a slight nagging doubt. This is such an important signing. A Man City grade player in our team! (Hopefully)
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Hmmm but how is his name pronounced?
I keep thinking it should be Lew-itz, but could be Lew-izz, or Lew-iss...
Does anyone know?
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Douglas Louise, is how it's said, apparently.
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So if he was supposed to be here by Monday...........
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Are we fining him already for being late?!
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Douglas Louise, is how it's said, apparently.
Cheers.
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But does he actually exist?
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Is he a relative of Juninho? Have a horrible feeling he will suddenly surface at Boro
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His gates are stuck....
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His gates are stuck....
haha. Maybe the work permit was for someone to come over and oil them.
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Where's Doug?
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Can we remove the "confirmed" from the thread title until he actually is, please?
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good idea - I suppose if it doesn't come off it's another £15m towards someone else, now or in January
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I’d still be surprised if it doesn’t happen. Pravda covering it etc.
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If the club confirmed it why is it not confirmed?
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Because it was only "confirmed" subject to a work permit and international clearance.
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Douglas Louise, is how it's said, apparently.
Cheers.
You can call him Mary-Jo if it makes you happy.
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No mention of him in any of DS's interviews, no sign of him in any training photos, nothing at all beyond his trainer saying he was over here yesterday - all that, plus his previous struggles to get a work permit is starting to worry me.
This, IMHO, is our best and most important signing this close season.
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No mention of him in any of DS's interviews..
Deano mentioned him as though he was already signed.*
*Bring back Doug.
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The team photo on Friday will be interesting - there will either be a Photoshop of him in the picture or one of those insert shots of his head and shoulders ( no not a bottle of shampoo) tagged on the end of photo like they used to feature in Shoot or Charles Buchan football magazines ........for younger posters ask yer grandad :)
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the marketing department are working on a Spot the Doug competition.
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No mention of him in any of DS's interviews..
Deano mentioned him as though he was already signed.*
*Bring back Doug.
Yes, he mentioned Doug as signed in the interview yesterday - I wish Jack Woodward would've asked Deano for an update in that interview! Muppet Jack!
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Am I right in thinking he can't play on Saturday anyway? If so, there's no rush. I'm sure whatever needs to be sorted will be.
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Am I right in thinking he can't play on Saturday anyway? If so, there's no rush. I'm sure whatever needs to be sorted will be.
Why not? He's unlikely to play even if things are sorted because of a lack of training with the squad and potential jet lag but I don't see why he couldn't.
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Just something I read somewhere or someone mentioned it, I forget which but I may be wrong.
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No mention of him in any of DS's interviews..
Deano mentioned him as though he was already signed.*
*Bring back Doug.
He did.
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He has already signed hasn’t he? It’s the work permit that’s the issue.
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He has already signed hasn’t he? It’s the work permit that’s the issue.
I suppose Wesley's WP took nearly 3 weeks, but the fact that this deal was first mentioned on 12th July and he still isn't training with the squad is still a concern nearly a month later. Not the best preparation with the kick-off only days away.
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Yeah, it's a shame he hasn't been able to train or take part in preseason. You'd think they would have extra staff on for the last week before the deadline, at least.
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Yeah, it's a shame he hasn't been able to train or take part in preseason. You'd think they would have extra staff on for the last week before the deadline, at least.
Tory austerity.
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Yeah, it's a shame he hasn't been able to train or take part in preseason. You'd think they would have extra staff on for the last week before the deadline, at least.
Why should they go out of their way to help the football industry, though? I am sure they're overloaded as it is, work-wise.
I doubt that's the problem, though, as other players have got theirs. My worry is that we're having trouble actually getting it.
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Yeah, it's a shame he hasn't been able to train or take part in preseason. You'd think they would have extra staff on for the last week before the deadline, at least.
Tory austerity.
More likely, I agree
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I am totally relaxed in the knowledge that this government has a truly amazing and unblemished immigration record.
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I am totally relaxed in the knowledge that this government has a truly amazing and unblemished immigration record.
Hopefully he will arrive by plane, and not by boat.
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Yeah, it's a shame he hasn't been able to train or take part in preseason. You'd think they would have extra staff on for the last week before the deadline, at least.
Why should they go out of their way to help the football industry, though? I am sure they're overloaded as it is, work-wise.
I doubt that's the problem, though, as other players have got theirs. My worry is that we're having trouble actually getting it.
Either way, they need to get a fucking move on.
I will less than amused if they turn down his application five minutes before the deadline expires, too late for us to sign that Leeds bloke or anyone else.
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Maybe Man City know more about his WP issues - I realise that he is more likely to get a regular place in the team at Villa than Citeh but it seems odd that someone so apparently well thought of isn't in their squad this season - if Citeh had issues with the WP why did we surmise we could overcome any stumbling blocks ?
From limited footage the guy looks decent and I still hope he comes to us but he will be at least one month behind our squad in terms of fitness and team building - possibly one for January now
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We thought we would be able to get a work permit while they couldn't because one of the criteria is that he must be among the top x% of wage earners at the club, which is going to be a lot easier at Villa than at Man City. If it comes down to the club having to plead their case, we would also be more able to demonstrate that he is likely to have a significant first team role.
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Why can't the club issue some sort of update instead of all this speculation? He was supposedly arriving from Brazil yesterday? Something doesn't feel right with this deal.
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Can anyone translate this? Assume visto is a work permit?
https://globoesporte.globo.com/google/amp/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-ingles/noticia/finalmente-com-visto-douglas-luiz-viaja-para-se-apresentar-em-definitivo-ao-aston-villa.ghtml
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According to Google Translate...
Finally with a visa, Douglas Luiz travels to perform at Aston Villa
Brazilian midfielder met technical committee in the United States, but did not train with the cast
There were 24 days of waiting since the confirmation of the hit. Hired by Aston Villa from Machester City for £ 15 million, Douglas Luiz had to wait until Monday for a work visa that will allow him to play English football. The trip from Rio de Janeiro to Birmingham will be on Tuesday night.
Douglas had medical examinations and reported to the Aston Villa coaching staff during the team's preseason in Minessota, USA, but did not even train with the cast. The group spent a week in the city and returned to England, while the steering wheel returned to Rio de Janeiro.
Douglas is released to defend Aston Villa - Photo: Press Release
In his hometown, Douglas kept fit by training on his own with the help of a personal trainer, but without any specific guidance from Aston Villa.
He believes he would be able to play for at least 45 minutes in the Premier League opening game on Saturday against Tottenham. But the immediate debut is very unlikely. Having not participated in the preseason and none of the four friendly matches played so far, the Brazilian is behind his teammates in the question of intermingling.
Despite the delay, visa issuance was received with relief. That's because the UK work permit was denied last season by the Football Association (FA) when Pep Guardiola wanted to bring him back from the Girona loan.
This time, the release to play in England was seen as much more likely because, at Aston Villa, Douglas is theoretically much more likely to become a starter than in the starring City squad.
Douglas is one of 12 reinforcements announced by the Villains to date. After three years in the second tier, the club has spent more than £ 120 million aiming to stay in the elite - the transfer window closes on Thursday. The biggest investment was striker Wesley Moraes, who was at Club Brugges in Belgium.
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Can anyone translate this? Assume visto is a work permit?
https://globoesporte.globo.com/google/amp/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-ingles/noticia/finalmente-com-visto-douglas-luiz-viaja-para-se-apresentar-em-definitivo-ao-aston-villa.ghtml
He was still in Brazil earlier today for sure. A night flight over is certainly looking likely. I’d trust the local news report. (It basically says he was granted his WP yesterday and flying to UK tonight)
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Can anyone translate this? Assume visto is a work permit?
https://globoesporte.globo.com/google/amp/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-ingles/noticia/finalmente-com-visto-douglas-luiz-viaja-para-se-apresentar-em-definitivo-ao-aston-villa.ghtml
Here you go (https://globoesporte.globo.com/google/amp/futebol/futebol-internacional/futebol-ingles/noticia/finalmente-com-visto-douglas-luiz-viaja-para-se-apresentar-em-definitivo-ao-aston-villa.ghtml)
Sorry it didn't work but I see someone else managed to do it.
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It will be fine. Relax everyone. He will make his first appearance in the home game vs Bournemouth. Of that I am sure.
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Visa granted!
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Excellent.
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Great stuff. Potentially the most important signing we have made.
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On his way ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍
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I bloody hope this is true! Won't believe it until he's pictured training at Bodymoor Heath.
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Excellent news...hopefully he gets his steering wheel through UK customs too.
Stick him on the bench for Spurs and give him a few minutes once we are 3-up.
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As the other Doug would have said it’s like a new signing
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According to Google Translate...
Despite the delay, visa issuance was received with relief as Dougas believes the women in Brum are more attractive then in Rio.
Pretty good translation, just missed out a bit.
His surname is, as posted earlier, pronounced louISE with the emphasis on the second syllable, or in a Rio accent, lu-EESH.
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We thought we would be able to get a work permit while they couldn't because one of the criteria is that he must be among the top x% of wage earners at the club, which is going to be a lot easier at Villa than at Man City. If it comes down to the club having to plead their case, we would also be more able to demonstrate that he is likely to. Have a significant first team role.
thanks for the explanation - seems clearer now
Also looks like he is on his way ...good news if he is
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Is a visa the same as a WP?
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Must be I reckon.
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According to Google Translate...
Despite the delay, visa issuance was received with relief as Dougas believes the women in Brum are more attractive then in Rio.
Pretty good translation, just missed out a bit.
They are where I go.
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Is a visa the same as a WP?
Visa is the global term for permission to enter the recipient state. Work Permit is the specific type of visa.
If you enter the US to go on holiday by way of example, then they'll staple a tourist visa into your passport. Youd need a green card (work permit) to work there legally.
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Great news, we now have a really classy midfield and plenty of options.
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Getting ready for the UK.
https://twitter.com/prsgame/status/1158853403629502466?s=21
I honestly think this bloke is (going to be) the real deal.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if he got some minutes on Saturday regardless of the fact he will only have been here a few days.
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Is a visa the same as a WP?
Visa is the global term for permission to enter the recipient state. Work Permit is the specific type of visa.
If you enter the US to go on holiday by way of example, then they'll staple a tourist visa into your passport. Youd need a green card (work permit) to work there legally.
Cheers Ads. Sorry if I’m being thick. So this specific visa will allow him to work?
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Getting ready for the UK.
https://twitter.com/prsgame/status/1158853403629502466?s=21 (https://twitter.com/prsgame/status/1158853403629502466?s=21)
I honestly think this bloke is (going to be) the real deal.
I really wouldn’t be surprised if he got some minutes on Saturday regardless of the fact he will only have been here a few days.
I agree, give it a couple of months and I think he'll be a massive part of the team. From everything I've seen he's got the makings of a world class deep playmaker.
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Yes so for example when I worked in the US I had to first qualify for VISA and the specific VISA provided me with a permit to work for the company that applied for the VISA on my behalf. So in this instance he can enter the UK to work for Villa. If we sold he would have to go through the process again.
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Jack, SJM and Luiz is going to be quite some midfield...flanked by 2 wingers and Big Wes up front. Any one getting excited yet?! 😁
On a side note, when was the last time we had a midfield unit looking this strong?
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Is a visa the same as a WP?
In this case "visto de trabalho" refers to a work permit. Brazilians don't need a Visa to enter the UK (at least not until Oct. 31).
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Jack, SJM and Luiz is going to be quite some midfield...flanked by 2 wingers and Big Wes up front. Any one getting excited yet?! 😁
On a side note, when was the last time we had a midfield unit looking this strong?
I really having to work hard at keeping my feet on the ground. I keep reminding myself it'll be a struggle first season back but I look at the squad and think we can really do something.
Last time we had a midfield so strong, Barry, Petrov, Milner era?
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Popped up on my FB. Is this him and is this BHX?
(https://i.ibb.co/0mqhVFg/A00-F2643-A04-B-4542-B0-D3-3-FEED9-EA91-B3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0mqhVFg)
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It does remind me of the start of 09/10... but I can’t help remembering what came after.
Key for me is what happens next summer. If the owners stick another big sum in the transfer kitty, I’ll start getting excited.
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On his way ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍
There is a worrying amount of emoji usage creeping onto H&V. I hope it doesn't catch on.
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On his way ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍
There is a worrying amount of emoji usage creeping onto H&V. I hope it doesn't catch on.
👏
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Ok, wait for it:
La-la-la-la, lalalalalala
Luiz
Luiz
to the tune of:
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Song gets my thumbs up!
Excited that we've added the Brazil under 23 captain to the spine of the team. What with Heaton, Tyrone, Luiz, Jack (and SJM) I think the spine of the team is looking just grand.
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presumably a few weeks before he's up to speed and match fit?
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I won't be expecting him or Marvelous to be starting the next few games. They won't be up on fitness to the same level as the rest of the squad as neither had a pre-season, also they need to settle and mix and build up relationships with the rest of the squad. Maybe even learn Chester's name ;D
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Marvelous was at the Afcon. He only had two weeks off. I would imagine he might need honing to the higher tempo that is the premier league but he has been playing and training. The honing element will also relate to Wesley, Engels et al.
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Does anyone know how long Luiz's last competitive game was?
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Does anyone know how long Luiz's last competitive game was?
I so resisted saying 'about ninety minutes'! :D
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12th May was his last match for Girona in La Liga.
He also played, and won Player of the Tournament, for Brazil under-22's in the Toulon Tournament. He played and scored in their shootout victory in the Final on 15th June.
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Does anyone know how long Luiz's last competitive game was?
I so resisted saying 'about ninety minutes'! :D
Hahaha!
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12th May was his last match for Girona in La Liga.
He also played, and won Player of the Tournament, for Brazil under-22's in the Toulon Tournament. He played a full 120 minutes and scored in the shootout in the Final on 15th June.
Cheers :-) So he's had roughly 7 weeks with out a competitive match which would probably suggest he won't feature for a bit.
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12th May was his last match for Girona in La Liga.
He also played, and won Player of the Tournament, for Brazil under-22's in the Toulon Tournament. He played a full 120 minutes and scored in the shootout in the Final on 15th June.
Cheers :-) So he's had roughly 7 weeks with out a competitive match which would probably suggest he won't feature for a bit.
I'm not sure, he looks like he's been doing a lot of work on his fitness over the last few weeks so I think the problem with putting him into the squad is more familiarity with the team than fitness. The match sharpness will only come from game time anyway and, regardless of pre-season, a lot of players across the league will be short on that. He probably won't be involved against spurs but I suspect he'll play a part against Bournemouth.
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Do we know for sure that the Work Permit has been approved, or is it still just based on those reports from Brazil ?
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Nearly had a panic attack reading the SSN ticker...then realised they were talking about that David Luiz twat at Chelsea trying to force a move to Arsenal!
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All done officially
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1159146089225838592?s=20
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBYdMolXUAApKPL?format=jpg&name=medium)
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Phew !
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
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Great news to have it confirmed. I think this is the player that excites most of us so let's hope he loves up to the expectations. Like others I am concerned about whether we have enough goals but I think this guy will help provide the right springboard for others to score more.
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Awesome, superb, excellent and lots of other good words!
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Phew !
Beat me to it - great news at last!!
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
?
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Wrong thread
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
?
That will stop him panicking for all of five minutes hopefully.
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Ignore this reply to Andy! 🙈
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That is a solid shirt stretch.
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Double confirmed, not as good as double secret probation but it will do.
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
?
That will stop him panicking for all of five minutes hopefully.
Just get off my case ! Sick of your sarcasm
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I'm looking forward to seeing him play if he starts on Saturday.
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
?
That will stop him panicking for all of five minutes hopefully.
Just get off my case ! Sick of your sarcasm
Maybe not acting like a big girls blouse whenever the club don't do anything for three days would have helped. Thank god the window is closed tomorrow.
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
?
That will stop him panicking for all of five minutes hopefully.
Just get off my case ! Sick of your sarcasm
Maybe not acting like a big girls blouse whenever the club don't do anything for three days would have helped. Thank god the window is closed tomorrow.
As I said get off my case! No need for the insults.
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I think this is the player that excites most of us so let's hope he loves up to the expectations.
He’s a good looking lad but I’m not sure he excites me in that way.
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Brilliant stuff. Could be a superstar.
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I think this is the player that excites most of us so let's hope he loves up to the expectations.
He’s a good looking lad but I’m not sure he excites me in that way.
I don’t even think you’re trying. :'(
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Surprised that there's nothing about Douglas reportedly being granted his Work Permit on the Official Website? If true, you'd think they'd want to announce it?
They have announced it. Picture a few posts up from yours is the picture from the announcement.
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It states he is now able to train with squad so one can assume it's been granted if he is allowed to take up gainful employment
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I doubt we'll ever see another Villa signing turning up with those earrings. Not sure what Ron Saunders would think, nevermind Frank Barson.
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Are they earrings or hair? I spend a good 5 minutes trying to figure that out earlier.
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I won't believe he's signed until there's a third "confirmed" in the thread title.
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Do his earrings beat Jean Makoun’s white jeans?
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Do his earrings beat Jean Makoun’s white jeans?
Yes, but not his jumper.
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How could we forget that jumper :o
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That diamond pattern pullover was a thing of true beauty.
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I’ve had a very good look and I think what we can see is both earrings and hair.
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I would love it if Deano just threw him in on Saturday.
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I would love it if Deano just threw him in on Saturday.
Same here. Disruption can be a wonderful thing.
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I would love it if Deano just threw him in on Saturday.
Same here. Disruption can be a wonderful thing.
And yet, when you're tested in the white heat of battle, you're all "put your shirt back on. You're embarrassing yourself." Unbelievable.
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Lovely picture of Tom Heaton's dad and Doug
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBYqugEXYAALKGe?format=jpg&name=large)
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Hang on, is there any description of what his permit/visa entails? Until we have that, and where he's staying, what his squad number is and stuff we shouldn't be double confirming surely?
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That’s when the triple confirmation happens.
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Hang on, is there any description of what his permit/visa entails? Until we have that, and where he's staying, what his squad number is and stuff we shouldn't be double confirming surely?
”Calling Eastie to the Luuiiiizzzze thread ...”
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You'd think the club would have wanted to put up a picture of the work permit wouldn't you?
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You'd think the club would have wanted to put up a picture of the work permit wouldn't you?
It’s on display at Bodymoor reception. You can take your own immigration lawyer to inspect it with you.
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You'd think the club would have wanted to put up a picture of the work permit wouldn't you?
It’s on display at Bodymoor reception. You can take your own immigration lawyer to inspect it with you.
Haha!
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I would love it if Deano just threw him in on Saturday.
Same here. Disruption can be a wonderful thing.
And yet, when you're tested in the white heat of battle, you're all "put your shirt back on. You're embarrassing yourself." Unbelievable.
Ha! I just about forgive you, Captain Caveman.
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Do his earrings beat Jean Makoun’s white jeans?
Yes, but not his jumper.
(https://i.ibb.co/CsN00wN/gettyimages-108053237-2048x2048.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CsN00wN)
Sadly couldn't find one showing his jeans off too. Strong jumper but not quite as strong a top stretch as our Douglas.
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Smith: “Dougie has trained. He’s fit. He has had 15 or 16 training sessions over in Brazil, too. We had issues getting his passport. He has his work permit now. He looks every bit the quality player that we wanted to see in the first training session.”
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Unleash the <<insert cool nickname here>>.
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Feed the Doug and he will score.
Only really works in a Scottish accent.
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you mean in a 'feed the goat and he will score' manc type of way?
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He's going to be a cult hero.
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He's going to be a cult hero.
I've never seen a Brazilian in the flesh so he might well become a kind of cu*t hero :)
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He's going to be a cult hero.
I've never seen a Brazilian in the flesh so he might well become a kind of cu*t hero :)
Tut tut, naughty boy! lol
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Looks like he'll be missing for the month of January as he's been invited to represent Brazil in their Olympic qualification games, the CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament in Colombia. Game are from the 15 Jan to Feb 2nd.
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Didn't see it today but sounds like he grew into the game and did well so at least that's a positive to take from today.
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Fantastic goal today, and some lovely passes.
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Did well after his fuck up, dummying the ball where he did was crazy but looked good once he settled down.
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With a few more games he'll be a big asset. Looks classy on the ball. Shame about the aberration when he did that step over. Will get much better - shame he missed all the friendlies due to the work permit and passport issues.
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With a few more games he'll be a big asset. Looks classy on the ball. Shame about the aberration when he did that step over. Will get much better - shame he missed all the friendlies due to the work permit and passport issues.
Think that's one of the frustrations of transfer window, DM key position for us yet the two we signed we couldn't get involved from start of pre season.
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Grew into the game after his fuck up. He has a strange knack of looking like he’s about to fuck up again but recovers. Looked strong and distributed the ball. Shame he doesn’t have much in front of him to pass to. Also an excellent goal on his home debut.
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Will get better and better. Unfortunately I expect Man City to exercise their buyback clause in the summer!
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It's funny because during the shooting drill during warm up half hour before the game I was watching him and his shooting was horrendous, I said to the bloke next to me he's definetely a defensive midfielder aint he looking at these shots lol
Maybe it was a total one off strike maybe not, time will tell.
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The most exciting thing about him, apart from his wondergoal, was how he is so comfortable bring the ball forward. First half he played the defensive role given, linking up play but later in the game he picked up the ball and charged forward. Those type of runs will see us well over the season.
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Grew into the game after his fuck up. He has a strange knack of looking like he’s about to fuck up again but recovers. Looked strong and distributed the ball. Shame he doesn’t have much in front of him to pass to. Also an excellent goal on his home debut.
Didn't see it today but sounds like he grew into the game and did well so at least that's a positive to take from today.
Thought he was awful for the first 20 mins then was ok for the rest of the first half.
Had a very good second half.
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Will get better and better. Unfortunately I expect Man City to exercise their buyback clause in the summer!
They won’t get a work permit unless they offer a shitload of money. He needs to be one of their main players. He’s a big talent.
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He won’t go back to city for at least two years
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The technique for the goal was outrageous. Is he one that's really going to look best in a more advanced midfield position than defensive though, maybe the pace and hussle of the PL might be a bit more than he's used to? I suppose like Wesley it'll be something he'll get used to and learn to adapt to but I'm sure he'll be more than useful as an attacking force right from the off.
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Technique and comfortable on the ball in tight areas, while not yet at Man Citys desired level, I can see why Guadiola saw something in him.
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Stunning strike and he looked absolutely delighted when it flew into the back of the net...may be a bit of release from his earlier fuck up thrown in for good measure.
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Stunning strike and he looked absolutely delighted when it flew into the back of the net...may be a bit of release from his earlier fuck up thrown in for good measure.
Yes, liked the way he tried to urge the crowd on afterwards, certainly must have helped him get over a costly mistake.
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One of those rare occasions where the crowd urging a player to "shoooooot" ends with it nestling in the net. Awful mistake for their second but he was very good after that. So comfortable on the ball.
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Very excited about Douglas, a flawed home debut but there's just so much to work with. Appears to be very economical with his movement off the ball, might like to see a little more urgency when required but watching him flourish over season is something I'm looking forward to.
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Douglas, Engels and Trez have all really impressed me so far. Douglas impressed me the most.
Calm with a great eye for a pass and looks like he has time on the ball. Good player.
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He was a bit too calm at times today. Similar to Jack last week, he seemed to think he had more time on the ball than he had, and he got away with a few today. I’m sure he’ll learn quickly though and be more aware of what players (theirs and his team mates) are around him.
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Very excited about Douglas, a flawed home debut but there's just so much to work with. Appears to be very economical with his movement off the ball, might like to see a little more urgency when required but watching him flourish over season is something I'm looking forward to.
I noticed that too. He literally didn't appear to break sweat. He looks very composed and I'm sure will grow to become the real deal. Love than he's obviously bought in to the team and club culture, his Twitter comment last night is a credit not only to him but what's being created at Villa Park. He's loving it.
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Douglas was very good considering he's had no pre-season matches, work permit issues and only arrived in the UK 11 days ago. He'll only get better. A class act.
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Very excited about Douglas, a flawed home debut but there's just so much to work with. Appears to be very economical with his movement off the ball, might like to see a little more urgency when required but watching him flourish over season is something I'm looking forward to.
I noticed that too. He literally didn't appear to break sweat. He looks very composed and I'm sure will grow to become the real deal. Love than he's obviously bought in to the team and club culture, his Twitter comment last night is a credit not only to him but what's being created at Villa Park. He's loving it.
To save others:
@dg_douglas12
Que orgulho de estar nesse grande clube! Que clima, que vibração, que torcida!
Infelizmente não foi o resultado que queríamos, mas pode ter certeza que vamos batalhar bastante, os resultados positivos vão aparecer! #AVFC #Dg6⚽️
=
What a pride to be in this great club! What a weather, what a vibe, what a cheer! Unfortunately it was not the result we wanted, but you can be sure that we will battle hard, the positive results will appear! #AVFC#Dg6⚽️
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This is a translation posted by Portuguese-speaking sports journalist Bruna Reis (@BrunaSportsJour:
#DouglasLuiz: “Proud to be part of this huge club. What an atmosphere, what a vibe and what amazing fans. Unfortunately it wasn’t the result we wanted but know we will battle hard and the positive results will show!” #AVFC
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Very excited about Douglas, a flawed home debut but there's just so much to work with. Appears to be very economical with his movement off the ball, might like to see a little more urgency when required but watching him flourish over season is something I'm looking forward to.
I noticed that too. He literally didn't appear to break sweat. He looks very composed and I'm sure will grow to become the real deal. Love than he's obviously bought in to the team and club culture, his Twitter comment last night is a credit not only to him but what's being created at Villa Park. He's loving it.
To save others:
@dg_douglas12
Que orgulho de estar nesse grande clube! Que clima, que vibração, que torcida!
Infelizmente não foi o resultado que queríamos, mas pode ter certeza que vamos batalhar bastante, os resultados positivos vão aparecer! #AVFC #Dg6⚽️
=
What a pride to be in this great club! What a weather, what a vibe, what a cheer! Unfortunately it was not the result we wanted, but you can be sure that we will battle hard, the positive results will appear! #AVFC#Dg6⚽️
I wouldn't get used to the weather, it's going to be shit 90% of the time :-)
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His hair looks even lovelier in real life.
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His goal was judged European goal of the weekend on Channel 3's "goals goals goals" tonight over here.
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His goal was judged European goal of the weekend on Channel 3's "goals goals goals" tonight over here.
He loved scoring it too, he was well chuffed.
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He won't get man of the match and doesn't appear much in the highlights packages, but I thought he was excellent tonight and he makes just an enormous difference to all of our play. Off the ball he's snappy without being reckless about his position, he's clever with his anticipation and gives nobody space; on the ball, calm, starts attacks, great at manipulating they opponent's press with his movement and almost never gives it away. Andre Gomes was poor in part because Doug and SJM have him zero time and space. I think we've got a real player here.
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Am still not convinced he is okay but for me hasn’t got me he villa factor yet. - not physically strong enough is my concern. Okay for a wide player but not for someone playing in a he middle
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Think he is an absolutely quality player who will develop and contribute more in the coming months.
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Am still not convinced he is okay but for me hasn’t got me he villa factor yet. - not physically strong enough is my concern. Okay for a wide player but not for someone playing in a he middle
He's only been the country three weeks, so not really surprising he's not yet up to scratch. He will be though. Nakamba too.
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Am still not convinced he is okay but for me hasn’t got me he villa factor yet. - not physically strong enough is my concern. Okay for a wide player but not for someone playing in a he middle
Give the guy time. He's played no pre-season matches and has been over here five minutes. You can see the quality is there, it'll take a few matches for him to be fully up to speed.
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He's a class act. Technically excellent, gliding around the pitch. I think every Villa fan will be madly in love with this chap by the end of the season.
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He never gets knocked off the ball and looks a real player in possession.
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No doubt Luiz is class. He already provides a shield for our back 5, and we’d be a much weaker team without him. As with the rest of the team, he’s only going to get better the more games we have and he’s clearly a step up in quality from Conor or Whelan in the same position (although we do miss Conor on set pieces).
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Yeah, always looked assured on the ball. Will only get better and better.
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He’ll be superb.
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You all better be right. I trust you
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He'll be fine
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A class act.
His name should be Dennis. Not Douglas.
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How well we do this season largely depend on Douggie and Wes as we have like for like in all other positions
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He's an extremely important player for us, in that position.
I think he'll turn out to be a great signing.
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I think he had a good game on Friday, speedy and nipping at the opposition whenever they had the ball, looked far more comfortable.
I think he’s the type of midfield player we have lacked for a good few seasons now.
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Looks very, very good
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Am still not convinced he is okay but for me hasn’t got me he villa factor yet. - not physically strong enough is my concern. Okay for a wide player but not for someone playing in a he middle
Blimey, opinions are fine; rabid neurosis less so.
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Since Makelele / Viera / Keane, this position has been vital in Premier a league football. Think how vital Kante was for Leicester etc. This lad will get better and better when he gets to grips with the pace of the game. Ability wise, he certainly has ‘it’.
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He doesn’t score tap ins does he? Outstanding goal again today.
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Nice position to come on as a sub, but thought he looked good today when he came on and scored a great goal.
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He doesn’t score tap ins does he? Outstanding goal again today.
Nope, exclusively thunderbastards.
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Left out, some would say harshly, after the international break. Sees Marvelous play well, Hourihane get a goal... comes on and has to show why he should be playing.
God bless strength in depth!
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Having decent strength in depth and good substitute options is definitely very important across the season.
Also, must be remembered that we have quite a few players that are young, new to the league and/or country and being in a position to bed them in slowly and not having to rush them is probably helpful. Added bonus if we can bring them into a team that is doing well of course.
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Reminds me of when Lee Hendrie had that six week patch of scoring 3-4 goal of the month shots from 25 yards into top corner.
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It's not bad having two players who can hit a ball as sweetly as they do, in Hourihane and Luiz, is it?
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Doug should be starting for me. Looks like a very good player.
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We have great competition, but think he is going to be a class act.
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Its great finally having depth in midfield now, he'll end up playing more and more. Once he's fully up to speed, him and marvellous are gonna be a hell of a pairing.
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Its great finally having depth in midfield now, he'll end up playing more and more. Once he's fully up to speed, him and marvellous are gonna be a hell of a pairing.
I agree and the three above them will move as they wish. SJM and Jack for sure but think Trezuguet will compete with El Ghazi, but brilliant we have such talent
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He has real quality about him.
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Luiz, Nakamba, McGinn with Hourihane alternating could be our midfield for years, I much prefer Jack further forward as in the last two games.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
It was. If you see it in slo mo the GK is miles away, he never had a chance. Great strike
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
It was. If you see it in slo mo the GK is miles away, he never had a chance. Great strike
It was a goal of casual brilliance. A statement of 'I am good and I know it'. It was like somebody showing off in a training session. I like him.
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Reminds me of when Lee Hendrie had that six week patch of scoring 3-4 goal of the month shots from 25 yards into top corner.
15 years ago to the month. Pearler against Palace at VP even if it was against the pyjama goalie; Highbury where he scores at the Clock End before running the length of the pitch to celebrate with the Villa fans (à la Savo at Blackburn in '95), an absolute pearler at Goodison and then a confident and classy finish in the rain against Fulham at home.
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Didn’t their keeper drop his hand mid dive because he knew he was beat?
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Luiz, Nakamba, McGinn with Hourihane alternating could be our midfield for years, I much prefer Jack further forward as in the last two games.
Agree with that Luke. I think the 4-2-3-1 formation could really work for us going forward. McGinn has been really good in a more advanced role in the last couple of games and I can see the midfield below really taking shape:
Douglas Nakamba
McGinn
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Only just seen some of the highlights from today’s game (currently in Mexico), and another excellent goal today. Did he start the game or come on as sub?
Also don’t think it’s been mentioned, but when did Luiz have his dreads cut off?
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
It's something I'd like to see Jack do more of, technically. The last few shots JG has had from outside the box, he's tried to smash the ball by striking through it to get more power and swerve. He's so skilled and composed, I feel it'd be more effective to try and curl and place the ball ala Luiz.
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The great thing is as good as Luiz is (and he's brilliant) is that everyone is stepping up. Marvellous and Conor have stepped up in the past couple of games.
I think given the competition for lots of positions we are going to get better this season.
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Only just seen some of the highlights from today’s game (currently in Mexico), and another excellent goal today. Did he start the game or come on as sub?
Also don’t think it’s been mentioned, but when did Luiz have his dreads cut off?
He came on as a sub, mate. Not too sure about his dreads.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
It's something I'd like to see Jack do more of, technically. The last few shots JG has had from outside the box, he's tried to smash the ball by striking through it to get more power and swerve. He's so skilled and composed, I feel it'd be more effective to try and curl and place the ball ala Luiz.
Could Jacks wayward shots be something to do with the weight of the ball and how it travels? Obviously they train with the balls every day but it could take a few games to get used to it if they’ve made changes to the ball again this season. In any case, Jack has been criticised for not shooting enough in the past so I’d rather see him taking shots on whether they miss or not.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
It's something I'd like to see Jack do more of, technically. The last few shots JG has had from outside the box, he's tried to smash the ball by striking through it to get more power and swerve. He's so skilled and composed, I feel it'd be more effective to try and curl and place the ball ala Luiz.
Could Jacks wayward shots be something to do with the weight of the ball and how it travels? Obviously they train with the balls every day but it could take a few games to get used to it if they’ve made changes to the ball again this season. In any case, Jack has been criticised for not shooting enough in the past so I’d rather see him taking shots on whether they miss or not.
He had a nice shot on goal yesterday from outside the box, not long after his goal, which went just wide
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Jack had a few shots first half that were on their way save some decent blocks deflecting them wide.
McGinn had a curler that looked like it was heading in from our angle too.
We had so much time around their box.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
I think it's his goal that I noticed that a fair few Norwich supporters appreciated it too. You can briefly see a few applauding after it went in.
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Luiz is a class act. No question.
We have to find a way to include him in the side every week.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
I don't think anyone doubts what a brilliantly taken goal it was.
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I would start him over Hourihane.
He has a goal and an assist, so probably earns his place against Brighton, but off the ball I'm less convinced and his general play is a but more anonymous.
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I would start him over Hourihane.
He has a goal and an assist, so probably earns his place against Brighton, but off the ball I'm less convinced and his general play is a but more anonymous.
It’s a great situation to be in and I reckon depending on who we’re playing that may well be the case of swapping these two. Marvellous has fast become one of the first names on the team sheet though along with Jack and SJM.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
Yeah, I thought it was just a shit tap in from two yards out! 😉
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I’m annoyed he’s shortened his hair. I can’t sing that Craig David song about him anymore.
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His goal today was fantastic again, just like his last one it's not smashed but rather just placed into the top corner. he made it look so easy that I think a lot of people haven't appreciated just how brilliant it is.
Yeah, I thought it was just a shit tap in from two yards out! 😉
For Clampy too, I don't mean on here, or amongst Villa fans really. MotD didn't mention it in the studio, a few other places I've seen reports which read largely as "and Luiz scored late on as well".
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Guardiola has said Douglas would have been at Man City if it wasn't for the work permit issues:
"We have an option to get him back but sometimes life is like this. We wanted him because last season we had problems in that position because we didn’t buy a holding midfielder"
"We wanted him before so we thought about it but the rules with the work permit meant it was not possible. I thought he would be here with the pre-season he played last year in the States, he was really good. I think he had the quality to play with us but he could not do it.
"The talent is always there, we’ll see at the end of the season what his level is but the quality is always there."
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There is no clause. And Man City will only be able to sign him if he gets a work permit. Unless he becomes a Brazil regular, that likely means they would have to have him among their highest-earning players. He'd have to be bloody good for that to happen.
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There is no clause. And Man City will only be able to sign him if he gets a work permit. Unless he becomes a Brazil regular, that likely means they would have to have him among their highest-earning players. He'd have to be bloody good for that to happen.
The whole deal is a ruse anyway to keep them distracted from realising how good Marvellous is.
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I don't think Luiz is good enough for them as it stands, and don't think they'll be enforcing the buy back this year.
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Called up to the Brazil squad. Our first member of the Seleção since Nigel Reo-Coker, I believe.
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There is no clause. And Man City will only be able to sign him if he gets a work permit. Unless he becomes a Brazil regular, that likely means they would have to have him among their highest-earning players. He'd have to be bloody good for that to happen.
Have you seen his goals !!
Unbelievable and so effortless.
Love this guy he's class act
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I don't think Luiz is good enough for them as it stands, and don't think they'll be enforcing the buy back this year.
This will all change tomorrow.
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So we have a member of the Brazilian national squad that hasn't started a game for over a month... =0
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Brilliant news that.
I think I may have said this elsewhere but imo if we're to progress in next few years as a club back towards the top 6 we need to be signing players and getting them in the best international teams, hopefully Engels will get a call up to Belgium side for next round of games as apparently he was close to making the last few squads.
If players are seeing compatriots playing for a club and getting a call up then they'd be more convinced to come here.
If you look at Man. City in the early days they signed Zabaleta. I imagine him getting regular calls up for Argentina helped them get Aguero a few years later. Same when they signed David Silva and then had no problems signing more Spanish players.
Luiz is pretty highly rated in Brazil, captain of their Olympic team so always felt it was a possibility.
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I agree that it's great to see. But has he honestly earned it?
Undoubtedly has huge talent and if Pep believes he's the next big thing then that's good enough for me, but on the basis of merit he's ultimately scored two absolute screamers and...... not a lot else.
Don't get me wrong, those were goals worthy of Der Hammer in his prime and arguably better, as there was some finesse involved, but he was purchased to be a DM and soak up that pressure that we just love to invite on our defence. Genuine question - has he done that at all?
Big game for him tomorrow if he plays. We'll see his worth no doubt, but for me he's hardly earned a call up to the national squad on the basis of his performances for us so far.
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Perhaps he is being rewarded for good games for the under-21 side? The South Americans always seem to treat the younger age group internationals very seriously.
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Perhaps he is being rewarded for good games for the under-21 side? The South Americans always seem to treat the younger age group internationals very seriously.
Yes that's pretty much it. He's the under 23 captain which is also their Olympic side for Tokyo next year so good performances for them have been noted.
Also in the squad with him are Casemiro, Arthur and Fabiano so think he'll struggle to get much game time but it's pretty much a case of a player Brazil rate, he's getting minutes in the premier league so might aswell call him up and slowly integrate him given the World cup is still three years away.
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I believe they were also unable/unwilling to pick players who are based in Brazil due to it conflicting with the Brazilian league or something, so that possibly opened up an opportunity to have a look at Luiz.
Great for him personally though - hope he manages to get some game time.
Perhaps could have done without all the travel and missed training sessions to help him get back in our team though!
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How did he do v City?
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How did he do v City?
A bit anonymous really.
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Most were
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Nearly scored with the rebound off the McGinn shot. Did VAR have a look at that or was it just discounted due to it being us?
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VAR had a look, I didn’t see much in it to be honest. (So as it’s VAR) I’ve seen them given.
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It’s funny. Many Man City fans were claiming that he played well and were speculating on when they would bring him back. DL got far more praise off them than Jack did. Then again, many also claimed we parked the bus.
Personally, I think the good football they’re watching is wasted on these clueless cretins.
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Hope he gets a start tonight.
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As he’s not on the new calendar, it’s safe to assume they’re having him back and selling him on 😉
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Norwich goal nominated for the Premier League's goal of the month.
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Has had a decent run of starts now but hasn't impressed at all. Clearly talented when given the ball but fitness and attitude seem miles off the required level to me so far. Thoughts?
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Needs to add more energy to his game. He played one superb pass today that put Trez away, but he isn’t involved enough. Clearly has talent, but needs to be much more dominant and demand the ball.
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Has had a decent run of starts now but hasn't impressed at all. Clearly talented when given the ball but fitness and attitude seem miles off the required level to me so far. Thoughts?
‘Hasn’t impressed at all’ is a bit harsh! Especially considering two of the game were against teams that are miles ahead of us. I actually thought his work rate and defensive application were decent in those two games.
He will need a bit of time, after all, he has not long turned twenty one and has only started about five games for a new team in a new league, but I think he a show enough quality in glimpses to think that there is a real player in there.
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Needs to add more energy to his game. He played one superb pass today that put Trez away, but he isn’t involved enough. Clearly has talent, but needs to be much more dominant and demand the ball.
He can play football, but is never a defensive midfielder in a million years. Would thrive in the right set up but don’t think that’s us at the moment.
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No, but he could be a deep lying playmaker.
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Yeah. We’ve got a lot of players who can do a job in the middle but there’s so much overlap between them. No width, no real pace and with the possible exception of Marvelous nobody who can do something approximating that essential whelan job.
I thought at least Doug was a really reliable tidy passer, but he’s been guilty of few stay balls lately.
We should have been going all out to get players who can really unlock the best of JG and SJM. We actually have a lot of poor man’s versions of them.
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Not good enough for me for the first team at the moment.
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Very poor today. Gave the ball away time and again and couldn't tackle either.
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He isn't solid enough to be playing where he currently is.
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Too many under hit passes and flicks
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Very, very poor today
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I doubt if Pep is impressed thus far. Smith needs to take Luiz out of the starting eleven. When Conor came back at Norwich and against Brighton we looked much better. But he was dropped again soon after.
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That’s because Hourihane was as anonymous as Luiz. I have a suspicion his senior call up for Brazil was somewhat playing on his mind and he didn’t want to get injured, the big fanny.
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That’s because Hourihane was as anonymous as Luiz. I have a suspicion his senior call up for Brazil was somewhat playing on his mind and he didn’t want to get injured, the big fanny.
This
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That’s because Hourihane was as anonymous as Luiz. I have a suspicion his senior call up for Brazil was somewhat playing on his mind and he didn’t want to get injured, the big fanny.
Newcastle might suit Hourihane better, likely to be a tight game and his ability to get goals and assists could be crucial. Luiz failure to stop, through fair or foul means, Traore is a dropping offence.
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Hourihane was diabolical against Liverpool and is much more Connor Hologram of late.
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If any cab is next off the rank it's Lansbury at the moment
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He isn't solid enough to be playing where he currently is.
I'm struggling to understand where he's supposed to be playing. Marvelous should be our defensive midfielder but Luiz seems to be doing the same job but without the energy. He plays like it's a pre-season friendly in 40º heat. Having both adds nothing to our team and is just another passenger for most of the game.
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If any cab is next off the rank it's Lansbury at the moment
Definitely, although I worry about his stamina as he always seems knackered after 60 minutes - but of course that may be down to lack of games.
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He's a tidy little player with a good shot but if he becomes a regular in the Man City side in the future i'll shit in my hat and eat it.
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We still haven’t bought that elusive midfielder that really kicks arse and mops up.
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If any cab is next off the rank it's Lansbury at the moment
It'd be a miracle if he got his boots on without twisting his ankle.
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I think the problem in the fist half was that no one knew what their job was supposed to be. Trez and AEG seemed to sometimes want to press their wide centre backs and sometimes follow the wing backs but neither made it clear which job they were doing at any point so Douglas and McGinn were floating indecisively between holding the centre of the pitch and helping out the fullbacks and whichever they chose we ended up being overloaded somewhere else.
A big part of the change at half time (I think the game was pretty even in the 2nd half) was that all of them seemed to get clarification on what their priorities were and everyone looked much more at ease with the job they were doing.
I don't know where the fault for it lies but it's the first time under Smith that I've seen s start a game looking like we don't have a plan.
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We still haven’t bought that elusive midfielder that really kicks arse and mops up.
That’s what Nakamba’s role is.
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We still haven’t bought that elusive midfielder that really kicks arse and mops up.
That’s what Nakamba’s role is.
Still think we need someone else alongside Marcelous to help him out and make us a but more solid. I've reserved judgement a bit on Douglas, as he didn't have a proper pre season. Looks a bit too casual and off the pace at the moment though.
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He is another that clearly needs to adjust quickly to the pace and the power of the premiership. Undoubted talent but without the physicality to go with it he will be wasted
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Douglas' turn to come off the bench to gain a first Brazil cap today. You wait 145 years for a Brazil International then two turn up at once...
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Congratulations Douglas.
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Well done Douglas. He's done ok for me so far considering he had no pre-season with a new squad of players. No preparation time at all which shouldn't be overlooked.
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Decent first half, poor second. Repeatedly dispossessed.
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I thought he was good for 70 minutes but looked fucked for the last 20. Not sure why Nakamaba didnt come on to replace him.
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I thought he was good for 70 minutes but looked fucked for the last 20. Not sure why Nakamaba didnt come on to replace him.
Not sure why any subs didn’t come on until the eventual entry of Lansbury very late.
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I'd rather Nakamba played the next match personally
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I thought he was good for 70 minutes but looked fucked for the last 20. Not sure why Nakamaba didnt come on to replace him.
Smith is very poor on subs. Even on the few minutes he got, Lansbury made an impact. Why not bring him on 10 mins earlier . Both Luiz and McGinn could have been hooked around the 70 min mark without complaint .
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Decent first half, poor second. Repeatedly dispossessed.
No repeatedly. Twice and in that only once he was caught totally napping by ***t.
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And yes Smith should have subbed him after the hour.
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Agree, he was an accident waiting to happen in the last 15. Every ( short) time I see Lansbury he looks a decent player.
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Good performance but I agree he gassed out towards then need and was a liability. Smith should have brought on marvellous. I'm pretty sure marvellous was rested for this weekend against manure as thag will be a tough game.
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I thought he was good for 70 minutes but looked fucked for the last 20. Not sure why Nakamaba didnt come on to replace him.
Smith is very poor on subs. Even on the few minutes he got, Lansbury made an impact. Why not bring him on 10 mins earlier . Both Luiz and McGinn could have been hooked around the 70 min mark without complaint .
Except we had a clean sheet, unlike the other times we have subbed and then conceded. Maybe a team request in order to keep the balance and concentrate
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Correct. Just because you have subs doesn't mean you have to use them. Luis played very well last night. Yes, he got caught on the ball a few times but that's understandable as he tries to adjust to the pace of this league. He'll improve on that aspect quick enough.
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Usual performance from him last night. Very good at moving the ball and starting attacks, interspersed with the odd poor moment of being caught in possession, and being weak defensively. Overall I like him though, he's got great quality. I think Nakamba will come back in against Man U though, just not sure if he'll replace Luiz or Hourihane.
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Correct. Just because you have subs doesn't mean you have to use them. Luis played very well last night. Yes, he got caught on the ball a few times but that's understandable as he tries to adjust to the pace of this league. He'll improve on that aspect quick enough.
Thinking back, that's the same problem Petrov had when he first came here - he'd be a second or so behind the flow of the game much of the time and was obviously used to having more time on the ball in Scotland.
Luiz is a talented player, he'll adapt to that in time, but it's only, what, less than a dozen games into his career in the PL, he's going to need a bit of time yet.
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I thought he was absolute class in the 1st half, kept the whole thing ticking along nicely. Got caught a couple of times when they pressed early in the second half but in fairness a couple of the balls to him were hospital passes and a couple he got no shout from his teammates. He’s still adjusting but there was one ball over the defence to Grealish in the 1st half that was utterly brilliant.
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Correct. Just because you have subs doesn't mean you have to use them. Luis played very well last night. Yes, he got caught on the ball a few times but that's understandable as he tries to adjust to the pace of this league. He'll improve on that aspect quick enough.
Thinking back, that's the same problem Petrov had when he first came here - he'd be a second or so behind the flow of the game much of the time and was obviously used to having more time on the ball in Scotland.
Luiz is a talented player, he'll adapt to that in time, but it's only, what, less than a dozen games into his career in the PL, he's going to need a bit of time yet.
I agree, you can see the talent is there, and once he beds in properly he'll be a quality player.
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The other thing I like about him is he's got a great eye for a shot. Power and direction with a bit of whip. A great skill.
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I like him and he played well last night, but still not sure exactly what he is.
He’s not that great defensively, can be slow to get back on the right side of an attacker. I think he’s more of an 8 really.
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Correct. Just because you have subs doesn't mean you have to use them. Luis played very well last night. Yes, he got caught on the ball a few times but that's understandable as he tries to adjust to the pace of this league. He'll improve on that aspect quick enough.
Thinking back, that's the same problem Petrov had when he first came here - he'd be a second or so behind the flow of the game much of the time and was obviously used to having more time on the ball in Scotland.
Luiz is a talented player, he'll adapt to that in time, but it's only, what, less than a dozen games into his career in the PL, he's going to need a bit of time yet.
I agree, you can see the talent is there, and once he beds in properly he'll be a quality player.
This. He'll get better and better for us. A classy player.
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Did well today. Very talented player.
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Best game for us by a long way today and still messed up two goals. Attitude like most of them was thoroughly transformed today compared to recent games. Got around the park a lot better too.
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He is going to be an excellent player. I think it’s forgotten sometimes that he is still very young (Callum O’Hare is just older) and therefore still very much learning, so some inconsistencies are to be expected. Probably our second most comfortable player with the ball behind Jack.
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Was very impressed today, controlled, disciplined, excellent pressing, good with the ball and supported The front men well, just a shame about his two chances.
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Big portion of humble pie consumed. Severely doubted his box to box fitness during the Southampton match but seemed well up to speed against Burnley. Keep it going Dougie!
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Was hoping for a bit better with that low shot from the edge of the box, went for placement. Probably running knackered but lacked composure too for that late lob, rushed it. Can't be too critical, worked hard, some deft touches around midfield at times. Is evolving and would love to see if he can put away more in front of goal, definitely has it in him.
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Bounced back brilliantly from his mistake against Watford
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He's just getting his feet in the league, he'll be a very decent player.
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Was hoping for a bit better with that low shot from the edge of the box, went for placement. Probably running knackered but lacked composure too for that late lob, rushed it. Can't be too critical, worked hard, some deft touches around midfield at times. Is evolving and would love to see if he can put away more in front of goal, definitely has it in him.
He should have rolled that for Wes who was coming in at pace to strike into the far corner. That would have been the better option. I'm sure his primary school lob over the keeper effort will have given him a sleepless night. He did play well overall mind.
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I too have been critical of him (I think because his reputation preceded him and I expected more the finished article) Thought he was our best player after Jack on NYD.
The lob - if they go in look world class if they don't then they look awful - just like the "dink" penalties where if they fail the taker looks a right twat
I think 2nd half of the season could be really good for Douglas
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He'll be getting his own cartoon episode with a personalised badge if he keeps this up. Heeeey Duggieeeee!
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I too have been critical of him (I think because his reputation preceded him and I expected more the finished article) Thought he was our best player after Jack on NYD.
The lob - if they go in look world class if they don't then they look awful - just like the "dink" penalties where if they fail the taker looks a right twat
I think 2nd half of the season could be really good for Douglas
What is the reputation out of interest?
He made about 25 appearences for a team that was relegated from La Liga last season (some off the bench). Hadn't been capped at senior level by Brazil.
If it was just because Pep was going mad about him, he does that about all his players. He was saying earlier this season Phil Foden was one of the best English players around yet hardly starts him in the premier league.
Doug is not that much more experienced than the guys who've played over 100 games in championship we signed like Konsa.
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I too have been critical of him (I think because his reputation preceded him and I expected more the finished article) Thought he was our best player after Jack on NYD.
The lob - if they go in look world class if they don't then they look awful - just like the "dink" penalties where if they fail the taker looks a right twat
I think 2nd half of the season could be really good for Douglas
What is the reputation out of interest?
He made about 25 appearences for a team that was relegated from La Liga last season (some off the bench). Hadn't been capped at senior level by Brazil.
If it was just because Pep was going mad about him, he does that about all his players. He was saying earlier this season Phil Foden was one of the best English players around yet hardly starts him in the premier league.
Doug is not that much more experienced than the guys who've played over 100 games in championship we signed like Konsa.
Pundits worldwide have been praising him highly and that's where it came from. That main guy I Spain was trying to compare him to dunga from what I remember (or was it Gilberto silva?) Pep compares him to fernandinho and he was very highly rated by scouts. Personally I had never heard of him but I dont follow Spanish football so had never seen him play
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He looks to me like the player Westwood wanted to be when he was with us. Really early in his career so he won't be perfect all the time, but I think he's a proper talent. Just hope he starts showing that fully with us soon! Been fits and starts so far.
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If he'd scored with the lob chance , VAR would have chalked it off.
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I too have been critical of him (I think because his reputation preceded him and I expected more the finished article) Thought he was our best player after Jack on NYD.
The lob - if they go in look world class if they don't then they look awful - just like the "dink" penalties where if they fail the taker looks a right twat
I think 2nd half of the season could be really good for Douglas
What is the reputation out of interest?
He made about 25 appearences for a team that was relegated from La Liga last season (some off the bench). Hadn't been capped at senior level by Brazil.
If it was just because Pep was going mad about him, he does that about all his players. He was saying earlier this season Phil Foden was one of the best English players around yet hardly starts him in the premier league.
Doug is not that much more experienced than the guys who've played over 100 games in championship we signed like Konsa.
Pundits worldwide have been praising him highly and that's where it came from. That main guy I Spain was trying to compare him to dunga from what I remember (or was it Gilberto silva?) Pep compares him to fernandinho and he was very highly rated by scouts. Personally I had never heard of him but I dont follow Spanish football so had never seen him play
He is little different to many other promising players worldwide, hasn't played at all much at top level and you can see that in aspects of his play.
However I do think he's pretty talented. Seems to have been a case of we can't quite fit him into an effective midfield trio but I'd stick with him otherwise we'll just be scratching our heads when he's playing for someone else in two years time and playing to very good level like much of our 2015 intake.
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Good when he came on. That’s how he must be used, he’s a playmaker not a defensive midfielder.
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Better today. Still very young so he's going to make mistakes. But he can be happy with his contribution this afternoon
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Watching the goal again it is a brilliant pass by Douglas.
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Watching the goal again it is a brilliant pass by Douglas.
I agree. Good on him.
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Put a couple of solid, mean, ball winning bastards next to him in the middle, Douglas Luiz will flourish. He’s being asked to do a role that doesn’t empathize his strengths. Today again, fleetingly we caught a glimpse of what he can do.
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I thought i'd weigh in with some praise as well as he's had some stick on here (and justified as well in a few cases). That was a class ball to Grealish. Give him time and I think he'll be very good. I read on Twitter that he's younger than Callum O'Hare. Not sure how true it is, I'll have to look it up.
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He's definitely got the ability, he just hasn't been used in a way that brings the best out of him. A constantly changing midfield three doesn't help either.
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He’s about a week younger than Callum, I believe. Think it mostly just emphasises the point the he is going to be inconsistent and that we need to have a bit of patience with him.
There is clearly a very good player in there in my opinion. We are in a situation where we are having to use him a lot more than perhaps you would like to with regards to his development, hence we are seeing some flaws to his game and inconsistent displays.
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Put a couple of solid, mean, ball winning bastards next to him in the middle, Douglas Luiz will flourish. He’s being asked to do a role that doesn’t empathize his strengths. Today again, fleetingly we caught a glimpse of what he can do.
I 100% agree. I think he’s going to be a top player but the management hasn’t yet worked out the position that suits him instead of the position that suits us. Another one who will flourish but just need to stay up.
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Put a couple of solid, mean, ball winning bastards next to him in the middle, Douglas Luiz will flourish. He’s being asked to do a role that doesn’t empathize his strengths. Today again, fleetingly we caught a glimpse of what he can do.
I 100% agree. I think he’s going to be a top player but the management hasn’t yet worked out the position that suits him instead of the position that suits us. Another one who will flourish but just need to stay up.
Smith has not worked out a midfield in terms of shape or personnel.
All of our midfield look like square pegs in round holes.
I think the biggest problem is you need a midfielder to be the pivot or the anchor and you build the shape around them.
We too often look like 3 random blokes thrown together in the Centre of the park.
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He's definitely got the ability, he just hasn't been used in a way that brings the best out of him. A constantly changing midfield three doesn't help either.
I just can't see what kind of midfielder he is though Risso. He's not really a defensive midfielder who can sit in front of the back four and dictate play and he's not really an attacking midfielder who is going to link things up in the final. I suppose in that way, he is a bit like Pogba and Manchester United have had problems trying to fit him in since he arrived.
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When Luiz came, he stated that he liked to break up play and give the ball to our "further up the field" players. Currently, he is a little lightweight to do this on his own. However, he can quite easily be one of a compact 3 in this new system. A few workouts in the gym won't do him any harm either.
Ideally, if we could get Nzonzi in, I think a midfield including Luiz would prosper - Especially with SJM back.
Age is on his side, he is learning fast and there is definitely a good player there. I think the speed of his decision making is a problem currently and when he can address this, coupled with a slight improvement in strength, we'll see the real Luiz. He was outstanding at Burnley and again yesterday, put a shift in. Currently should start ahead of Drinkwater who needs to be blooded in from off the bench.
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In old school speak, Paisley I believe, he's a 'spreader'. Which means that he sits somewhere in the middle, protected by a defensive player and providing for a 'runner' someone who carries the ball forward and gets into the box, and a wide player. So he doesn't really fit into our formation / we don't have an adequate defensive player to offer him protection, he ends up partially trying to do that himself and he's absolutely shit at it.
In terms of the formation, if we're playing 3 at the back, which I like, you would play with 2 centre mids. One would be a defensive protector and one a box to box player, both robust types. If you're playing flat back 4, you can have the 3 in the middle, a defensive player (haven't got one), a spreader (him if he can show a bit more consistency and urgency) and a runner (McGinn). Then again, you could also play with the defensive player, a box to box (McGinn) and a behind the attackers free role (Grealish).
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I want Luiz to come good, but I think his best position at the moment is coming on, off the bench. Luiz and Nakamba in the same team doesn't work. I don't think he's a dcm and I'm yet to be convinced he has a place in the team further forward as he gives the ball away too much and doesn't track back very well. The guy has potential but having spent £15m on him I don't want him to become the next Josh Onomah
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What a ball for grealishes goal. I like him a lot although he has a mistake in him at times
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I must admit that ball for Jack's goal was a sublime.
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I want Luiz to come good, but I think his best position at the moment is coming on, off the bench. Luiz and Nakamba in the same team doesn't work. I don't think he's a dcm and I'm yet to be convinced he has a place in the team further forward as he gives the ball away too much and doesn't track back very well. The guy has potential but having spent £15m on him I don't want him to become the next Josh Onomah
In a more normal/ideal situation I would imagine that would be how we would be using him. Or certainly be less reliant on him playing as many minutes as he currently is. The problem is that if we did do that is it leaves us with the rather limited options of Nakamba, Drinkwater or Hourihane to start instead which is obviously less than ideal.
At the moment I guess it is a case of selecting the games he can start where you can accept the trade off between his rawness/naivety (that can lead to mistakes) against the quality he has on the ball.
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I still think he's poor and I don't mean financially
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I think he'll be a player.
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He's a very talented player. He is also young and inexperienced. He is far from poor.
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I think he will be good, too. Like I always thought Delph would come good. Hopefully Luiz won't turn out to be a filthy Quisling ******.
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Luiz's situation reminds me of the Veretout signing. Clearly he has talent, and has shown glimpses of real class, but he makes mistakes and looks a bit off the pace in the premier league. I hope we can afford to give him time to develop, because he's obviously still very young and getting to grips with English football.
Veretout was similar when signed for us (was also 21?), and didn't look that great for us in a struggling side, but he has gone on to be a well-regarded midfielder in Italy (I think Roma have agreed to sign him for £20m?), and I can see this lad having a similar trajectory, there is DEFINITELY a player in there - I just hope he's one we can see blossom WITH us, rather than after leaving.
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He's a very talented player. He is also young and inexperienced. He is far from poor.
Very clearly.
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Not sure if this has been posted before but it makes for good reading and suggests defensive mid is not his strength (which I think was already pretty obvious)...
http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/09/17/scout-report-douglas-luiz/
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Different type of player, but I almost guarantee Douglas will follow a similar path to Adama Traore. In a couple of years he will be top drawer, but he needs to be coached correctly and played in the right way. Let’s hope unlike Adama we get it right with Douglas and he’s brilliant for us.
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Not sure if this has been posted before but it makes for good reading and suggests defensive mid is not his strength (which I think was already pretty obvious)...
http://outsideoftheboot.com/2017/09/17/scout-report-douglas-luiz/
"And when he goes to the sides, one thing he likes to do and does very well is to play long diagonal balls to the other side of the pitch"
Clearly demonstrated on Saturday.
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He's definitely got the ability, he just hasn't been used in a way that brings the best out of him. A constantly changing midfield three doesn't help either.
It can be easy to put all the blame on Smith but Luiz hasn't helped himself at times this season. There is a reason why Smith keeps changing the midfield duo/trio as that all of them play themselves out of the team eventually. Luiz is no exception, that effort at stopping Traore against Wolves stands out as particularly inept but he cost us the equaliser v Leicester only a week ago too.
Clearly talented when given time and space, an ideal sub v Brighton at the time as they retreated, but has an awful lot of improving to do. His application without the ball is nowhere near good enough for this level.
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The key for a youngish player such as Luiz whether starting or coming off the bench, is to back it up now with another good performance and if not a full blooded effort.
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I love you luiz !
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Is he our best finisher?
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Superb crowd dive tonight.
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Changed the last two games; with the pass last week, and the goal this.
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Super sub
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
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Delighted with his assist on Saturday and goal tonight but would be even happier if he can start putting his 20/30 minutes cameo into a full 90 minutes shift. Am sure it will materialise in the fullness of time.
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I love this bloke, I think with time he will become proper quality.
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
You're seeing it all wrong. Luiz is fucked after an hour, but coming on when the game is stretched he's a player, and it's winning us points.
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
You're seeing it all wrong. Luiz is fucked after an hour, but coming on when the game is stretched he's a player, and it's winning us points.
Drinkwater is fucked from the word go though.
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
You're seeing it all wrong. Luiz is fucked after an hour, but coming on when the game is stretched he's a player, and it's winning us points.
Drinkwater is fucked from the word go though.
He wasn't that bad. He needs games, and he's getting them. Still more use than the alternatives.
Luiz can win a game but needs at bit of space to do it.
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
You're seeing it all wrong. Luiz is fucked after an hour, but coming on when the game is stretched he's a player, and it's winning us points.
I’m not sure continuing to be losing 1-0 and then bringing him on after an hour is the most solid plan though!
But in all seriousness, I get what you’re saying and I do actually think Drinkwater has value but Luiz makes us a better side currently and therefore needs to start in my opinion.
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Id artwhe have a good 60 mins form luiz than a 10 mins of drinkwater
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Great celebration. That passion is sorely needed. As noted above I think there is a real player in there, he's still learning his position and probably isn't being helped by Smith's strange rotation of midfielders. Certainly shouldn't be benched for Drinkwater's benefit; needs to start v Bournemouth.
You're seeing it all wrong. Luiz is fucked after an hour, but coming on when the game is stretched he's a player, and it's winning us points.
Drinkwater is fucked from the word go though.
Indeed. I can't get behind the notion, given our current lack of quality in midfield, that a clearly very talented player like Luiz is only useful to us off the bench for the last 20/30 minutes. I take the point that he looks gassed at the 60 minute mark, but that goes for several of our regular starters also. That's a conditioning thing and needs to be managed by the coaches and backroom staff. He should still be starting ahead of Drink&drive vs Bournemouth IMO.
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Id artwhe have a good 60 mins form luiz than a 10 mins of drinkwater
I'd rather have a pint of that than water too.
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Re; bringing him off the bench - If you look at it on a purely individual basis, then it’s not a bad way of using Luiz, both for the team and his development. We have had to rely on him to play much more than you ideally would for a player at his age and stage of development.
The problem comes in the players that we currently have available to start instead of him.
He’s going to start with Nakamba against Leicester anyway, so we will see how that goes.
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I hope you're all right, I honestly do.
Loved the goal and celebration
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It was a nicely-taken goal with his weaker foot.
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I love this bloke, I think with time he will become proper quality.
I agree. It will take a full close-season to get him fully tuned (ditto Nak and Wes) but I've seen enough quality to suggest he will become a big contributor.
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It was a great celebration. When I got back from the game, I watched the highlights and laughed quite loudly when Douggie disappeared into the Holte.
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Someone said the other day he's younger than O'hare. I think with a player like him at that age some starts and some weeks coming off the bench is right, but he's going to be done player in a couple of years. Sadly after we have done the hard work Man City will no doubt buy him back.
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Someone said the other day he's younger than O'hare. I think with a player like him at that age some starts and some weeks coming off the bench is right, but he's going to be done player in a couple of years. Sadly after we have done the hard work Man City will no doubt buy him back.
By 8 days!
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
His experience of watching the opposition as they fly past him. We look better with him on the bench. I think Dean has gambled that it’s match sharpness he lacks and he can only get that on the pitch. Hope he gets up to speed quick smart.
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
Haven't we gone behind in the three games Drinky has started? We only improved in the last two when he went off. We should never have taken a gamble at this stage of the season on a player so unfit. Trying to find positives in his performances thus far is really grasping at straws, they have verged from catastrophic to very poor let's be honest.
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
Haven't we gone behind in the three games Drinky has started? We only improved in the last two when he went off. We should never have taken a gamble at this stage of the season on a player so unfit. Trying to find positives in his performances thus far is really grasping at straws, they have verged from catastrophic to very poor let's be honest.
In the last two games we have gone behind in the 1st half but still been in the game and came out 2nd half to take points from both games. From the Leicester league game we looked as though the game was lost once we went behind. Our midfield looked too inexperienced and left us with nothing to bring on later in the game to change it. I am not saying that Drinkwater was the best to bring in to cover our shortcomings but I could see the question that needed answering.
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
The comeback against Watford should give them the belief.
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
Haven't we gone behind in the three games Drinky has started? We only improved in the last two when he went off. We should never have taken a gamble at this stage of the season on a player so unfit. Trying to find positives in his performances thus far is really grasping at straws, they have verged from catastrophic to very poor let's be honest.
In the last two games we have gone behind in the 1st half but still been in the game and came out 2nd half to take points from both games. From the Leicester league game we looked as though the game was lost once we went behind. Our midfield looked too inexperienced and left us with nothing to bring on later in the game to change it. I am not saying that Drinkwater was the best to bring in to cover our shortcomings but I could see the question that needed answering.
How has he answered that question or used his experience to help? He's been awful in every game he's played, then after he gets subbed, we get better. Even Dean Smith admitted he took him off against Watford as it "wasn't his game".
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I think the idea with Drinkwater is to use his experience in the 1st half of games to make sure we go in at halftime still in the match. this gives confidence to the team that they can come out in the 2nd half believing they can get something out of the game. After a bright start to the season, it was becoming evident that the team was losing belief if they went behind.
Haven't we gone behind in the three games Drinky has started? We only improved in the last two when he went off. We should never have taken a gamble at this stage of the season on a player so unfit. Trying to find positives in his performances thus far is really grasping at straws, they have verged from catastrophic to very poor let's be honest.
In the last two games we have gone behind in the 1st half but still been in the game and came out 2nd half to take points from both games. From the Leicester league game we looked as though the game was lost once we went behind. Our midfield looked too inexperienced and left us with nothing to bring on later in the game to change it. I am not saying that Drinkwater was the best to bring in to cover our shortcomings but I could see the question that needed answering.
How has he answered that question or used his experience to help? He's been awful in every game he's played, then after he gets subbed, we get better. Even Dean Smith admitted he took him off against Watford as it "wasn't his game".
He was marginally better last time around, but I tend to agree with you on this. Take him off, we look better.
I appreciate he's not match fit, but get him that way with the U23s, don't try to do it in actual meaningful fixtures while we are struggling for survival, we can't afford it.
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Well if you're both right, then Smith is making a good job of changing things up! 😉
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Credit to this guy. One or two stray passes aside he looked real quality last night. Time on the ball, a nice touch and just looks “a player”.
Has been slated by a fair few but he is just 21 and will invariably make mistakes and have poor games. He is the same age as “promising youngsters” Keinan Davis and Callum O’Hare yet seems a much more mature footballer.
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I like him a lot. He's by no means perfect, but he just oozes natural ability.
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And had energy right to the end. That's encouraging as we may never need to think about Drinkwater if he keeps that up.
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Luiz has a lot of talent, and looks much better playing further forward as he can pick a pass. His big problem is he seems a bit thick - regularly gives away needless free kicks within 30 yards of the goal and last night got himself booked for kicking the ball away shortly after Mike Dean had booked Konsa for throwing the ball away. It's very frustrating, but if he can learn form his mistakes and apply a bit more intelligence he could be a top player.
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Appreciate that this is a very simplistic (minimal context) way of looking at it, but results with Nakamba and Luiz as the central midfielders in our 3-4-3:
Burnley - Won 2-1
Leicester - Drew 1-1
Brighton - Won 1-0 (from 70 minutes)
Watford - Won 2-0 (from 55 minutes)
Leicester - Won 2-1
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I like him a lot. He's by no means perfect, but he just oozes natural ability.
Totally agree with you but he's seems to be getting better l really like him.
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Luiz has a lot of talent, and looks much better playing further forward as he can pick a pass. His big problem is he seems a bit thick - regularly gives away needless free kicks within 30 yards of the goal and last night got himself booked for kicking the ball away shortly after Mike Dean had booked Konsa for throwing the ball away. It's very frustrating, but if he can learn form his mistakes and apply a bit more intelligence he could be a top player.
I'd argue it was a booking worth having.
It's about time we use the tactics everyone else does. Break up the play, waste time etc.
What irritated me was that not a minute after, they had players not retreating when we had a free-kick and thus obstructing the flow, they should have been booked too. However, Mike Dean is just a twat so I should realise.
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I take your point Drummond but if he wanted to delay Leicester he could have just stood over the ball to stop them taking it quickly like they were doing to us. That rarely seems to elicit a booking.
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Brilliant last night, I thought. Took the game to them. Yeah, does things that betray his years, but I think he's going to be huge. We have to stay up.
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Brilliant last night, I thought. Took the game to them. Yeah, does things that betray his years, but I think he's going to be huge. We have to stay up.
Clearly a very talented player with the ball at his feet and did a lot of good things last night. But we can't afford in a two man midfield for one of them to be caught ahead of the ball as regularly as Luiz was last night. In the aftermath of a great win last night, it's easy to ignore for example the first 20 mins when our midfield was ran ragged.
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Brilliant last night, I thought. Took the game to them. Yeah, does things that betray his years, but I think he's going to be huge. We have to stay up.
Clearly a very talented player with the ball at his feet and did a lot of good things last night. But we can't afford in a two man midfield for one of them to be caught ahead of the ball as regularly as Luiz was last night. In the aftermath of a great win last night, it's easy to ignore for example the first 20 mins when our midfield was ran ragged.
Exactly I was saying the same thing, Defending covering and tackling does not come naturally to him.
He is a ball playing, carrying, passing midfielder.
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Douglas was very good the other night. He blended being a deep lying playmaker and being a shield for the defence really well. If he can keep this up, and Jack and SJM get up to speed quick we’ll have a chance.
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I couldn't help but think when he picked up his booking for a cynical foul on the half way line, that we'd be a point better off if he'd done that against the Wolves. Still, he's learnt and looked good.
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Douglas was very good the other night. He blended being a deep lying playmaker and being a shield for the defence really well. If he can keep this up, and Jack and SJM get up to speed quick we’ll have a chance.
Covered the midfield very well - IMO our best player on the night.
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I thought what McGinn said about him coming back from the break seemingly having worked on his English a bit was a good sign, shows a bit of commitment to the cause.
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I think there are 2 things that get missed when people talk about him from this season. The first is that he's the youngest player in our first team squad and right now every game is a learning opportunity. As Ads said, in the wolves game he could've taken a yellow but didn't but on Wednesday he showed he learned from that. He's also playing a bit quicker than he was earlier in the season where he got caught on the ball a few times. The talent was always there but now he's adding a bit of wisdom to it. I think he'll be a top player in a few years if he carries on as he is.
The 2nd issue is that he didn't get a pre-season at the club. The ridiculous delay in getting his work permit in the summer meant he only arrived for his first training session at the club a few days before the start of the season. That meant he missed out on a lot of the fitness work but also any technical and tactical work that the coaches wanted to embed early because by the time he was in training and settled we'd have been deep into the match preparation for Spurs. From there on most training will have been review and recovery early in the week and analysis as you get to the game so there's less chance to work on more general things with the whole team.
However the long break and mini preseason over the last month has given us and him a chance to catch up on some of that. The other positive is that training on his own last summer (and regularly over the last couple of years) meant he will have a better personal understanding of how to keep his fitness up. I'm basing that on the fact that, for me, he looked good because he was the sharpest looking player on the pitch. I hope that doesn't mean his impact will lessen as players catch up, if that doesn't happen then I think we can expect him to really step up from here, I think he could end up being a key player (as much as mings, mcginn and grealish) for us in the next 9 games.
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Agreed Paul.
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I think of Javier Mascherano when he went to West Ham when I think of Luiz.
He looked bang average, and couldn't get in the team ahead of Hayden Mullins, but we all saw what a player he went onto become.
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I think of Javier Mascherano when he went to West Ham when I think of Luiz.
He looked bang average, and couldn't get in the team ahead of Hayden Mullins, but we all saw what a player he went onto become.
Yes good shout. I think he’s a real talent.
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I've always liked Luiz because he clearly has talent and potential, and it was always likely that he'd take time to fully get the EPL game (for the reasons outlined by paul_e above). He looked fitter on Wednesday than at any time earlier in the season.
He and Hourihane were the surprises on Wednesday, and I really hope both continue to play and have impact.
Perhaps having a more organised defence helped these two midfielders, as much as they contributed to the defence's effectiveness.
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I couldn't help but think when he picked up his booking for a cynical foul on the half way line, that we'd be a point better off if he'd done that against the Wolves. Still, he's learnt and looked good.
Can't even remember that incident? For the first goal Mings completely took out Adama but we still conceded as we forgot Neves is pretty good shooting from the edge of the box.
I think this lad will be tremendous player in a few years, can certainly see him going on upward trend like Gana, Veretout and Adama all have since leaving us.
He's young, been poor plenty of times but also been excellent in other games. Just someone we need to keep working with on the training pitch. An experienced holding midfield who dosen't have Drinkwater fitness levels to guide him wouldn't be a bad shout in the summer either.
Think he'll be playing for a champions league level club within 3-4 years. Compare that to Nakamba who I think is a very average defensive midfielder and his level with us is about right.
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Yeah Douglas will end up being top drawer.
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The Dingles second came about because Dougie didn't crunch Traore 40 yards from goal.
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The Dingles second came about because Dougie didn't crunch Traore 40 yards from goal.
Which is true, but McGinn giving a hospital pass to Taylor on the edge of their box was more culpable in my eyes.
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The Dingles second came about because Dougie didn't crunch Traore 40 yards from goal.
Which is true, but McGinn giving a hospital pass to Taylor on the edge of their box was more culpable in my eyes.
Yes but the point is that an experienced defensive midfielder 'takes one for the team' in those circumstances, Luiz has learned that now as he showed.
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The Dingles second came about because Dougie didn't crunch Traore 40 yards from goal.
I don't think we were ever going to retrieve a point there, we were hopeless for most of the game.
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The Dingles second came about because Dougie didn't crunch Traore 40 yards from goal.
Which is true, but McGinn giving a hospital pass to Taylor on the edge of their box was more culpable in my eyes.
Yes but the point is that an experienced defensive midfielder 'takes one for the team' in those circumstances, Luiz has learned that now as he showed.
I thought he tried to, but was caught out by the speed and power of Traore.
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I wouldn't mind seeing Douglas pushed further upfield rather than the deep lying midfielder.
That said Smith seems to favour him there and apart from times of ill disciplined, and getting a cards from frustrated fouls, he's been our best play since restart of season
Puts one brilliant balls into the box like he did against Chelsea and if Nakamba could be trusted would have Douglas Luiz as a midfielder higher placed up the pitch and Marvellous as the defensive midfielder.
Both then can play there natural games.
Smith seems to have other ideas and I'm not averse to having Douglas there as a holding player but he seems to have a lot going for him in a creative sense and has shooting ability.
You watch when he moves on - as he won't hang around the championship - he'll be used effectively as an attacking midfielder.
Or at least as a midfielder who doesn't just do deep lying
Tbh I saw him as a coaster pre lockdown but out of all I think he's been most impressive since the new 'mini season' has began.
Annoying if others are nt on same wavelength as there are glimpses all season how much quality Dougie has
Good luck to him . Good to see him playing better even though it's so Dean Smith to have him in that pivot role
Play him higher and reap rewards I say !
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Douglas Luiz will be a top player. I keep forgetting how young he actually is. Has scored a couple of vital goals this season - Watford at home springs to mind.
Really, really hope we can stay up and watch players like him grow next year.
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Hadn't realised that Man City's buy back clause was only valid for two years. Hopefully if he does turn out to be the next Vieira that means they won't be able to get him back as going to be buggered on FFP if they are still banned from Europe.
Anyway, I like him.
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He's been very good since the restart. And I don't know what he's done to look after himself during the lockdown, but there's been absolutely no doubting his lasting the full 90 minutes.
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Lovely hair too.
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He certainly has improved a lot but has a couple of evident flaws in his game that he needs to correct. He still tends to ball watch a bit as seen with the last two goals we have conceded. The other one that irritates me in his inability to play more consistently on the half turn when taking the ball off the back. Too often he plays the ball back to a defender under limited pressure. I'd like to see him demand the ball off the back and get turned on it more. He clearly has the technical ability to do it.
But in the last three games, he has shown huge improvement in his fitness, commitment, positional play and even cynicism. The half hearted joker who used get caught ahead of the ball routinely and barely break sweat getting back has gone.
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He’s been great. I think he’s a big talent and will be a top player.
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He’s probably the only one of our players that’s come back better than before lockdown
some are the same standard others are falling well below where they should be
but Doug has pushed on
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Language has most likely improved a lot as well.
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He’s probably the only one of our players that’s come back better than before lockdown
some are the same standard others are falling well below where they should be
but Doug has pushed on
Absolutely. Our best player for 3 games in quick sucession is some doing for someone his age. I appreciate there hasn't been much competition, but even so...
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He certainly has improved a lot but has a couple of evident flaws in his game that he needs to correct. He still tends to ball watch a bit as seen with the last two goals we have conceded. The other one that irritates me in his inability to play more consistently on the half turn when taking the ball off the back. Too often he plays the ball back to a defender under limited pressure. I'd like to see him demand the ball off the back and get turned on it more. He clearly has the technical ability to do it.
But in the last three games, he has shown huge improvement in his fitness, commitment, positional play and even cynicism. The half hearted joker who used get caught ahead of the ball routinely and barely break sweat getting back has gone.
Agree with that. I don't think he is a genuine defensive midfielder and would be better served playing just ahead of that type of player.
If we do stay up and McGinn recovers his fitness and form, and we sign a proper defensive midfielder instead of Danny Drinkwater, a midfield three like below would be pretty decent:
New defensive midfielder
Douglas McGinn
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Once again the only player with any credit.
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Yes, the only player worthy of the name.
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He's done well. I think he's benefited from the pace of the games so far. There's still an air of pre-season about the way sides have played against us. So I hope that under pressure his game has improved, but the sad truth is, if we're talking about next season, he won't be here. Someone will snap him up and he'll undoubtedly want to be moving on. Championship is no good for him. What we could really do with, is 1-2 world class belters from 30 yards from him. We look like we'll only score scrappy goals at the moment, or potentially spectacular.
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100% out MOTM again. If you'd told me that he'd be the one player who'd look bang up for it after the restart i'd have laughed in your face.
Quite the turnaround for me. Well done Douglas
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If we go down Man City will buy him back IMO and loan him to another Prem team
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Probably best player again. He really has come back a dfferent player, clearly worked hard in lockdown, looks fit, lasting whole games, tackling improved and he is showing leadership off the pitch. Keep it going Dougie.
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Agreed, hopefully we can hold onto him.
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His post-Lockdown form has put him on the list of players that we need to try and ensure we keep a hold of. He's playing more maturely than a 22-year old now.
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He's playing really well long may it continue.
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Post lockdown, he’s the only positive for me.
He’s reading the game really well and seems more aware of what’s going on around him.
Much improved, so I guess he’ll be another that goes if the inevitable happens.
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I'd like him to stay but Brazil think highly of him. Captain of their Olympic side and they called him up for the November friendlies. Doubt there's little chance of him getting called up in the championship so depends how strongly he wants to bind his international career for a year or two.
Sometimes playing a year in championship can be making of a player as Adama showed at Boro.
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He’s been excellent. Can’t see we’ve got any hope of keeping him if we go down.
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He’s been excellent. Can’t see we’ve got any hope of keeping him if we go down.
No he hasn’t. 😂
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He's also one of our few players that doesn't look terrified of decent opposition. For example he got really stuck into Traore.
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Been reasonably impressed by him since restart.
Which probably means we'll lose him.
Wouldn't be surprised if Pep took him back now that he'll get a work permit for them.
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Not sure he would get a work permit for them. He hasn't been playing in Europe, has hardly played for Brazil and would be nowhere near one of their better paid players.
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Not sure he would get a work permit for them. He hasn't been playing in Europe, has hardly played for Brazil and would be nowhere near one of their better paid players.
Can't they just decide to pay him whatever they want?
I'm sure they could also argue that he would have made further appearances for Brazil had Covid not happened. His first full cap was at the end of 2019.
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I wonder if Pep leaving would help or hinder us keeping hold of him. Isn't he a big fan?
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Not sure he would get a work permit for them. He hasn't been playing in Europe, has hardly played for Brazil and would be nowhere near one of their better paid players.
Can't they just decide to pay him whatever they want?
I'm sure they could also argue that he would have made further appearances for Brazil had Covid not happened. His first full cap was at the end of 2019.
Of course they could pay him whatever they want but are they going to put him in the top 7-8 earners at the club just so he can get a work perit?
The bottom line is irrelevant, he hasn't played enough of Brazils games over the last 2 years to be considered a regular so he doesn't get the permit. On top of that the other major criteria is the signing fee, I suspect a fee was included in the buy back clause and that isn't enough to tip him into the higher band for the permit then I don't see them paying extra just to achieve that.
All said the chances are he'd not get a permit again so if Man City resign him it's with the intention of him going out on loan and that loan couldn't be to an English club so his choices would be to stay with us and help us get back up, to see if he can push for a move to another English club (but it would have to be one of the bottom half teams really) or to go back to Man City and go out on loan to Spain/Italy.
I think there's a decent chance he stays so long as we keep most of this squad together and get early business done. Of course I also don't think we're as certain to go down as many are suggesting so for me this is a hypothetical question any way.
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Good again today. My god I wish the others had his heart. Man City will buy him back for £15m and make a fortune.
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My player of the season if I'm honest. Been a big fan. He scored some great goals and one or two vital goals that kept us alive.
He made mistakes, yes, but he turned 22 in May so as a 21 year old in a relegation threatened team he did much better than one or two others who should be hanging their heads in shame.
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My player of the season if I'm honest. Been a big fan. He scored some great goals and one or two vital goals that kept us alive.
He made mistakes, yes, but he turned 22 in May so as a 21 year old in a relegation threatened team he did much better than one or two others who should be hanging their heads in shame.
He's scored a sum total of 3 goals this season*
I agree with the general message though.
*(The same number as Conor Hourihane, FWIW).
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He's a very good footballer. Just about the only piece of transfer business this season that could be considered a success.
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As others have said, he's one of few that hasn't sunk without trace despite being a kid. Not a hope he won't get snapped up if we go down.
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Do we actually know what the Man City clause is?
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Do we actually know what the Man City clause is?
I think I read somewhere that it is a two year clause. I think Man City have to match the bid made by the other club in order to buy him back. I agree with others, this has been the one bit of decent business done by the club.
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Do we actually know what the Man City clause is?
I think I read somewhere that it is a two year clause. I think Man City have to match the bid made by the other club in order to buy him back. I agree with others, this has been the one bit of decent business done by the club.
Well if that is the case at least we would get decent money for him.
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Do we actually know what the Man City clause is?
I think I read somewhere that it is a two year clause. I think Man City have to match the bid made by the other club in order to buy him back. I agree with others, this has been the one bit of decent business done by the club.
Set fee of £25m buy back
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My player of the season if I'm honest. Been a big fan. He scored some great goals and one or two vital goals that kept us alive.
He made mistakes, yes, but he turned 22 in May so as a 21 year old in a relegation threatened team he did much better than one or two others who should be hanging their heads in shame.
He's scored a sum total of 3 goals this season*
I agree with the general message though.
*(The same number as Conor Hourihane, FWIW).
He's ten times the player without the ball than Hourihane is. And braver on it, Conor's occasional howitzers and set-pieces notwithstanding.
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So £11m towards FFP.
We'll have to rebuild if we go down, but with parachute payments and significant funds coming in (Jack being 100% by virtue of being home grown) then we get a free swing at it.
We will always be able to attract the best players. Great opportunity for a 1 season stay.
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The Championship, even for a one year stint, further diminishes this fine club.
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This lad is finally showing what he can do. And assuming he's still around next season i'd have him as captain from the off
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So £11m towards FFP.
We'll have to rebuild if we go down, but with parachute payments and significant funds coming in (Jack being 100% by virtue of being home grown) then we get a free swing at it.
We will always be able to attract the best players. Great opportunity for a 1 season stay.
Without meaning to sound defeatist it's why a few weeks back I just came to peace with it all. Of course Villa losing fucks me off massively. I have too much invested in them. But I took a look at who would be down with us and the league simply won't be as strong. And it you consider who would actually be sold, it's not like at that level you need superstars to get back up. Certainly helps. But last time look at the players we were able to attract to get ourselves back up. There's no reason to think those types of players would not be available again; transfer or loan.
It always will come down to the manager, who he signs and the intent that he sends us out with. But done right (obviously), there is no reason to think we cannot come back a lot stronger. And I look to Burnley for that reason. Dyche took them down but they kept him and they are much stronger now second time around. I wouldn't keep Smith because I no longer have any faith in him. But the right manager and the right blenf of players, where we don't need to spend anything close to what we did the last time around added to what we will have should be more than enough to get us back up.
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The right manager and the right players and we should be OK. Hold the front page.
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If Man City hold all the cards then I can’t see why they would not let him stay with us. A year bossing the championship would do him, and them, good. Another year at Villa in PL after that would also suit Man City. The bigger issue will be what the player wants imo.
I’d like to think that the late upturn in form will not have been noticed and he appreciates what a big club we are.
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If Man City hold all the cards then I can’t see why they would not let him stay with us. A year bossing the championship would do him, and them, good. Another year at Villa in PL after that would also suit Man City. The bigger issue will be what the player wants imo.
I’d like to think that the late upturn in form will not have been noticed and he appreciates what a big club we are.
That's the concern - the pre-lockdown Luiz is unlikely to have generated too much interest, here or abroad. Certainly not at a level we'd 'have' to let him go. But since the restart he's the one player who looks to have genuinely improved during his time away. He was always a tidy player, but he's definitely got more to grips with the league since the restart.
He'll be an asset next season if we survive, but I fear we'll lose him if we don't. I suspect he, and a couple of others, might have Idrissa Gueye-style relegation clauses in their contracts. Would be a kick in the teeth to lose players for less than we paid, but it might be the reality we're facing.
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he's nowhere near good enough to play for a top side - if he stays next season then that's good - if not, we might make our money back....
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He'll be an asset next season if we survive, but I fear we'll lose him if we don't. I suspect he, and a couple of others, might have Idrissa Gueye-style relegation clauses in their contracts. Would be a kick in the teeth to lose players for less than we paid, but it might be the reality we're facing.
Thing with Luiz is he'll have no problem moving to another European league. I'd imagine he's creating interest amongst the vultures across the continent with his displays.
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he's nowhere near good enough to play for a top side - if he stays next season then that's good - if not, we might make our money back....
He will be in time.
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he's nowhere near good enough to play for a top side - if he stays next season then that's good - if not, we might make our money back....
He will be in time.
I think he'd do really well playing for a slower tempo league in Italy. If we go down and he doesn't want to stay, loaning him out for a year might be an idea, with a sell on agreed if we don't get back up quickly.
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he's nowhere near good enough to play for a top side - if he stays next season then that's good - if not, we might make our money back....
He will be in time.
If he continues progressing he could be a very good player, still young.
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he's nowhere near good enough to play for a top side - if he stays next season then that's good - if not, we might make our money back....
He will be in time.
I think he'd do really well playing for a slower tempo league in Italy. If we go down and he doesn't want to stay, loaning him out for a year might be an idea, with a sell on agreed if we don't get back up quickly.
I think you’ve hit the nail on the head re. being suited to slower tempo football. The tempo has been very slow in the restart games.
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Our supportive local press have decided now he's our best performing player better link him away now....from the Beeb gossip
Pep Guardiola is open to bringing Aston Villa's Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, 22, back to Manchester City when the window opens in July. (Birmingham Mail)
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They aren't going to make him one of their highest paid players, so he won't get a work permit. He will only be able to sign for them if and when he's played in 30% of Brazil's matches in the last two years. Until then, it's a non-story.
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Actually looking at it again he would need to be in the top 25% of transfer fees this summer and/or in their top 50% of wage earners, which does seem feasible.
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It will really depend what other business they're planning, won't it?
Citeh are pretty comfortable in midfield, they've got the best in the PL currently, even with Silva on his way out.
It's their defence which is a total shambles, so I'd imagine they'll be investing big money in a couple of centre-halves and one or two quality full-backs.
They're also going to have to invest big in a goalscoring striker - Aguero's chances of ever playing a full season again are basically nil, and I don't think Pep trusts Jesus fully to lead the line. As good as the latter is, he's no Aguero.
2 x quality CBs, 2 x quality FBs, and a world class goalscorer could potentially set them back somewhere in the region of 300m.*
OK, so I pulled that figure out of my arse but you get the gist, they're going to spend a huge lot of money.
Pep might feel Luiz is a luxury for another transfer window, particularly if he has to shell out more than the buy-back clause in order to meet the work permit criteria.
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I don't think he's shown he's good enough for a top 4 club yet. He may be in 2-3 years' time ...
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That Mail story reads like your typical lazy journo join-the-dots punt anyway. City have buyback clause + Villa could go down = City buyback Luiz. There's obviously a grain of truth in City not wanting to sell him in the first place, but they have as much clue on City's intentions as we do.
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Looking every bit a top PL player. He won’t be playing for us next year unless his work permit is a problem.
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At the moment when he gets the ball I feel like I used to feel when grealish got it. He won’t let go of it cheaply and he’ll probably make something happen. He’s our best players by a mile on current form.
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Luiz is only a bit older than Grealish was when we went down before. Time for him to establish himself as a Premier League superstar with Villa, I reckon.
If the worst comes to the worst, another £25 million won't hurt. We will be able to spend money like we did last time we were down there, but would be starting with a much better team, not the same 2016 squad of players that got fewer wins than a Saudi shoplifter in an arm wrestling championship.
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Best player on the pitch tonight.
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Luiz is only a bit older than Grealish was when we went down before. Time for him to establish himself as a Premier League superstar with Villa, I reckon.
If the worst comes to the worst, another £25 million won't hurt. We will be able to spend money like we did last time we were down there, but would be starting with a much better team, not the same 2016 squad of players that got fewer wins than a Saudi shoplifter in an arm wrestling championship.
And if there are FFP problems, then we just donate an airport to the EFL. Make problem go away, yes?
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Taps nose.
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Taps nose.
You've said too much.
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If we can find a way to keep him we will have by far the best player in the Championship next season. Jack will be gone. Douglas Luiz is precisely the type of player who you build around.
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Not a chance he'll be with us next year. He's been our best player since lockdown and there'll be a queue of Premier League clubs after him.
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If we can find a way to keep him we will have by far the best player in the Championship next season. Jack will be gone. Douglas Luiz is precisely the type of player who you build around.
He won't be in the championship next season. Made Andre Gomez look championship standard tonight and anyone else Everton had in midfield. Just a pity he only started playing since the restart. Always had the ability on the ball but throw in improved fitness, desire, commitment, cynicism and there is a hell of a player there.
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I don't know if others will be willing to pay £25 million based on his recent performances. And I don't think we will sell him for less than that. I think he will still be at Villa or bought back by Man City if they can sort the work permit and think he's worth it.
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We have been crying out for a dominating central midfielder all season.
Is it just a turnaround in form, fitness or has Smith finally worked out how to play him?
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He's definitely improved, he had long periods of being off the pace pre-lockdown. He does appear to be better as the holding player though. McGinn coming back will have helped him too.
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We have been crying out for a dominating central midfielder all season.
Is it just a turnaround in form, fitness or has Smith finally worked out how to play him?
Maybe the 1:1 that Smith did with them all in lockdown has worked for him.
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Our midfield looked functional last night. It was more balanced and moved the ball nicely. Pity about the defence and attack.
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I think Douglas has been easily our best player since the restart
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Yes a real improvement. He's looked good and I think he will be outstanding in the Championship if he plays for us there.
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I think Douglas has been easily our best player since the restart
Agree, I think he has been our best player in pretty much every game since the restart. Hope we can keep him for next season.
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The cynic in me says he's playing for a move. We paid what, £15m for him?
A mid-table Prem team will easily pay that.
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The cynic in me says he's playing for a move. We paid what, £15m for him?
A mid-table Prem team will easily pay that.
Read today Pep wants him back and will activate buy back clause. I wouldnt be surprised if this was the plan all along
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He’s been our best player in each of the matches back, I’m afraid I can’t see any way he won’t be staying in the PL.
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The cynic in me says he's playing for a move. We paid what, £15m for him?
A mid-table Prem team will easily pay that.
Read today Pep wants him back and will activate buy back clause. I wouldnt be surprised if this was the plan all along
Inevitable I guess. He might not fancy the champs either so better to cash in now if we can. Assuming we get relegated of course
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He might have been good but he's not going to get in Citeh's team. If we stay up I can see him staying another year. Not sure if we go down but fingers crossed.
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The cynic in me says he's playing for a move. We paid what, £15m for him?
A mid-table Prem team will easily pay that.
And then, presumably, they can pay the other £10 million to match his release clause.
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He might have been good but he's not going to get in Citeh's team. If we stay up I can see him staying another year. Not sure if we go down but fingers crossed.
They have two years to decide. The only thing that might work against us is if the Premier League/UEFA decide to make this year not count for FFP because of Covid, in which case they might want him back in the next transfer window as his fee wouldn't count against them.
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I wish we had more players playing for a move.
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He might have been good but he's not going to get in Citeh's team. If we stay up I can see him staying another year. Not sure if we go down but fingers crossed.
They have two years to decide. The only thing that might work against us is if the Premier League/UEFA decide to make this year not count for FFP because of Covid, in which case they might want him back in the next transfer window as his fee wouldn't count against them.
Dont forget that the powers that be have just chugged off the super clubs and given them the opportunity to replace their entire midfield every game with the new 5 subs rule. Next year, City 2-1 up against Sheff U on 65m with an important Champs League game coming up midweek. Pep subs on Foden, Gundogen and Luiz (all three of whom would start for 3/4 of the league teams) to wrap the game up. Any players good enough for the top 6 squads who would have otherwise probably preferred a mid table team for game time will know this. The trap door is slowly being pulled up.
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Yeah, probably right.
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Sadly I think he’ll be gone. He’s going to be a cracking player.
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He might have been good but he's not going to get in Citeh's team. If we stay up I can see him staying another year. Not sure if we go down but fingers crossed.
His rate of improvement suggests he will. Pep knows a good player when he sees one, we are now beginning to see this..
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Sadly I think he’ll be gone. He’s going to be a cracking player.
Agreed.
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Sadly I think he’ll be gone. He’s going to be a cracking player.
Agreed.
He’s been the obvious stand out since we restarted. His understanding of what’s going on around him has improved hugely.
I’d love him to stay, but can’t see it if the inevitable happens.
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Is it just a turnaround in form, fitness or has Smith finally worked out how to play him?
...more likely that Pep spoke to him 1-on-1 and told him how to improve to get back to City.
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Nonsense.
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he’s always had that touch of class about him
took time to adapt to the unique conditions of the prem but even when he was making a few mistakes and struggled with the pace of the game you could still tell there was something there that would eventually come good
I always thought we’d have a cracking player next season it’s just happened a bit earlier
I’ve got the same hopes for Nakamba
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I love the way Reina calls him "Duuuugeee" during covid games.
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He might have been good but he's not going to get in Citeh's team. If we stay up I can see him staying another year. Not sure if we go down but fingers crossed.
They have two years to decide. The only thing that might work against us is if the Premier League/UEFA decide to make this year not count for FFP because of Covid, in which case they might want him back in the next transfer window as his fee wouldn't count against them.
Dont forget that the powers that be have just chugged off the super clubs and given them the opportunity to replace their entire midfield every game with the new 5 subs rule. Next year, City 2-1 up against Sheff U on 65m with an important Champs League game coming up midweek. Pep subs on Foden, Gundogen and Luiz (all three of whom would start for 3/4 of the league teams) to wrap the game up. Any players good enough for the top 6 squads who would have otherwise probably preferred a mid table team for game time will know this. The trap door is slowly being pulled up.
Alex Ferguson was advocating for this setup a decade or more ago.
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Good to see that if a player doesn't improve, it demonstrates what a shit coach Dean is. If, however, a player does improve it's all praise to Pep Guardiola!!
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Good to see that if a player doesn't improve, it demonstrates what a shit coach Dean is. If, however, a player does improve it's all praise to Pep Guardiola!!
. Good point, but if using his improvement as a yardstick we have had some players seemingly going backwards.
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Good to see that if a player doesn't improve, it demonstrates what a shit coach Dean is. If, however, a player does improve it's all praise to Pep Guardiola!!
. Good point, but if using his improvement as a yardstick we have had some players seemingly going backwards.
That's a confidence issue more than anything.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
No. If we stay up, he'll probably stay.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
It's a pretty good loan deal then because they have to pay us an extra £10m to buy him back apparently.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
No. If we stay up, he'll probably stay.
I would hope so, he's a player we could build around. Not up to us though, unfortunately.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
It's a pretty good loan deal then because they have to pay us an extra £10m to buy him back apparently.
It's alright for us, whilst being meaningless to them - they have bottomless wealth and have now had it confirmed in court that they do not need to abide by FFP rules.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
I thought the deal was that we bought him outright and Citeh have first right of refusal when we come to sell; and that it is our call when we decide to sell.
Obviously, relegation will put pressure on us to sell.
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He needs to stay.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
I thought the deal was that we bought him outright and Citeh have first right of refusal when we come to sell; and that it is our call when we decide to sell.
Obviously, relegation will put pressure on us to sell.
It's described as a "buy-out clause" which would suggest that if Citeh meet the trigger price we wouldn't be able to refuse.
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I can see them buying him back (if we go down) and then loaning him to a team in europe e.g. R.B Leipzig which they've done recently with Angelinho
I actually wonder whether we'd actually do that if we go down then he comes back here if we get straight back up.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
I thought the deal was that we bought him outright and Citeh have first right of refusal when we come to sell; and that it is our call when we decide to sell.
Obviously, relegation will put pressure on us to sell.
It's described as a "buy-out clause" which would suggest that if Citeh meet the trigger price we wouldn't be able to refuse.
I believe you're both right. If we decide to sell, City get first refusal at whatever we're selling him for. If we don't decide to sell, there is a price we HAVE to accept (but only from City).
He's improved this year, but I'm not sure he's at a level to play a regular part for City just yet. Look at who he'd be competing with. I think he'd be very lucky to make the same number of appearance Foden has this year (20-odd).
If we stay up, he'll definitely stay. If we don't, he'll very likely go, either to City who'll loan him out, or someone on the continent. Either way, his career certainly appears to be on an upward trajectory and he's show he can compete in the premier league, so wouldn't rule out a few suitors here either.
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I love Douglas he’s fucking brilliant.
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I love Douglas he’s fucking brilliant.
I love that he took the yellow card when he did as well, that showed how much he's matured over the season because that could've been dangerous.
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Yep it was very smart, potentially critical.
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Got a really good mentality, understands the game as it develops. Also worked his balls off which is good as we don't know if he'll still be here.
Think he'll be huge for us next season if we stay up. Certainly a player to build a midfield round.
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If we stay up and he stays he'll get game time week in week out in the PL. Hopefully that will appeal to him at his age.
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I'm a little more reassured he will stay because of City having the European ban lifted. That means they can go for superstars rather than biding their time with a rebuild.
That said, they're about to buy Ake for their collection of crap defenders, and some of the players they played against Watford were terrible too. Luiz is probably ready for them already.
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Last night he clattered an Arsenal player and showed he was up for business. He didn't do that in the early part of the season.
He's learning.
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Let's hope he learns West Ham on Sunday
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Great performance again. Gritty, calm, precise.
His form, imho, has been as big a factor in these post covid games as grealish coming back was last season.
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He has come on so much it's incredible. It would be great news if we can keep him as he is the DM we've needed all season.
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Love how he never gets flustered either. Seems to have adapted well post lockdown. Always seems to have time on the ball to pick the right pass too - Sign of a good player, and long may he remain one of ours!
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Love how he never gets flustered either. Seems to have adapted well post lockdown. Always seems to have time on the ball to pick the right pass too - Sign of a good player, and long may he remain one of ours!
And what a contrast to the universal consternation* at his being not up to speed and spending too long on the ball he then typically lost.
Long may we hold onto our best.
*not sure i've ever typed that word before.
A quick google to check the meaning "a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay." sounds very H&V on a bad day!
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Possibly our best player
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Players with bleached hair, in my experience, are either very good or very bad. He is firmly in the former category.
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I love Douglas he’s fucking brilliant.
I'd love to see him remain and be a fixture in the midfield for club and country for years to come.
Might help our cause should we be looking at more Brazilians in future.
BTW: Always felt it odd that so few of them play in English football traditionally. I've heard the weather and culture etc cited as factors. And compared to possible moves to Portugal or Spain I get that. But plenty play in the Netherlands, Germany and Russia and and don't seem to have too many issues settling in.
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He’s been excellent hasn’t he. Let’s hope we can get to make him a fans hero next season.
(Villa, can you please make some no strings attached signings for next season please)
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I would imagine he will be looking to sign for a Champions League team next season.
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BTW: Always felt it odd that so few of them play in English football traditionally. I've heard the weather and culture etc cited as factors. And compared to possible moves to Portugal or Spain I get that. But plenty play in the Netherlands, Germany and Russia and and don't seem to have too many issues settling in.
Work permits. Other countries have far fewer restrictions on footballers having the right to go there and play than the UK does.
The main reason he's with us in the first place.
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Makes sense.
Don't a few of them get round that with Italian or Portuguese passports though.
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Now going to Arsenal! According to BBC Gossip.
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Makes sense.
Don't a few of them get round that with Italian or Portuguese passports though.
That's a bit different. Other leagues have limits on the total number of non-EU players that are allowed in a squad. So if you are a promising footballer in South America you get yourself a passport to make yourself a more attractive transfer option as you wouldn't be taking up a non-EU place.
Obviously it wouldn't hurt with a potential move to England later, but it's more to help Argentines / Brazilians etc get a move to Italy or Portugal as teams are more likely to take a punt on them.
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Now going to Arsenal! According to BBC Gossip.
TBF they have got that from another awful click bait article. If he were to go to Arsenal he’d need to go to Man City first due to the clause.
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This needs to be bumped. Douglas Luiz was a fucking Rolls Royce since the restart. Absolutely superb and contributed fully to us staying up.
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He’ s been superb at controlling the tempo at key moments since the restart
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Dean Smith brought this guy to the party love it how he has excelled game after game since lock down.
Dougie super.
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Been brilliant in every game since the restart. Take him out of these games and we’re down, simple as that. Love the guy.
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Really want us to keep him.
Be bloody hard to replace a central midfield of Douglas, McGinn and Grealish.
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Villa need to talk to Man City and buy out that clause if possible.
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Don't see him going anywhere now. Think we'll be one of the joys of next season. Last 5-6 games is a hint of what's to come on a regular basis.
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Better than Jack, obviously in a different position. I'd rather keep him.
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Looking forward to see him develop over the next few years. With us.
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I said many months ago that Douglas Luiz has the busy but elegant running style of Dennis Mortimer, and over the last few weeks he has delivered performances and inspiration of a like kind.
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Doug was just a glorified loan wasn't he?
I thought the deal was that we bought him outright and Citeh have first right of refusal when we come to sell; and that it is our call when we decide to sell.
Obviously, relegation will put pressure on us to sell.
It's described as a "buy-out clause" which would suggest that if Citeh meet the trigger price we wouldn't be able to refuse.
I believe you're both right. If we decide to sell, City get first refusal at whatever we're selling him for. If we don't decide to sell, there is a price we HAVE to accept (but only from City).
...
Oh, okay - thanks; cleared that up (for me, at least).
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Other than generally playing brilliantly, these games have shown that he is definitely a very, very good CDM. Jury was out on whether that was his best role and whether he has the engine and discipline for it. It’s clear now those issues have been worked on and were a product of his age and fitness level when he joined.
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For me, he’s the player to build around, not SJG. Luis could be the engine room of a resurgent Villa in the same way Mortimer was 40 years ago.
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He’s fucking ace.
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For me, he’s the player to build around, not SJG. Luis could be the engine room of a resurgent Villa in the same way Mortimer was 40 years ago.
Does it need to be one or the other?
Personally I'd leave Jack where he is, listed as a left winger but with a lot of licence, I'd add another winger with pace and goals on the other side and a nasty bastard to help look after Douglas and McGinn in the middle.
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He's absolute shit. Man City would be crazy to buy him back.
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Really hope we have another season of him playing for us.
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Really hope we have another season of him playing for us.
I’d agree however I believe the buy back fee increases if he stays on ( from reports) So if he goes back he goes back now, or we spend significant money to remove the buy back clause maybe?
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I don't think he's going anywhere. I don't think anyone we really want to keep will leave this summer. I just think this will be the summer where the owners will want to show they're not messing around.
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I don't think he's going anywhere. I don't think anyone we really want to keep will leave this summer. I just think this will be the summer where the owners will want to show they're not messing around.
It doesn't matter though what the owners think if Man City decide they want him, City have got the right to buy him back at their option this season.
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We need him. As mentioned above, a nasty bastard now required to complete a midfield which will now come into its own if he stays. Hes already becoming an outstanding player and McGinn now looking like his old self also. Jack must and has to stay now surely. And City can fuck off.
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I don't think he's going anywhere. I don't think anyone we really want to keep will leave this summer. I just think this will be the summer where the owners will want to show they're not messing around.
It doesn't matter though what the owners think if Man City decide they want him, City have got the right to buy him back at their option this season.
Yup. So let’s bloody hope they are happy for him to remain here.
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Yep, it’s a fingers crossed scenario
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You’d imagine he has a say. He owes us nothing of course but he seems happy here and like he has a bit about him.
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Love this player.
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I don't think he's going anywhere. I don't think anyone we really want to keep will leave this summer. I just think this will be the summer where the owners will want to show they're not messing around.
It doesn't matter though what the owners think if Man City decide they want him, City have got the right to buy him back at their option this season.
Of course it matters, if we want to keep him and he isn't desperate to go then he won't go, he's not going to start 30+ games at Man City, he is with us and he seems to be sensible enough to realise that game time is the most important thing for him right now. We can't reject the offer if they meet their clause but we can offer him a pay rise and contract extension if he tells them to piss off for at least another season.
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I think Man City will be happy for him to stay at Villa playing week-in, week-out and continuing to develop. If he has another step up in performance next year they can always trigger his buy out clause next Summer when he stands a chance of actually getting in to their midfield.
Now we've stayed up, I think the only player we'll lose to someone better is Grealish. The only others I can see going out of the door are the ones that aren't good enough.
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I don't think he's going anywhere. I don't think anyone we really want to keep will leave this summer. I just think this will be the summer where the owners will want to show they're not messing around.
It doesn't matter though what the owners think if Man City decide they want him, City have got the right to buy him back at their option this season.
Of course it matters, if we want to keep him and he isn't desperate to go then he won't go, he's not going to start 30+ games at Man City, he is with us and he seems to be sensible enough to realise that game time is the most important thing for him right now. We can't reject the offer if they meet their clause but we can offer him a pay rise and contract extension if he tells them to piss off for at least another season.
That's not how buy back clauses work. Neither the club who bought the player (in this case us) or the player (Luiz) would have a say in the matter if they exercise the right to buy him back at the predetermined fee. Man City might feel they need him, or buy him back and sell him to somebody else for a higher price. Or they might not and he stays with us, but in either case, the ball is entirely in Man City's court.
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I think Man City will be happy for him to stay at Villa playing week-in, week-out and continuing to develop. If he has another step up in performance next year they can always trigger his buy out clause next Summer when he stands a chance of actually getting in to their midfield.
Now we've stayed up, I think the only player we'll lose to someone better is Grealish. The only others I can see going out of the door are the ones that aren't good enough.
Exactly, all the reports suggest they have 2 seasons to activate it, I just don't see how it works for anyone for them to do it this summer. I disagree on Jack though, I think he can be persuaded to stay for another season so long as the players we're looking at are good enough for us to push on.
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The 5 sub rule is what makes me think there's a chance they'll sign him back for a season and he'll either kick on or they'll flog next summer for a profit.
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The 5 sub rule is what makes me think there's a chance they'll sign him back for a season and he'll either kick on or they'll flog next summer for a profit.
I don't see it because they'd still struggle to get a work permit for him. If he stays, gets into the Brazilian squad, and has lots of other clubs interested then those problems go away. As I say, I don't see anyone benefiting from him going back there this summer.
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I fancy that if they want a work permit for him they'll get it.
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I fancy that if they want a work permit for him they'll get it.
I'm not sure, they couldn't for 2 seasons and on paper nothing much has changed in his circumstances since then. If they wanted him to play every game then they might push for it but to be an option off the bench, I can't see it.
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He was the player that really stood out post restart. Consistent in every game. Strong, composed, resolute.
Bearing in mind that he'd been in and out of the team pre-Covid his emergence has been a massive reason why we have stayed up.
Really need to keep him if we can.
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The 5 sub rule is what makes me think there's a chance they'll sign him back for a season and he'll either kick on or they'll flog next summer for a profit.
The bit that's in our favour is that he's only really done it for the last 10 games. If Citeh thought he was close to being good enough they'd have loaned him out or kept him in the squad a la Foden. But they obviously decided he probably wasn't going to make the cut and included the buy-back clause as an insurance policy.
I can't see 10 games convincing them they got it wrong. It could just as easily be a flash in the pan as proof that they misjudged him.
Why gamble on £25m now, when they could see him over a full season next season and then decide for the same fee?
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I fancy that if they want a work permit for him they'll get it.
I'm not sure, they couldn't for 2 seasons and on paper nothing much has changed in his circumstances since then. If they wanted him to play every game then they might push for it but to be an option off the bench, I can't see it.
His fee will be a lot higher, so that's one thing that has changed that would pass the test. Then they'd argue that he's be a regular squad player. Finally, he's turned out for Brazil, and in the Covid affected world we now live in, he'll have played a high percentage of international games in the last 12 months.
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The 5 sub rule is what makes me think there's a chance they'll sign him back for a season and he'll either kick on or they'll flog next summer for a profit.
The bit that's in our favour is that he's only really done it for the last 10 games. If Citeh thought he was close to being good enough they'd have loaned him out or kept him in the squad a la Foden. But they obviously decided he probably wasn't going to make the cut, but included the buy-back clause as an insurance policy.
I can't see 10 games convincing them they got it wrong. It could just as easily be a flash in the pan as proof that they misjudged him.
Why gamble on £25m now, when they could see him over a full season next season and then decide for the same fee?
They couldn't keep him in the squad as they couldn't get a work permit last season. They've done the equivalent of loaning him out but getting a wodge of cash as well with the deal with us.
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Wasn't part/all of our getting a permit, the relative fee we paid? If they want to buy him back and get a permit, would they not have to fork out seriously big time? It doesn't look like there's been much shift in his eligibility.
Info on the points allocation criteria here https://latitudelaw.com/news/the-fas-policy-on-non-eu-football-players-and-possible-implications-following-brexit/
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I fancy that if they want a work permit for him they'll get it.
I'm not sure, they couldn't for 2 seasons and on paper nothing much has changed in his circumstances since then. If they wanted him to play every game then they might push for it but to be an option off the bench, I can't see it.
His fee will be a lot higher, so that's one thing that has changed that would pass the test. Then they'd argue that he's be a regular squad player. Finally, he's turned out for Brazil, and in the Covid affected world we now live in, he'll have played a high percentage of international games in the last 12 months.
Will his fee be enough to meet the criteria? If it is then we'll have made a good profit. Will his wages at City put him as one of their top earners? I doubt it. 1 appearance for Brazil, even with the virus, isn't enough for them to claim he's a regular at international level. They'd have to go through an appeal (much like we did) but whereas we could legitimately claim he was going to be a key player for us Man City just can't do that.
They won't want to sign him back only to fail to ge a permit again and be back to square one and there's every chance that could happen because on paper his eligibility hasn't changed much.
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Covid will most likely have an effect on International criteria, and they can give him a good chunk of wages. He'd get the permit I reckon.
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Covid will most likely have an effect on International criteria, and they can give him a good chunk of wages. He'd get the permit I reckon.
Maybe, maybe not. that's my point. If they wanted him back to play regularly I can see them going for it but I just don't see them being there yet. If they give it another year and he carries on as he has then they activate it knowing he's proven at this level. I might be wrong but I just don't see why they'd do it this summer.
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I fancy that if they want a work permit for him they'll get it.
I'm not sure, they couldn't for 2 seasons and on paper nothing much has changed in his circumstances since then. If they wanted him to play every game then they might push for it but to be an option off the bench, I can't see it.
His fee will be a lot higher, so that's one thing that has changed that would pass the test. Then they'd argue that he's be a regular squad player. Finally, he's turned out for Brazil, and in the Covid affected world we now live in, he'll have played a high percentage of international games in the last 12 months.
Will his fee be enough to meet the criteria? If it is then we'll have made a good profit. Will his wages at City put him as one of their top earners? I doubt it. 1 appearance for Brazil, even with the virus, isn't enough for them to claim he's a regular at international level. They'd have to go through an appeal (much like we did) but whereas we could legitimately claim he was going to be a key player for us Man City just can't do that.
They won't want to sign him back only to fail to ge a permit again and be back to square one and there's every chance that could happen because on paper his eligibility hasn't changed much.
There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
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The international criteria has to be different, the window will be open when it's been nearly a year since most countries played.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
All the rest, maybe, maybe not. As I said.
The international criteria has to be different, the window will be open when it's been nearly a year since most countries played.
Of course but if 1 appearance in a friendly is enough then the criteria is pretty much removed.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
All the rest, maybe, maybe not. As I said.
The international criteria has to be different, the window will be open when it's been nearly a year since most countries played.
Of course but if 1 appearance in a friendly is enough then the criteria is pretty much removed.
No the bit in bold isn't wrong. You clearly don't understand how buy back clauses work.
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He played in their last international, that international football has since been cancelled does make the international criteria pretty much void this window.
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He's played alright in ten games for a team in the bottom three. I don't think he's done enough to be off just yet.
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He played in their last international, that international football has since been cancelled does make the international criteria pretty much void this window.
Maybe, but seeing as it's 30% of games over 2 years, maybe not.
Risso I can't be arsed to reply to you thinking that players can be forced to sign contracts, it's too late for such a pointless discussion.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
Risso's correct. In an arrangement like this, the player has already given his consent to the return move when he signed with us last summer.
If they want him, he has already agreed to the transfer back and did so nearly a year ago.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
Risso's correct. In an arrangement like this, the player has already given his consent to the return move when he signed with us last summer.
If they want him, he has already agreed to the transfer back and did so nearly a year ago.
He'd still need to sign the agreement, it's normally a moot point because the player agreed to it and wants to go back but at the point where they action the clause he has to confirm it.
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He played in their last international, that international football has since been cancelled does make the international criteria pretty much void this window.
Maybe, but seeing as it's 30% of games over 2 years, maybe not.
Risso I can't be arsed to reply to you thinking that players can be forced to sign contracts, it's too late for such a pointless discussion.
There's no maybe not about it. You can't have a criteria based on the last 2 years when nearly half that time has had no games. You can't go alter the time frame as young players like Luiz will be penalised for being young.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
Risso's correct. In an arrangement like this, the player has already given his consent to the return move when he signed with us last summer.
If they want him, he has already agreed to the transfer back and did so nearly a year ago.
He'd still need to sign the agreement, it's normally a moot point because the player agreed to it and wants to go back but at the point where they action the clause he has to confirm it.
He has already signed the agreement. The return terms are agreed at the point of the original transfer. The original selling club literally has a one-way switch to enact the terms that everyone agreed and signed off at the start.
Precisely to stop the player / new club colluding in the way that you describe.
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He played in their last international, that international football has since been cancelled does make the international criteria pretty much void this window.
Maybe, but seeing as it's 30% of games over 2 years, maybe not.
Risso I can't be arsed to reply to you thinking that players can be forced to sign contracts, it's too late for such a pointless discussion.
There's no maybe not about it. You can't have a criteria based on the last 2 years when nearly half that time has had no games. You can't go alter the time frame as young players like Liuz will be penalised for being young.
Of course there is, less than 30% of the games in that period have been lost so even if you can argue that he would have played them all he'd miss out on the criteria. It may be changed but that there's no guarantee that any change would see him 'pass' that requirement.
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He’s not good enough for Man
city yet. But he’s good enough for us.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
Risso's correct. In an arrangement like this, the player has already given his consent to the return move when he signed with us last summer.
If they want him, he has already agreed to the transfer back and did so nearly a year ago.
He'd still need to sign the agreement, it's normally a moot point because the player agreed to it and wants to go back but at the point where they action the clause he has to confirm it.
He has already signed the agreement. The return terms are agreed at the point of the original transfer. The original selling club literally has a one-way switch to enact the terms that everyone agreed and signed off at the start.
Precisely to stop the player / new club colluding in the way that you describe.
So, he wouldn't be able to renegotiate his wages? In which case he still would be nowhere near one of the higher paid players at Man City and thus wouldn't qualify for a work permit.
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Ok, they won't change the criteria after losing 11 months of games. Good grief, life's too short.
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Risso I can't be arsed to reply to you thinking that players can be forced to sign contracts, it's too late for such a pointless discussion.
As Dave has pointed out, he has already agreed to the contract. You're making yourself look stupid now, this is contract law 1.0
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Also if he signed a new deal with us putting him on a wage higher than the one in the buy back and they triggered it afterwards does anyone honestly believe that wouldn't be challenged.
The player always has a choice if for no other reason than if they told him they were activating the clause and he said he didn't them to would any club go ahead with it? There is always a choice there, it's just not something that's ever been tested because normally the player wants to go back, which is why the agreed to it.
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There's not a set fee, if a player hasn't played the required number of games, then at the appeals process there are points based on what percentile the transfer fee and wages gets. So for example, if his transfer fee is above the 50% percentile, that gives two points. If his wages would be above the 50% percentile at the new club, that's another two points. For playing in at least 30% of Villa's matches (in one of Europe's top leagues), he gets another point. 5 points and you pass the appeal.
To sum up then, they may or may not exercise the recall option, and opt to leave him with us for another year, but:
If Man City want him, they get him, and it doesn't matter whether Villa or the player himself say no.
They'd almost certainly get a work permit for him, if not outright then on appeal.
Bold bit is completely wrong, of course he has a choice and, therefore so do we. There can't be anything in the clause blocking him from signing a new contract with us so if they activate it we speak to him and say "whatever wage they offer we'll match and we'll guarantee you start xx% of our games, you're still young, gametime is more important than medals right now". He might want to go but they can't force him to.
Risso's correct. In an arrangement like this, the player has already given his consent to the return move when he signed with us last summer.
If they want him, he has already agreed to the transfer back and did so nearly a year ago.
He'd still need to sign the agreement, it's normally a moot point because the player agreed to it and wants to go back but at the point where they action the clause he has to confirm it.
He has already signed the agreement. The return terms are agreed at the point of the original transfer. The original selling club literally has a one-way switch to enact the terms that everyone agreed and signed off at the start.
Precisely to stop the player / new club colluding in the way that you describe.
So, he wouldn't be able to renegotiate his wages? In which case he still would be nowhere near one of the higher paid players at Man City and thus wouldn't qualify for a work permit.
Again, it's all in the original agreement. He has no need to - because it's in City's commitment to him when it's first proposed.
"If we're spending £25m to buy you back then we think you're good enough (or we can get more than we're spending on you by selling you elsewhere) to warrant tripling your wages".
Just like City don't agree to it last year if it doesn't work for them, neither do Villa (who make a big profit) or the player (who gets a huge pay-rise)
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Ok, they won't change the criteria after losing 11 months of games. Good grief, life's too short.
Even if they didn't (and I agree with you they would) he'd breeze through the appeal on the points basis I outlined above.
Pay him a wage that sees him in the top half of earners - 2 points.
Transfer fee in the top half of fees for the Premier League - 2 points
Played in 30% plus of Villa's matches this season - 1 point
Appeal passed.
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Ok, they won't change the criteria after losing 11 months of games. Good grief, life's too short.
Indeed it is, they currently haven't changed the criteria so we don't know what those criteria will be, that's really not complicated.
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Also if he signed a new deal with us putting him on a wage higher than the one in the buy back and they triggered it afterwards does anyone honestly believe that wouldn't be challenged.
The player always has a choice if for no other reason than if they told him they were activating the clause and he said he didn't them to would any club go ahead with it? There is always a choice there, it's just not something that's ever been tested because normally the player wants to go back, which is why the agreed to it.
I'm pretty sure Man City wouldn't have inserted the buy back clause in the first place if it was that easily waved away.
And, let's be honest, it's Man City, insane amounts of money and lots of scope for titles. Of course he's going to go there.
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Also if he signed a new deal with us putting him on a wage higher than the one in the buy back and they triggered it afterwards does anyone honestly believe that wouldn't be challenged.
The player always has a choice if for no other reason than if they told him they were activating the clause and he said he didn't them to would any club go ahead with it? There is always a choice there, it's just not something that's ever been tested because normally the player wants to go back, which is why the agreed to it.
Challenged how? He's happily signed a contract agreeing to the terms.
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Well, regardless, they still have this year and next before the clause expires, and he has only been Man City standard for a couple of months. I reckon they will give him another year at Villa to decide whether they fancy bringing him back.
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Ok, they won't change the criteria after losing 11 months of games. Good grief, life's too short.
Indeed it is, they currently haven't changed the criteria so we don't know what those criteria will be, that's really not complicated.
And yet it seems so for you.
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How do you all know his detailed contract?
Can you put a copy online for me to read
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There’s the Villa fan side of it that time would think he loves the club like we do. Why would he leave? And there’s the reality side of it. The business side of it. These players aren’t tied to us or anyone else emotionally. And that includes Jack at the end of the day.
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Well, regardless, they still have this year and next before the clause expires, and he has only been Man City standard for a couple of months. I reckon they will give him another year at Villa to decide whether they fancy bringing him back.
I hope they do, he's been brilliant lately and he's turned into a great player. if Jack does leave, we'll need Luiz for sure.
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Also if he signed a new deal with us putting him on a wage higher than the one in the buy back and they triggered it afterwards does anyone honestly believe that wouldn't be challenged.
The player always has a choice if for no other reason than if they told him they were activating the clause and he said he didn't them to would any club go ahead with it? There is always a choice there, it's just not something that's ever been tested because normally the player wants to go back, which is why the agreed to it.
I'm pretty sure Man City wouldn't have inserted the buy back clause in the first place if it was that easily waved away.
And, let's be honest, it's Man City, insane amounts of money and lots of scope for titles. Of course he's going to go there.
Absolutely agree with the bold bit and that's true in almost every buy-back that's ever been agreed, but lets make up a scenario or 2;
We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
How about if a player knew they were looking to bring him back only to loan him out somewhere else when he's settled and happy, does anyone believe that there wouldn't be some sort of accommodation made for that?
That's all I'm getting at, there is always negotiation to be done.
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There’s the Villa fan side of it that time would think he loves the club like we do. Why would he leave? And there’s the reality side of it. The business side of it. These players aren’t tied to us or anyone else emotionally. And that includes Jack at the end of the day.
Absolutely...a better offer...even an equal offer for a better team is attractive.
Fuck it...I can believe many players would take a pay cut to sit on the bench at some world famous teams.
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No one knows the finer details of his contract, but buy back clauses are pretty standard.
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Also if he signed a new deal with us putting him on a wage higher than the one in the buy back and they triggered it afterwards does anyone honestly believe that wouldn't be challenged.
The player always has a choice if for no other reason than if they told him they were activating the clause and he said he didn't them to would any club go ahead with it? There is always a choice there, it's just not something that's ever been tested because normally the player wants to go back, which is why the agreed to it.
I'm pretty sure Man City wouldn't have inserted the buy back clause in the first place if it was that easily waved away.
And, let's be honest, it's Man City, insane amounts of money and lots of scope for titles. Of course he's going to go there.
Absolutely agree with the bold bit and that's true in almost every buy-back that's ever been agreed, but lets make up a scenario or 2;
We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
How about if a player knew they were looking to bring him back only to loan him out somewhere else when he's settled and happy, does anyone believe that there wouldn't be some sort of accommodation made for that?
That's all I'm getting at, there is always negotiation to be done.
You really are talking the most colossal amount of uninformed rubbish. I do wish you'd stop.
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There’s the Villa fan side of it that time would think he loves the club like we do. Why would he leave? And there’s the reality side of it. The business side of it. These players aren’t tied to us or anyone else emotionally. And that includes Jack at the end of the day.
Absolutely...a better offer...even an equal offer for a better team is attractive.
Fuck it...I can believe many players would take a pay cut to sit on the bench at some world famous teams.
But they do. All the time. But at that moment they are all convinced they will start or at least play a significant role for the new team. Even Danny Drinkwater when he went to Chelsea as a PL champion didn’t think he’d be at Burnley a short time later.
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No one knows the finer details of his contract, but buy back clauses are pretty standard.
Is there a chance that his buy back clause could trigger a bidding war?
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No one knows the finer details of his contract, but buy back clauses are pretty standard.
Is there a chance that his buy back clause could trigger a bidding war?
Man City should offer more than the buy back clause to show Luiz how much they want him.
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If we have any ambition we will just reject their offer unless it is at least double the buy back clause.
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We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
We and the player don't get around to saying bollocks, we would simply look at the contract that all parties signed and say "yes, that's what we all agreed to, best of luck in the Europa League Douglas".
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We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
We and the player don't get around to saying bollocks, we would simply look at the contract that all parties signed and say "yes, that's what we all agreed to, best of luck in the Europa League Douglas".
Like when Suarez signed for Arsenal do you mean?
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There’s the Villa fan side of it that time would think he loves the club like we do. Why would he leave? And there’s the reality side of it. The business side of it. These players aren’t tied to us or anyone else emotionally. And that includes Jack at the end of the day.
Absolutely...a better offer...even an equal offer for a better team is attractive.
Fuck it...I can believe many players would take a pay cut to sit on the bench at some world famous teams.
But they do. All the time. But at that moment they are all convinced they will start or at least play a significant role for the new team. Even Danny Drinkwater when he went to Chelsea as a PL champion didn’t think he’d be at Burnley a short time later.
I said “can” not “can’t”....i agree with you.
Or maybe I’m getting confused?
Who cares!!!!!! What a day!!!!
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We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
We and the player don't get around to saying bollocks, we would simply look at the contract that all parties signed and say "yes, that's what we all agreed to, best of luck in the Europa League Douglas".
Like when Suarez signed for Arsenal do you mean?
Nope. Literally nothing like that at all.
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We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
We and the player don't get around to saying bollocks, we would simply look at the contract that all parties signed and say "yes, that's what we all agreed to, best of luck in the Europa League Douglas".
Like when Suarez signed for Arsenal do you mean?
When did Arsenal sell him to Liverpool and insert a buy back clause?
Or do you mean the clause that meant Liverpool had to discuss the transfer bid with Suarez and that it was never a release clause? As confirmed by the brilliantly named Dick Law, who was the Arsenal transfer negotiator.
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We sign a player and then qualify for the champions league at the expense of the club he came from, they try to activate the clause, we and the player say bollocks. Does anyone honestly think the player would end up leaving in those circumstances?
We and the player don't get around to saying bollocks, we would simply look at the contract that all parties signed and say "yes, that's what we all agreed to, best of luck in the Europa League Douglas".
Like when Suarez signed for Arsenal do you mean?
Suarez wasn't a buy back situation, and it wasn't even a buy-out situation, as even Arsenal acknowledged. All the clause in that instance stated was that Liverpool had to inform him about any bids.
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Maybe Dick Law could help us keep Luiz.
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As Dick Law *giggle* said
"That spring, news got round to us that Suarez wanted out of Liverpool,” he said.
“We got information that showed us what was negotiated between Liverpool and the player, and in our internal conversations decided that the clause was meaningless, that it was not a buy-out and it didn’t obligate Liverpool to do anything apart from have a conversation.
“So, whoever agreed to that clause in the Suarez camp was being less than clever because it was never a buy-out. What there was, was an obligation to discuss a transfer if a threshold was met and that threshold was £40m.”
Law added: “Now, we didn’t know if Liverpool received an offer of £40m whether they would say, 'that’s not more than £40m'. We could have gone with £45m, but the point is we knew there was never a buy-out.
“So, it was never going to be a bid of £40m+1, it was always going to be the start of a negotiation.”
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He's had a handful of decent games, he won't get in Citeh's midfield. Better staying at Villa with regular game time instead of warming their bench....
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What a do recall about the Suarez story was that there was a clause and that Liverpool won the ensuing bidding war to keep him.
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I mentioned the Suarez thing because contract clauses can be a messy thing. I don't for 1 second believe Man City will have fucked it up like that but I also don't think it's as simple as them clicking their fingers and back he goes. The player will always have a say.
All of which is a massive departure from the point anyway which is that them activating it is a bad idea for all parties unless Man City are planning on starting regularly.
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It wasn't messy though, it was really clear. The media didn't understand it and reported it wrong, the contract itself was really straight forward.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
With the 5 subs rule in place it probably makes sense for city to use him to close out those 4-0 games to save the legs of the first 11. Personally I think he’s been player of the year based upon his post restart form. Worked tirelessly, been great on and off the ball. Grealish will always get the plaudits but without luiz we would be down
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What a player.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
All of the parties involved (Villa, City, Luiz) can mutually agree to terminate or amend the existing contract if for example we wanted to make the signing 'permanent', but it would obviously have to be in all three parties' interests.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
All of the parties involved (Villa, City, Luiz) can mutually agree to terminate or amend the existing contract if for example we wanted to make the signing 'permanent', but it would obviously have to be in all three parties' interests.
Aye, I'd imagine that would involved money changing hands again too. "Buying out" the clause or what not.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
With the 5 subs rule in place it probably makes sense for city to use him to close out those 4-0 games to save the legs of the first 11. Personally I think he’s been player of the year based upon his post restart form. Worked tirelessly, been great on and off the ball. Grealish will always get the plaudits but without luiz we would be down
He's played like a player who is significantly more experienced.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
How long does this buy back clause last for, 2 years? If City play it clever surely another year with us playing week in week out is better for them than having a 3rd choice midfielder and stopping his development.
If Man City did buy him back, especially if it was for the purpose of selling him on again, whats to stop us putting in a bid for him? If they bought him back for $25m to on sell for $40m wouldn't it just be easier to do a deal with us involving us paying another $15m to rip up the agreement?
All of the parties involved (Villa, City, Luiz) can mutually agree to terminate or amend the existing contract if for example we wanted to make the signing 'permanent', but it would obviously have to be in all three parties' interests.
Aye, I'd imagine that would involved money changing hands again too. "Buying out" the clause or what not.
Indeed. If they are buying him to sell him elsewhere, I'm sure that they'd be as happy to take our money as anyone else's.
If they're buying him to play, then I'm guessing the "but what if he wants to stay?" issue becomes rather moot.
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Rumours from Brazil, Man City may hook him back.
Massive hole to fill if so.
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Yes would be an awful loss.
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Yes would be an awful loss.
Not looking good. I admit to not knowing too much about the contract - I’d assumed City had first dibs if we decided to sell, not the option to grad him back at any time.
Much as he’s improved, I look at their midfield and don’t see him starting in it very often. Not yet anyway.
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Yeah not great if it happens. Probably means we need to spend a lot more than 25m to get a player into that position so any ‘profit’ is a bit of a moot point.
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Clickbait nonsense. They will still struggle with obtaining a work permit. £50 to H&V if Duggee goes to Man City.
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Clickbait nonsense. They will still struggle with obtaining a work permit. £50 to H&V if Duggee goes to Man City.
His own brother seems confident, nice donation
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I think the fee in question and a decent wage increase probably overcome any work permit issues looking at the points criteria.
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I’m struggling to think of a reason why they wouldn’t exercise the option given he’s clearly worth a lot more than £25m now.
The only other thing that would possibly make more sense is them doing it next year when he’s got another PL season under his belt and the risk of an injury or catastrophic loss of form has been reinsured. This is a very one sided arrangement but then he kept us up without costing us anything so we’ve done OK I guess.
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I’m struggling to think of a reason why they wouldn’t exercise the option given he’s clearly worth a lot more than £25m now.
The only other thing that would possibly make more sense is them doing it next year when he’s got another PL season under his belt and the risk of an injury or catastrophic loss of form has been reinsured. This is a very one sided arrangement but then he kept us up without costing us anything so we’ve done OK I guess.
Well, except for the £15m we paid for him and £2m in wages...
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He might not go, I bloody hope he doesn’t. But the work permit point won’t be an issue in stopping it happen.
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I’m struggling to think of a reason why they wouldn’t exercise the option given he’s clearly worth a lot more than £25m now.
The only other thing that would possibly make more sense is them doing it next year when he’s got another PL season under his belt and the risk of an injury or catastrophic loss of form has been reinsured. This is a very one sided arrangement but then he kept us up without costing us anything so we’ve done OK I guess.
Well, except for the £15m we paid for him and £2m in wages...
If they do buy him back this sumer we'll have been paid around 10-15m to have him for a year. Which is what I assume Mossman meant.
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I’m struggling to think of a reason why they wouldn’t exercise the option given he’s clearly worth a lot more than £25m now.
The only other thing that would possibly make more sense is them doing it next year when he’s got another PL season under his belt and the risk of an injury or catastrophic loss of form has been reinsured. This is a very one sided arrangement but then he kept us up without costing us anything so we’ve done OK I guess.
Well, except for the £15m we paid for him and £2m in wages...
Which we more than get back if they buy him for £25m.
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He was great after the lockdown, but bang average beforehand.
He's played well in a dozen games for a struggling club. It's a huge leap from that to playing for Man City, even in the unlikely event that they select him.
Whatever happens, we can't control it but we need to have a contingency in the event that he goes.
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I keep hearing about the buy back clause and the possibility of City maybe buying him back to on sell.
One of the football podcasts was talking about the "defensive" midfield position at Citeh being one of the most demanding in the PL, that very few can do it properly and how they suffered through having to drop Fernandinho back to central defence and it being Rodri's first season here. Rather than sell him on maybe they think Doug can provide cover there.
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"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season"
https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082
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Interesting. I wonder how new contract/personal terms would interact with the buy back clause if at all? I would assume, possibly wrongly, that it would need to be bought out as part of any change to the existing contract.
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It was some random report on Twitter in Spain that started this rumour. Good news if Percy is right about Villa tying him to a new deal. He's usually pretty reliable with news....
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"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season"
https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/0d3c62a3185fb28137b7280b21ff1d4c/tenor.gif?itemid=7705463)
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Some of the arrogant city twats on there !
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The zebra doing the running man is the greatest gif ever.
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The zebra doing the running man is the greatest gif ever.
The gif that keeps on giffing.
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The zebra doing the running man is the greatest gif ever.
The gif that keeps on giffing.
Fab news and even better gif!
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"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season"
https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082
Hope that’s true.
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Some of the arrogant city twats on there !
*Arrogant ex-Chelsea twats
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Anyone know if Percy’s been wrong on anything in the past ?
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"On Douglas Luiz: Manchester City have no plans to trigger the buyback this summer. Highly likely that #avfc will offer him a new contract ahead of the new season"
https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1295409313196974082
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/0d3c62a3185fb28137b7280b21ff1d4c/tenor.gif?itemid=7705463)
That Gif is a contender for GOAT !!
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I was under the impression the report originated in Brazil..
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A few people several pages back mentioned the 5 subs rule made the transfer more likely. I thought the PL* voted not to continue that?
*I've just noticed that I share initials with the Premier League!
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A few people several pages back mentioned the 5 subs rule made the transfer more likely. I thought the PL* voted not to continue that?
*I've just noticed that I share initials with the Premier League!
The Premier League did vote that way, but that doesn't preclude Man City wanting him anyway I suppose.
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But the 5 subs rule isn't what will make it happen.
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But the 5 subs rule isn't what will make it happen.
No, I imagine them seeing how good he was post-lockdown is what will make it happen.
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Too true.
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Anyone know if Percy’s been wrong on anything in the past ?
He is sure to have been wrong on some things but other than Avfc posting something he is as reliable as it gets....can’t off head remember anything villa related that he has got wrong??
I’m finding #avfc on Twitter a constant source of amusement this summer, the desperation of some for news is bizarre, a report on a website in Brazil that hardly any villa fan will of heard of an hour previously was made gospel immediately....49 days of the transfer window to go, some will completely combust
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Some of the arrogant city twats on there !
*Arrogant ex-Chelsea twats
:-) the arrogance goes nicely with the gullibility of some of fan base
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Not looking good. I admit to not knowing too much about the contract - I’d assumed City had first dibs if we decided to sell, not the option to grad him back at any time.
Yes, I'd read it as Citeh having first dibs at point of sale rather than being able to trigger some sort of "Oi, we want him back" type clause.
The Zebra gif is the absolute best ever!!
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Citeh can bid £25m to buy him back as per the terms of the buy back clause. But that will probably create a bidding war.
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I was under the impression the report originated in Brazil..
If someone has a link I'll take a look. The last article I saw in O Globo (start of July) was that in isolation during quarantine, aside from keeping in shape, he used the time to improve his English
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The Zebra gif is the absolute best ever!!
Yes, it's brilliant, featuring footage I believe from CDBWF's party when we stayed up. :)
Up there with this post from joe_c
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In case anyone is interested, it's known as Dope Zebra amd tis was the video it was in
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Anyone know if Percy’s been wrong on anything in the past ?
Yes totally wrong once when he said "olaftab is not the best poster on H&V and he will never be good enough to post on TBAR".
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Anyone know if Percy’s been wrong on anything in the past ?
Yes totally wrong once when he said "olaftab is not the best poster on H&V and he will never be good enough to post on TBAR".
40 years and he still can't see Weller is a twat. Avoid.
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Just posted a "❤ My House" on Instagram in Birmingham. Did he just find a new house???
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Citeh can bid £25m to buy him back as per the terms of the buy back clause. But that will probably create a bidding war.
No it wouldn’t.
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Just posted a "❤ My House" on Instagram in Birmingham. Did he just find a new house???
No, he lives in the Orion building.
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Just posted a "❤ My House" on Instagram in Birmingham. Did he just find a new house???
No, he lives in the Orion building.
So that picture is from that building?
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Yes, penthouse type views. A few players have been in there over the years.
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Yes, penthouse type views. A few players have been in there over the years.
Thanks - grasping for straws here.
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Citeh can bid £25m to buy him back as per the terms of the buy back clause. But that will probably create a bidding war.
No it wouldn’t.
If you’re sure?
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Yes, penthouse type views. A few players have been in there over the years.
Thanks - grasping for straws here.
I dont think he posted it, someone else tagged him
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Seems to be his post? (https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1295780831160664064?s=19)
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Seems to be his post? (https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1295780831160664064?s=19)
That's a post by villareport.
Look at Luiz's instagram, nothing like that there.
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Citeh can bid £25m to buy him back as per the terms of the buy back clause. But that will probably create a bidding war.
No it wouldn’t.
If you’re sure?
I think you're onto something there.
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Seems to be his post? (https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1295780831160664064?s=19)
That's a post by villareport.
Look at Luiz's instagram, nothing like that there.
There is mate. It's in his Stories, I'm looking at it right now:
(https://i.ibb.co/dmfSLmv/Screenshot-20200818-205144.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dmfSLmv)
Clicky
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you are all eastie
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With pics like those Luiz can make Brum sexy again(?). Get the local tourist board on-board, give him a fee and improve his Villa contract. He'll be well looked after, no need to leave.
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you are all eastie
Yes, I was thinking that too!
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Go on then Who or what is eastie?
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Oh come on!
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Go on then Who or what is eastie?
A former poster on here who had an obsession with where players lived, who they lived with, what their kids were called and where they went on holiday. It was weird and came across as very stalker-ish behaviour.
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Oh, right
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What does the inside of Dougie's wardrobe smell like? I bet its pine. Its pine isn't it.
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Met him a turtle bay recently and he’s a
Charming Man.
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There is mate. It's in his Stories, I'm looking at it right now:
Clearly fake, he's wearing Off-White flip flops not Havaianas. ;)
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There is mate. It's in his Stories, I'm looking at it right now:
Clearly fake, he's wearing Off-White flip flops not Havaianas. ;)
Tut tut, he didn't get the memo about signing up to the Henri Lansbury Personal Shopper Service when he joined us then
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Is the Duggee photo a message to Rashica or sumfin?
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You misheard, it was taken with a Yashica.
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You misheard, it was taken with a Yashica.
Ah! This bloody hearing aid!!
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On his story. ;) hate to explain it on here - would make me look younger than most of you
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There is mate. It's in his Stories, I'm looking at it right now:
Clearly fake, he's wearing Off-White flip flops not Havaianas. ;)
Bi-metal Rolex Datejust as well, the poor sod. That's not even hard to get hold of.
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There is mate. It's in his Stories, I'm looking at it right now:
Clearly fake, he's wearing Off-White flip flops not Havaianas. ;)
Bi-metal Rolex Datejust as well, the poor sod. That's not even hard to get hold of.
Damn, you able to see that? Couldn't even zoom on his stories.
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Met him a turtle bay recently and he’s a
Charming Man.
Was trying to work out if that was a clever smiths reference, but given Moz’s mouth these days glad it’s not having googled.
So what seems positive news from Percy and a penthouse pic, will have to satisfy my yearnings for a new signing today. Keeping Hey Duggee and Our Jack would it seems be our most important business as a starting point, providing we can bring in the talent around them.
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Jack, Dougie and McGinn is an excellent midfield. If we could just add a little more than 6 goals up top and more pace outwide, we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.
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Jack, Dougie and McGinn is an excellent midfield. If we could just add a little more than 6 goals up top and more pace outwide, we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.
Well, and some decent cover (which goes beyond having Ange on the bench) for the inevitable injuries to our midfielders.
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Jack, Dougie and McGinn is an excellent midfield. If we could just add a little more than 6 goals up top and more pace outwide, we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.
Well, and some decent cover (which goes beyond having Ange on the bench) for the inevitable injuries to our midfielders.
drinkwater?
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Jack, Dougie and McGinn is an excellent midfield. If we could just add a little more than 6 goals up top and more pace outwide, we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.
Well, and some decent cover (which goes beyond having Ange on the bench) for the inevitable injuries to our midfielders.
drinkwater?
I appreciate the sentiment but I think it'll take more than that for the midfielders to avoid injury
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Jack, Dougie and McGinn is an excellent midfield. If we could just add a little more than 6 goals up top and more pace outwide, we'll be well clear of the relegation zone.
Well, and some decent cover (which goes beyond having Ange on the bench) for the inevitable injuries to our midfielders.
drinkwater?
I appreciate the sentiment but I think it'll take more than that for the midfielders to avoid injury
It's not a role that requires the drinking of water either, more the carrying.
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It looks like the bac
Seems to be his post? (https://twitter.com/villareport/status/1295780831160664064?s=19)
That's a post by villareport.
Look at Luiz's instagram, nothing like that there.
There is mate. It's in his stories, I'm looking at it right now:
(https://i.ibb.co/dmfSLmv/Screenshot-20200818-205144.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dmfSLmv)
Clicky
Haha, Birmingham-on-Sea
It looks like the Salford Park Res and Lickey Hills have been airbrushed into the photo ;)
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Haha, Birmingham-on-Sea
Ha, I noticed that. There's probably a host of Brazilians who now think Birmingham is on the ocean and the UK equivalent of Rio or Salvador. :)
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Where? The left of the picture is the roof of the cube.
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This thread has a whiff of 'Lerner's Jet' about it.
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Where? The left of the picture is the roof of the cube.
It clearly is. You can also see the block pattern of the cladding in the pic.
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We're all Eastie now!
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If you zoom in, you can just make out Eastie's telephoto lens on the roof opposite. He's surrounded by binbags with the contents of Luiz's rubbish chute in them.
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If you zoom in, you can just make out Eastie's telephoto lens on the roof opposite. He's surrounded by binbags with the contents of Luiz's rubbish chute in them.
I thought it was danlanza, with the light bouncing off his tin foil hat.
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If you zoom in, you can just make out Eastie's telephoto lens on the roof opposite. He's surrounded by binbags with the contents of Luiz's rubbish chute in them.
I thought it was danlanza, with the light bouncing off his tin foil hat.
No chance. Danlanza got abducted by aliens before the Chelsea game, never to be seen again.
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If you zoom in, you can just make out Eastie's telephoto lens on the roof opposite. He's surrounded by binbags with the contents of Luiz's rubbish chute in them.
I thought it was danlanza, with the light bouncing off his tin foil hat.
Dan is sifting through the long hairs in the pool filter whilst shaving his balls :winky thing:
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What happened to Dan? I remember some moon landing discussion.
I remember Eastie's demise.
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What happened to Dan? I remember some moon landing discussion.
I remember Eastie's demise.
Didn't they all huff off together to TBAR?
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With Fergal and IrishVillain I think. They were harmless enough. Wonder what happened to Fergal's hamster that he named Nobby, after Nolberto Solano.
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With Fergal and IrishVillain I think. They were harmless enough. Wonder what happened to Fergal's hamster that he named Nobby, after Nolberto Solano.
It had a crippling coke habit and left him penniless. It's him that's going through the rubbish that Risso spotted.
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Doesn't seem to be training with the rest. Worried
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Is he training at Man City? If not then why worry?
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The Villa hierarchy might be taking additional precautions for anyone returning from a country that's not green listed. Brazil has 3.5m cases of Covid so we might be giving him a few more days before letting him near Bodymoor.
All players are being tested of course, I just reckon he's only flown in on Sunday/Monday and don't think the club is likely to take any chances.
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So Wesley and Luiz were back in Brazil. They are in self isolation until cleared to rejoin the squad. Apparently.
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Wesley is still in Brazil unfortunately.
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Wesley's a bit of a different case presumably because he's still rehabilitating.
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Wesley's a bit of a different case presumably because he's still rehabilitating.
And practising his control, passing and positional awareness I hope.
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Doesn't seem to be training with the rest. Worried
anyone returning to the uk from brazil has to self-isolate for 14 days. don't worry!
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Liverpool have been given permission to continue a pre-season training camp in Austria without needing to quarantine when they come back.
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Liverpool have been given permission to continue a pre-season training camp in Austria without needing to quarantine when they come back.
Are they immune to diseases?
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Liverpool have been given permission to continue a pre-season training camp in Austria without needing to quarantine when they come back.
I read the first 6 words of this and panicked!
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Liverpool have been given permission to continue a pre-season training camp in Austria without needing to quarantine when they come back.
I read the first 6 words of this and panicked!
Sorry :)
No, it was more a comment about how footballers are being given special dispensations that most aren't.
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Cool, he just did some sponser thing on insta. Watch the story here
https://instagram.com/433?igshid=te1dnxvhaykm
Probably will only be there a few hours
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Is he back in the country yet?
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He played against Wycombe last Saturday.
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He played against Wycombe last Saturday.
Did he? I honestly missed that. Oops.
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Just been reading that Douglas Luiz scored against Arsenal today along with two from Jacob Ramsey in a 3-2 win at the Emirates Not bad considering we were without Grealish Mings McGinn and Hourihane
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Just been reading that Douglas Luiz scored against Arsenal today along with two from Jacob Ramsey in a 3-2 win at the Emirates Not bad considering we were without Grealish Mings McGinn and Hourihane
I find myself wondering if the reason we've not been linked to midfielders is that Ramsey is looking like forcing his way into the mix.
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Good if he is. If we believe a player is ready, we shouldn't be blocking his path. They need their chance.
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Yeah that would be great.
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Just been reading that Douglas Luiz scored against Arsenal today along with two from Jacob Ramsey in a 3-2 win at the Emirates Not bad considering we were without Grealish Mings McGinn and Hourihane
It’s pre season where we sometines lose too Walsall. Don’t get ya hopes up too much
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We played Arsenal today? Any highlights?
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https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/aubameyang-scores-twice-ozil-features-as-arsenal-suffer-friendly-/amb3pojvk3in15u54hodlfmi5
Doug got our first goal 👍
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Just moving it on to the next page as every time I've clicked on this thread recently the first thing I see is "Liverpool have been given permission to.." which is causing palpitations.
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https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/aubameyang-scores-twice-ozil-features-as-arsenal-suffer-friendly-/amb3pojvk3in15u54hodlfmi5
Doug got our first goal 👍
I love this comment: "The defeat will be no major concern to Arteta, who was missing several key men due to international duty."
So, Villa had a full-strength team out?! - I think not!
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https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/aubameyang-scores-twice-ozil-features-as-arsenal-suffer-friendly-/amb3pojvk3in15u54hodlfmi5
Doug got our first goal 👍
I love this comment: "The defeat will be no major concern to Arteta, who was missing several key men due to international duty."
So, Villa had a full-strength team out?! - I think not!
we are his bogey team.
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Just moving it on to the next page as every time I've clicked on this thread recently the first thing I see is "Liverpool have been given permission to.." which is causing palpitations.
Yeah, I'm glad we're on the next page now.
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He put a bit of a dsy in the life of Dougie up on Instagram or Twitter or both. Drivers an Aventador. Not bad.
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One of our best players called up by Brazil again. Well done Dougy
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Doug is going to be a superstar.
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Doug is going to be big for the Villa this season!
UTV
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I love this bloke. He’s going be such an influential player for us. And if what Percy said is true from a couple of weeks back that we are working on a new deal then it could be every bit as critical for us as Jack staying.
https://twitter.com/433/status/1307653357608239104?s=21
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Whatsisface that manages Citeh did say he had the potential to be the best midfielder in Europe. I think that may be over egging the pudding but you can certainly see the class inherent in Dougal that led to the comment. He oozes comfort when he is on his game, a player with the mythical yard of space in his head.
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Could become the best we've had since Petrov.
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He actually looks like he's a Brazilian footballer. Socrates II.
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I've been quietly impressed with Dougie this season. He hasn't caught the eye with his forward runs like he did after lockdown last season, but then with our new found attacking intent, he doesn't need to. I think he's been told to sit, tidy up in front of the back 4, and feed the likes of SJM, Grealish and Watkins.
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I've been quietly impressed with Dougie this season. He hasn't caught the eye with his forward runs like he did after lockdown last season, but then with our new found attacking intent, he doesn't need to. I think he's been told to sit, tidy up in front of the back 4, and feed the likes of SJM, Grealish and Watkins.
He bossed last night, for all of the goals and chances I thought we just massacred them in the middle of the pitch.
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He has been superb. He's an absolutely fantastic player and our upturn in fortunes since lockdown are in no small part because his improved form. I really hope that we can buy out that buy back clause before he gets much better.
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Top class.
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He's really matured into his role with us. He always showed he was capable but I think it took him time to adjust to the tempo here. He's been fantastic for quite a while now.
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Still only 22 and has started less than 50 league games in his career. His potential is something else.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
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He's really matured into his role with us. He always showed he was capable but I think it took him time to adjust to the tempo here. He's been fantastic for quite a while now.
He didn't have a pre season with us last year either
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
So next summer we may have to replace him and Barkley? That’s going to be big boots to fill.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
He might not want to go. Pep will be gone by then and Sam Allardyce will be in charge so it might not suit his game.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
I read somewhere that if he signs a new contract at Villa (with a hefty pay-rise no doubt) the buy-back clause with Man City is erased.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
I read somewhere that if he signs a new contract at Villa (with a hefty pay-rise no doubt) the buy-back clause with Man City is erased.
We could send them Lansbury and call it quits.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
I read somewhere that if he signs a new contract at Villa (with a hefty pay-rise no doubt) the buy-back clause with Man City is erased.
Interesting, I'd always assumed that the contract for the sale of the player, and the players own employment contract would be two completely different legal documents.
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Why would he want to step down a level?
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
I read somewhere that if he signs a new contract at Villa (with a hefty pay-rise no doubt) the buy-back clause with Man City is erased.
Interesting, I'd always assumed that the contract for the sale of the player, and the players own employment contract would be two completely different legal documents.
They would be. I don't see how him agreeing a new contract would affect the deal that was agreed with Man City.
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A lot may depend on how much we push on this year and more importantly the player himself. If he's in the Brazil squad he may not want to risk sitting on Citeh's bench the season before a World Cup.
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I've a feeling ( probably just naive optimism ) that Man City will let us buyout the clause, because they'll have signed other players and need to appease ffp.
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Pretty sure that the only way the clause is removed is if Man City agree to it. Or it expires obviously.
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He has a real knack of being in the right spot to nip the ball away or block passes. He's no midfield destroyer in terms of big tackles, but boy does he make a difference in breaking up play.
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Are we still at risk of Man City taking him back?
Almost certainly they will next summer.
I read somewhere that if he signs a new contract at Villa (with a hefty pay-rise no doubt) the buy-back clause with Man City is erased.
John Percy mentioned a while back we were working on three new contracts; Mings, McGinn and Luiz. With two of the three done, I imagine the last of those is the most complex.
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Might be just me but I'm still not completely convinced. Certainly has great technique but not sure he's physical (or mobile) enough to provide strong cover in defensive midfield? It would be nice to have the option of a really physical DM, I suppose that's Nakamba though...
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Might be just me but I'm still not completely convinced. Certainly has great technique but not sure he's physical (or mobile) enough to provide strong cover in defensive midfield? It would be nice to have the option of a really physical DM, I suppose that's Nakamba though...
You're maybe right on the physical side, but I think his game is based more on swift interceptions than blood and thunder tackling. I think you're wrong on the mobility side though, he showed back end of last season he's very mobile in my opinion. I think this season he's just been told to rein it in a bit, as we've got lot of attacking midfielders more than happy to surge forward.
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I was going to say that he's good, but is he man citeh 'good'. However, the way things have gone so far, come the end of the season the question might just be "yeah, but is he Aston Villa 'good'?"
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I've a feeling ( probably just naive optimism ) that Man City will let us buyout the clause, because they'll have signed other players and need to appease ffp.
We could be in the strange situation where they don’t want him back, but exercise the clause just to sell him on. Or they effectively sell him again to us by asking us to pay off the clause... The players contract would be irrelevant in respect to the buy back clause, I expect.
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I've a feeling ( probably just naive optimism ) that Man City will let us buyout the clause, because they'll have signed other players and need to appease ffp.
We could be in the strange situation where they don’t want him back, but exercise the clause just to sell him on. Or they effectively sell him again to us by asking us to pay off the clause... The players contract would be irrelevant in respect to the buy back clause, I expect.
I was just thinking the same. Can’t see a new contract for Dougie gazumping the option Man City have. Otherwise we’d have just given him a new contract on Day 1 when he signed
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Starts in the WC Qualifier at home to Bolivia, kick off 0130 our time.
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Something for the weekend
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Yessss. Since I got divorced from my ex Brazilian, I have loved Brasil, and now we have a starting player in a competitive game. UTV
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SPTV2 for those who have access :)*
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Annoyed that he is the player going back on corners. It takes him out of the equation to hit a screamer from the set play
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Commentators has been saying Douglas Luiz more than any other players
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Not subbed. And not put a foot wrong so far. Seems to have harmony with neymar
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Second set of sub, still on
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Full game, no fault
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Who won?
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Who won?
Brazil won 5-0
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I wonder if we could offer to buy him permanently off Man City? If not this season than next Summer maybe.
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do you mean negotiate the buy-back clause out of his contract?
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Did he play a similar role in midfield as he does for us?
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88 successful passes (more than anyone else), 95% success rate. Next up Peru away on Tuesday night (Wednesday 1am UK time).
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Did he play a similar role in midfield as he does for us?
Looked like Casemiro was in the deep midfield role and Douglas was in more of a McGinn position.
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Can someone provide a recap on the visa situation? Didn’t he receive qualifying points because he was in our top X% earners (not so at Man City). Isn’t international recognition also a qualifying criteria?
If so, surely him play in for Brazil is a bad thing as it’ll make it easier for him to get a Working visa at Man City.
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Did he play a similar role in midfield as he does for us?
Looked like Casemiro was in the deep midfield role and Douglas was in more of a McGinn position.
First 20-30 min sat front of defenders, then started move forward and him and Casimiro spreaded wide
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88 successful passes (more than anyone else), 95% success rate. Next up Peru away on Tuesday night (Wednesday 1am UK time).
Ah that old chestnut - yeah, he looks good against Liverpool at home, but can he do it on a rainy Tuesday night in Lima?
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Thanks for the commentary Edvard.
Duggee is a class act.
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Did he play a similar role in midfield as he does for us?
Looked like Casemiro was in the deep midfield role and Douglas was in more of a McGinn position.
First 20-30 min sat front of defenders, then started move forward and him and Casimiro spreaded wide
Thanks. I reckon he's actually most suited to a McGinn role in terms of his attributes. Just so happens we have someone in the McGinn role already.
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The beauty of the game last night, he was always available for a pass. Totally different game to the Villa. I would say last night was a much easier task - so you can imagine what he does for us, but without pressure. (explains why it takes a year for a latin player to adapt to europe game). If he performs for Villa, he will always deliver for Brasil. Asked my friends in Brasil what they thought, all gave a huge thumbs up, as did I.
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Folha de Sao Paulo pictured him in their report and said that on his debut he played like he belonged there.
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88 successful passes (more than anyone else), 95% success rate. Next up Peru away on Tuesday night (Wednesday 1am UK time).
Good at least the Leicester game been put back nearly 30 hours so he has more time to recover from his race across the world!
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Played the full 90 again last night versus Peru. Solid performance too by all accounts. Never thought I'd see a Villa player as a Brazil regular!
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Another appearance for Brazil last night. I fear its becoming more inevitable that he'll go back to Money City.
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Another appearance for Brazil last night. I fear its becoming more inevitable that he'll go back to Money City.
I fear you’re right, unless we can somehow buy out the buy back clause. I’m sure it’s possible but very complicated. We also don’t know City’s stance. It would appear that Pep is a fan of Douglas but he might not be there next season anyway.
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I've just watched his press conference when he arrived with the national team, he's got his head firmly on his shoulders and I think he realises he's still got a long way to go. He was asked about Citeh but said he hasn't spoken with Pep and is just focusing on working hard with us. He also mentioned how the break gave him time to reflect on his game and how he got himself fitter and stronger. I really like the lad.
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Another appearance for Brazil last night. I fear its becoming more inevitable that he'll go back to Money City.
I fear you’re right, unless we can somehow buy out the buy back clause. I’m sure it’s possible but very complicated. We also don’t know City’s stance. It would appear that Pep is a fan of Douglas but he might not be there next season anyway.
I think there's only two things that can happen. Man City buy him back for the agreed amount, and then play him in their first team. Or, as he's almost certainly worth a lot more than his buyout figure, they buy him back then sell him on. At that point, I guess if he wanted to stay with us, we just pay them the difference between the buyout fee and the new market value if we want to keep him.
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Another appearance for Brazil last night. I fear its becoming more inevitable that he'll go back to Money City.
I fear you’re right, unless we can somehow buy out the buy back clause. I’m sure it’s possible but very complicated. We also don’t know City’s stance. It would appear that Pep is a fan of Douglas but he might not be there next season anyway.
I think there's only two things that can happen. Man City buy him back for the agreed amount, and then play him in their first team. Or, as he's almost certainly worth a lot more than his buyout figure, they buy him back then sell him on. At that point, I guess if he wanted to stay with us, we just pay them the difference between the buyout fee and the new market value if we want to keep him.
Yep that’s how I see it.
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I have wondered for a while whether he has any real say in the matter, ie. can he say no to City and stay at Villa ? Would love to think he buys in to our owners vision and sees he can reach the same end-point whilst playing first-team footie continuously with us.
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I have wondered for a while whether he has any real say in the matter, ie. can he say no to City and stay at Villa ? Would love to think he buys in to our owners vision and sees he can reach the same end-point whilst playing first-team footie continuously with us.
He can make his feelings known I guess, but other than going on strike there wouldn't be much he could do about it, having being one of the three parties to sign the original deal.
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I have wondered for a while whether he has any real say in the matter, ie. can he say no to City and stay at Villa ? Would love to think he buys in to our owners vision and sees he can reach the same end-point whilst playing first-team footie continuously with us.
He can make his feelings known I guess, but other than going on strike there wouldn't be much he could do about it, having being one of the three parties to sign the original deal.
He could refuse to sign for another club if they seek to sell him on, but to be honest if its a club prepared to spend the sort of money it would take to make the excercise worthwhile for City then it's likely to be a decent club.
I'd hope we can just do somenthing like offer City £15m to delete the clause.
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How would buying him back and then selling him on actually work though? Can you buy a player and sell them in the same window? I know you can buy them and loan them out (other than as a contract clause loaning back to the selling club for a fixed time) in the same window but I've never looked into buying and selling on.
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I have wondered for a while whether he has any real say in the matter, ie. can he say no to City and stay at Villa ? Would love to think he buys in to our owners vision and sees he can reach the same end-point whilst playing first-team footie continuously with us.
He can make his feelings known I guess, but other than going on strike there wouldn't be much he could do about it, having being one of the three parties to sign the original deal.
Wouldn't he have to sign a contract, agree wages, etc. with them, though? Otherwise they could offer him a zero hours, minimum wage contract and he'd still have to accept it.
I'd have thought Manchester City have the right to offer what we'd agreed to and begin negotiations, but am very skeptical about the idea that they can just take him back without him having any say in the matter.
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I have wondered for a while whether he has any real say in the matter, ie. can he say no to City and stay at Villa ? Would love to think he buys in to our owners vision and sees he can reach the same end-point whilst playing first-team footie continuously with us.
He can make his feelings known I guess, but other than going on strike there wouldn't be much he could do about it, having being one of the three parties to sign the original deal.
Wouldn't he have to sign a contract, agree wages, etc. with them, though? Otherwise they could offer him a zero hours, minimum wage contract and he'd still have to accept it.
I'd have thought Manchester City have the right to offer what we'd agreed to and begin negotiations, but am very skeptical about the idea that they can just take him back without him having any say in the matter.
The contract is already included as part of the deal. The bit I don't quite get, along with the post above, is what impact the deal has on us giving him a new deal. If, for example, the buy back contract puts him on £40kpw and we offer him £60kpw as a new deal what happens next? Do we need Man City to approve that and alter their potential contract with him or can they force him to take a pay cut?
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We could buy out the buy out clause, then put a buyout clause in his contract, then create a bidding war once someone has met the buyout clause.
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I assume his wages will be renegotiated with us if the deadline passes for Man City to buy him back.
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I assume his wages will be renegotiated with us if the deadline passes for Man City to buy him back.
Dunno, there was talk about us starting talks with him a few weeks back.
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We'll see what happens.
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How long was his initial contract? He’ll be at the end of year two this summer so on a four year deal his value may start to drop.
We should try remove the clause and offer him a longer deal this January. It will be a wise investment I think.
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Not claiming to be ITK, though I assume that the option that Citeh have is something that has to:
1. expire after a defined period
2. be exercised or given up by them, or
3. be bought out by us, i.e. we pay them a fee and they agree to give up the option
If we offer him a new deal, I would suspect that is a sufficiently material change to necessitate 3 above.
He's a very good player and one only likely to get better. I hope that progress is at the Villa.
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The buy back clause is for 2 years.
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Thanks PWS
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We could buy out the buy out clause, then put a buyout clause in his contract, then create a bidding war once someone has met the buyout clause.
We should do all that, with a war chest.
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We could buy out the buy out clause, then put a buyout clause in his contract, then create a bidding war once someone has met the buyout clause.
We should do all that, with a war chest.
But what if we got into a bidding war with Citeh over it? I think we should start preparing our bid straight away.
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I think we will have more success if we prepare to lob the bid.
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Popped into the Villa shop today and all Douglas luis cousins were there and buying half the shop :) mind no idea what fitted them as everything seemed XXL size to me in there. Sort it out Villa.
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Think this deserves a mention as haven’t seen it elsewhere but that ball to Barkley for the second goal was superb. If KdB had done it we wouldn’t have heard the end of it.
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.not sure if I was alone but on was watch of the match I thought he was MOTM. Does a lot without being noticed. He's going to be an incredibly good player in a few years time.lets hope we can make and impression and convince he he can winthings here whilst still young.
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I see reports popping up saying Pep might move for Douglas in January? Not sure how reliable these are, but worrying as we certainly don't want lose him then. This deal is so skewed in City's favour. Perhaps we can offer him a new mega-bucks deal? Try and eliminate the buy-back clause.
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I thought that if they offered the 25m to activate the buy back that was it - we had no say in it.
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From my limited knowledge, I’d imagine the buy back is something for the summers rather than January (we’d be stupid leaving that door open).
We need to have a replacement list ready and lined up because this glorified loan is ending in the summer.
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Skewed as in we got a player out of our league that was integral to us staying up, or skewed that we make a profit on him, or skewed that that profit increases each year? I think we, and Douglas, have done really well out of the deal.
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Luiz is nowhere near good enough for City. Pep needs a £100M midfielder for his team. There is no need for him to waste his time and money on an inadequate player.
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What about the player? Doug might well want to stay as he's guaranteed to start every game. If we finish top six that could help surely?
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I see reports popping up saying Pep might move for Douglas in January? Not sure how reliable these are, but worrying as we certainly don't want lose him then. This deal is so skewed in City's favour. Perhaps we can offer him a new mega-bucks deal? Try and eliminate the buy-back clause.
We can't do that without Man City's agreement. If they want him back in the summer, off he'll go. If they don't, then we're going to have to stump up more cash for him to make it permanent, as otherwise they can just pay the buy back fee, and then probably sell him for double that to somebody else.
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When was it reported that the buy-back clause is a matter of fact? Lots of people seem to quote it, but as far as I can recall this was all just press speculation and there is nothing concrete to say it even exists, much less what figure it might be.
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When was it reported that the buy-back clause is a matter of fact? Lots of people seem to quote it, but as far as I can recall this was all just press speculation and there is nothing concrete to say it even exists, much less what figure it might be.
Some direct quotes from Guardiola:
"He would be here if a work permit were possible if the Premier League said it would be possible but now he is at Aston Villa," he said.
"We have an option to get him back but sometimes life is like this. We wanted him because last season we had problems in that position because we didn’t buy a holding midfielder.
"We wanted him before so we thought about it but the rules with the work permit meant it was not possible. I thought he would be here with the pre-season he played last year in the States, he was really good. I think he had the quality to play with us but he could not do it.
"The talent is always there, we’ll see at the end of the season what his level is but the quality is always there."
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I must admit I thought £25m was last summer’s price and it was £30-something now.
I’d say £30m is probably his market value at the moment (With the potential to go much higher) so we are hardly having our pants pulled down.
Ideally we should buy out the clause as the uncertainty is not ideal.
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I am sure that with the way the current owners are conducting the way the club is run and their link up with Smith and Purslow, that the Luiz situation is kept permanently under review as to what is the best way forward for Aston Villa. If it is decided that Smith wants him here permanently then discussions will be held with City, but ultimately they would appear to hold the cards at this moment in time.
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City strike me as the sort of club that are likely to blow their load of the latest up and coming player from Europe.
Doesn't the buy-back expire at the end of the second summer too?
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Dean has also stated in the past making the point it is in our favour.
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City will almost certainly buy him back - even if it was just to sell him on - they’d be mad not to.
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City will almost certainly buy him back - even if it was just to sell him on - they’d be mad not to.
What if he wants to stay?
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City will almost certainly buy him back - even if it was just to sell him on - they’d be mad not to.
You'd hope that if that were the case then it would be us doing the buying.
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City will almost certainly buy him back - even if it was just to sell him on - they’d be mad not to.
You'd hope that if that were the case then it would be us doing the buying.
I know that is a potential outcome of the buyback clause but that really would be the murky world of transfers. Having to effectively buy our own player!
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Luiz is nowhere near good enough for City. Pep needs a £100M midfielder for his team. There is no need for him to waste his time and money on an inadequate player.
He's better than Rodri and he came with a good reputation from Atletico Madrid. Fernandinho 36 end of the season and Gundogan been there a while aswell so certainly an area Man. City need to refresh soon.
It will always be a worry but think the buy back fee has gone up to 35m this season which is still a good 10m below his true valuation.
Mind you rumours are Pep will leave end of the season so that could help.
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Luiz is nowhere near good enough for City. Pep needs a £100M midfielder for his team. There is no need for him to waste his time and money on an inadequate player.
He's better than Rodri and he came with a good reputation from Atletico Madrid. Fernandinho 36 end of the season and Gundogan been there a while aswell so certainly an area Man. City need to refresh soon.
It will always be a worry but think the buy back fee has gone up to 35m this season which is still a good 10m below his true valuation.
Mind you rumours are Pep will leave end of the season so that could help.
I think you've misunderstood the point he was making.
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City will almost certainly buy him back - even if it was just to sell him on - they’d be mad not to.
You'd hope that if that were the case then it would be us doing the buying.
Well yes.
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Our man Dougie has just played a full, competitive, away match against Uruguay. Should be in tip-top condition for the weekend.
Thrilled that we have a regular starter for Brazil, not so thrilled that we have a regular starter for Brazil.
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He's at a good enough age where he can withstand that sort of thing.
You'd be more concerned with a 28/29 year old with 400 plus senior appearances dealing with that schedule.
If he remains past next summer we will need better quality than Nakamba to deputise for him, mind.
Nakamba is the anti Luiz distribution-wise.
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Think he misses the next Brazil game having picked up two bookings.
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the only way we could get Doug at the time was to agree to this deal
it is what it is
it's no good moaning about it now
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His situation will all depend on where we are at the end of the season. Where did we finish, what's ahead of us in 21/22. Going back to Man City would be a forgone conclusion if he's shone after another season of struggle for us. Not so much if we are genuinely battling it out for a place in the top 6.
Look at the improvement this summer after the right transfer business. Add another one or two in January, and then there is the promise of next summer's business - we might look a LOT more attractive to someone looking to cement their place in the Brazil side.
However, if at the end of everything Man City want him back, and he wants to go, we just have to be grateful we've had a couple of years out of a player wanted by a team challenging at the very top, and we'll have made a decent profit on him, too.
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How do this buy back clause work if the player doesn't want to move. Surely in this day and age you can't make a person move to a different place of work and town.
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How do this buy back clause work if the player doesn't want to move. Surely in this day and age you can't make a person move to a different place of work and town.
If we finish in the top 4 we'll find out sure enough at the end of the season.
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How do this buy back clause work if the player doesn't want to move. Surely in this day and age you can't make a person move to a different place of work and town.
The technical answer is that he's already agreed. The more complete answer is that if he really wanted to stay with us I suspect the clubs would negotiate a buy out of the clause. There was talk of us opening talks on a new contract, if we did I suspect we'd approach Man City about that buy out as part of it.
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Man Citeh offer £30m assuming that is the figure. We are contractually obliged to accept the offer. Then the player I assume still has the choice to stay or go.
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That's what i would assume, the final decision surely has to come down to the player
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How do this buy back clause work if the player doesn't want to move. Surely in this day and age you can't make a person move to a different place of work and town.
It's only like any other transfer in that regard. His only recourse if he really didn't want to go back would be to go on strike, and I don't think that's likely. And let's be honest, it would take something exceptional for him not to want to go back if they do exercise the option, like us being top 4 and Man City not. Even with my claret and blue specs on I don't think that's going to happen.
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Yes if he is going to be starting for them more often than not he would be mad not to go back. The only thing we can possibly do is start a bidding war.
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If Man City activated the clause it would be because Luiz has already agreed to the move. These days talks go on behind the scenes before they're formalised. Rightly or wrongly.
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He’s already agreed to move, as part of the original deal. This isn’t a minimum release clause, it’s activating a deal that’s already in place.
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Sorry but as much as i think he has really put in some seriously decent performances since lock down - he is hardly at the level of Jack or even Konsa who have been exceptional.
I'm not sure he would even get in the City team on a regular basis - look at the Snake he was "bought" at his absolute prime form with us and really struggled to get game time at that level. I actually think Snake then is better than Luiz now but that is my opinion.
We really have an inferiority complex at times - the second one of our players turns out to be decent we start to scare ourselves shitless they will be sold
Thank God our owners don't think this small time
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He does a lot of work that goes unappreciated. Since he has played that more defensive role from the restart we have had one of the best defences in the league. That's a lot to do with the protection he gives our back four. Throw in a better keeper and suddenly, essentially the same set of defenders as most of last season look far better.
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Sorry but as much as i think he has really put in some seriously decent performances since lock down - he is hardly at the level of Jack or even Konsa who have been exceptional.
I'm not sure he would even get in the City team on a regular basis - look at the Snake he was "bought" at his absolute prime form with us and really struggled to get game time at that level. I actually think Snake then is better than Luiz now but that is my opinion.
We really have an inferiority complex at times - the second one of our players turns out to be decent we start to scare ourselves shitless they will be sold
Thank God our owners don't think this small time
As it stands he is, subject to them meeting the agreed fee, a Man City player next season. This was explicit in the deal that all parties entered into when he signed for us. I don’t think being ‘small time’ comes into it.
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and Pep is a known fan.
He's a full Brazilian International and City can have him for £30m. If he carries on his current form I'm pretty convinced they'll take that and so will he.
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That's what i would assume, the final decision surely has to come down to the player
Indeed. But that was a discussion that was had and a decision that was made in summer 2019, not one that will happen January or summer 2021.
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and Pep is a known fan.
He's a full Brazilian International and City can have him for £30m. If he carries on his current form I'm pretty convinced they'll take that and so will he.
I think it all depends on the kind of season we have and the progress we are making as a club.
If Douglas feels settled and a valued part of Villa, I'm pretty sure we could make an acceptable offer to buy out the clause.
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and Pep is a known fan.
He's a full Brazilian International and City can have him for £30m. If he carries on his current form I'm pretty convinced they'll take that and so will he.
I think it all depends on the kind of season we have and the progress we are making as a club.
If Douglas feels settled and a valued part of Villa, I'm pretty sure we could make an acceptable offer to buy out the clause.
Maybe. But most ambitious players who are full internationals would back themselves to play for City and even if we managed to finish 6th, that would still be a huge draw. Kante left Leicester after the won the league.
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If Pep stays he probably goes.
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Sorry but as much as i think he has really put in some seriously decent performances since lock down - he is hardly at the level of Jack or even Konsa who have been exceptional.
I'm not sure he would even get in the City team on a regular basis - look at the Snake he was "bought" at his absolute prime form with us and really struggled to get game time at that level. I actually think Snake then is better than Luiz now but that is my opinion.
We really have an inferiority complex at times - the second one of our players turns out to be decent we start to scare ourselves shitless they will be sold
Thank God our owners don't think this small time
As it stands he is, subject to them meeting the agreed fee, a Man City player next season. This was explicit in the deal that all parties entered into when he signed for us. I don’t think being ‘small time’ comes into it.
It wasn't a 2-year loan deal. He's our player but one with a clause in his contract that can be triggered.
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Sorry but as much as i think he has really put in some seriously decent performances since lock down - he is hardly at the level of Jack or even Konsa who have been exceptional.
I'm not sure he would even get in the City team on a regular basis - look at the Snake he was "bought" at his absolute prime form with us and really struggled to get game time at that level. I actually think Snake then is better than Luiz now but that is my opinion.
We really have an inferiority complex at times - the second one of our players turns out to be decent we start to scare ourselves shitless they will be sold
Thank God our owners don't think this small time
As it stands he is, subject to them meeting the agreed fee, a Man City player next season. This was explicit in the deal that all parties entered into when he signed for us. I don’t think being ‘small time’ comes into it.
It wasn't a 2-year loan deal. He's our player but one with a clause in his contract that can be triggered.
I think he's aware of that. His point is still correct though. If they meet the pre-agreed fee, there is nothing more to discuss - he becomes a Man City player.
If they choose not, he remains our player. The problem is that it's becoming increasingly hard to see why they wouldn't.
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what happens if he doesn't want to go ? is he still our player then ?
apologies for being late on the thread, but I love the lad and still keep rewinding that pass to Barkley for Ollie to score...:)
**sorry Dave just seen your reply**
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The Doc
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That's my point really. If he's happy here and he was concerned that he would only be a bit part player there, it's not as open and shut as is being made out.
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what happens if he doesn't want to go ? is he still our player then ?
apologies for being late on the thread, but I love the lad and still keep rewinding that pass to Barkley for Ollie to score... :)
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The Doc
As I said earlier in that case I suspect his agent would talk to Man City and try to work out a price for Villa to pay to remove the clause and then talk to Villa about getting a new contract that he'll agree if we buy out Man City first. I wouldn't be surprised if we start hearing talk of things like this in a couple of months, particularly if we're still performing well.
It really depends on Luiz himself, if he wants to go back then it will happen next summer, if he wants to stay then something will get worked out.
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that makes sense Paul_e
UTV
The Doc
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The current agreement means he will go back if nothing else changes and the clause is triggered. However the player may tell his agent that he wants to stay which will get the clubs involved on how they want that to work out. Do we just pay Man City the market value minus what we paid? But if he wants to go back it's a done deal. We'll have got two years out of him and Man City get a better player than the one that left.
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I'll be disappointed if he leaves, but it will just prove it was a good transfer for us.
It was all about staying up in the first season.
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The current agreement means he will go back if nothing else changes and the clause is triggered. However the player may tell his agent that he wants to stay which will get the clubs involved on how they want that to work out. Do we just pay Man City the market value minus what we paid? But if he wants to go back it's a done deal. We'll have got two years out of him and Man City get a better player than the one that left.
It would be market vaue less what they owe us after the second year, widely thought to be £30m.
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That's my point really. If he's happy here and he was concerned that he would only be a bit part player there, it's not as open and shut as is being made out.
Then he would still sign for them, as he's already agreed to. Unless, as others have said we pay to override the current contract and he wants us to do that.
I'm not sure that they'd be signing him to be a bit-part player though. Someone earlier said that Man City's M.O is to just go out sign the best young player in Europe for that position.
It's getting pretty difficult to find someone else who is that "other, better, more expensive" player. Probably Kimmich at Bayern. But beyond him?
There are plenty of promising young players, but Luiz is in that group. Last season the defensive midfielder flavour of the month was Bruno Guimarães who Lyon bought for £20m and was really good in their Champions League run. Well, Luiz is keeping him out of the Brazil team.
It's annoying, but I fully expect him to go back there and be their first-choice defensive midfielder next season.
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I would't be surprised if they went for Jorginho tbh.
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I would't be surprised if they went for Jorginho tbh.
Wouldn't he be (a) more expensive, (b) considerably older and (c) not as good?
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I think Douglas is going to be a superstar. If Pep stays they’ll want him back.
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Quick Poll: In January, would you pay £20m to remove the clause if it meant we could not sign anyone else?
Your answer must begin with YES to NO.
I’m a YES.
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Quick Poll: In January, would you pay £20m to remove the clause if it meant we could not sign anyone else?
Your answer must begin with YES to NO.
I’m a YES.
100% Yes.
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Hell yes.
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On the basis we rarely do much in January anyway, yes, why not?
We need to save our money for replacing (or signing) Barkley in the summer. Plus bringing in Messi.
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It's a yes from me. Absolutely. He's been pivotal to our great start to the season. If it's an option get it done.
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Is it actually a fact that there is a clause where Man City can buy him back for a fixed amount if they want him. Everybody is saying that but could it be that they have first refusal at the set amount if Villa are looking to sell him. The Man City manager was quoted as saying they have an option to bring him back but not the condition.
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Then he would still sign for them, as he's already agreed to. Unless, as others have said we pay to override the current contract and he wants us to do that.
It's annoying, but I fully expect him to go back there and be their first-choice defensive midfielder next season.
That's it in a nutshell.
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Is it actually a fact that there is a clause where Man City can buy him back for a fixed amount if they want him. Everybody is saying that but could it be that they have first refusal at the set amount if Villa are looking to sell him. The Man City manager was quoted as saying they have an option to bring him back but not the condition.
Well, without the contract in front of you it's impossible to say it's a fact.
But given that it's not an uncommon way for a rich club to structure the transfer of a promising young player (see Carvajal from Real Madrid to Leverkusen, Deulofeu from Barcelona to Everton, Morata from Madrid to Juventus etc), every report at the time said that's how the transfer was agreed, and no report has said that it isn't - is there any reason to think that this isn't the case?
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An option can become a condition if the option is crystallised.
I can not see how city would have created an option to purchase that is inoperable.
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Pep signing a new contract according to Daily Heil Twitter. Not good news if true.
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End of the day, the better we do, the more our players will be coveted. So the focus has to turn to recruitment and having a robust enough system that we can replace players effectively. We've not really had that before so it's not surprising that we panic when we see history potentially repeating itself. We can see the infrastructure of the club developing so let's hope that we're developed enough in that area to not take a backward step when our players do move on.
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Good point. Uncharted territory for us in my lifetime though!
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I hope that somehow he stays, but worst case scenario is that we get £30m to spend on a replacement. I'd rather he stayed, but that's still a lot of money these days.
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And to add,it probably won't come as a surprise to the recruitment team if he does go so they'll be able to get a good look at potential incomings.
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And to add,it probably won't come as a surprise to the recruitment team if he does go so they'll be able to get a good look at potential incomings.
Yes indeed, you would hope that they are planning for his replacement already. If he does stay, then that's a bonus.
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Quick Poll: In January, would you pay £20m to remove the clause if it meant we could not sign anyone else?
Your answer must begin with YES to NO.
I’m a YES.
I'm a yes and would even go so far as offering them up to forty million in the summer. That would mean we will have paid a total of 52-ish million for a young, Brazilian international (full of potential) who is fully integrated into our squad and a valued member of the first team. Yes, it's a lot of money but I think it would be great business for all parties.
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Quick Poll: In January, would you pay £20m to remove the clause if it meant we could not sign anyone else?
Your answer must begin with YES to NO.
I’m a YES.
I'm a yes and would even go so far as offering them up to forty million in the summer. That would mean we will have paid a total of 52-ish million for a young, Brazilian international (full of potential) who is fully integrated into our squad and a valued member of the first team. Yes, it's a lot of money but I think it would be great business for all parties.
Yes
Absolutely I absolutely love Luiz.
We knew his creativity was good but now he's adapted to the pace of the English game his positioning and defensive work is getting better all the time.
Possibly down to to the fact his English has improved and he knows the term Man on!
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Pep signing a new contract according to Daily Heil Twitter. Not good news if true.
Might work in our favour. If Pep stays and decides he wants Messi at Citeh there'll be one less midfield slot available (different position I know) and they'll need money coming in (for FFP) rather than splashing out on another midfielder.
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Pep signing a new contract according to Daily Heil Twitter. Not good news if true.
Might work in our favour. If Pep stays and decides he wants Messi at Citeh there'll be one less midfield slot available (different position I know) and they'll need money coming in (for FFP) rather than splashing out on another midfielder.
I imagine that the transfer fee that they would have budgeted for him will be comfortably covered by the fact that they'd be signing him on a free transfer.
The £50m in wages that his three year contract would cost is what they spent on each of their two reserve full-backs.
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Indeed. The trappings of being owned by a country and getting off on FFP.
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Well, we'll know one way or another this summer as that'll be the 2 years up, but I'd see it as either ...
a) He stays put. The buy out clause expires. Happy days.
b) They buy him back for £30m ish. We've had a good player on loan for 2 seasons, and even taking in to account his wages have made a modest profit
I don't know, the whole thing seems a lot less one-sided than a loan move. It's a good bit of business whatever happens.
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Well, we'll know one way or another this summer as that'll be the 2 years up, but I'd see it as either ...
a) He stays put. The buy out clause expires. Happy days.
b) They buy him back for £30m ish. We've had a good player on loan for 2 seasons, and even taking in to account his wages have made a modest profit
I don't know, the whole thing seems a lot less one-sided than a loan move. It's a good bit of business whatever happens.
They are very unlikely to just let the buyout clause expire. Unless he's very badly injured, he's most likely going to be worth more than the buyout amount, so at the very least we'll have to pay an amount to cover his uplift in value. Otherwise, even if they don't really need him, they just buy him back for £30m, and then sell him to somebody who wants him for more than that.
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I'm guessing a deal will be done in January /February with regards to the buyout.
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How would it work? A secondary transfer fee? I'd happily see us bung them another £10m to remove Damocle's sword.
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Do any of you actually know what the buy back terms and conditions are?
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Nope other than it was pretty widely reported at the time that the deal went through that Citeh can buy him back for a set fee and if they chose to do so he’s already agreed the terms.
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Do any of you actually know what the buy back terms and conditions are?
Nobody knows anything
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A bit strange when DS said in the press conference that he's not aware of a buy-back clause in the Contract? Is he being coy? Surely he should know all the players contract positions? He went onto say that Douglas is very happy at Villa Park.
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Which press conference was this? I watched the whole of the Brighton presser on Pravda just now and Luiz wasn't mentioned once - unless it was afterwards with the written press?
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I don't know why fans talk about players leaving when they are playing well. He may well go at some point but until then, he's ours.
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I suppose this situation is slightly different - if there is a clause as widely believed then him leaving is more concrete and is rapidly approaching. The standard situation of being concerned about “bigger clubs” starting to show an interest in your players is a bit different for me.
That said I hope it’s all bollocks and he stays for years.
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I don't know why fans talk about players leaving when they are playing well. He may well go at some point but until then, he's ours.
Because in this instance, there's a cast iron contractual position that Man City can effectively recall him at the end of this season if they want to. It's a bit different to wondering if for example, Jack is going to leave.
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Which press conference was this? I watched the whole of the Brighton presser on Pravda just now and Luiz wasn't mentioned once - unless it was afterwards with the written press?
He's done really well for Brazil," Smith said. "There's been talk about a buy-back option. I'm not aware of it, I don't deal with contracts. I deal with the players.
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I've been trying to recall if I'd ever heard of a buy-back clause being activated. Found this eventually
https://www.football365.com/news/ten-times-a-buy-back-clause-was-actually-used
It's from last year, and it's had to go back a long way ('boro & juninho) just to find ten. And even then, it seems virtually all of them are a case of getting first dibs on any future resale rather than being able to dictate if or when a player could be bought back.
Edit: I don't know why I cited Juninho when it mentions Ian Rush and Luther Blissett. Ask your dads!
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Angelino is the most relevant one.
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Yes, it doesn't really matter how few times a release clause has been activated if we know that one is applicable and could happen for Luiz. Still, if you're talking about getting £25 million for him, it isn't like you couldn't get a decent replacement for that kind of money, and it would be no surprise if we spent double that, the way the owners have backed the club. In short, I'm not too worried, and will enjoy watching Luiz play for us while he's here. If he's still here next year, all the better.
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Apparently Real Madrid have one on Özil. Presumably they're not in too much of a hurry to activate it.
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I hope we have one on Hogan, wouldn't want to miss out.
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Which press conference was this? I watched the whole of the Brighton presser on Pravda just now and Luiz wasn't mentioned once - unless it was afterwards with the written press?
Yes, Bham Mail report quoting DS.
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My man-of-the-match last night and thought he was the biggest reason why we dominated the game last night. If he maintains last night's form, it does seem inevitable that Man City would activate their buy-back clause by the end of the season. And if they do, I don't see the owners letting Grealish leave whatever happens between now and the start of next season. They wouldn't be prepared to lose both in one window.
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I like Luiz but I don't think he is Man City bound at all. He is no better than what they already have in that position. He will look good for us as he will get more of the ball because those around him are not as confident with it.
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He might not be better than what they have now, but he’s 22/23. He’ll develop to be top class - he’s already fucking good.
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Fernandinho is leaving at the end of the season too.
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He's a good player, he's not a top player, yet. Not up to Manchester City's level and I don't think he's going back there at all.
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He was excellent today. He stepped 10 yards further up the pitch in the second half and it killed their attempts to counter. He is such a good player.
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He’s a massive reason as to why we are so much better defensively. A modern day Dennis Mortimer or a rich mans Kevin Richardson where he does a lot of unseen work and can pop up with the odd goal. He’s hugely underrated.
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What really impresses me since the beginning of last season is the assuredness and maturity. He just makes the game his personal property.
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I liked the confidence when he lined up for the overhead kick, not many defensive players would even look at that, Luiz looked disappointed he didn't have enough space for it.
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Just loved his street fighting style. See the Mings' sending off and watch Dougie. I wouldn't mess with him.
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He is only 22.
Our most important player after Sir Jack.
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I always think he looks like he's going to slow down our attack when he gets the ball as his style is quite languid but invariably he makes an intelligent forward pass.
There can't be many central midfielders at his age with his level of maturity and technical ability. He'd be the player I'd be most gutted to lose from the current squad after Jack.
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He makes us tick. He’s arguably more important than any other player.
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Just wish he would have a go at goal when he gets near the penalty area. He has a great kick on him and I can see him pinging it into the top corner if he would only take a chance.
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Neither he nor Jack shoot enough. I think they're both so confident in their control of the ball and belief they can pick a pass in the tightest of corners sometimes backfires on us.
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Neither he nor Jack shoot enough. I think they're both so confident in their control of the ball and belief they can pick a pass in the tightest of corners sometimes backfires on us.
Bloody hell, if this team took any more shots we’d break Opta.
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Ha, it's true in both their cases though. Anwar probably compensates with the amount he fires at goal.
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He makes us tick. He’s arguably more important than any other player.
Agreed, thought he was immense in the second half when we were down to 10 men.
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Perhaps AEG and McGiniesta can let Doug and Jack have some shots.
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SJM is due a goal...so is Jack....and Watkins....and Luiz....so 4 nil then :)
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The Doc
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You’d never know our main striker hasn’t scored for six games. That’s probably one of the best compliments you can give this team at the moment.
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SJM is due a goal...so is Jack....and Watkins....and Luiz....so 4 nil then :)
UTV
The Doc
Ah, but Watkins is due a hat-trick, and Konsa is overdue another. Make it 7.
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On Instagram he now has posts with "home" in a large backyard. So that means he no longer is in an apartment in the mailbox. Has he bought property around Birmingham? Could be good news for us
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He's still hit and miss. On his day he is good, other days you see better Sunday league players and Im not trying to be dramatic.
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He can be sloppy and too fancy at times but he is has been integral to our improvement this year
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He's still hit and miss. On his day he is good, other days you see better Sunday league players and Im not trying to be dramatic.
I respectfully disagree.
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On Instagram he now has posts with "home" in a large backyard. So that means he no longer is in an apartment in the mailbox. Has he bought property around Birmingham? Could be good news for us
Looks like a park to me.
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He's still hit and miss. On his day he is good, other days you see better Sunday league players and Im not trying to be dramatic.
You talking about Luiz? If your are I can’t agree with that. He’s been consistently superb this season.
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He's still hit and miss. On his day he is good, other days you see better Sunday league players and Im not trying to be dramatic.
Of course you're being dramatic when you are comparing one of the best performers in the Premier League this season to a Sunday League player
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He’s been outstanding this season. Arguably our best player.
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Top player, works hard and showing more guile and creativity each game
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He's still hit and miss. On his day he is good, other days you see better Sunday league players and Im not trying to be dramatic.
Absolutely dramatic, he’s been one of our consistently stand out players this season.
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He’s been outstanding this season. Arguably our best player.
Spot on. I hope we do everything we can to keep him. The type of player you build a team around.
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Only thing i would like him to improve on is getting closer to goal and his shooting boots as we know what he is capable of
I would imagine the new holding role means he does not venture too far forward which is a shame
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He’s been outstanding this season. Arguably our best player.
Spot on. I hope we do everything we can to keep him. The type of player you build a team around.
No way. Jack's been the best and you build around him.
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He’s average at best
(Just trying to convince myself of this, so I’m not arsed when Man City grab him back in the summer, probably to sell on at profit)
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I did think that if Man City to take him back to keep, I wouldn't mind Fernandinho
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On Instagram he now has posts with "home" in a large backyard. So that means he no longer is in an apartment in the mailbox. Has he bought property around Birmingham? Could be good news for us
Looks like a park to me.
No definitely a new place. His training videos on insta today are at his new place
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Last time I was at the Villa store not long ago , there was about 5 of his cousins there buying half the store it seemed, I think they were just waitng for someone to come and pay , not sure it was Dougie coming but I had to leave .
Think the Villa have won over his cousins big style .
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I did think that if Man City to take him back to keep, I wouldn't mind Fernandinho
How old is Fernandinho? - 35; I doubt the club will go for him.
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I don’t totally understand Instagram but from what I can make out there’s an irresponsible (IMO) video of him allegedly driving, singing and periodically looking at a camera whilst holding a phone. I can’t work out when it was posted.
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
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Give him the benefit of the doubt. He's a gifted 22-year-old Brazilian international, playing for a team that's flying up the most competitive league in the world. He's no doubt on a fuckton of money too. I can forgive him his exuberance.
I haven't actually seen the video. Obviously, if he was filming himself while doing this on a motorway or something, then somebody needs to have a word, but still, he'll be getting very little of the lifestyle he dreamed of over the last year. I know he's well compensated, but young people need to let off steam, and to spend their money, in the unlikely event that they have any.
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
Somebody else is filming him, but he's also got his phone in one hand, and is making dance moves with the other. While driving, the colossal fucking bellend.
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
Somebody else is filming him, but he's also got his phone in one hand, and is making dance moves with the other. While driving, the colossal fucking bellend.
You must be fun at parties
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He’s been outstanding this season. Arguably our best player.
Spot on. I hope we do everything we can to keep him. The type of player you build a team around.
No way. Jack's been the best and you build around him.
You absolutely do build a team around him. He’s the solid foundation that allows Jack and the rest to excel
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
Somebody else is filming him, but he's also got his phone in one hand, and is making dance moves with the other. While driving, the colossal fucking bellend.
You must be fun at parties
Yeah, get me, not being happy that one of our players is filmed driving like an idiot, endangering lives. What a huge killjoy I am.
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
Somebody else is filming him, but he's also got his phone in one hand, and is making dance moves with the other. While driving, the colossal fucking bellend.
You must be fun at parties
Yeah, after all, anyone he kills while driving like that should just get up and run it off.
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Give him the benefit of the doubt. He's a gifted 22-year-old Brazilian international, playing for a team that's flying up the most competitive league in the world. He's no doubt on a fuckton of money too. I can forgive him his exuberance.
Agreed. Saw it, he's just listening and singing along to a bit of samba pagode. Compared to some of the driving in Rio it's like Driving Miss Daisy. ;)
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Driverless vehicles and hands free driving technology has been available in Rio for about 50 years.
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Just checked with the Met office and they are expecting a srom in a teacup later.
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Driverless vehicles and hands free driving technology has been available in Rio for about 50 years.
Sao Paolo Car Reversers
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Just had a look Lizz, posted a few hours ago, no indication of when it was filmed but presume recently. It’s filmed by someone else but Luiz has got a phone in one hand whilst driving, so not great.
Edit. Suppose camera could be propped up by something.
Somebody else is filming him, but he's also got his phone in one hand, and is making dance moves with the other. While driving, the colossal fucking bellend.
You must be fun at parties
That's Why You'll Always Find Him in the Kitchen at Parties....
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That buy-back clause that expires in the summer is starting to look a little less of a cause for panic.
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Not sure what's happened to him. Is he trying to marshall the midfield but is lacking support from "Ginny" and Barkley ? His retention of possession has definitely got worse, hopefully it's just a little dip. He does get out-muscled at time, as does McGinn. They're both short-arsed compared to a lot of midfielders.
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Poor again. Not having the strongest of seasons anyway, nothing like the player he was post restart last season. Getting outmuscled, not spotting runners, giving away a lot of free kicks and lacking courage to play on the half turn. Big shout to bring him back in tonight but didn't justify Smiths decision for me.
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I don’t get the hype around him, not shit but never puts in a man of match performance.
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He’s fantastic, had a few quiet games but the platform he creates makes us the team we are gong forward, normally.
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Bit off his best lately, but brill player.
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Agree with J and Paul. Special player.
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Agree with Uknowthescore. Average player who used to be better than most of our team but we’ve got better and he no longer stands out. Luiz and Mcginn are probably the only two players who haven’t pushed on from last season. Smith needs to figure out our midfield. He’s picking who he thinks are technically the best players rather than thinking about which pieces go together. Picking Nakamba would allow Mcginn to play further forward, which comes naturally to him in the same way defensive play comes naturally to Nakamba. Ask people to do what they are good at rather than forcing them into roles just so you can fit them into the starting XI
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Playing Nakamba instead would mean losing the ball in the opposition press.
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I wonder of he had covid?
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Too much of the midfield workload is being put on both Luiz and McGinn. Last night was a good example.
Grealish, Barkley and Trahore were not tracking back enough when losing possession.
Coming up against teams with baller's who play the game on the floor needs energy in the midfield which we are lacking with only having Luiz and McGinn in there. The game last night, along with the West Ham game was crying out for either Nakamba sitting deep with Luiz and McGinn in a more attacking role, or Luiz in the middle with Sanson and McGinn on either side of him.
I have said in another thread that I don't want to write Ross Barkley off just yet, but in games like last night, he was a luxury we could have done without.
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Barkley and Traore in the same team is very hard when we are not on top, we tend to lose the battle.
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Will Man City be exercising their buy back clause for Douglas in the summer? Absolutely no chance.
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Will Man City be exercising their buy back clause for Douglas in the summer? Absolutely no chance.
Hope not. He’s had a couple ropey games, but he’s been fantastic.
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I think Martinez, Targett, Konsa, Cash, Grealish and Watkins have been “fantastic.”
And the rest of the team, including Luiz, somewhere between ok to decent.
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Too many times last night, Brighton simply strung four in a line across the middle, and had acres of space. Grealish, Traore and Barkley all too far up the pitch, and it pushed McGinn and Luiz too far back. There was a thirty yard space in the middle of the pitch and Brighton took advantage of it time and time again.
Teams have figured out where and how to line up against us in the middle. And we need to sort it out quick, or our season will fizzle out. Sanson has been brought for the job, can play anywhere in the middle and has looked good when he's come on. Get him in for Barkley.
Sadly, it seems that Smith won't drop Barkley, having told him that coming to Villa will get him to the Euros. I just hope the shot of the brains trust standing behind Smith giving him advice just before he brought Sanson on means that they're on it.
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I think Martinez, Targett, Konsa, Cash, Grealish and Watkins have been “fantastic.”
And the rest of the team, including Luiz, somewhere between ok to decent.
All about opinions. But by and large I think Douglas has been great.
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I think Martinez, Targett, Konsa, Cash, Grealish and Watkins have been “fantastic.”
And the rest of the team, including Luiz, somewhere between ok to decent.
All about opinions. But by and large I think Douglas has been great.
I reckon that his list is about right. But Luiz is also hamstrung a bit by being in a position and performing a role where it's hard to look great. You look bad, or you look fine.
And he rarely looks bad.
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What is odd with with Doug, when he was settling in and looking alright but also a bit temperamental, he had two efforts which were sublime. Now he’s looking superb most games, when he shoots it’s like we have George Boateng back in the side.
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Yep, the crap shots are a surprise given his pearlers last season.
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Don't think Dougie can avoid a bit of criticism at the moment, another one woefully out of form and sloppy and lacking intensity in my view. He needs to up it if he keep getting selected. The one pass I'll give him and McGinn is having to carry Barkley and when you're up against the quality of Ndidi, Tielemans and Maddison its going to be a struggle if one of the team isn't performing.
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Don't think Dougie can avoid a bit of criticism at the moment, another one woefully out of form and sloppy and lacking intensity in my view. He needs to up it if he keep getting selected. The one pass I'll give him and McGinn is having to carry Barkley and when you're up against the quality of Ndidi, Tielemans and Maddison its going to be a struggle if one of the team isn't performing.
He has lots all his positional sense as a holding midfielder. Absolutely shocking today, again. Sold out his centre backs time and again. Hiding from getting the ball off the back too.
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Thought he did ok, he's told to screen. The ridiculous booking where Barnes trips him, neutered him.
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I don't think we need worry about Man City coming back for him, at least not on this form.
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I don't think we need worry about Man City coming back for him, at least not on this form.
Its all part of the plan.
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Worth bearing in mind he was born in 1998. He's 22 and a youngster still.
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I don't think we need worry about Man City coming back for him, at least not on this form.
No chance. He had a decent start but he's really tapered off. He'll come again but I'm not sure he'll end up a top defensive midfielder.
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Worth bearing in mind he was born in 1998. He's 22 and a youngster still.
Man City will only spend big money on known quantities, not gambles on players who may or may not be able to play regularly for them.
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Good, as he's a quality player and I want us to keep him for years and years.
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He can be and the more players we're able to keep and build on, the better. I just don't like seeing players still being guaranteed starters even when they're not in form. Until we've built some depth though, that's where we are.
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Was excellent up until the enforced COVID break, but has been way off the pace since.
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Good, as he's a quality player and I want us to keep him for years and years.
Me too. He’s going to be a fantastic player. He’s going through a rough patch, but he’ll come through it. I hope he’s with us for years.
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He could really do with someone next to him. McGinn today was constantly pressing alongside Barkley (as in geographically, Barkley wasn’t doing much pressing) meaning that Luiz was the sole CM behind the ball.
I think we should change the shape a bit and have three 8s. Barkley playing off the striker just leaves too much for the other two midfielders to do, compounded by the fact our fullbacks are quite attacking.
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think Luiz needs more than just McGinn in there with him. a midfield 3 may suit them both more
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I wish he was a little bit taller
Although he is a baller
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What has happened this guy? It's like his twin brother is playing for us lately.
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He’s out of form. It happens.
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He played in a more advanced position last season. Scored some screamers in a team that conceded an absolute hatful. After the Covid break he was moved to a more defensive position. While he’s not going to be the more flamboyant version he is playing a very unsung role. He’s was a big reason as to why we stayed up and also why we have made such incredible strides defensively as a club. A lot of his work goes very unnoticed in his positioning and he provides very good cover for the back four. Admittedly he’s probably had a bit of a dip in form as the whole team has but I think he generally gets unjustly criticized because of how good he had look playing a different role in the past.
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Always worth remembering he's 22.
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Always worth remembering he's 22.
Agreed. He’s being judged, arguably, from Man City’s perspective. Think of him as one of our own..
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He will be ours for good next year. No way Man City are paying for him back in the summer.
There is a player in there and this not so good run of form could work in our favour
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Always worth remembering he's 22.
Yup he’s a belting player who’s suffering a bit of a dip. But there’s no doubt to me that we’re a much better team with him in it.
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What has happened this guy? It's like his twin brother is playing for us lately.
He might be sulking that he can't travel to join up with the Seleção. He'll get over it.
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What has happened this guy? It's like his twin brother is playing for us lately.
He might be sulking that he can't travel to join up with the Seleção. He'll get over it.
I was reading this post and planning to drop a Bolsonaro 'get over it' joke, but am assuming you're way ahead of me.
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I like to think he's reigning it in to put Citeh off, as ridiculous as it obviously is.
"Please Meester Smith, no make me go to cotton village, it's small, wet and choc full of hijo de puta"
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I agree Lee, just posted the same on the match thread. A cunning plan....
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He played in a more advanced position last season. Scored some screamers in a team that conceded an absolute hatful. After the Covid break he was moved to a more defensive position. While he’s not going to be the more flamboyant version he is playing a very unsung role. He’s was a big reason as to why we stayed up and also why we have made such incredible strides defensively as a club. A lot of his work goes very unnoticed in his positioning and he provides very good cover for the back four. Admittedly he’s probably had a bit of a dip in form as the whole team has but I think he generally gets unjustly criticized because of how good he had look playing a different role in the past.
He was dreadful last season pre covid, Barkley esque really, some flashes of ability matched by a poor attitude and application. But the player that emerged after the restart was transformed. A hard edge sitting in front of the back four next to Hourihane usually. Combative, playing on the half turn and looked a player of real promise.
But this season right from early on he has struggled , even in comfortable wins against Fulham and Liverpool he was poor. His form has been a patchy for a while now. Smith clearly rates him, as we all do, but he has come back in for Nakamba on a couple of occasions recently and played really poorly. Yesterday was the worst really. He was genuinely hopeless. Ball watching for their shot off the post, ball watching for their counter attack from our corner. Offered absolutely nothing with the ball apart from promptly returning it to our full/centre backs. Just seemed to be lost out there.
I honestly don't think he is good enough to play as the sitting midfielder in a three. I think he needs someone next to him in a two. A young Gareth Barry type ideally that would really McGinn to play further forward.
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He played in a more advanced position last season. Scored some screamers in a team that conceded an absolute hatful. After the Covid break he was moved to a more defensive position. While he’s not going to be the more flamboyant version he is playing a very unsung role. He’s was a big reason as to why we stayed up and also why we have made such incredible strides defensively as a club. A lot of his work goes very unnoticed in his positioning and he provides very good cover for the back four. Admittedly he’s probably had a bit of a dip in form as the whole team has but I think he generally gets unjustly criticized because of how good he had look playing a different role in the past.
He was dreadful last season pre covid, Barkley esque really, some flashes of ability matched by a poor attitude and application. But the player that emerged after the restart was transformed. A hard edge sitting in front of the back four next to Hourihane usually. Combative, playing on the half turn and looked a player of real promise.
But this season right from early on he has struggled , even in comfortable wins against Fulham and Liverpool he was poor. His form has been a patchy for a while now. Smith clearly rates him, as we all do, but he has come back in for Nakamba on a couple of occasions recently and played really poorly. Yesterday was the worst really. He was genuinely hopeless. Ball watching for their shot off the post, ball watching for their counter attack from our corner. Offered absolutely nothing with the ball apart from promptly returning it to our full/centre backs. Just seemed to be lost out there.
I honestly don't think he is good enough to play as the sitting midfielder in a three. I think he needs someone next to him in a two. A young Gareth Barry type ideally that would really McGinn to play further forward.
On your last point, I think a good deep lying midfielder should be a priority pre season, that will both support Dougie like you say and allow McGinn to move up to the Barkley role. That, a right sided winger and another forward.
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I like the lad Bissouma at Brighton, but they'd probably want the earth for him.
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I like the lad Bissouma at Brighton, but they'd probably want the earth for him.
We can afford the earth....
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I love some of the revisionism about Douglas. He wasn’t dreadful at all pre Covid. This is a player during last season where a number of fans were genuinely concerned that Man City would exercise the buyback clause he was playing so well at times. And that only heightened after the Covid break.
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I don’t know what some people have watched but for a large part of this season Luiz was one of our best players. Before Christmas most wanted us to try and tie up his contract so Man City wouldn’t ask for him back. He’s struggled since the Covid Issue we had at the club that’s true. It happens, form can drop and it will come back.
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I love some of the revisionism about Douglas. He wasn’t dreadful at all pre Covid. This is a player during last season where a number of fans were genuinely concerned that Man City would exercise the buyback clause he was playing so well at times. And that only heightened after the Covid break.
It's also a player even Drinky was selected ahead of by Smith....revisionism indeed
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I don't think it's unfair to say that all the midfielders have question marks hanging over them and could be upgraded on in the Summer. It's the big weak link in our team at the moment. Grealish aside obviously. There's room for improvement allround.
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I don't think it's unfair to say that all the midfielders have question marks hanging over them and could be upgraded on in the Summer.
Teun Koopmeiners for Luiz/McGinn
Luis Sinisterra for Trezeguet
Michael Olise for Barkley
All would add a different dimension to us in midfield and they wouldn't cost the earth.
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The balance in our midfield just isn't right. We have six central midfielders all of moderate to decent quality but we can't quite get the right combination to show some form at the moment.
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Do we know who the players that had Covid were? Dougie's drop in form certainly points to that, I had him in the top 5 players of the season up until the Covid break.
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Trez, El Ghazi, Watkins and Targett I was told.
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Watkins has 4 lungs, so it was never likely to effect him.
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Only had a mild case apparently so could fit with the narrative of an unnamed player ( as far as I can recall) being called in to say he was positive and the player saying he was flying and felt fine.
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Looks a shadow of the player he was in the first half of the season. Maybe Covid related but an absolute passenger. Something’s wrong.
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Looks a shadow of the player he was in the first half of the season. Maybe Covid related but an absolute passenger. Something’s wrong.
His attitude and application for starters. His performance tonight was disgusting and right back to his abysmal pre covid standard last season. Didn't want to run or tackle tonight, in fact the most effort he showed all night was booting the ball into the stand at the end. It might be purely coincidental that's there an upcoming international break.
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Looks a shadow of the player he was in the first half of the season. Maybe Covid related but an absolute passenger. Something’s wrong.
His attitude and application for starters. His performance tonight was disgusting and right back to his abysmal pre covid standard last season. Didn't want to run or tackle tonight, in fact the most effort he showed all night was booting the ball into the stand at the end. It might be purely coincidental that's there an upcoming international break.
As in saving himself? Could be.
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What has happened here? He was fantastic up to Christmas and has been woeful since the return.
What's with the secrecy surrounding our Covid outbreak? When it comes to other clubs I know who had Covid but haven't the foggiest idea when it comes to my own.
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Looks a shadow of the player he was back end of last season. Haven’t been struck on him at all this season consistency wise , won’t be too upset if he doesn’t feature next season.
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Been poor for weeks now.
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Weeks? Months. Adds nothing at the moment. Man City my arse. Upgrade incoming this summer, not physical or mobile enough.
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Out of form, but young, and very talented player. His form post restart is one of the reasons we’re still in the top flight and he was really good earlier in the season. I wonder if the relentless schedule and lack of preseason has taken it out of him, more than most.
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Question is, is he worth 30 million quid and a squad place for next season if you're Man City?
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He is getting no where near that team on current form, he jumped out of a few challenges last night.
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He's only 22.
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He's only 22.
We often forget that and I am not writing him off, he could emerge as a very good player for us.
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Lovely dinked chip to play in Trezeguet in the first half. Jack would have been proud.
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If you take our back 5 out of the equation, it would be a struggle to name anyone who is in form. It's become pointless to pick out individuals when so many are out of form. It's a shame we can't just end the season now and start doing our transfer business and giving the players a full pre-season in readiness to a season when the fans are let back in.
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the season ended in january
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He's having a sticky spell currently.
Let's not just dismiss how good he was end of last season and first 3-4 months of this season in the role he's been playing.
Brazil think pretty highly of him and he'd have likely started their games again this month if they'd gone ahead so bit OTT to just dismiss regular Brazil international as not good enough.
We need to keep him.
Think issue currently is he dosen't quite have enough consistancy yet to be good for 30 + games in a season which is mainly down to age.
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He's having a sticky spell currently.
Let's not just dismiss how good he was end of last season and first 3-4 months of this season in the role he's been playing.
Brazil think pretty highly of him and he'd have likely started their games again this month if they'd gone ahead so bit OTT to just dismiss regular Brazil international as not good enough.
We need to keep him.
Think issue currently is he dosen't quite have enough consistancy yet to be good for 30 + games in a season which is mainly down to age.
I agree, I really like him and think he’s going to be a very very good player and I would hope we can keep him. If we had a bigger squad he’d surely be rested a bit more. Nakamba has done very well in his place but he is a very different type of player.
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He needs to play further forward. He is not big enough to play defensive central midfielder.
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Isn't Wesley a Brazilian international too?!
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Douglas’s form will return, he’s young and it’s been a weird time. If he’s at the club next season I’ll be delighted.
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He’s the one player I don’t mind having a dip in form. Man city may not activate his clause. As others have said, everyone bar our defense has been poor.
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He needs to play further forward. He is not big enough to play defensive central midfielder.
Agree with this; he'd be competing with Sanson, McGinn and Ramsey for a role further up the pitch.
Who would you bring in to be the more imposing defensive midfielder?
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He needs to play further forward. He is not big enough to play defensive central midfielder.
Agree with this; he'd be competing with Sanson, McGinn and Ramsey for a role further up the pitch.
Who would you bring in to be the more imposing defensive midfielder?
Wasn’t he bought in as a defensive midfielder?
I seem to recall reading on here how great it was to get a proper DM in.
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Isn't Wesley a Brazilian international too?!
Is he?
What at?
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In modern parlance he and SJM look more like 8 than 6.
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We need to develop him as a player, his best form has shown he has talent but I think it’s wasted at the rear of midfield..he gets forward so little that it seems his confidence has gone when in last third.
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I reckon he's a fine DM, or has the potential to be, but I cant see anything that supports him being a top 6 player further forward.
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Is the concept of defensive/attacking midfielder still used at elite level? Seems a little outdated. I think they're now meant to be all-singing all-dancing.
Doug is more of a technical player than a "stopper". Decent in terms of positional play without the ball but better on it. I do think his lack of physical prowess does get him into trouble at times (see also McGinn). I think we need more athleticism and stature in there.
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In modern parlance he and SJM look more like 8 than 6.
Although the last time I recall Luiz playing at 8 (in that stroll at home to Newcastle) he was shite.
He's in a very poor run of form but I think he has struggled for a lot of the season to be honest. Needs an experienced partner in there next to him next season.
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He clearly has the ability, but right now it's not working for him.
He can be sloppy with his passing and needs to work on his speed/acceleration as he always seems to get beaten when opposition players run at, or by him.
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He clearly has the ability, but right now it's not working for him.
He can be sloppy with his passing and needs to work on his speed/acceleration as he always seems to get beaten when opposition players run at, or by him.
He’s also lost that ability to be a goal threat. Two absolute peaches against Bournemouth and Norwich, and not much, if anything else.
There’s definitely a quality player in there though, without doubt.
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He needs to play further forward. He is not big enough to play defensive central midfielder.
Agree with this; he'd be competing with Sanson, McGinn and Ramsey for a role further up the pitch.
Who would you bring in to be the more imposing defensive midfielder?
I think we need to buy one. I’ve been largely impressed with the quality of our transfer business but I’ve been saying it since we got back up that we lack physicality. We need to buy a couple. Bissouma from Brighton perhaps.
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Isn't Wesley a Brazilian international too?!
Is he?
What at?
Volleyball.
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I think at 22 Dougie hasn’t peaked yet, maybe pair him with Jack further forward for a run of games I would be very surprised if he didn’t turn into very good player.
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I think at 22 Dougie hasn’t peaked yet, maybe pair him with Jack further forward for a run of games I would be very surprised if he didn’t turn into very good player.
If that's the case, who do we currently replace him with?
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The best I've seen him was after the first lockdown and at the start of the season when he focussed on protecting the defence.
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https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/09/douglas-luiz-proud-to-be-from-the-favela-aston-villa-brazil (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/09/douglas-luiz-proud-to-be-from-the-favela-aston-villa-brazil)
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He’s 22 and since the Covid restart been asked to play a much different role to the one he initially had with us. He’s contributed to making our defence one of the best in the league even if it has taken him away from some of the stuff we’ve seen him do well for us. There is so much more left in the tank and I’m sure before long we will be hearing he has signed a new deal with us for the next 4 years.
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He’s 22 and since the Covid restart been asked to play a much different role to the one he initially had with us. He’s contributed to making our defence one of the best in the league even if it has taken him away from some of the stuff we’ve seen him do well for us. There is so much more left in the tank and I’m sure before long we will be hearing he has signed a new deal with us for the next 4 years.
I hope so. I don't think we can do that though until Man City formally say they don't want to take up their option.
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Keep forgetting that he's only 22.
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Keep forgetting that he's only 22.
I do too.
He's a good player...
Is he good enough for a mid-table Premier League team? Yes.
Hope he pushes on. We just need to find a better balance in the middle of the park that suits him. I'd like to see him next to a more defensive player, so it would give him more freedom to get forward.
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He’s 22 and since the Covid restart been asked to play a much different role to the one he initially had with us. He’s contributed to making our defence one of the best in the league even if it has taken him away from some of the stuff we’ve seen him do well for us. There is so much more left in the tank and I’m sure before long we will be hearing he has signed a new deal with us for the next 4 years.
I hope so. I don't think we can do that though until Man City formally say they don't want to take up their option.
I’d like to think those conversations have taken place already. Also as much as I or we like Doug he’s more our level at the moment than what Man City would be looking for.
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I can not see any reason why Citeh won’t exercise their option.
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He’s 22 and since the Covid restart been asked to play a much different role to the one he initially had with us. He’s contributed to making our defence one of the best in the league even if it has taken him away from some of the stuff we’ve seen him do well for us. There is so much more left in the tank and I’m sure before long we will be hearing he has signed a new deal with us for the next 4 years.
Really hope so. It's easy to forget he's still a young lad.
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i THINK HE`'D BE BETTER PLAYING FURTHER FOR
I think he'd better playing further forward. He is not a DCM, not physically strong enough but a very useful player, good passer generally and has an eye for goal. I cannot see him going back to Manchester City, they seem to have bigger fish to fry.
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Three goals in roughly 70 appearances, not sure that's much of an eye for a goal to be honest.
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I'm not seeing what it is that make people think he could or should play further forward. He's ideal for where we do play him, he's agile, pretty quick, decent passer, undaunted by opponents, ever more confident and capable in possession. A modern holding midfielder. I don't think slotting one in the corner from twenty yards once every other blue moon really pushes any case for his higher deployment.
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I'm not seeing what it is that make people think he could or should play further forward. He's ideal for where we do play him, he's agile, pretty quick, decent passer, undaunted by opponents, ever more confident and capable in possession. A modern holding midfielder. I don't think slotting one in the corner from twenty yards once every other blue moon really pushes any case for his higher deployment.
I think people are still stuck with the British idea of a defensive midfielder, ie a centre back that can trap a ball, and anyone that shows more skill than that should be playing further forward.
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Here (https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/apr/09/douglas-luiz-proud-to-be-from-the-favela-aston-villa-brazil), he talks about how he is the continuity player - a bit like Petrov was, I guess.
From the gRauniad this morning.
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Three goals in roughly 70 appearances, not sure that's much of an eye for a goal to be honest.
What's really frustrating is he gets in good positions to have a shot but nine times out of 10 will pass the ball out wide to El Ghazi, who passes it back to Targett, who passes it back to Mings, who hoofs it to Ollie, who loses out in the challenge..
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I thought he was pretty decent today. The lack of anything intelligent happening in front of him is a problem.
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I thought he was pretty decent today. The lack of anything intelligent happening in front of him is a problem.
Decent but his passing was shit poor.
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I thought he was lost somewhere between our defense and their defense.
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I thought he was lost somewhere between our defense and their defense.
Are you still railing against the creeping Americanisation of British English?
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I thought he was lost somewhere between our defense and their defense.
Are you still railing against the creeping Americanisation of British English?
Yes American language setting on Lap Top
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Douglas is really struggling at the moment. Personally I think he’s a cracking player, who will come good again, and I hope he’s with us for the long-term. But I think he might benefit from the end of the season and a good break.
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Take him out though and you're left with Nakamba to do the defensive duties and he really is abysmal.
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Pep Guardiola:
"A guy who's clever with the ball, so physically strong. He's a lovely, lovely guy. Unfortunately when he came a work permit meant he could not play but I'm happy he's developed really, really well."
Maybe he knows he’s going back and that’s why his performances have been so poor.
For a potentially top class player, his lack of tackling and giving away cheap fouls has been very disappointing.
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If he goes to City then he won't even make the bench most weeks
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Maybe not now, but what players are in the now does not define what they become. Firstly Doug has already shown he’s a quality when in form. Secondly he’s young and I think he’ll develop even further. I really hope he stays.
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Maybe not now, but what players are in the now does not define what they become. Firstly Doug has already shown he’s a quality when in form. Secondly he’s young and I think he’ll develop even further. I really hope he stays.
Agree he has shown what he can do, he was immense after the restart.
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Maybe not now, but what players are in the now does not define what they become. Firstly Doug has already shown he’s a quality when in form. Secondly he’s young and I think he’ll develop even further. I really hope he stays.
Agree he has shown what he can do, he was immense after the restart.
Yep I agree, I hope he stays
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Fun reading the Idrissa Gueye thread - he was also shit.
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=54360.1125
I am dreading what our players are thinking when they (and they do) read social media on the official site - a picture of Luiz and the only comments are more or less telling him to get out of our club.
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Fun reading the Idrissa Gueye thread - he was also shit.
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=54360.1125
I am dreading what our players are thinking when they (and they do) read social media on the official site - a picture of Luiz and the only comments are more or less telling him to get out of our club.
Yes Gana has gone on to be a fine player.
I think it’s very important we keep Douglas and I really hope we do. He’ll go on to be an excellent player. As for comments sections they’re generally inhabited by idiots and bigots and should be ignored.
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When you're a member of a particularly shit team all the players tend to get tarred with the same brush, and our relegated team of five years ago was particularly shit.
The last team I wanted to forget ever existed was the relegated team of 1987, yet even that team contained players who went on to have good careers elsewhere.
I thought Douglas Luiz had a good game against the Albion actually.
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When you're a member of a particularly shit team all the players tend to get tarred with the same brush, and our relegated team of five years ago was particularly shit.
The last team I wanted to forget ever existed was the relegated team of 1987, yet even that team contained players who went on to have good careers elsewhere.
I thought Douglas Luiz had a good game against the Albion actually.
And me, I thought he played quite well. I was surprised when he went off.
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When you're a member of a particularly shit team all the players tend to get tarred with the same brush, and our relegated team of five years ago was particularly shit.
The last team I wanted to forget ever existed was the relegated team of 1987, yet even that team contained players who went on to have good careers elsewhere.
I thought Douglas Luiz had a good game against the Albion actually.
And me, I thought he played quite well. I was surprised when he went off.
Me too, he played very well. He looked back to his commanding self. He was winning the ball and driving us forward.
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Hard to know from the highlights. He still gave away a silly free kick on the edge of the box in between the two penalties and got pwn'd by West Brom's star-man at the corner flag. I did like his instant acknowledgement of it by stomping his feet on the ground like a toddler, though!
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When you're a member of a particularly shit team all the players tend to get tarred with the same brush, and our relegated team of five years ago was particularly shit.
The last team I wanted to forget ever existed was the relegated team of 1987, yet even that team contained players who went on to have good careers elsewhere.
I thought Douglas Luiz had a good game against the Albion actually.
And me, I thought he played quite well. I was surprised when he went off.
Me too, he played very well. He looked back to his commanding self. He was winning the ball and driving us forward.
Given the role he plays in the team I think he'll always look good when we have a lot of possession.
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I seriously hope idiots aren’t personally abusing a 23 year online to prompt this response
Reported by Ashley Preece: Douglas Luiz's impassioned Instagram message after his mistake vs Man United:
'I am a passionate player for the club & I never wanted to commit a penalty like this & end up hurting the team and the result. Now, who doesn't understand me, **** you. With many errors, I'm learning!'
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I seriously hope idiots aren’t personally abusing a 23 year online to prompt this response
Reported by Ashley Preece: Douglas Luiz's impassioned Instagram message after his mistake vs Man United:
'I am a passionate player for the club & I never wanted to commit a penalty like this & end up hurting the team and the result. Now, who doesn't understand me, **** you. With many errors, I'm learning!'
I have just read he’s been receiving all kinds of abuse after today. That’s completely bang out of order, he’s a great young player. Social media can be such a nasty place.
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I thought he had a good first half but the tackle on Pogba was very disappointing considering what happened in the last game.
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I seriously hope idiots aren’t personally abusing a 23 year online to prompt this response
Reported by Ashley Preece: Douglas Luiz's impassioned Instagram message after his mistake vs Man United:
'I am a passionate player for the club & I never wanted to commit a penalty like this & end up hurting the team and the result. Now, who doesn't understand me, **** you. With many errors, I'm learning!'
Of course they are, plenty of people have been ripping into him on here, on other forums and on social media, it's a much smaller step than most people are willing to accept to go from that to sending him messages on twitter/IG blaming him for the defeat. Once you look at it realistically it's easy to see that plenty of people will take it to far and go to things like racial abuse, the social media black out last week was the first step on a long journey to stop this sort of bullshit.
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I love sites like this, I rarely engage with other match going Villa fans other than my mates to know what other Villa fans opinions are etc but Social media in general is absolute wank at times, I fucking despise it, wether it be this or my other hobbie of aviation photography. It gives absolute bellends a platform to say things they would never dream of saying in person. Just fuck right off, Yeah Dougie fucked up today but that he feels he needs to come out and explain himself and apologize does not sit right with me at all.
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I do wonder why the players bother with it at all.
On a good day are you really going to respond to the fans like they’re your mates? I doubt it.
Have a bad day and you take it personally. That’s lose v Lose situation.
That’s not aimed at Luiz in particular, all players.
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We older fuckers haven’t grown up with social media. These young lads they’ve been surrounded by it so they don’t always know anything else. All their mates are on it so it’s just part of their natural environment. And for all the good they get out of it you get a very dark other side to it. I despise it that utter, utter wankers can have free swings at athletes or public figures without consequences. It’s not criticism. It’s fuckers who get bold from behind a keyboard without any thought or consideration to the potential impact it has.
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We older fuckers haven’t grown up with social media. These young lads they’ve been surrounded by it so they don’t always know anything else. All their mates are on it so it’s just part of their natural environment. And for all the good they get out of it you get a very dark other side to it. I despise it that utter, utter wankers can have free swings at athletes or public figures without consequences. It’s not criticism. It’s fuckers who get bold from behind a keyboard without any thought or consideration to the potential impact it has.
All the negative things are true but look at some of the good things people like Mings have done from it and it's easy to see the appeal for a good person.
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It's difficult to police, granted.
They might be 12-15 year olds who feel cool dishing out swearwords to celebrities.
If they're voting age and are brave/daft enough to do those kind of things online under their real name, throw the book at them. AEG mentioned one of the twats wishing him dead was a Villa season ticket holder. We don't need that sort of brain donor. Name and shame. Get them banned.
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Well said Doug, people, and I use that term in the loosest possible sense, need to get a grip. He’s going to be an excellent player and he’ll learn from these experiences.
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What a bunch of arseholes. Fuck the haters, Doug. 🇧🇷
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You just had to see the look on his face when Bruno sent the keeper the wrong way to know he was pig sick about giving the penalty away.
It's been an odd season so let's see how the team looks after a proper pre-season and a few additions but I think Dougie will come good.
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He a good player, it's been a long couple of seasons fro all sorts of reasons and I've no doubt he along with others are tired. I've no doubt he'll come good.
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The buy back clause beginning to gather pace again with the Express quoting whatever 90 minutes is. The Meaning Evil already has him sold for £27.5m and named potential replacements for him!
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£27.5mil? SELL SELL SELL!!!
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Some sites saying other clubs are offering more to City to encourage them to buy him back and sell him on at a profit. Is that allowed?
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Shirley other clubs can buy him off us, without the need for a go-between. There might be some buy back clause involving citeh, but he's our player.
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Shirley other clubs can buy him off us, without the need for a go-between. There might be some buy back clause involving citeh, but he's our player.
As far as has been reported, Man City get first dibs so we can't sell him without giving them the chance first.
But you'd hope that when we agreed to that buy back clause it was written in the contract that they then couldn't sell him within 12 months of buying him back.
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Some sites saying other clubs are offering more to City to encourage them to buy him back and sell him on at a profit. Is that allowed?
Yep, they’ve done it before I believe
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Hope we keep him.
He's gonna be some player 8)
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If and it is if, he's going back, you can rest assured Villa will have known about it for good while and hopefully identified a replacement. I would prefer he remain with us.
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If and it is if, he's going back, you can rest assured Villa will have known about it for good while and hopefully identified a replacement. I would prefer he remain with us.
Might be why he didn't start the last 2 games.
While I hope we keep him because he could develop into a very good player, it could also work in our favour because he's not an out and out defensive midfielder which would improve the way we set-up.
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If and it is if, he's going back, you can rest assured Villa will have known about it for good while and hopefully identified a replacement. I would prefer he remain with us.
Might be why he didn't start the last 2 games.
Aye, was thinking that.
I hope he stays. He's young enough to develop and push on with us further. Would be a pisser if his last real contribution was that penalty conceded in the Yanited match.
That said - based on his form in the last season - he's not irreplaceable.
But I'd rather add to the quality we've got, rather than give ourselves more rebuilding to do.
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If and it is if, he's going back, you can rest assured Villa will have known about it for good while and hopefully identified a replacement. I would prefer he remain with us.
Might be why he didn't start the last 2 games.
While I hope we keep him because he could develop into a very good player, it could also work in our favour because he's not an out and out defensive midfielder which would improve the way we set-up.
My preference is always to replace the weaker players but I agree we have looked better when playing with a genuine defensive midfielder,Nakamba.
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I don’t think he’s leaving at all. Back in April he was retweeting some guy who was promoting his future at Villa. He’s 23, he’s in a good side. He will continue to improve. Nakamba did well coming in for him at Spurs and deservedly kept his place vs Chelsea. But I don’t think anyone believes Nakamba is the future. I would like to see Douglas play a little further forward and get into goalscoring positions because we’ve all seen he’s got a great shot on him. However like Stan he’s continuing to learn the DM position and he makes mistakes on occasion. But he has played a very unsung role in our defensive improvement and will only get better at it.
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Like Dougie a lot but the “we all know he’s got a good strike on him”attribute hasn’t really materialised since the Bournemouth goal yonks ago. He owes us a few next season !
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Hope we keep him.
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I’d sell if we got a big offer but if it’s not massive then I’d rather we keep him and get in a proper defensive midfielder which means Luiz could move into an more box to box role. He’s got a lot to his game but I think we limit him too much playing him the way we have been.
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If and it is if, he's going back, you can rest assured Villa will have known about it for good while and hopefully identified a replacement. I would prefer he remain with us.
Might be why he didn't start the last 2 games.
While I hope we keep him because he could develop into a very good player, it could also work in our favour because he's not an out and out defensive midfielder which would improve the way we set-up.
My preference is always to replace the weaker players but I agree we have looked better when playing with a genuine defensive midfielder,Nakamba.
Douglas isn’t a weak player. He’s a hell of a prospect who was out of form. We could really do without losing him.
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I’d sell if we got a big offer but if it’s not massive then I’d rather we keep him and get in a proper defensive midfielder which means Luiz could move into an more box to box role. He’s got a lot to his game but I think we limit him too much playing him the way we have been.
The old what happens if we get a bigger bid, buyout clause discussion...I’m not biting 😂
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I thought the agreement was £25m after 1 season & £35m after 2.
If it's the latter, we can comfortably replace him with that money.
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I like Luiz, but £27.5m is probably about the going rate, rather than undervaluing a player of his age and ability, based on what we’ve seen from him so far isn’t it? I hope he will continue to improve, but maybe he won’t, and will keep being quite up and down.
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I like Luiz, but £27.5m is probably about the going rate, rather than undervaluing a player of his age and ability, based on what we’ve seen from him so far isn’t it? I hope he will continue to improve, but maybe he won’t, and will keep being quite up and down.
He starts every game for Brazil currently so I'd say it's more 35-40m given how young he is still.
Would prefer him to stay with us and continue growing with us. Last season he was very good up to January imo and then wasn't quite the same afterwards but he wasn't alone in that.
Nakamba done well in some of his starts but he's one of those to me that will get found out a bit if he starts 10 games in a row, his potential is nowhere near Doug's imo.
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I’d sell if we got a big offer but if it’s not massive then I’d rather we keep him and get in a proper defensive midfielder which means Luiz could move into an more box to box role. He’s got a lot to his game but I think we limit him too much playing him the way we have been.
Yep, agree with that. I think playing alongside a strong strong defensive midfielder would help him out a lot.
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Can we just go and get Camavinga, Id fucking love the next stage of our development to be to get one of these next generation wonder kids.
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What date is the clause with Citeh up? Hope this shit doesn't drag on all summer.
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End of June I think
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What about the player himself? He's nowhere near getting a starting place in City's team. He might not want the move on that basis.
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Every indication including his own Twitter has always been very pro Villa. I see no reason at all why he won’t be with us next summer unless Man City suddenly decide they want him. Right now nothing to suggest that’s the case.
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What date is the clause with Citeh up? Hope this shit doesn't drag on all summer.
There was some mention of 6th June, I forget where.
I'm not worried, I think:
a) based on very little, just impressions from what was said early on, but I think the small print in the clause works in our favour. I think he's a Villa player and that's that.
b) I think we've got ourselves a bargain. in a world where Dwight McNeil is a £40m player, i can't see how Doug is worth less than £60m. Not knocking McNeil there, who I'd be happy if we signed, but Doug is a regular in the Brazil side
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Douglas could always refuse to sign with Man City? I'm fairly sure they don't need him any way.
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*bing bong*
"Calling Risso to the Douglas Luiz thread, please. That's Risso, Douglas Luiz thread. Thank you."
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Douglas could always refuse to sign with Man City? I'm fairly sure they don't need him any way.
I’m pretty certain it was conditional in the deal. If Citeh want him he has to go.
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Douglas could always refuse to sign with Man City? I'm fairly sure they don't need him any way.
If Man City want to win the Champions League then they'll need better than Luiz.
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Can’t see it happening personally.
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Me either. He's a decent young prospect, but he was disappointing last year. I can't see Guardiola wanting him, unless it's just to sell to somebody willing to pay more for him, which would be unlikely I think.
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Me neither. They obviously rated him and wanted to protect themselves from dropping a transfer boo-boo, but he's hardly a Chelsea letting De Bruyne go type mistake currently
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We should know by this time next week according to various reports.
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You’d think the backlash from that piss poor performance last night would be either sacking Pep or spending absolutely ridiculous amounts on 3 or 4 worldys in some vain attempt to land next years quadruple/treble/double. The latter more likely and Luiz won’t be in that scenario.
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I cant see him going personally. Certainly not in the Premier League.
City, lets be honest, will be wanting a better player/big name. Luiz, as great as he can be for us, isn't getting near that Man City starting 11. Same can be said for Chelsea, Liverpool, United as well. Spurs won't be interested, and he wouldn't move sideways to the likes of Leicester/West Ham ( I only say sideways on this seasons league table. Not that they are bigger clubs, or usually even comparable)
I think he'll stay
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Me neither. They obviously rated him and wanted to protect themselves from dropping a transfer boo-boo, but he's hardly a Chelsea letting De Bruyne go type mistake currently
Who knows. I’m not saying he’ll get to that level or that he’s a similar type of player, but when De Brunye left Chelsea I’m not sure there was a huge awareness of what he would become.
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Luis has been a curates egg thus far. But even in the half the time he looks decent he wouldn't be close to getting games at Man City.
At the moment he has potential, but is awful at least one game in 3. We need an upgrade ourselves whilst he develops, no way is he going back there.
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Me neither. They obviously rated him and wanted to protect themselves from dropping a transfer boo-boo, but he's hardly a Chelsea letting De Bruyne go type mistake currently
Who knows. I’m not saying he’ll get to that level or that he’s a similar type of player, but when De Brunye left Chelsea I’m not sure there was a huge awareness of what he would become.
Possibly not, but seeing after less than 2 years of leaving Chelsea he'd been named player of the year in Germany, they probably wished they had a Luis type clause. I mean Luis could become a premiership star in two years time but I wouldn't class that as a transfer mistake, just a player gradually improving as he hits his peak years.
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Have anyone making these stories ever seen him play. I rest my case.
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Have anyone making these stories ever seen him play. I rest my case.
Yes maybe when he was a huge contributor to our survival last year.
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I think he’s a great player and is only going to get better
He does make mistakes, gives too many fouls away in dangerous areas, and sometimes gives the ball away too easily,
Having said all that he’s always had a touch of class, and the things listed above can be worked on
Personally I don’t think he would look out of place in Man City‘s team as I think he would level up and no one plays every game for them anyway
But I’m not worried about him leaving I think he will stay, as I can’t see him being A priority for Man City next season
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I think the bigger concern would be that Man City activate their clause and turn around and sell him at a profit.
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Fernandinho is off, so I wouldn't be stunned if they opted for Luiz and a more established player (odd to think of a current Brazilian international as not established enough but there you go) for the role.
Across all competitions Luiz would probably see enough gametime to justify the move. Even if he isn't a first team regular.
We don't truly know how the move was sold to Luiz in the first place. At the time, we were a club that had just been promoted from the Championship, let's not forget. He would have had more glamarous options abroad and so on. If Guardiola has said get the games in in the country to help with the work permit and that he'd be back in for him, any attempts by us to renege on that won't go down too well with the player.
Hopefully the buyback option is little more than first refusal; just there to stop him joining a potential title/ CL rival of Citeh's.
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Play him along side a proper DM and I reckon he'll shine. He just can't be the DM in my opinion as his tackles aren't intelligent enough but maybe that'll come.
Sell him for a profit is feasible but he's not getting in that Man City side on the reg.
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Fernandinho is off, so I wouldn't be stunned if they opted for Luiz and a more established player (odd to think of a current Brazilian international as not established enough but there you go) for the role.
Getting Fernandinho for a year or two wouldn't be the worst move in that case.
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I think the bigger concern would be that Man City activate their clause and turn around and sell him at a profit.
Spot on, it’s not about what Man city value him at, it’s others. Man city can simply buy him back and sell him on trousering the profit. Obviously it would need Doug to agree first, but they’ve done this sort of deal before (can’t remember the player). I’m not sure if they want him back, but if someone wants him, they will be asking City before us. Any talk of bigs fees is City’s to have not us yet, as I’m pretty sure we can’t sell until said clause has lapsed.
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I think Smith is partly to blame for Dougie's inconsistency...The role he is asked to play is neither Pirlo nor Gattuso, but some weird mash-up of the two and he clearly is not a DM. He could develop into a deep-lying playmaker but is not there yet and would need a top DM next to him to facilitate success. By trying to force him to be both, we end up getting neither.
Keep or sell depends largely on how Deano plans on using him.
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Fernandinho is off, so I wouldn't be stunned if they opted for Luiz and a more established player (odd to think of a current Brazilian international as not established enough but there you go) for the role.
Getting Fernandinho for a year or two wouldn't be the worst move in that case.
Man. City actually have this guy back from two year loan at Granada....likes of Southampton and West Ham been linked with him.
https://www.goal.com/en/news/man-city-loan-herrera-granada-midfielder/esme1o0jx5931rsspn53xo9v5
Wouldn't shock me if they really want Luiz back if they sort of offer him to us for lower fee as sort of compensation. He's more of a DM aswell.
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If Man City try to boy him back and sell him, he has to agree to the sale to wherever they want to sell him to. Otherwise they run the risk of having to keep him and pay him and not use him.
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Depends who's whispering in Man. City's ear dosen't it?
The Super league rabble seem to help each other out plenty when it comes to creative ways around FFP so could have a PSG saying yeah we'll sign him for 40m if you get him back from Villa.
This was an odd deal last summer:
https://www.espn.co.uk/football/spanish-primera-division/story/4122091/barcelona-swapping-arthur-for-pjanic-was-a-business-move-but-for-all-the-wrong-reasons
Basically did it to help Barcelona get around FFP as both have hardly started much for their clubs.
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Could it be paper talk to encourage us to buyout the clause? Although if that was the case I’d have expected it last summer.
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If Man City try to boy him back and sell him, he has to agree to the sale to wherever they want to sell him to. Otherwise they run the risk of having to keep him and pay him and not use him.
I would expect that they would chat to Dougs agents and perhaps even tout him about a bit. Why wouldn’t they if the could make a few quid. My own view is that it’s unlikely they would make much if any profit on him. So if they have him back it’s because they fancy keeping him.
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Could it be paper talk to encourage us to buyout the clause? Although if that was the case I’d have expected it last summer.
Why would we buy out the clause?
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If Man City try to boy him back and sell him, he has to agree to the sale to wherever they want to sell him to. Otherwise they run the risk of having to keep him and pay him and not use him.
I would expect that they would chat to Dougs agents and perhaps even tout him about a bit. Why wouldn’t they if the could make a few quid. My own view is that it’s unlikely they would make much if any profit on him. So if they have him back it’s because they fancy keeping him.
Despite his inconsistancy he's been a regular prem player for two seasons now, still just 22 and starts every game that Brazil play currently.
In reality that's a 35-40m player with that profile even if he hasn't looked it the last few months.
Get the feeling that's part of Man. City's thinking if the buy back clause this summer is still below 30m. Just do a quick flip profit on him.
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I am quite relaxed about the whole Douglas Luiz situation. If he stays fine, if he goes fine. He is a decent player
and has improved this season but he hasn't blown me away in his time with us.
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Could it be paper talk to encourage us to buyout the clause? Although if that was the case I’d have expected it last summer.
Why would we buy out the clause?
To prevent Man City exercising it, and allowing us to keep him?
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Could it be paper talk to encourage us to buyout the clause? Although if that was the case I’d have expected it last summer.
Why would we buy out the clause?
To prevent Man City exercising it, and allowing us to keep him?
But they would only have him back if they wanted him themselves. I would be certain that they couldn’t threaten to have him back to resell him to us (we buyout the deal)., the contract would be rubbish if we signed up for that. They could of course sell him to someone else and we could match the bid so to speak.
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Could it be paper talk to encourage us to buyout the clause? Although if that was the case I’d have expected it last summer.
Why would we buy out the clause?
To prevent Man City exercising it, and allowing us to keep him?
The clause reportedly expires at the end of June. Bit late act on now. It either expires or it gets activated.
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If he doesn’t go, and the clause expires, then I’d expect a new contract to be offered.
As others have said a genuine DM is probably required regardless as either competition or to compliment Doug.
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I'd prefer to see Luiz and Watkins remain.
But Jack and Martinez are the only players close to the irreplaceable category for me.
We know how hard it is to fill the GK position after years of uncertainty and inconsistency there. And Jack's importance to the side needs no further explanation.
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They will exercise the clause i think as Pep likes him.
For me he is nowhere good enough to get in that city team.
I rate luiz. He will get better. I hope we keep him
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They will exercise the clause i think as Pep likes him.
For me he is nowhere good enough to get in that city team.
I rate luiz. He will get better. I hope we keep him
What replace him with a manager who finished lower in the league
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Without knowing what the value of the clause is it's hard to say, I've seen 3 different numbers. I think he's worth £30-35m on the market (as a young player who is a regular for one of the top international teams).
If the clause is the £27.5m that's been mentioned then they can either take him back because Pep wants him in his squad or to sell on. If the clause is closer to the £35m that was being talked about before then I think the sell on option disappears.
If pep does want him then there's every chance they take it up but I still think it would depend on what role they're talking about for him. If they want him as cover then I think it gets messier because whilst they could force him to go back I don't know how that works out well for anyone. He just comes across as someone who really wants to play as many games as possible and I can't see him being happy to go from being a regular starter to being a bit part player.
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If he WERE to rejoin city, and because a bit-part player, could he lose his work-permit for any future transfers? I mean, if he went to City, played 20 games over two years, and lost his place in the Brazil squad, would he automatically get a work permit if someone else wanted to sign him? Or is it a case of once you've got one, you're pretty much set until you stop playing?
I only ask as I wonder if that factors into Douglas' thinking, i.e. if I don't play regularly there are long-term consequences.
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I am quite relaxed about the whole Douglas Luiz situation. If he stays fine, if he goes fine. He is a decent player
and has improved this season but he hasn't blown me away in his time with us.
This for me.
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If he does go, for either £25m or £35m, we've done quite well to come out up off a glorified loan deal in effect, after 2 years solid service that's helped establish us back in the top flight.
Would be a shame though because I think the best is yet to come from him.
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If he WERE to rejoin city, and because a bit-part player, could he lose his work-permit for any future transfers? I mean, if he went to City, played 20 games over two years, and lost his place in the Brazil squad, would he automatically get a work permit if someone else wanted to sign him? Or is it a case of once you've got one, you're pretty much set until you stop playing?
I only ask as I wonder if that factors into Douglas' thinking, i.e. if I don't play regularly there are long-term consequences.
From how I've taken it - not playing regularly either domestically or for the national team would potentially mean losing a work permit, but only to the point where he'd basically not be playing for them at all. Even moderate progression in Europe would mean that playing 30% of domestic games and about the same percentage of games in Europe for a team who got past the group stage of the CL would be enough.
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I am quite relaxed about the whole Douglas Luiz situation. If he stays fine, if he goes fine. He is a decent player
and has improved this season but he hasn't blown me away in his time with us.
This for me.
And me. Although I really don’t think plying him as a holding/defensive midfielder helps. I don’t think he’s particularly great a tackling, which you need to be, I don’t think he’s particularly great at breaking up the play or tracking men. It’s Marvellous every time in that position. I have always thought he was very good on the ball, good passer, should definitely be in the positions to shoot at goal more, so for these reasons should be further up the pitch. The signing of Sanson has probably put an end to them ideas though.
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I think it would be a real blow to lose him. I think he’ll get better and better and I want to see his development in a Villa shirt.
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Always had doubts about him being suited to a holding midfielder position, I believe he would be bettet value further forward.
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Always had doubts about him being suited to a holding midfielder position, I believe he would be bettet value further forward.
Totally agree Robbo. It's why we need an absolutely brilliant holding midfielder to come in this summer, as it'll give Luiz (assuming he stays) and SJM the opportunity to play their natural games. Neither are very good as holding midfielders.
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If he goes back, we'll have done well out of a glorified loan deal. Given our circumstances when we signed him, that in itself is a good bit of business.
However, I hope (and think) he'll stay. He's looked a decent enough player for where we are (mid table, pushing on top eight) - he's still young & likely to improve. I'm maybe one of a minority who thinks he's fine as a defensive midfielder. Our defensive record at least suggests that they're pretty good as a unit, so I'm not overly worried about their individual weaknesses. They'll all get better over time, maybe Mings being close to his peak but still, he's got a few years of that left.
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Personally I think he'd only go back to City if he was given guarantees he was in their plans, so this buy back to flog on theory doesn't hold water to me. He's an international who'd want Man City wages which straight away would probably cause problems for the 3rd party club unless they knew one of the big boys wanted him . Plus nobody likes being messed around like that
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He does simple things well, which can seem underwhelming. He gets the ball and moves it quickly and, normally, accurately. It's a skill.
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Personally I think he'd only go back to City if he was given guarantees he was in their plans, so this buy back to flog on theory doesn't hold water to me. He's an international who'd want Man City wages which straight away would probably cause problems for the 3rd party club unless they knew one of the big boys wanted him . Plus nobody likes being messed around like that
Man City don’t typically act like that too. I think they’d only activate the clause if they want to use him rather than to flip him. Spurs on the other hand...
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Would a three work, with a holding midfielder at the base then doug and sjm as two 8s. Negates the need for a 10 and then have jack, ollie and new wide right player as the front three.
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I don't recall us experimenting with Nakamba as a 6 and Luiz and McGinn as number 8's. Would have been interesting to have had a look at that.
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I don't recall us experimenting with Nakamba as a 6 and Luiz and McGinn as number 8's. Would have been interesting to have had a look at that.
I get the impression that Nakamba and Marvelous do not play well together.
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I don't recall us experimenting with Nakamba as a 6 and Luiz and McGinn as number 8's. Would have been interesting to have had a look at that.
I get the impression that Nakamba and Marvelous do not play well together.
Yeah, we get overrun when we pick those two for some reason.
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I've heard they don't get on at all well. I think one of them had a thing with the other's Mrs.
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Express and star are reporting that clause expires Saturday and it doesn't look like city will exercise that option.
If true thats great news for us
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We should turn the fax machine off.
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This news leaves me feeling nonplussed.
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I bloody hope that news is true.
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Paul, you're his biggest fan!
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Should be we retain him, securing the long term future of a 23year old Brazilian international who has lots of room to improve isn’t anything to be stick our noses up at.
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Paul, you're his biggest fan!
Quite possibly!
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He was bloody brilliant at the end of the 2019/20 season and the start of last season. People were purring at how good he was and how he was going to brilliant for years to come. That's how good he can be. He had a poor second half of the season, but he's a quality footballer given time.
City won't activate this clause and that's good news as Dougie can be a great asset for us in the next few years.
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We still need to find the best role for him. He's got plenty of talent and two years of PL know-how.
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He's currently in Brazil with the national squad but is suspended for their game on Saturday against Ecuador.
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Seems plausible to me that we've already discussed an improved contract with him ready to sign once the clause has expired.
Could well be that our contract offer is better than the one negotiated from when he first moved here for his potential return to Man City.
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Seems the buyback story is petering out, probably just a reaction to the CL loss and the media coming up with a 2+2 story. I'm pleased because while he hasn't set the world alight this season i'm more than happy to see how he develops in the next few years.
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The thing is he'd probably look instantly at home in their tippy-tappy team, where they often have 75% possession in a game. We need more players as comfortable on the ball as he and Jack are. Hopefully Sanson might be a bit more of that ilk when he gets up to speed.
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I think luiz is going to be a top player in next 2-4 years. Lets hope we keep hold of him. 48 hours to go until this clause expires
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Really hope he stays.
I'd be very surprised if Man City 'flipped' him. That will be a more expensive job than some previous posts assume, because you would need to factor in the 'loyalty bonus' (unless he submitted a transfer request).
If it were Spurs I'm sure they would threaten to, to try and get us to cough up a few quid to cancel the clause. But it's not as if Man City need the money...
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Doug is the kind of player we need to be holding on to if we're going to make the next step up.
Whoever could have imagined we'd be in two minds about whether a current Brazil international midfielder is good enough for us?
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Seems plausible to me that we've already discussed an improved contract with him ready to sign once the clause has expired.
Could well be that our contract offer is better than the one negotiated from when he first moved here for his potential return to Man City.
That’s my thought too and unless Man City throw a last minute spanner in the works, I’d expect he’ll be confirmed as having signed a new contract in July.
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Looks like he's staying according to Evening Mail
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When does the agreement actually run out, 11:59 pm tonight?
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When does the agreement actually run out, 11:59 pm tonight?
There was a Supreme Court case the other week about when time runs in relation to something which had to be done by midnight on a certain day.
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Thanks Richard, six hours to go then.
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I think luiz is going to be a top player in next 2-4 years. Lets hope we keep hold of him. 48 hours to go until this clause expires
your a lot more up beat about Luiz than me. He lacks consistency - occasionally looks the part but 60% more like a fish out of water
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I think luiz is going to be a top player in next 2-4 years. Lets hope we keep hold of him. 48 hours to go until this clause expires
your a lot more up beat about Luiz than me. He lacks consistency - occasionally looks the part but 60% more like a fish out of water
He’s a 23 year old Brazilian international who was instrumental in avoiding relegation last year. He’s going to gain consistency and become a superstar.
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I think luiz is going to be a top player in next 2-4 years. Lets hope we keep hold of him. 48 hours to go until this clause expires
your a lot more up beat about Luiz than me. He lacks consistency - occasionally looks the part but 60% more like a fish out of water
He’s a 23 year old Brazilian international who was instrumental in avoiding relegation last year. He’s going to gain consistency and become a superstar.
I do get you Paul - but I remember the Leciester game the last one before lockdown when he was terrible . He did liven up in the lock down games but then was very hit and miss this last season. If you were head coach at Citeh would you really want or need him?
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I hope not!
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I don't think Man City would want him for their team.
I did think they might take him back, as they could probably sell him for a profit.
Touch wood, he stays with us though.
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We will hear of a new contract soon enough I reckon.
He's going to be a really good player for us.
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We will hear of a new contract soon enough I reckon.
He's going to be a really good player for us.
I agree and who knows whether the clause was hanging over his head towards the end of the season, hence Marv getting a run out. I’m expecting more now he’s properly ours...
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Well i am suprised City didnt exercise the option. 27m for a Brazilian international who jas hugw potential is good value for money.
He is going to be a big player for us
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Turned out nice this didn’t it. Looked odds on that he would be going back to City with his excellent performances early on. His form dropped significantly (with the team) second half of the season and it didn’t look likely they’d have him back. I’m sure we haven’t seen the best of him yet.
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Well i am suprised City didnt exercise the option. 27m for a Brazilian international who jas hugw potential is good value for money.
He is going to be a big player for us
Welsh is a beautiful language!
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I'm very happy to keep Doug, he could become an exceptional player.
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I'm very happy to keep Doug,
Not a phrase we saw very often in the early days of H&V.
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It must have been quite unsettling for him coming towards the end of the season, not really knowing where he would be next season.
This must have been on his mind.
Hopefully, now things are sorted, he will be able to focus 100% again.
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It must have been quite unsettling for him coming towards the end of the season, not really knowing where he would be next season.
This must have been on his mind.
Hopefully, now things are sorted, he will be able to focus 100% again.
Or he's not as good as you think he is.
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It must have been quite unsettling for him coming towards the end of the season, not really knowing where he would be next season.
This must have been on his mind.
Hopefully, now things are sorted, he will be able to focus 100% again.
Or he's not as good as you think he is.
Well he’s already shown he’s pretty good. So the likelihood is it was a drop in form rather than a reflection of his overall quality.
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It must have been quite unsettling for him coming towards the end of the season, not really knowing where he would be next season.
This must have been on his mind.
Hopefully, now things are sorted, he will be able to focus 100% again.
Or he's not as good as you think he is.
Well he’s already shown he’s pretty good. So the likelihood is it was a drop in form rather than a reflection of his overall quality.
You're right of course, I too remember those couple of games.
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It must have been quite unsettling for him coming towards the end of the season, not really knowing where he would be next season.
This must have been on his mind.
Hopefully, now things are sorted, he will be able to focus 100% again.
Or he's not as good as you think he is.
Well he’s already shown he’s pretty good. So the likelihood is it was a drop in form rather than a reflection of his overall quality.
You're right of course, I too remember those couple of games.
I thought that Luiz was massively disappointing last season having been, in my view, our best player after 'Project Restart' until the end of the previous season.
This does suggest that he's got something about him but whatever that something is we didn't see much of it last season.
If he's going to part of a Villa team looking for the top 6 next season then he will need to step things up significantly.
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he'll be playing for a brazilian world cup shirt, i don't think there could be any bigger carrot for him.
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Hang on, he was excellent in our good run at the start of the season and pretty good right through to Christmas.
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he's also not been as bad as some people suggest since christmas. There have been 2-3 poor performances from him and then lots of 6-7 out of 10 performances in a team full of them.
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Exactly. I'm still very positive about Doug's future with us.
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Big fan of Luiz. People forget how young he is. Central midfield is a harder position to make an impact as a kid than, say, wing or centre forward, but he's consistently battled it out with some of the top midfielders in the country already and is only going to get better. Hoping that Man City's decision not to bung us a few quid to bring him back could be as stupid as when we refused to budge on Wolves's valuation for Robbie Keane.
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I like Doug and I'm glad we have kept him by not activating the buy back clause he will only get better.
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Big fan of Luiz. People forget how young he is. Central midfield is a harder position to make an impact as a kid than, say, wing or centre forward, but he's consistently battled it out with some of the top midfielders in the country already and is only going to get better. Hoping that Man City's decision not to bung us a few quid to bring him back could be as stupid as when we refused to budge on Wolves's valuation for Robbie Keane.
Yup.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
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Big fan of Luiz. People forget how young he is. Central midfield is a harder position to make an impact as a kid than, say, wing or centre forward, but he's consistently battled it out with some of the top midfielders in the country already and is only going to get better. Hoping that Man City's decision not to bung us a few quid to bring him back could be as stupid as when we refused to budge on Wolves's valuation for Robbie Keane.
Yup.
The formation didn’t help him last year. He was often the sole midfielder behind the ball and the others rarely adjusted their positions to fill in when we were being swamped. Barkley simply didn’t do it and McGinn, whilst enthusiastic, is not at his best when being asked to hold a a specific position.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
As I remember Taylor played him left-midfield, after being used in defense mainly, where he had some success and he played in the centre some of the time under O'Leary. But yes, it was MON who played him consistently in centre-midfield and helped turn him into the player he became. Before, he was starting to be considered a bit of a utility player.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
Sarcasm?
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
Sarcasm?
It's certainly how i remember it. He started off as a central defender or left back, moved into centre midfield and didn't do well there, went back into defence then O'Neill moved him-him back to midfield.
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Ah, mis-read it. Yes, until he was paired with Petrov (and a flier like Young to do all the running), he wasn't the imperial central midfielder he ended-up as.
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On the bench for Brazil against Paraguay. Having just watch Emi the first get battered for Argentina watching Villa players playing for anyone other than England isn’t much fun.
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Barry was exceptional in left midfield. It was the time when Sven was refusing to pick him, despite Barry being absolutely brilliant. I remember a game at Old Trafford when he made Beckham look exceedingly ordinary.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
Sarcasm?
It's certainly how i remember it. He started off as a central defender or left back, moved into centre midfield and didn't do well there, went back into defence then O'Neill moved him-him back to midfield.
I think you're right - didn't he play centre-mid in O'Leary's first game against Portsmouth, got sent-off and it was never tried again?
I don't think he ever went back to defence though, that's when he spent a few seasons playing left-midfield under O'Leary and then O'Neill put him central with Moore and Gabby either side of Angel.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
Sarcasm?
It's certainly how i remember it. He started off as a central defender or left back, moved into centre midfield and didn't do well there, went back into defence then O'Neill moved him-him back to midfield.
I think you're right - didn't he play centre-mid in O'Leary's first game against Portsmouth, got sent-off and it was never tried again?
I don't think he ever went back to defence though, that's when he spent a few seasons playing left-midfield under O'Leary and then O'Neill put him central with Moore and Gabby either side of Angel.
He played left back for a while and made his England debiut there I think. He couldn't play as a centre half unless as part of a 3 and he was not much more than a competent full back.
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He's about the same age as Gareth Barry was when he first played centrally under O'Leary (or it might have been Sir Graham) and that wasn't much of a success.
O'Neill turned him into an excellent CM was it not?
Sarcasm?
It's certainly how i remember it. He started off as a central defender or left back, moved into centre midfield and didn't do well there, went back into defence then O'Neill moved him-him back to midfield.
I think you're right - didn't he play centre-mid in O'Leary's first game against Portsmouth, got sent-off and it was never tried again?
I don't think he ever went back to defence though, that's when he spent a few seasons playing left-midfield under O'Leary and then O'Neill put him central with Moore and Gabby either side of Angel.
He played left back for a while and made his England debiut there I think. He couldn't play as a centre half unless as part of a 3 and he was not much more than a competent full back.
I thought he was a very good full back. I remember a few games where I came out saying to my mates ‘he’s gonna be a great centre-mid, he runs games from full-back’.
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Re the thread title, is he still to be triple-confirmed or is the double one enough?
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Roma interested in Luiz.
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I cant see them being able to pay anything like what it'd take for us to even consider selling.
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Havertz is extremely poor. Like doesn't want to be there
Edit : of course wrong thread
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When i was at the Chelsea game I thought the same - he and Werner were total gash.
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I cant see them being able to pay anything like what it'd take for us to even consider selling.
Which would be for how much?
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I'd imagine we'd want £35m plus
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I'd imagine we'd want £35m plus
Thanks.
I don't think we need worry.
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No thanks. We’re building a side and I think he’s a really important part.
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Mourinho will probably offer a swap with Smalling.
Would you take Jordan Veretout back for Luiz, though...?
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Mourinho will probably offer a swap with Smalling.
Would you take Jordan Veretout back for Luiz, though...?
Veretout has been excellent for Roma. I would not swap a 23 year old Douglas Luiz for a 28 year old Veretout.
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Mourinho will probably offer a swap with Smalling.
Would you take Jordan Veretout back for Luiz, though...?
No chance. Luiz all day
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If we get JWP i cannot see where Luiz gets a game to be honest - certainly not as a regular
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If we get JWP i cannot see where Luiz gets a game to be honest - certainly not as a regular
I'd be pleasantly surprised if we sign JWP.If we did ,a midfield trio of Luiz,McGinn and JWP would enable us to press high up the park ,each one capable of winning the ball and being comfortable in possession.
The one who misses out could be Sanson.I think that was the plan behind Sanson's signing.No out and out DM but everyone chipping in and moving the ball quickly.See Italy as a role model,albeit with a back 3,Jorginho the deepest of their midfield but not exactly an enforcer.
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Called up to Olympic squad. He's gonna be fucking knackered when the season starts. Feel they should have called him up for Copa America or the Olympics, not both. Still hope he does well though.
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Called up to Olympic squad. He's gonna be fucking knackered when the season starts. Feel they should have called him up for Copa America or the Olympics, not both. Still hope he does well though.
This is very interesting. I think he's the captain of the Olympic squad, something he really wants to be involved in. I got the feeling we weren't too keen on his involvement during the season. My reading of it is okay, we'll let him go but don't be too upset if you come back and find yourself on the bench for a few months. Probable new contract but we'll listen to offers. Club before country every time. As Dean Smith mentioned, 'strategic'.
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It would be fairly cool to have a Gold Medal winning captain at the club, to be fair.
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Doug in the Brazil team tonight.
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Fair enough if he wants to captain his country in the Olympics. He'll need a break after that so I'd expect him to be very much a bit part player up to Xmas.
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I'd imagine he'll be back in training much later than the others and maybe miss the August games. Don't see why he needs to miss many more matches than that.
The Olympics only lasts two and a bit weeks even if they make the medal matches and he is only playing in the Copa America tonight because they're already through, unlikely to feature much in the knockout stages. Could be wrong, as he's playing we'll tonight. Maybe he will force his way in.
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Starts for Brazil v Germany today, kick off is at 12:30 and you can watch it on iPlayer if
you're working from home you've got the day off work.
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Starts for Brazil v Germany today, kick off is at 12:30 and you can watch it on iPlayer if you're working from home you've got the day off work.
Brazil have been superb so far, 3-0 up and could easily be more, ripping Germany to bits.
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Should be 5 by half time. Cunha missed a penalty and another sitter after Richarlison's hat trick.
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The Brazilian goalkeeper should be investigated for that goal. Even I’d have saved it.
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I still rate Doug.
Last year people were talking him up as our next big thing and shitting themselves that City would buy him back. After a fairly middling season he's dropped off the radar a bit, but there's no doubt if he can get back to his very best form we still have a cracking player on our hands. I'm stiil not sure he's the long term anwer to our DM role, maybe a more advanced box to box role will really bring the best out of him, although that puts hum squarely in competition with McGinn and Sanson I guess.
What are your thoughts on Doug and how we can get the best out of him?
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How did he do for Brazil? Did he get the full 90?
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What's the craic with the players representing their countries at the Olympics? I always thought it was U23's with a couple of older players allowed. But it seems Brazil are fielding quite a strong team. What about Germany/France etc. - are there poor bastards who played at the Euros slogging themselves through the Olympics too?
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How did he do for Brazil? Did he get the full 90?
Yes. He played ok. He’s one of the more senior players out there so I imagine him getting decent playing time. He didn’t play much at all during Copa America so this is good for his fitness and sharpness.
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How did he do for Brazil? Did he get the full 90?
Yes. He played ok. He’s one of the more senior players out there so I imagine him getting decent playing time. He didn’t play much at all during Copa America so this is good for his fitness and sharpness.
Thanks. Will be fascinating to see how he develops.
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What's the craic with the players representing their countries at the Olympics? I always thought it was U23's with a couple of older players allowed. But it seems Brazil are fielding quite a strong team. What about Germany/France etc. - are there poor bastards who played at the Euros slogging themselves through the Olympics too?
It got bumped up to under 24 age bracket limit due to the extra 12 months.
Brazil very strong but Spain are taking it to another level....got Unai Simon, Pau Torres, Pedri, Mikel Oryazabal and Dani Olmo in their team, all regulars at the euros. Could only draw 0-0 with Egypt first game so started like at the euros aswell.
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Trying to emulate his mate Wesley. Just been sent off against Ivory Coast after 14 minutes.
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Trying to emulate his mate Wesley. Just been sent off against Ivory Coast after 14 minutes.
At least he won't miss any Premier League games. Oh, hold on.....
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Somebody tell David Luiz to have a word with Wes9 and Luiz6 eh!
Exactly why they would benefit from having him round the place to help.
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You have to let it go Footy! I think the masses have spoken. It's still a 'no' to David Luiz ;-)
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Somebody tell David Luiz to have a word with Wes9 and Luiz6 eh!
Exactly why they would benefit from having him round the place to help.
Yeah, David Luiz would never find himself on the receiving end of a stupid and avoidable red card.
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Erm...? (https://twitter.com/AVFCStatto/status/1419221332793958403?s=19)
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Erm...? (https://twitter.com/AVFCStatto/status/1419221332793958403?s=19)
Crikey, that's a disgraceful decision.
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Cheating bugger. He went down in instalments. Terrible decision. Where was the head butt and neck grab?
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Never a red card.
I don't get the annoyance at him competing in the Olympics either, nobody should have to forgo a chance of an Olympic gold medal.
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The Olympics is a corrupt shitshow, I certainly begrudge our well paid player being utilised for their corporate rip off.
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Is there VAR in these games? Surely if there was, they’d have looked at it and changed the decision.
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The Olympics is a corrupt shitshow, I certainly begrudge our well paid player being utilised for their corporate rip off.
Haha. Well said!
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Is there VAR in these games? Surely if there was, they’d have looked at it and changed the decision.
They did , they changed it from yellow to red 😂
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Is there VAR in these games? Surely if there was, they’d have looked at it and changed the decision.
They did , they changed it from yellow to red 😂
Really?! Oh my word. Were Brazil playing Manchester United?
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The Olympics is a corrupt shitshow, I certainly begrudge our well paid player being utilised for their corporate rip off.
I take it you'd like us to avoid European qualification?
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The Olympics is a corrupt shitshow, I certainly begrudge our well paid player being utilised for their corporate rip off.
I take it you'd like us to avoid European qualification?
No, that's for our benefit and he works for us.
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All sporting organisations are corrupt, but the Olympics is still brilliant and, if I was him, I'd be wanting to win an Olympic gold medal. Given that he'll be, comfortably, over age next time, this is probably his only chance.
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All sporting organisations are corrupt, but the Olympics is still brilliant and, if I was him, I'd be wanting to win an Olympic gold medal. Given that he'll be comfortably, over age next time, this is probably his only chance.
I love the Olympics. Qatari World Cup says hello over corruption.
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https://www.eurosport.com/football/tokyo-2020/2021/tokyo-2020-brazil-vs-egypt-football-olympic-highlights_vid1516583/video.shtml
Brazil and Douglas Luiz through to Semis
Mexico v Brazil Tuesday 9am
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He did rather well in the QF v Egypt and I thought his free kick would just creep in! Sadly it didn’t, but at least they won and he’s getting some decent games leading into next season. I appreciate that the previous remark is a very Villa-centric view of the Olympics, but hey; this is Doug’s thread on H&V!
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He's come along way from that step over v Bournemouth
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Hope he gets a few weeks off once he's done at the Olympics; otherwise he'll be running on fumes by Xmas.
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All sporting organisations are corrupt, but the Olympics is still brilliant and, if I was him, I'd be wanting to win an Olympic gold medal. Given that he'll be, comfortably, over age next time, this is probably his only chance.
Love the Olympics as well, but still think it should only include sports where winning an Olympic gold is the pinnacle of that sport.
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Hope he gets a few weeks off once he's done at the Olympics; otherwise he'll be running on fumes by Xmas.
Just watching Brazil v Mexico. Rest assured, he won’t be tired because he is taking a very low energy approach.
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He’s been pretty tidy mind.
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Penalties -
4 scored for Brazil - (Luiz not included)
2 missed 1 scored for Mexico. Pretty crap ones from Mexico
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Are they the Olympic champions of the world?
Hope so...I don't wanna see Neymar ugly-cry ever again. (even if he's too old to be an Olympian)
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Are they the Olympic champions of the world?
Hope so...I don't wanna see Neymar ugly-cry ever again. (even if he's too old to be an Olympian)
This was a semi-final.
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I'm surprised he wasn't booked for a rather pathetic dive in the box.
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I'm surprised he wasn't booked for a rather pathetic dive in the box.
Yeah, it didn't look great.
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More spectacular than Tom Daley that was.
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Strikes me as someone who will leave for pastures new in a few seasons.
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Don't start looking for a new scapegoat already, mate. Now's your chance! Slag off Grealish to your heart's content!
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Zero break for him this Summer ...won't see him featuring much for the 1st team for a while I'd say
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Starts the Olympic Final in fifteen minutes. Good luck Doug.
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Strikes me as someone who will leave for pastures new in a few seasons.
…see any other player in our squad too.
Good luck Douggie! Have we ever had an Olympic silver / gold medalist playing for us before?
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Mana Iwabuchi previously won silver in the women's. That's it, unless one of the early British amateur winners later had a spell at Villa. I don't think any of them did.
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Strikes me as someone who will leave for pastures new in a few seasons.
We might well be “pastures new” for many of the players looking to play at a higher level by then. We already are, at a certain level, though admittedly we still have some way to progress yet,
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Starts the Olympic Final in fifteen minutes. Good luck Doug.
Is there a way of watching it on tv
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Eurosport 5, if you have that. If not, I'd suggest maybe avoid this thread as the BBC will likely show highlights at some point.
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Eurosport 5, if you have that. If not, I'd suggest maybe avoid this thread as the BBC will likely show highlights at some point.
Ok thanks
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Richarlison smashes a penalty over the bar. Don't let people whose name starts with "Rich" and ends in "son" take penalties!
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Football now live on BBC Red Button. Nearly half time.
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Thanks, turned over just in time to see the goal
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One-nil to Brasil at half-time.
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Thanks, turned over just in time to see the goal
…and me. Eurosport obviously started their coverage late.
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Back on. More shite from Richarlison, even Wesley would have scored one of his chances by now.
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Channel 411 for me
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Channel 411 for me
I haven't got the sports package so I thought I didn't have this channel... turns out I do. I would have watched much more live Olympics had I known. What a tit.
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There's a Eurosport 5?! Thought they were struggling with one.
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Only for the Olympics, I think. Lurking in the 980s if you have Sky, not sure about Virgin Media.
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Brazil take the lead in ET2.
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Channel 411 for me
I haven't got the sports package so I thought I didn't have this channel... turns out I do. I would have watched much more live Olympics had I known. What a tit.
Didn’t know I had these channels either…didn’t help the EPG saying it was live baseball either! Sky channel 985 for anyone who wants to watch the last 5 minutes.
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Yaas. Well done Douglas Luiz. Wins gold and overtakes the turncoat Iwabuchi as Villa's greatest Olympian.
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Well done Dougie on your Olympic gold medal!
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Yaas. Well done Douglas Luiz. .
Stayed at Villa and has already won more than Jack.
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Well done Dougie.
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Congrats Doug!
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Hopefully he retires now from Brazil and focuses on the Villa.
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When's he back?
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Congratulations on getting gold, Dougie! X
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Does he have to quarantine? He probably needs the rest. Might miss him for a few weeks.
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Well done Dougie! Now get back here pronto !
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Has there ever been another player who has won an Olympic medal ( in any sport) whilst on the books at Villa?
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The Olympic hero Douglas Luiz won't be available for the first match of the season
Dean Smith "Douglas will be coming back in on Monday, hopefully with his gold medal around his neck and he'll get a good welcome from everybody. I've been really pleased with what he's done at the Olympics and I'm proud of him"
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It doesn’t seem like he’s getting much a break.
I guess he’ll be eased into training with the possibility of being in the squad for the Brentford game.
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Wonder if a new contract is imminent? I mean now the clause has expired we should be looking at giving hima long term contract. I think luiz is going to be a excellent player over the ysars
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I'm pretty sure we gave him a new improved one this time last year. Another thing that was all very confusing about that clause.
Edit: from what I can find, perhaps it was talked about or even just press speculation, maybe he got just a pay rise on the back of his efforts in keeping us up, but it looks like his current deal has two years left. Get him signed up!
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Maybe our best “signing” of the summer - the fear the plastics would come and take him back was a real concern - if he can rediscover his best form, a world class player on our books
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How longs he got left 2-3 years. We dont t wanna be letting this get to a 2 year contract as our hands will.be tied in terms of fee if luiz wishes to go. He could essily be a 40-50m playwr of he continues to progress
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So Douglas won't be off to Brazil matches during this break.
Not in squad anyway given rest from all his tournament play and Brazil are ok for qualifications so he can be excused
That's a relief to me for Chelsea as he brings a calmness and ball playing ability to the midfield and is our main deep lying player. The pivot man. A Dean Smith version of a Defensive midfielder is Dougie L
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So Douglas won't be off to Brazil matches during this break.
Not in squad anyway given rest from all his tournament play and Brazil are ok for qualifications so he can be excused
That's a relief to me for Chelsea as he brings a calmness and ball playing ability to the midfield and is our main deep lying player. The pivot man. A Dean Smith version of a Defensive midfielder is Dougie L
They made it clear he was going to be rested from these games weeks ago so there was never a concern for him missing Chelsea.
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A bit of South American (minor) good news here:
https://twitter.com/dgoficial/status/1433424621030703112
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Good lad Doug.
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He has 21 months left on his current deal apparently and the buy back clause has expired with Man City
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Get him on a new deal.
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I'm not quite sure what kind of midfielder Douglas is for us to be honest. Apart from scoring a couple of times in the first season back in the Prem I can't recall him being involved in chances created or assists and he's not a solid defensive midfielder type.
It strikes me that he is better suited to a ball control, possession based approach rather than the counter attacking style that we have.
In short I'm not sure that we can bring out the best in Douglas as we don't play to his strengths.
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I'm not quite sure what kind of midfielder Douglas is for us to be honest. Apart from scoring a couple of times in the first season back in the Prem I can't recall him being involved in chances created or assists and he's not a solid defensive midfielder type.
It strikes me that he is better suited to a ball control, possession based approach rather than the counter attacking style that we have.
In short I'm not sure that we can bring out the best in Douglas as we don't play to his strengths.
I thought he was amazing during “project re-start” and did more than anyone to keep us up. A genuine DMC.
He’s not consistently reached those heights again but I still think he’s currently top half PL standard.
He’s ideal at the base of a three or in a double pivot when his partner is a defensive beast.
Give him a five year deal. He will only get better.
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,I am willing to give him time, like any that's wearing the Villa shirt,
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To my mind he's started to improve that quiet 'right place, right time' ability which means he doesn't have to make the big tackle or the showy pass. It might be a case of figuring out which other midfielder is best placed to take advantage. I'd say McGinn or Sanson who both have the ability to move the ball forward if they can make themselves available for a quick pass from Doug.
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Surprised this thread had dropped off the first page.
I thought he had a great game today, exactly the sort of disruptive, tempo setting performance we've been missing for the last 8-9 months. He gave the ball away a bit more than I'd like but Doucoure and Allan is a fantastic pair of defensive midfielders so it's no surprise. What was great is that he played them at their own game and came out well on top.
On top of a cracking performance anyway his pass for Cash to open the scoring was exceptional, weighted so Cash had no choice to make but to run through and take on the shot and had Digne and Keane both caught on their heels. I liked that once Nakamba came on he seamlessly switched into the more wandering role that McGinn plays and started popping up all over the pitch, shows he's a really smart player.
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Yeah, he’s been very good this season, looks back to his best. That pass was pure class.
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That assist was sublime!
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Dougie is quality and will only get better.
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He played well against Everton.
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That pass to Cash, as good as the goal itself.
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That pass to Cash, as good as the goal itself.
Fantastically weighted, and on his wrong foot. Great goal. Something tells me that Matty Cash was quite pleased!
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Not called up for Brazil's matches next month...
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YES!
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Feel for Douglas but glad he's not going to get mixed up with the whole isolation thing.
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His best performance for us I thought, best midfielder on the pitch. McGinn was excellent aswell.
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His ball in for Cash that ended with the Targett effort was sublime. Seems in this format Matty has been told to bomb forward when he can and the midfielders to find his runs and it has led to goals and great chances.
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Brilliant today in the 6 role, see he can do it! Motm I thought
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Brilliant today in the 6 role, see he can do it! Motm I thought
I expect it is if he can consistently do it. Last season he was brilliant in the first few months then went off the boil. Whether that was tiredness, niggly injuries or changes in personal elsewhere meaning he was expected to do different is a question that hopefully we don't need to ask this season.
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Everyone went off the boil and we weren't the only club to see that.
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Get him on a new deal.
Will be a problem next summer if he's only got 1 year left.
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He’s some player, so much better not having to sit in front of the defence and he’s now so much more of an influence to the team. He’s ace, just bloody brilliant today.
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He’s some player, so much better not having to sit in front of the defence and he’s now so much more of an influence to the team. He’s ace, just bloody brilliant today.
Yep thought he was great today, our best midfielder by miles.
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He’s bloody ace. We need to get him tied down for the long-term.
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Tough call between him and SJM today. The midfield 3 are really ticking in the last 2 games. If we can find the balance ahead of them we are looking sharp. Fingers crossed!
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He’s bloody ace. We need to get him tied down for the long-term.
Agree and the sooner the better. Let’s face it, if he enters the final year of his contract he is gone at the end of that season.
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Tough call between him and SJM today. The midfield 3 are really ticking in the last 2 games. If we can find the balance ahead of them we are looking sharp. Fingers crossed!
Add Sanson and Nakamba to the mix as well who have both done really well. As someone who was desperate for us to sign a big aggressive option in midfield I'm currently very happy to be proven wrong, I hope it continues.
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Its took a while but Our midfield has such a nice balance now.
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Its took a while but Our midfield has such a nice balance now.
Totally agree with you.
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MotM today IMO.
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He's the player who has benefitted the most from our recent switch to the back 3. Outstanding since we changed system.
Its because he's no longer having to spend as much time dropping as deep between the two centre backs as he did when he was the no. 6 in a 4-3-3. He's got an incredible range of passing (probably second only to Pogba on that pitch today) and the extra security the back 3 gives him has allowed him to take far more risks and be more progressive with his passing, which benefits us hugely.
Look at his assist for Cash last week - he simply wouldn't be able to wander that high up the pitch if he was playing in front of a back 4. Can't wait to see what he does this season if we persist with this formation. Get him on a 5-year deal and make him one of the higest paid players at the club, sharpish.
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That ball to Ollie in the second half, I nearly orgasmed.
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I love him always have
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Reckon he speaks for all of us here.
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FAIrwoYVEAAcGzA?format=jpg)
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😂😂😂😂
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Tough call between him and SJM today. The midfield 3 are really ticking in the last 2 games. If we can find the balance ahead of them we are looking sharp. Fingers crossed!
Add Sanson and Nakamba to the mix as well who have both done really well. As someone who was desperate for us to sign a big aggressive option in midfield I'm currently very happy to be proven wrong, I hope it continues.
the big difference is there’s no 10 which means the others do not need to be so cautious/defensive.
I’d also argue that there’s better value signing generalists as they can cover each other and you need less specialists on the bench (so less players required overall)
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He’s looking really good this season. In fact, good in every game.
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He's doing a fine job. I screamed and shouted for a DCM this summer but Dean was right. Douglas looking the part. Fantastic today.
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Amazing to think our midfield 3 cost 17m
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For me that was his best game for us.
Watching the re-run on Sky, in the first half currently, he's all over the place.
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For me that was his best game for us.
Watching the re-run on Sky, in the first half currently, he's all over the place.
Love his reaction as the ball hits the net. He was wonderful on Saturday, that pass to Watkins was porn.
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Whatever formation we play, it has to have McGinn and Luiz in a midfield 3. They both now look the players we know they can be, when they rarely did in the 4-2-3-1. Can we agree that if put up with 5-3-2, then at other times we'll play 4-3-3, but never, ever 4-2-3-1 again. It's shit.
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And I really think Nakamba has become a very reliable back-up as he proved againts Everton.
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Whatever formation we play, it has to have McGinn and Luiz in a midfield 3. They both now look the players we know they can be, when they rarely did in the 4-2-3-1. Can we agree that if put up with 5-3-2, then at other times we'll play 4-3-3, but never, ever 4-2-3-1 again. It's shit.
It's certainly shit with the squad we have as neither SJM or Dougie are defensive midfielders. I could take it if we're playing Real Madrid away in the CL semi final but realistically I can't see them getting that far. Last season was extremely frustrating seeing both playing so deep, I guess we have Steve Clark and Scotland to thank for breaking that nasty, dull cycle.
Last season I can just about forgive Dean for playing players out of position, this season we have the squad size and talent not to make that mistake again. Never again will we hopefully buy a Ferrari and drive it in second gear.
I have a sneaky feeling our free kick coach has had a word with Luiz and told him he needs to spend some time practicing every day free kicks. I'm predicting some 25 yard top corner goals from Dougie in the very near future. It's not like he doesn't have the talent. No goalkeeper in the world (and I include Emi) was going to save this one..two years ago.
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He's back to the lockdown Luiz that dragged us to safety. Much can be made of the goal from the other bloke on the final day, but against Arsenal, Everton away and Palace Luiz was the momentum that drove us. The formation clearly suits the 3 of them in there. Keep it up all season then for 17.5m we would make £100m profit on the 3 without trying. One more player at that level in there to rotate in moving forward will be a target I am sure.
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Sanson could be that player, ozz, if he's fit for more than five minutes a season.
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I shouldn't laugh but the man has a point.
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Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Nakamba, Sanson, Buendia and Chukwuemeka are all players that could play in there.
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Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Nakamba, Sanson, Buendia and Chukwuemeka are all players that could play in there.
I'm not sure about Buendia being in there, I'd keep him firmly in the front 3 and let him be a big part of the high press from there, certainly for this season whilst he settles into playing for a bigger club with better quality around him.
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Whatever formation we play, it has to have McGinn and Luiz in a midfield 3. They both now look the players we know they can be, when they rarely did in the 4-2-3-1. Can we agree that if put up with 5-3-2, then at other times we'll play 4-3-3, but never, ever 4-2-3-1 again. It's shit.
A mate has done some coaching badges at St Georges and he said the reason that England are using 433 as their base/starting formation is because it is the most flexible. For example our 433 could easily become 4231 during the game by “McGinn” pushing into the ten position. Starting with a three at the back makes this flexibility difficult unless one if the three CB can naturally push into midfield (not like Eric Dier).
Personally I think you’re right 4231 is shite, especially when the Ten is as lazy as Barkley. I also think the wingers have to track back too much.
So basically I agree.
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That's why i like 433, it's easy to adjust to change the point of attack, the big thing for me though is being willing to move away from symmetry.
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That's why i like 433, it's easy to adjust to change the point of attack, the big thing for me though is being willing to move away from symmetry.
What do you mean by moving away from symmetry, creating overloads?
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That's why i like 433, it's easy to adjust to change the point of attack, the big thing for me though is being willing to move away from symmetry.
What do you mean by moving away from symmetry, creating overloads?
Yep, pick a side to overload for a while and try to move players about. It's exactly what we did to Everton.
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Being linked with roma again. We really need to get luiz signed up to a new long term deal
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Being linked with roma again. We really need to get luiz signed up to a new long term deal
Links don't always mean a lot. We were linked with Will Hughes a couple of months back.
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Being linked with roma again. We really need to get luiz signed up to a new long term deal
Links don't always mean a lot. We were linked with Will Hughes a couple of months back.
Very true but i think luiz building this reputation up it wont be long until cl clubs come sniffing. Id rather tie him down to a long term deal now.
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Being linked with roma again. We really need to get luiz signed up to a new long term deal
Links don't always mean a lot. We were linked with Will Hughes a couple of months back.
And had me frightened to death!
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Links to Roma mainly perpetuated by that rag the Birmingham Mail. More clickbait crap from their amateur 'journalists'
Do they really expect Dougie to move to an inferior League? However, we do need to sign him up to a longterm deal, especially as the buy-back clause to Citeh has now expired.
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I think I'd hold off on the contract negotiations for a little while longer. It's a bit of a risk but if we carry on playing as we are now we'll look like we're well in the running for Europe by early November, that's the point where we can talk to Luiz, Martinez, etc and it'll be easier to show we're over Joe and can help them reach all their goals.
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Good point, if it works that way.
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Douglas now called up to the Brazilian squad which means if he stays for all 3 matches then because Brazil's game against Uruguay on the Thursday is at 1230pm U.K. time on a Friday mean will almost certainly be unavailable to play vs Wolves
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Douglas now called up to the Brazilian squad which means if he stays for all 3 matches then because Brazil's game against Uruguay on the Thursday is at 1230pm U.K. time on a Friday mean will almost certainly be unavailable to play vs Wolves
Time for Sanson to get fit and step up ...
or, Carney's the boy!
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Douglas now called up to the Brazilian squad which means if he stays for all 3 matches then because Brazil's game against Uruguay on the Thursday is at 1230pm U.K. time on a Friday mean will almost certainly be unavailable to play vs Wolves
It luiz is double vaccinated i dont see why he has to isolate for 10 days
I would imagine we will say he can play 1st two but needs to be back for 3rd. Thats a fair compromise
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More like Nakamba would come in if needed.
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Bollocks.
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As irritating as it is, it's worth considering that not so long ago wouldn't have dreamed that we'd be moaning because our players were being selected for Brazil and Argentina.
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Douglas now called up to the Brazilian squad which means if he stays for all 3 matches then because Brazil's game against Uruguay on the Thursday is at 1230pm U.K. time on a Friday mean will almost certainly be unavailable to play vs Wolves
It luiz is double vaccinated i dont see why he has to isolate for 10 days
I would imagine we will say he can play 1st two but needs to be back for 3rd. Thats a fair compromise
He doesn't need to isolate any more, does he? I thought they'd come to some agreement. F-V meant that he'd be unlikely to be available due to the short turnaround between the Uruguay/Wolves games, unless I've missed the point.
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I was exactly going on the short turnaround and travelling back.
Prep for the Wolves game would be difficult
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Comimg up tonight 1230am UK time Brazil who are 1st away vs last-place Venezuela
Brazil has 24 points and Argentina has 18 from eight matches. Uruguay (15), Ecuador (13) and Colombia (13) follow, but they’ve all played nine matches.
The top four teams secure a spot at next year’s World Cup in Qatar. The fifth-place team will enter a playoff
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As well as away to Venezuela 00:30
Douglas and Brazil play
Sunday 10th October
Colombia 10pm Brazil
Friday 15th October
Brazil 1:30am Uruguay
So difficult to see him feature next Saturday for Villa
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Anyone heard whats happened with luiz? Some clown called neto has been mocking our club saying basically saying we are small fry. Luiz has stuck up for us. Who the hell is this neto clown? At first i thought it was neto at wolves whoch i thought would have been odd but its some washed up hasbeen.
How dare he disrespect our club
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The "clown off the tellly" implied that because he's apparently never heard of us, neither can anybody else have. I think he's miffed that Luiz had been called up and not a player from his former club, Corinthians.
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The "clown off the tellly" implied that because he's apparently never heard of us, neither can anybody else have. I think he's miffed that Luiz had been called up and not a player from his former club, Corinthians.
Its unbelievable this idiot can disrespect our club publicly with pathetic comments like this
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You're getting irate at the Brazilian Alan Brazil.
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You're getting irate at the Brazilian Alan Brazil.
Getting irate the clubs being disrespected not by who he is
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Disrepesct, why? This isn't Cosa Nostra. It's some berk on the TV thousands of miles away with a dud opinion.
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We're Ronnie Pickering!
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I've just checked the Brazilian top division and I've never heard of half of the teams in there eg Ceará. Never heard of them, couldn't tell you what city they're in or how big they are.
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They'll be from Rio or Sao Paulo. They're always from Rio or Sao Paulo.
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Gremio, Internacional, Cruzeiro, Atletico Mineirio and indeed, Fortaleza and Ceara, would beg to differ.
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I've heard of Internacional! Well I think I have, I might just be getting confused.
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Haha, first four have all won Copa Libertadores so surely should be as well known as other former winners like Colo Colo and Once Caldas.
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Can we hurry up and get him tied down to a new deal please.
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Shamefully I now realise I read an article that mentioned the club I had already forgotten last week...
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/58739115
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Interesting article. I had no idea of that divide in Brazil. It's interesting to hear about the south east being regarded as wealthy when you think of the image of favelas there often is over here. I guess it's the same as London being so wealthy but still having some of the worst estates in the country.
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It's like the divide here! London and the North West and fuck everyone else.
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You're getting irate at the Brazilian Alan Brazil.
Getting irate the clubs being disrespected not by who he is
You're laughing at weather, Lynn.
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The best way to shut up even the most obscure TV/radio/internet skeptic about who and what we are is to do it on the pitch year after year. Win things. And even then the focus goes from not knowing who we are to, why aren’t we winning more or enough. Criticism and controversy sells even if it comes out of the mouths of nobody we should be giving a fuck about. The more we win the more everyone will know about us. We just haven’t done enough of that for a long time.
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I wondered why Aston Villa was trending last night on Twitter. Most odd as we didn't have a game. On clicking through I was then confronted with a wall of Portuguese with mentions of this Neto and our Douglas.
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Not even on the bench in yesterday's 3-1 win in Venezuela. You'd think they might agree to send him back before the last game if he's not going to make the squad, or is that too much like applying common sense?
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Not even on the bench in yesterday's 3-1 win in Venezuela. You'd think they might agree to send him back before the last game if he's not going to make the squad, or is that too much like applying common sense?
Saving him for the last match, perhaps?
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I thought he was left out of their squad?
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I thought he was left out of their squad?
Called up to replace Casemiro.
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On the bench today in Colombia.
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... and he stayed there. Finished 0-0 to end Brazil's 100% group record. They will still piss qualification, though.
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I am probably on my own but I think he's completely over-rated. I am sure he'd be great for Liverpool or Man City but he's not right for us. Way too lightweight.
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He’s a great player, just not in this abject formation.
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He’s so one paced ….and it’s a very slow one
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Christ...he was probably our best player tonight! McGinn looked like he had won a competition to play next to him...We have to play with 3 in midfield.
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Passing was terrible tonight.
Overall though been very good this season.
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Wouldn’t be sorry to see him leave, Good games far outweighed by mediocrity in his time here.
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Christ...he was probably our best player tonight! McGinn looked like he had won a competition to play next to him...We have to play with 3 in midfield.
You do realise that we have to play with 3 in midfield because Luiz is too lightweight to command the midfield don't you?
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Christ...he was probably our best player tonight! McGinn looked like he had won a competition to play next to him...We have to play with 3 in midfield.
You do realise that we have to play with 3 in midfield because Luiz is too lightweight to command the midfield don't you?
McGinn can't play in a 2 either. Very few teams in the league successfully play with 2 in midfield these days. Luiz can improve but out of all the things wrong with the team, it's a long way down the list. Our midfield fell apart when he went off v Wolves.
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We knew in the summer (and for the past 2 years) we havent got the players for a 2 man midfield.
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Christ...he was probably our best player tonight! McGinn looked like he had won a competition to play next to him...We have to play with 3 in midfield.
You do realise that we have to play with 3 in midfield because Luiz is too lightweight to command the midfield don't you?
McGinn can't play in a 2 either. Very few teams in the league successfully play with 2 in midfield these days. Luiz can improve but out of all the things wrong with the team, it's a long way down the list. Our midfield fell apart when he went off v Wolves.
I think Luiz might be a little overrated by us but I do agree he is nowhere near the top of the many problems we face. And, likely, he might not be a problem to solve at all in a different formation.
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Its all on smith. We all said in summer we desperately need a bissouma type player in the middle and behold look where we look very weak.
Nakamba cant do it week in week out.JJ is young and inconsistent. Sanson injury prone. We desperately need one to play alongside luiz and mcginn
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Doug needs time out. He's to casual on the ball sometimes. It's either safe sideways passes, or he hits it forward, straight to an opposition player or dwells on the ball.
It's difficult too because honestly, our system for the most part this season has made it hard for the midfield to get control of the ball. The energy of Ramsey and McGinn has helped us through a few times. But it's more bluster than precision.
For a start we've got to get back to playing a 4-3-3 and start working on our movement. Players are firing the ball straight to the opposition because they have no movement ahead. That's been particularly evident in the back 3 system. We can't seem to get the ball moving quick enough and two front men don't know how to play together up top, and are almost marked out the game easily.
So gun that fucking pain in the arse system, and see where we go. We need players like Bailey and Traore who can carry the ball and work the channels, or come infield. No one draws the defenders out to create space for the midfield or front men.
McGinn, Nakamba (holding) and Ramsey for me at the moment, and Sanson to come in and compete. Douglas needs a rocket because I think he's resting a little on being a Brazilian international.
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Yes Luiz needs a rest, he never seems to make a mark in the game.
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Luiz resting so much that after he came off against the Dingles our midfield completely evaporated. McGinn cost us two goals on Friday and is as much a problem as anybody else.
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I agree Ads. Both McGinn AND Luiz can do the nice things but defensively they are shocking.
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It would appear his favourite Villa player is Alisha Lehmann.
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Think it's probably best if we leave that discussion there.
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Think it's probably best if we leave that discussion there.
It's official isn't it, both posted it on Instagram apparently.
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SGood for him.
Surprised at the comments above that, actually think he's been comfortably our best outfield player this season.
Just look at the results generally when he does/dosen't play:
Watford away- n/a, abysmal in midfield.
Newcastle home- played, comfortable win and clean sheet.
Brentford home- played at base of very makeshift midfield, decent performance against team who started season very strongly.
Chelsea away- Can't remember if he played or not with the internationals but despite scoreline we were excellent for an hour in the midfield.
Everton and Man. United- two good midfield performances.
Spurs- disappointing like the rest of them.
Wolves- came back straight off the plane. Subbed at 2-0 up on 70 minutes. Think if he hadn't had international call up DS would still be in a job as we wouldn't have lost that.
Arsenal- Poor like the rest of them.
West Ham and Southampton- Injured.
So I'd say that's a strong body of work in a difficult season. Our only clean sheets have come with him on the pitch aswell. Massive downgrade when Nakamba is at the base in all aspects and I'd like to think Gerrard will clock that straight away.
We need to sort a new contract out for him aswell so think him dating a player from our ladies team could be good news there as he could comfortably play for a europa league side.
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I don't think his personal life will have an effect on contact talks.
Gerrard confirmed he's out this weekend.
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I don't think his personal life will have an effect on contact talks.
Gerrard confirmed he's out this weekend.
You are quite correct; contact talks should not involve whether he prefers Swiss Rolls to, say, Turkish Delight.
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Is out for brighton.
God not mcginn JJ and nakamba please
I would rather go with tuanzebe at dm than nakamba.
I dont think he will go with chuk and jj
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That’s bad news, he’s such a big player for us, not the same without him.
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That’s bad news, he’s such a big player for us, not the same without him.
I agree. I still find it unbelievable smith did not think we need a player in the middle. We all called it in the summer
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Was it Smith that made the call?
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Is Gerrard still registered as a player I reckon he could still do a job.
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Is out for brighton.
God not mcginn JJ and nakamba please
I would rather go with tuanzebe at dm than nakamba.
I dont think he will go with chuk and jj
Es un problema muy grande para StevieG
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That’s bad news, he’s such a big player for us, not the same without him.
I agree. I still find it unbelievable smith did not think we need a player in the middle. We all called it in the summer
Do you honestly think he did not know we need a player in the middle? He's hardly going to say before the season starts 'our midfield is a bit shit' is he?
Same as he probably also thought we were desperately short up front in 19/20 and 20/21. We seem to have a habit of leaving ourselves incredibly short in at least one position every season. Hopefully Gerrard will kick the doors down and make sure he gets what he needs in the next windows.
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We bid ridiculously low for two fine central midfielders and got neither, there was obviously a need identified but it wasn't met.
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Indeed. The Ward-Prowse bid was so low it was like we were trolling Southampton.
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Indeed. The Ward-Prowse bid was so low it was like we were trolling Southampton.
I said it a few weeks back, but the parsimony was weird when we seemed to have done a Rick Parry "blow them out of the water" job with Buendia over Arsenal.
I'd have argued that Ward Prowse should have been the top target, that spot in midfield has been needed since we came up and only Barkley filled it for a few games before giving up.
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Indeed. The Ward-Prowse bid was so low it was like we were trolling Southampton.
I said it a few weeks back, but the parsimony was weird when we seemed to have done a Rick Parry "blow them out of the water" job with Buendia over Arsenal.
I'd have argued that Ward Prowse should have been the top target, that spot in midfield has been needed since we came up and only Barkley filled it for a few games before giving up.
Yep. We seem to have paid massively over the odds for Buendia, when we'd have been much better off doing the same for Ward-Prowse. That's not to write Buendia off, but Ward-Prowse is far more Premier League-ready.
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Indeed. The Ward-Prowse bid was so low it was like we were trolling Southampton.
I said it a few weeks back, but the parsimony was weird when we seemed to have done a Rick Parry "blow them out of the water" job with Buendia over Arsenal.
I'd have argued that Ward Prowse should have been the top target, that spot in midfield has been needed since we came up and only Barkley filled it for a few games before giving up.
Yep. We seem to have maid massively over the odds for Buendia, when we'd have been much better off doing the same for Ward-Prowse. That's not to write Buendia off, but Ward-Prowse is far more Premier League-ready.
Let’s hope the milk of human kindness of the owners spills over to the January transfer window.
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Indeed. The Ward-Prowse bid was so low it was like we were trolling Southampton.
I said it a few weeks back, but the parsimony was weird when we seemed to have done a Rick Parry "blow them out of the water" job with Buendia over Arsenal.
I'd have argued that Ward Prowse should have been the top target, that spot in midfield has been needed since we came up and only Barkley filled it for a few games before giving up.
Yep. We seem to have maid massively over the odds for Buendia, when we'd have been much better off doing the same for Ward-Prowse. That's not to write Buendia off, but Ward-Prowse is far more Premier League-ready.
Yes, and the other weird thing was that had we backed out of signing Buendia, our chances of signing Smith Rowe would have increased, he may have been less inclined to sign that deal had they bought in a new expensive player in his position.
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Ward-Prowse still isn't the defensive midfielder that we need. Romeu does that job for Southampton and their stats without him in the team were pretty grim.
I wonder if it's giving Iroegbunam a go in that role.
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We bid ridiculously low for two fine central midfielders and got neither, there was obviously a need identified but it wasn't met.
True but I don't think it's as simple as that. I suspect Bailey was the alternative to Smith-Rowe so for the CM/DM that we wanted JWP was the only player we went for. Given the links I suspect we scouted a fair few others though.
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Ward-Prowse still isn't the defensive midfielder that we need. Romeu does that job for Southampton and their stats without him in the team were pretty grim.
I wonder if it's giving Iroegbunam a go in that role.
I sort of agree but I wonder if Smith saw the players we had as enough if they had someone leading the press/organising the midfield.
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That’s bad news, he’s such a big player for us, not the same without him.
I agree. I still find it unbelievable smith did not think we need a player in the middle. We all called it in the summer
Do you honestly think he did not know we need a player in the middle? He's hardly going to say before the season starts 'our midfield is a bit shit' is he?
Same as he probably also thought we were desperately short up front in 19/20 and 20/21. We seem to have a habit of leaving ourselves incredibly short in at least one position every season. Hopefully Gerrard will kick the doors down and make sure he gets what he needs in the next windows.
Well we needed a player there more than ings or buendia thats for sure yet we weny for them. Our number one priority should have been bissouma. He for me would have been a better signing that JWP.
Last line completely agree mate
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That’s bad news, he’s such a big player for us, not the same without him.
I agree. I still find it unbelievable smith did not think we need a player in the middle. We all called it in the summer
Do you honestly think he did not know we need a player in the middle? He's hardly going to say before the season starts 'our midfield is a bit shit' is he?
Same as he probably also thought we were desperately short up front in 19/20 and 20/21. We seem to have a habit of leaving ourselves incredibly short in at least one position every season. Hopefully Gerrard will kick the doors down and make sure he gets what he needs in the next windows.
Well we needed a player there more than ings or buendia thats for sure yet we weny for them. Our number one priority should have been bissouma. He for me would have been a better signing that JWP.
Last line completely agree mate
We needed another striker as last season if Olly was out we were left with Davis, who is absolutely not a Premier League standard striker.
It's also not exactly fair to criticise the club for buying Buendia considering the season he had last year for Norwich and we had a Grealish-sized hole to fill in midfield.
So sure, not getting a bad-ass DCM in was a failure (again), but I don't think it was for the want of trying. The reality is that the sort of player who'd improve us there doesn't grow on trees and unless we wanted to have our pants pulled down over the fee (which we also can't afford to do given FFP) it wasn't to be this summer. I'm sure it's still a priority though.
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I remain of the view Ings and Buendia were good (and necessary) signings. Smith's use of them perhaps notsomuch.
That doesn't change the fact we were desperate for a DM. It's all very well saying we tried for JWP, but seriously it's not like he was the only viable option in the whole of world football? Bearing in mind we had a net neutral spend you would have thought we could have found c£40m for the right player. It's contributed to Smith losing his job and hopefully the club will have learned a lesson.
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Needs more consistency. Hasn’t really hit anywhere near the heights that might have merited a Man City recall which some of our parish feared at the time.
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What's this shit about Dougie trying to force a move to Roma in January, the Guardian have the following:
'Aston Villa fans were understandably pleased to see pictures of Douglas Luiz back in training on Tuesday after a three-match absence with a hamstring injury, but will have been less impressed by Wednesday’s speculation that the Brazilian defensive midfielder and his representatives are angling for a move to Roma in January. Should Douglas Luiz return to action in the holding role at which he excels this weekend, Marvelous Nakamba looks likely to make way. And should Douglas Luiz agitate for a move to Serie A during the next transfer window he will be sorely missed at Villa Park'.
The interest from Roma has been a background noise for a few months now but Il Romanista are reporting that we want £29m for him and Roma can't pay it but just as worrying Dougie is refusing to sign a new contract with his existing contract due to end in 2023.
I hope all this is bullshit.
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Someone else posted on the forum today that the new coaching staff were eulogising over him in the Players Lounge after the game last weekend. He'll be seduced by Stevie and show his best form.
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Sorry but if he (or any player) wants to go....then they can go as long as our price is met.
We want winners not quitters
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Sorry but if he (or any player) wants to go....then they can go as long as our price is met.
We want winners not quitters
agreed - I'm not getting attached to any of them any more - especially ones that aren't as good as they think they are
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Thought he was excellent tonight, our man of the match by a fair way in my opinion.
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Have never really understood the extent of the Luiz praise, but he played really well in that second half. More of that tenacity and energy please.
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Thought he was excellent tonight, our man of the match by a fair way in my opinion.
Yep. Our best player in the first half along with Ollie, as others struggled and great second half as everyone improved alongside. Definite signs again today that Douglas could be a playmaker. Sanson's cameo and indeed Carney, suggest we've got a bit of depth.
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Half decent first half and excellent second, certainly one of our best players tonight.
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He was absolutely superb that second half. He was a monster in that midfield, he drove us on and gave us a real desire to not give up. His attitude was fantastic.
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He was absolutely superb that second half. He was a monster in that midfield, he drove us on and gave us a real desire to not give up. His attitude was fantastic.
Agreed
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He was the best midfielder on the pitch in the second half. More of that and we'll be sucking diesel.
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Yeah, great 2nd half, him and Nakamba turned us around really well.
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Luiz was a monster tonight. He was everywhere, absolutely brilliant.
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Thought he was undercooked at the weekend, certainly a different animal tonight, benefitted from being able to get forward more. Spent more time over the halfway line than in the rest of the year to date.
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We witnessed the second coming of the post-lockdown Dougie Luiz tonight. MOTM along with Ollie
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He was excellent. Good to see him a bit further forward, his talents are a bit wasted as a holding midfielder.
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It's good to have a narky Portuguese speaker in the team cos he was quite clearly needling their Portuguese and Brazilians. And because english refs are unlikely to speak the language, all good!
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Taking into account who the opposition were that’s his best performance I’ve seen from him yet. More of that please Dougie.
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He was excellent. Good to see him a bit further forward, his talents are a bit wasted as a holding midfielder.
Yes, I'd agree with that. Maybe Nakamba's progress as a holding MF is allowing our other midfielders to play in their natural positions. Shame the African Cup will disrupt this progress.
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Without starting off a tedious debate he’s definitely a better 8 than a 6, he has so much more to his game when he’s in that middle of the pitch position. Good to see him effectively mark Cancelo out the game as well, that space he covered is the area Cancelo gets most of his joy and every time he tried to get to it there was Douggie. He left one on Cancelo at the end of the first half as well just as a reminder. Top performance.
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Was Pep having second thoughts on the touchline? Don't mean to pry, it's probably best discussed between him and his life-coach.
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Those quirky Brazilians do like the blonde hair look dont they - must be their "thing"
Luiz
Wesley
Jollinton
Richarleson
Our beautifully coiffered one was very good last night - i agree he was really getting into a few of their lot. Maybe trying to show Pep what he missed out on. Lets hope he maintains it for Saturday and he outsmarts Indidy
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Any news on a new contract? Needs sorting.
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I thought Luiz and Marv starting together which hasn’t happened that often looked good
But I’ve always liked Luiz and thought he is a class player with plenty more improvement to come for me
What I do like about him is when you play the proper big teams full of internationals is when he proves it
Too many players can put in good performances against mediocre teams but when you’re up against it like last night his quality shines through
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Injuries aside. Douglas is looking a little quicker and more athletic than when he first joined. He covers the pitch quicker. Hopefully he stays fit. He's got a touch of class, but keeping focused and not resting on his laurels is key. His form dropped last season without his place ever seeming threatened. And as others have said. Definitely better as an 8 than a 6.
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
Agree. I think a lot of clubs would be sniffing around, all over Europe. He is ace and is only going to get better.
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I like him and would certainly be looking to extend his contract. People forget how young he is.
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...People forget how young he is.
people have been saying that for years ;D
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...People forget how young he is.
people have been saying that for years ;D
Is he Peter Pan in disguise do you think
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Isn't the rumour he wants out?
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Isn't the rumour he wants out?
You'd hope that would change if he's playing and we're doing ok.
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It’d be a big blow if he left.
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
It might not be our choice.
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
It might not be our choice.
It kind of is. We could have moved him on and got some funds. Thar would still be not letting him get to the last 18 months.
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
It might not be our choice.
It kind of is. We could have moved him on and got some funds. Thar would still be not letting him get to the last 18 months.
We can only do things he agrees with. If he wants to wait and see, there's zero we can do about it.
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Are we not taking a riskettong him get down to the last 18 months of his contract
It might not be our choice.
It kind of is. We could have moved him on and got some funds. Thar would still be not letting him get to the last 18 months.
We can only do things he agrees with. If he wants to wait and see, there's zero we can do about it.
Very true but I don't think that's a likely the scenario. He either wants out in which case he would have moved if we started negotiating his sake or he'd take the payrise of a new contract. I mean, release clauses have become all the range recently he could insert one of them.
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There's also the point that if it is him stalling, why ate club persisting with a player that potentially doesn't want to be there over others and youth players coming through ie chuck. Think it's most likely the club haven't opened talks with him.
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Isn't the rumour he wants out?
So we get gazillionaire owners and we can't keep our best players? You know, this few months has been a real kick in the nuts
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I mean Roma is beautiful but they're another unstable club and they may not even match his wages here. If Jose gets the chance to whisper sweet nothings to him in Portugese though, that might be all it takes.
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His marking today nearly cost us twice. I thought he was guilty for both but waited for the BBC to confirm in highlights. First half the new guy with too many names missed by a mile but look at Dougie watching the ball and drifting 5/6 yards away from him. Then in the second half he leaves Castagne as Young is following his man into the box and the ball eventually goes out wide and there is a heart in mouth moment... poor.
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His passing yesterday was atrocious. Gave the ball away time and time again in dangerous spots. We looked a good bit more solid when he went off.
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Yep. As you said, a candidate to be dropped because we'll get mullered if he does that against Liverpool
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Has he suffered from us using him as a jack of all trades? Currently, all of Nakamba, Ramsey, McGinn and even Sanson in his cameos are making a much better fist of the various positions and roles he's occupied for us.
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He just doesn't seem able to take that final step towards becoming a consistent top-level player. It would be ironic after all the criticism he's had if Marvelous eventually becomes the player Luiz looked liked he would.
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He seems to lose focus in games and I see him watching it go on around him . But when he is at it ,he is some player
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Gerrard mentioned there's a couple of players struggling to get a grip of the job the coaching staff are asking of them. Presumably Luiz is one of those.
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I’d say almost certainly. He’s got the talent to adjust though.
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It’s a bit good game followed by a bad game. Good against Citeh not great yesterday.
Maybe not fully fit?
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Poorest game of the season yesterday. However most of our best performances pre Gerrard this season have come with him playing so think that's important to consider.
I think Nakamba-Luiz-McGinn is nicely balanced for where we are currently and no idea why we didn't see more of it in last two seasons. However Ramsey is playing very well currently and you'll have Carney and Sanson pushing for starts over xmas period.
Suddenly midfield dosen't seem quite such a poverty position after all.
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He was very good last Wednesday. Not so yesterday and that's his biggest fault, consistency. Whether Gerrard will persevere remains to be seen.
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I’d say almost certainly. He’s got the talent to adjust though.
He was the weakest yesterday, surprising, but still think he'll come good. Maybe a spell on the bench would do him good. He's played a lot of football in the last couple of years.
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I’d say almost certainly. He’s got the talent to adjust though.
He was the weakest yesterday, surprising, but still think he'll come good. Maybe a spell on the bench would do him good. He's played a lot of football in the last couple of years.
He hasn't really. 34 games last season, 13 this. Compare that to somebody like Bruno Fernandes. 73 games last season, 27 this.
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Does that include his Copa America/Olympics/World Cup qualifier involvement? Even if he isn't a regular starter for Brazil, with all the travel and training, the bloke hasn't had much respite since "Project Restart".
It was a pity he couldn't back-up Weds night's display yesterday though. And he is the one clumsy fcuker who you don't want making a rash challenge at the edge of the box (i.e when Lesta played that corner to the 18 yard line), he has form for giving them away there or being Pogba'd (cheated) by it.
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Does that include his Copa America/Olympics/World Cup qualifier involvement? Even if he isn't a regular starter for Brazil, with all the travel and training, the bloke hasn't had much respite since "Project Restart".
It was a pity he couldn't back-up Weds night's display yesterday though. And he is the one clumsy fcuker who you don't want making a rash challenge at the edge of the box (i.e when Lesta played that corner to the 18 yard line), he has form for giving them away there or being Pogba'd (cheated) by it.
It does. Point is he really hasn't played that much really, no more than anybody else in our team, and a lot less than some.
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It's more that he hasn't had an off-season for 2 years, without being an elite level athlete I think it's hard to know how big an impact that has.
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I’d say almost certainly. He’s got the talent to adjust though.
He was the weakest yesterday, surprising, but still think he'll come good. Maybe a spell on the bench would do him good. He's played a lot of football in the last couple of years.
He hasn't really. 34 games last season, 13 this. Compare that to somebody like Bruno Fernandes. 73 games last season, 27 this.
He was involved in the following in 20/21
33 Premier League
1 League Cup
5 Olympics
7 WCQ
6 Copa America
19/20
36 Premier League
6 League Cup
4 Internationals
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If we lose him on a free I won't be happy at all.
NEW CONTRACT PLEASE.
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Unlikely to join Roma I would have thought, with both the team and Moaninho in free-fall.
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Italian League is inferior to the Premier League.....
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He was linked with Roma a few weeks ago.
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Not sure why we have not given him a new deal yet. He will be poached from us soon if we dont hurry up and get him tied down.
Luiz will be a superb cm in the next few years wait and see. For me he is as good as fred from utd and we paid less than half of what utd paid for him
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Not sure why we have not given him a new deal yet. He will be poached from us soon if we dont hurry up and get him tied down.
Luiz will be a superb cm in the next few years wait and see. For me he is as good as fred from utd and we paid less than half of what utd paid for him
I think players will increasingly see out their contracts. Chelsea have four defenders available on frees this summer (Manu Pogba?).
I’d be amazed if we haven’t offered him a contract, however I suspect he is holding out and quietly planning to leave on a free. Just a hunch on my part.
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I hope he stays. He's still young and has great potential.
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Not sure why we have not given him a new deal yet. He will be poached from us soon if we dont hurry up and get him tied down.
Luiz will be a superb cm in the next few years wait and see. For me he is as good as fred from utd and we paid less than half of what utd paid for him
I am not sure as good as Fred is a compliment.
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Shame he's not going to get to launch Ben Mee into the stratosphere on Saturday now.
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Shame he's not going to get to launch Ben Mee into the stratosphere on Saturday now.
Why's that?
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Shame he's not going to get to launch Ben Mee into the stratosphere on Saturday now.
Why's that?
Apologies, that should have been in the Marvelous thread.
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Shame he's not going to get to launch Ben Mee into the stratosphere on Saturday now.
Why's that?
Apologies, that should have been in the Marvelous thread.
Right, was trying to work out if one of them was suspended!
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Still feel unsure whether Duugee will reach the next level. He does things so effortlessly but ocassionally in every game he dwells a bit too much on the ball or puts in a risky challenge.
His second half against Man Citeh is the benchmark for me. If he can do it against that lot, he should be able to reach higher levels against regular human teams.
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Still feel unsure whether Duugee will reach the next level. He does things so effortlessly but ocassionally in every game he dwells a bit too much on the ball or puts in a risky challenge.
His second half against Man Citeh is the benchmark for me. If he can do it against that lot, he should be able to reach higher levels against regular human teams.
That is a major fault of his as I see it. There's often a quick pass clearly on as there was a few times last night and he misses it because of it. Momentum is lost and you have to start again. He's one of the few players I think who is not fully getting what SG is looking for.
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I know it was "only Norwich" but I thought he was really good last night. Our passing and interchanges between players was great, especially the midfield.
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I see he only has 18 months left on his contract. Is this an indication the club don't want to keep him? If he doesn't get a new contact soon I guess he's away in the Summer, seems a shame.
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I see he only has 18 months left on his contract. Is this an indication the club don't want to keep him? If he doesn't get a new contact soon I guess he's away in the Summer, seems a shame.
This summer and 12 months left on his contract is not the ideal time to sell so more likely he is not signing a new contract.
Shame if true but we’ve definitely had our monies worth.
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I'll be sorry if he leaves. He may struggle at times with consistency, but he's still young and he has a rare mark of class about him.
I fully expect him to be dominating games for a Champions League contender in a few years time, I'd rather it was us.
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If ditching him for upwards of £20m lets us spend big on a player like Bissouma then more than happy to ditch.
Doesn't do anything particularly well, and no consistency. Less impact in terms of winning matches than either of the much maligned El Ghazi and Trezeguet, and less effective as a defensive midfielder than Nakamba.
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I'll be sorry if he leaves. He may struggle at times with consistency, but he's still young and he has a rare mark of class about him.
I fully expect him to be dominating games for a Champions League contender in a few years time, I'd rather it was us.
I agree, he's a class act and I'd love to see him reach his full potential at the Villa, but IF he's not excited about the current upgrade in players and is making it clear that he doesn't want to sign a new contract then we should give Sansom / Ramsey / McGinn priority, hopefully alongside a new CDM Bissouma / Zakaria + Marvellous.
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I think Douglas needs a good finish to the season. He's currently filling a gap somewhat, with Nakamba out and it's clear he's not a number 6. He's shown a bit more about him as an 8, but still needs to be more consistent and to be sharper and less lackadaisical. I think he's just a bit too nonchalant with the ball sometimes.
The good thing with having Coutinho now, is that everyone from our 8-11 is (in theory) going to see the kind of level they need to get closer to. In theory Douglas, Buendia could benefit from seeing a player whose final third decision making and eye for a pass is as good as any (on pomp).
There's definitely a player in Doug, but it's now or never. He had a great 2020, from the run in on his first season, going into the first half of his second. But 2021 was up and down, to put it mildly. There are times his application is also nowhere near good enough. If the fancy stuff isn't coming off, that's one thing, but if he's going out of games having coasted too much, that is a problem. I'm hoping he, a few others, will raise their game in the wake of what's looking like a very impressive january window.
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If ditching him for upwards of £20m lets us spend big on a player like Bissouma then more than happy to ditch.
Doesn't do anything particularly well, and no consistency. Less impact in terms of winning matches than either of the much maligned El Ghazi and Trezeguet, and less effective as a defensive midfielder than Nakamba.
I can't see us getting £20m for him if his contract's up next summer. He's much more likely to run his contract down and we lose him for nothing. If we do sell, I can't see us getting more than £10m for him.
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I'd imagine no new contracts are on the table until Gerrard & co have had time to fully assess the players. My guess is by the end of the month we'll see him offered a new deal.
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If ditching him for upwards of £20m lets us spend big on a player like Bissouma then more than happy to ditch.
Doesn't do anything particularly well, and no consistency. Less impact in terms of winning matches than either of the much maligned El Ghazi and Trezeguet, and less effective as a defensive midfielder than Nakamba.
I can't see us getting £20m for him if his contract's up next summer. He's much more likely to run his contract down and we lose him for nothing. If we do sell, I can't see us getting more than £10m for him.
That's just not how things are right now. Bissouma has the same time on his contract and is being talked about as £50m. Digne has the same and is £25m. Players in the last year of their contract aren't anywhere near as devalued as tey have been in the past. Luiz was being talked about, on here, as a £30m+ player in the summer and given his age I don't think he'd be massively short of that either now or in the summer, we certainly wouldn't be making a loss on him.
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If the spending continues then I could see him being sold to get something back. He's excellent sometimes, rarely terrible, but mainly average. Loads of potential but not sure he's what Gerrard wants
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I'd like to see him get a chance alongside a top quality DM for a few games before we sell him because when he plays his own game he has a lot of quality, the goals he scored in his first season and the 2-3 spells of good performances are enough for me to think he's got a lot more to give with a bit more freedom to drift into more attacking positions.
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If ditching him for upwards of £20m lets us spend big on a player like Bissouma then more than happy to ditch.
Doesn't do anything particularly well, and no consistency. Less impact in terms of winning matches than either of the much maligned El Ghazi and Trezeguet, and less effective as a defensive midfielder than Nakamba.
I can't see us getting £20m for him if his contract's up next summer. He's much more likely to run his contract down and we lose him for nothing. If we do sell, I can't see us getting more than £10m for him.
I can. I don't think he'll be short of suitors, and for once we could actually get a bidding war going!
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If ditching him for upwards of £20m lets us spend big on a player like Bissouma then more than happy to ditch.
Doesn't do anything particularly well, and no consistency. Less impact in terms of winning matches than either of the much maligned El Ghazi and Trezeguet, and less effective as a defensive midfielder than Nakamba.
I can't see us getting £20m for him if his contract's up next summer. He's much more likely to run his contract down and we lose him for nothing. If we do sell, I can't see us getting more than £10m for him.
I can. I don't think he'll be short of suitors, and for once we could actually get a bidding war going!
Someone will have to meet the buyout clause to trigger the war, officially. It's the law.
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He’s got lots of talent, but sooner or later he has to consistently deliver, and at the moment he just isn’t.
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Often disappoints me with sloppy passes and going missing for periods after looking promising.
a 6.5 out of 10 player for me but with the potential for more
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He’s got lots of talent, but sooner or later he has to consistently deliver, and at the moment he just isn’t.
Dont think he is really a defensive midfielder. Think he would flourish playing in one of the outside of the three midfield positions with a top class defensive midfielder playing alongside him.
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He’s got lots of talent, but sooner or later he has to consistently deliver, and at the moment he just isn’t.
Dont think he is really a defensive midfielder. Think he would flourish playing in one of the outside of the three midfield positions with a top class defensive midfielder playing alongside him.
But we have Ramsey, Sanson, McGinn, and possibly Chuck ahead of him for that position, and only one DM of any note. Hence would happily see him go and have a more balanced set of midfielders to pick from.
Same with El Ghazi and Trez who I like, but are competing for a position with better players.
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He’s got lots of talent, but sooner or later he has to consistently deliver, and at the moment he just isn’t.
Dont think he is really a defensive midfielder. Think he would flourish playing in one of the outside of the three midfield positions with a top class defensive midfielder playing alongside him.
But we have Ramsey, Sanson, McGinn, and possibly Chuck ahead of him for that position, and only one DM of any note. Hence would happily see him go and have a more balanced set of midfielders to pick from.
Same with El Ghazi and Trez who I like, but are competing for a position with better players.
I'm not sure the bold bit is accurate or fair, better to say as competition for him. Chuck shouldn't be included really, he's a fantastic prospect and we should be getting him game time whenever possible but as addition to the squad not a core part of it. Let Luiz go without a replacement and we're left with no midfielders on the bench if McGinn is suspended or Sanson picks up another injury, 2 things we've seen enough times to plan for.
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I'd imagine no new contracts are on the table until Gerrard & co have had time to fully assess the players. My guess is by the end of the month we'll see him offered a new deal.
A few more games in January will be enough to make Gerrard's mind-up? I dunno...I'm sure Duggee will be very impressed and excited about Coutinho joining though. They all should, the mediocre shower of bastids.
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Doug has been a bit unfortunate in that he's been asked to play DM more often than not. Whilst he's made a decent fist of it at times I suspect he would be far more comfortable in a box to box role. Stick him alongside Bissouma (or similar) and Mcginn and I think you'd see he's got a lot more to his gamne than people give him credit for. Yes we're getting a bit crowded in that role with Ramsey and Sanson, but I really think there's a lot more to come from him yet.
I also think he'd also be very good in a double pivot role if we decided to go that route, it's just the lone DM role which I think is a bit much for him.
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Doug has been a bit unfortunate in that he's been asked to play DM more often than not. Whilst he's made a decent fist of it at times I suspect he would be far more comfortable in a box to box role. Stick him alongside Bissouma (or similar) and Mcginn and I think you'd see he's got a lot more to his gamne than people give him credit for. Yes we're getting a bit crowded in that role with Ramsey and Sanson, but I really think there's a lot more to come from him yet.
I also think he'd also be very good in a double pivot role if we decided to go that route, it's just the lone DM role which I think is a bit much for him.
Completely agree. Luiz can play in all midfield positions which doesn’t easily apply to the others. I really like him and at 23/24 there’s loads more to come, and hopefully with us. Definitely worth a decent contract offer.
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He’s no DM in terms of playing in English football anyway but once we get one in it should be the new player, McGinn and either Dougie or Ramsey for the 3rd position with Dougie currently fractionally ahead for me.
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I think he's shit and would be the first out of the side if and when we have a proper replacement.
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I think he's shit and would be the first out of the side if and when we have a proper replacement.
I think he's shit and would be the first out of the side if and when we have a proper replacement.
He's casual and pedestrian. Not good enough for where we want to be.
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I think he's shit and would be the first out of the side if and when we have a proper replacement.
Not great tonight, but far better than either Buendia or Ings.
Cannot believe how badly we spent the Grealish money.
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Dear oh dear. At one point he won the ball, ignored the space in front of him, ran round in a little circle and passed it back to a guy standing where he won the ball orginally!
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Sloppy again tonight but at least he was there time and time again to mess up unlike McGinn who was a passenger.
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Yeah Mcginn was worse. Set up more attacks for them than he did us.
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Every game he plays, I care slightly less if he signs a new contract or not.
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Often disappoints me with sloppy passes and going missing for periods after looking promising.
a 6.5 out of 10 player for me but with the potential for more
Pretty much his game tonight.
I'm a big fan but get the feeling he won't be signing a new deal and his mind is drifting a bit away from us.
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Buendia has his faults and hasn't really adapted yet, but he had a significantly better game than Luiz.
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He has become a weak link, we need an upgrade.
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Luiz was terrible tonight . Never fulfilled his potential. sell asap and hopefully at a profit.
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My issues with him are without the ball. Letting the ball bounce in midfield at one point in the second half for no reason. Just doesnt show enough grit at times to stay goal side of his man. Not sure what the Brazilian is for the old saying, either the man or ball can pass but not both. He could do with heeding it anyway.
Bar the odd sloppy pass I thought he distributed the ball well in the main. Granted under the laziest opposition team I have seen this season. But Im surprised to see such criticism on here tonight, he was far superior to McGinn or Ramsey.
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I thought Ramsey was really poor today. Hope the Norwich goal hasn't gone to his head.
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It was helterskelter stuff in midfield, how many times did they gift the ball away?
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It’s a worn record but he will never be a holding midfielder. He looks really uncomfortable at times - I think he’s the best 8 we have.
It was the worst luck to lose Nakamba. Those first few games under Gerrard, the midfield had a really good shape.
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I thought Ramsey was really poor today. Hope the Norwich goal hasn't gone to his head.
He can turn with the ball really well and is obviously a fine athlete. But some of the basics need work, a lot of work. First touch, how to shield the ball, decision making on when to run and when to pass.... Idiotic early yellow again today put him under pressure. Should have been replaced a lot earlier with Sanson.
Bar that spell post lockdown, Ive never got the sense that Luiz wants to develop into a top no.6. He seems to prefer throwing side steps and running with the ball rather than the dirty side of midfield play. But he is a talented player for sure.
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He was the only player in the middle of the park tonight. Ran his bollocks off.
He did some great challenges as well as lost the ball - like a lot of players tonight.
He is quality.
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I thought Ramsey was really poor today. Hope the Norwich goal hasn't gone to his head.
Sorry that’s not the case
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Ramsey bossed their midfield.
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I can't believe you thought he ran his bollocks off.
He spent a huge amount of time jogging around aimlessly, punctuated by giving the ball away.
I don't know what Guardiola saw in him - his ball retention is poor.
He maintains possession when you don't expect him to but gives it away when it's easier to keep the ball, he does it almost casually.
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It was helterskelter stuff in midfield, how many times did they gift the ball away?
yep. Seriously lost count.
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Ramsey bossed their midfield.
He's a talent but he needs to do the work at both ends of the pitch. Four of the midfielders watch as McTominay waltzed past them to score the header, JJ included. Many blamed Mings, but he was already marking someone. I reckon Gerrard can make JJ an even better player but he's got to do the dirty work too. Not having a pop Ads.
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I can't believe you thought he ran his bollocks off.
He spent a huge amount of time jogging around aimlessly, punctuated by giving the ball away.
I don't know what Guardiola saw in him - his ball retention is poor.
He maintains possession when you don't expect him to but gives it away when it's easier to keep the ball, he does it almost casually.
I know what you mean. He does the hard stuff then sometimes gives the ball away - but a lot of the players tonight gave the ball away again tonight. But he was pretty much on his own in the middle of the park just in front of the defence tonight.
A quality DCM with Doug, Ramsey and McGinn then Coutinho and Watkins/Ings is the answer. I don’t Nakamba is going to ever cut it.
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Ramsey bossed their midfield.
He's a talent but he needs to do the work at both ends of the pitch. Four of the midfielders watch as McTominay waltzed past them to score the header, JJ included. Many blamed Mings, but he was already marking someone. I reckon Gerrard can make JJ an even better player but he's got to do the dirty work too. Not having a pop Ads.
Ramsey is going to be a star. He is already cutting at PL level and getting better by the game.
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Nakamba is a big loss at the moment. Midfield is much better balanced when he's there. Go for broke and sign Bissouma even at £45-50m, we have the money!
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It's funny how we see things differently. I thought Dougie was really good tonight. Constantly nipped in to win possession and get us going again. Yanited were so poor in the main, thought he dominated a lot of their players.
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He seems to be a particular victim of Buendia's oddly weak short passes and McGinn's 'no look' efforts.
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I’m not sure what he actually does. Doesn’t score, doesn’t create, doesn’t make key tackles or interceptions. Just fills a position, really.
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It was the worst luck to lose Nakamba. Those first few games under Gerrard, the midfield had a really good shape.
If he wasn't injured he would be at AFCON, so not available anyway. 3 or 4 windows and counting and we haven't even tried to sort it.....
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It's funny how we see things differently. I thought Dougie was really good tonight. Constantly nipped in to win possession and get us going again. Yanited were so poor in the main, thought he dominated a lot of their players.
Me too, everyone I see criticism of him I wonder why? I thought he dominated and controlled the midfield.
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He was the only player in the middle of the park tonight. Ran his bollocks off.
He did some great challenges as well as lost the ball - like a lot of players tonight.
He is quality.
That's what I saw, can't believe some of the comments. He won the ball back off them loads in that fist half, he was ace.
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Crazy how we all focus on different aspects, I thought he was generally good, and excellent in the second half. I’d have him at a 7/10 rather than the 3 or stated on the post match thread.
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I thought he won loads of 50:50s and had really good energy throughout. Given some of the comments maybe I need to rewatch, but I thought he was pretty decent.
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It's funny how we see things differently. I thought Dougie was really good tonight. Constantly nipped in to win possession and get us going again. Yanited were so poor in the main, thought he dominated a lot of their players.
Me too, everyone I see criticism of him I wonder why? I thought he dominated and controlled the midfield.
Same here, his positioning is really good, he holds his midfield position so the team shape is robust. Like a latter day Petrov, the kind of player we wont really appreciate too much until we are forced to replace him.
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He’s another in the ‘nearly good enough’ camp for me. File Cash in there too. Luiz could become a cracking player but needs to show more consistency now or Gerrard will replace him no doubt. Thought he did fine last night despite some unforced errors, which a good few were also guilty of.
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I suspect he'd be the biggest beneficiary of a top quality DM coming in, he just feels like he's struggling to keep the discipline needed for the holding role and he wants to do more.
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He’s another in the ‘nearly good enough’ camp for me. File Cash in there too. Luiz could become a cracking player but needs to show more consistency now or Gerrard will replace him no doubt. Thought he did fine last night despite some unforced errors, which a good few were also guilty of.
With these nearly players the first question should be ‘can they be improved by coaching?’ rather than immediately jettisoned.
At 23 you’d think there’s a good chance Luiz will improve over the next few years.
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For me Douglas needs a mentor, who he can learn from and advance his opportunities with Villa & Brazil. That mentor will be here Wednesday and playing Saturday, don’t ditch the kid now as the “future is bright “ for us all.
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Agree Dante. I actually thought he was a bit younger than23, but he shouldn’t be written off. I’m sure Gerrard and the coaching staff will be making those judgements about improving some players and letting some go. I mention him and Cash (and maybe Nakamba based on his latest form) because they have the physical attributes and enough raw ability to become ‘now’ players. But they both need to have strong second halves of this season. There are others in and around the first team who are clearly not going to be good enough (‘Trezegue’, Ghazi, Wes, Targett)
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I think him and McGinn are similar. They do so much good, in a calm steady way, that when they fuck up it stands out.
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I think him and McGinn are similar. They do so much good, in a calm steady way, that when they fuck up it stands out.
He is nowhere McGinns standard. Sanson, Nakamba, McGinn and Ramsey are all better. He is the obvious one to sell if we need to free up a place for another midfielder.
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I think him and McGinn are similar. They do so much good, in a calm steady way, that when they fuck up it stands out.
He is nowhere McGinns standard. Sanson, Nakamba, McGinn and Ramsey are all better. He is the obvious one to sell if we need to free up a place for another midfielder.
Arguably he's the only one being played out of position. I think you underestimate how good he could be.
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I think him and McGinn are similar. They do so much good, in a calm steady way, that when they fuck up it stands out.
He is nowhere McGinns standard. Sanson, Nakamba, McGinn and Ramsey are all better. He is the obvious one to sell if we need to free up a place for another midfielder.
Yet elsewhere people are suggesting McGinn is poor at the moment.
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I'm not convinced he fits into the way Gerrard wants to play across those three midfield positions. He's holding forte as a 6 until Bloody Marvelous/new signing is available. I see how Ramsey fits as a dynamic box to box player, and I see what McGinn gives. I also see where Sanson fits as competition for one of the 8's. The problem for Douglas is, I'm not sure he has the engine required. He's certainly a good player with potential to affect games in more advanced positions, but Gerrard demands a bit more I suspect. I don't think he'll fancy sitting on the bench. He has value. At some juncture we have to balance the books and sell some players. I think he's going this summer. I don't think he'll have the benefit of time to go from 'could be a decent no8' to actually becoming consistently so. Not this far into his Villa career.
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cy
@JPercyTelegraph
#avfc are poised to open talks with Douglas Luiz over a new contract, following interest from Premier League clubs in this window. Luiz is valued very highly by Steven Gerrard and Villa, starting the last 9 matches, and a bid has been rejected this month.
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£30m bid from a PL club (not Arsenal) rejected immediately apparently
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I'm not convinced he fits into the way Gerrard wants to play across those three midfield positions. He's holding forte as a 6 until Bloody Marvelous/new signing is available. I see how Ramsey fits as a dynamic box to box player, and I see what McGinn gives. I also see where Sanson fits as competition for one of the 8's. The problem for Douglas is, I'm not sure he has the engine required. He's certainly a good player with potential to affect games in more advanced positions, but Gerrard demands a bit more I suspect. I don't think he'll fancy sitting on the bench. He has value. At some juncture we have to balance the books and sell some players. I think he's going this summer. I don't think he'll have the benefit of time to go from 'could be a decent no8' to actually becoming consistently so. Not this far into his Villa career.
This is my problem. I really like him but where would he play?
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I think, like Targett, he will be a popular member of the squad who ultimately doesn't fit in Gerrard's plans. I can see the reasons for keeping him but can definitely see around 40m reasons for selling him.
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If he played further forward perhaps as I don’t think he’s a defensive midfielder.
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£30m bid from a PL club (not Arsenal) rejected immediately apparently
My guess would be Newcastle
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Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has taken to Instagram to announce his relationship with Aston villa women's player Alisha Lehmann
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10448513/Aston-Villa-midfielder-Douglas-Luiz-womens-player-Alisha-Lehmann-confirm-relationship.html
he's going nowhere
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It''s been about 20 years since I've read anything in the Daily Mail. Christ, after stumbling onto that shite, it'll be another 20 years before I darken their doorstep again.
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I'm not convinced he fits into the way Gerrard wants to play across those three midfield positions. He's holding forte as a 6 until Bloody Marvelous/new signing is available. I see how Ramsey fits as a dynamic box to box player, and I see what McGinn gives. I also see where Sanson fits as competition for one of the 8's. The problem for Douglas is, I'm not sure he has the engine required. He's certainly a good player with potential to affect games in more advanced positions, but Gerrard demands a bit more I suspect. I don't think he'll fancy sitting on the bench. He has value. At some juncture we have to balance the books and sell some players. I think he's going this summer. I don't think he'll have the benefit of time to go from 'could be a decent no8' to actually becoming consistently so. Not this far into his Villa career.
This is my problem. I really like him but where would he play?
I’m convinced Gerrard rates him highly. I certainly do and I think he’s often one of our most consistent players now. He just doesn’t grab the limelight. He’s a constant menace when the other team have the ball and is very good with it.
I really hope we keep him.
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£30m bid from a PL club (not Arsenal) rejected immediately apparently
Reckon Newcastle have tested the water as their midfield is pretty poor.
Depends what he wants to do. Given we've only started opening talks we must be pretty relaxed he wants to stay for another 3-4 years otherwise we're letting 30m + price significantly drop.
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£30m bid from a PL club (not Arsenal) rejected immediately apparently
Thats a good and fair offer imo.
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He's a 23 year Brazilian international. £30m is peanuts. Wouldn't have bought you Alex Iwobi. Whoever made that offer can fuck off.
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He's a 23 year Brazilian international. £30m is peanuts. Wouldn't have bought you Alex Iwobi. Whoever made that offer can fuck off.
You can compare pretty much any bid to a disaster signing to make it look like a bad deal. Bought for half that and his contract is expiring next summer.
I think Doug is decent, and I'd be glad to keep him, but it is a fair offer imo.
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£30m bid from a PL club (not Arsenal) rejected immediately apparently
Reckon Newcastle have tested the water as their midfield is pretty poor.
Depends what he wants to do. Given we've only started opening talks we must be pretty relaxed he wants to stay for another 3-4 years otherwise we're letting 30m + price significantly drop.
He's going nowhere, we've been brilliant for him, we even signed him a new girlfriend, not many clubs would do that!
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He's possibly the player with the most talent in the squad, to sell him for 30m with his best years ahead of him mid season would be crazy.
Might just be his agent angling for a juicy new contract too.
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He's possibly the player with the most talent in the squad, to sell him for 30m with his best years ahead of him mid season would be crazy.
Might just be his agent angling for a juicy new contract too.
What are you basing that on (the most talent)? I do rate him, but your description baffles me a bit!?
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He was good against Everton. I'd like to see him get pushed forward if we bring in a DMF, and at least he can adequately cover against certain opposition. He's got to up his fitness probably, to get into the Gerrard way, because he can look a bit leggy in latter stages. And if he cuts out a bit of the lackadaisical play in his own half, that'll also go a long way. Still on the fence with him, but I guess we'll see what happens. If he does get a new deal, it obviously bodes well that Gerrard rates him and thinks he can get Douglas' stamina and running power up.
No point selling him unless it's silly money. 30 wouldn't be silly enough. If we don't tie him down, I suspect he'll go in the summer though.
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He's possibly the player with the most talent in the squad, to sell him for 30m with his best years ahead of him mid season would be crazy.
Might just be his agent angling for a juicy new contract too.
What are you basing that on (the most talent)? I do rate him, but your description baffles me a bit!?
I think he has the ability to be a top class midfielder. Good athlete, very good on ball, decent shot on him, set piece taker etc. At 23 he isn't going to have it all nailed every game.
Compare him to McGinn for example, McGinn can't pass a ball to save himself, no right foot, has a bit more heart and desire that Dougie could do with at times alright but ability wise Luiz has a lot more going for him.
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He was good against Everton. I'd like to see him get pushed forward if we bring in a DMF, and at least he can adequately cover against certain opposition. He's got to up his fitness probably, to get into the Gerrard way, because he can look a bit leggy in latter stages. And if he cuts out a bit of the lackadaisical play in his own half, that'll also go a long way. Still on the fence with him, but I guess we'll see what happens. If he does get a new deal, it obviously bodes well that Gerrard rates him and thinks he can get Douglas' stamina and running power up.
No point selling him unless it's silly money.
I think his best games this season were early after Gerrard arrived when he was playing with a little more freedom to get up the pitch because Marv was covering the DM role. If he can get a run of games in that position I suspect £40m will look cheap. I know some people have question marks over him but for me he's got the technical skills to be a top 4 player but needs to be pushed to really keep working at his game. Gerrard could be the making of him.
The real difficulty for me is, if we sign Bentancur or someone similar, who do we drop because McGinn, Luiz and Ramsey all deserve to be regular starters. File under 'good problems to have' I guess.
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He was good against Everton. I'd like to see him get pushed forward if we bring in a DMF, and at least he can adequately cover against certain opposition. He's got to up his fitness probably, to get into the Gerrard way, because he can look a bit leggy in latter stages. And if he cuts out a bit of the lackadaisical play in his own half, that'll also go a long way. Still on the fence with him, but I guess we'll see what happens. If he does get a new deal, it obviously bodes well that Gerrard rates him and thinks he can get Douglas' stamina and running power up.
No point selling him unless it's silly money.
I think his best games this season were early after Gerrard arrived when he was playing with a little more freedom to get up the pitch because Marv was covering the DM role. If he can get a run of games in that position I suspect £40m will look cheap. I know some people have question marks over him but for me he's got the technical skills to be a top 4 player but needs to be pushed to really keep working at his game. Gerrard could be the making of him.
The real difficulty for me is, if we sign Bentancur or someone similar, who do we drop because McGinn, Luiz and Ramsey all deserve to be regular starters. File under 'good problems to have' I guess.
On current form if you had Bentencur, it would be Ramsey and one of either McGinn or Luiz. Neither have been in that good form that they’re a nailed on starter, so hopefully the increased competition for places and more freedom to attack would lift their game.
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He was good against Everton. I'd like to see him get pushed forward if we bring in a DMF, and at least he can adequately cover against certain opposition. He's got to up his fitness probably, to get into the Gerrard way, because he can look a bit leggy in latter stages. And if he cuts out a bit of the lackadaisical play in his own half, that'll also go a long way. Still on the fence with him, but I guess we'll see what happens. If he does get a new deal, it obviously bodes well that Gerrard rates him and thinks he can get Douglas' stamina and running power up.
No point selling him unless it's silly money.
I think his best games this season were early after Gerrard arrived when he was playing with a little more freedom to get up the pitch because Marv was covering the DM role. If he can get a run of games in that position I suspect £40m will look cheap. I know some people have question marks over him but for me he's got the technical skills to be a top 4 player but needs to be pushed to really keep working at his game. Gerrard could be the making of him.
The real difficulty for me is, if we sign Bentancur or someone similar, who do we drop because McGinn, Luiz and Ramsey all deserve to be regular starters. File under 'good problems to have' I guess.
On current form if you had Bentencur, it would be Ramsey and one of either McGinn or Luiz. Neither have been in that good form that they’re a nailed on starter, so hopefully the increased competition for places and more freedom to attack would lift their game.
but if they do it's a fantastic 'problem' for Gerrard to solve, especially when you still have Sanson, Nakamba and potentially Chuk to add in (although he seems to see chuk in the Coutinho/Buendia roles). I think we're close to having a pretty exciting amount of depth in the squad for the first time in years. I'd say there's now 16-17 players who could legitimately be in peoples 'best 11', I honestly can't remember the last time we had more than 1-2 players you'd think were unlucky to not start.
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Agree Paul, a nice problem to have. It does though, also let us play “horses for courses” if we need to. So perhaps McGinn might be better when we want to be flat track bullies against the likes of Norwich and Burnley, but Luiz might be better if we want to keep possession against Man City etc.
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According to the DT a second bid of £32m plus £3m add ons has been received
Likely to be rejected as we are keen to keep him with a new contract
Still in the market for a DM
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I don’t usually get into the whole notion of setting imaginary thresholds on costs I’d be happy to receive. But £30m seems a low one for a young Brazil international who clearly has potential to improve and would have massive resale value if that potential is realised. If it’s Newcastle, ask for £60m. If they’re stupid enough to pay it and he’s willing to go there, fine.
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Would you swap Luiz for Emile Smith Rowe?
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Would you swap Luiz for Emile Smith Rowe?
Yep.
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Would you swap Luiz for Emile Smith Rowe?
Yep.
a bit worried about ESR injury problem,
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Would you swap Luiz for Emile Smith Rowe?
Yes I'd swap and give them cash on top, Smith Rowe is a far better player.
It could be that Luiz has decided to run his contract down, if so I would definitely take a decent offer and get someone else in instead. He is not a very good DM, and is not as good as Ramsey, McGinn or Sanson as an 8. If got upwards of £35m for a 1 good game in 4 second choice DM/4th Choice 8 then we should take the cash and buy a better DM with it.
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If he stays he'll get no better. If he leaves he'll be the next Kevin De Bruyne. You can bloody guarantee it.
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If he stays he'll get no better. If he leaves he'll be the next Kevin De Bruyne. You can bloody guarantee it.
The latter part of that is why we should try to keep him if at all possible.
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I'd rather he stayed.
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We have been here before, churning young players and then kicking ourselves later. Dougie will become a regular Champions League player in a couple years - the only question is whether it’s for us or not.
Any comparison to ESR is simply ludicrous.
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He’s a class act. It confuses me why so many don’t see it.
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I'd rather he stayed.
Me too, but on the condition he signs a new contract this winter.
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I love this as I sort of know it’ll be announced in a couple of days he’s signed a new contract.
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We have no need to sell him. He’s a solid member of the squad and currently a starting midfielder. I do think he’s not as effective as a more defensive CM but he does a very unsung job. Add a proper DM and he can compete for one of the other CM spots.
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keep him, improve him, replace him, sell him.
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I'd rather he stayed.
Me too, but on the condition he signs a new contract this winter.
He signs or we sell.
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He’s a class act. It confuses me why so many don’t see it.
I agree. Love Dougie, and at 23 he's nowhere near his prime yet.
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Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has taken to Instagram to announce his relationship with Aston villa women's player Alisha Lehmann
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-10448513/Aston-Villa-midfielder-Douglas-Luiz-womens-player-Alisha-Lehmann-confirm-relationship.html
he's going nowhere
Crikey! Does she play in the 'McGinn' role for the ladies?
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Would you swap Luiz for Emile Smith Rowe?
Definitely not.
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Would prefer to keep him but for me he is still hit and miss. When he’s on it he looks a class act but when he’s not he’s slightly invisible and easy to bypass through the midfield. I think he can get better over the next couple of years but he's going to have to play at the top of his current game 90% of the time to keep his place, the way we’re operating in the transfer market at the moment.
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I hope we don't flog him, but I guess we will need to start selling players for profits at some point to comply with the ffp horseshit?
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I hope we don't flog him, but I guess we will need to start selling players for profits at some point to comply with the ffp horseshit?
In think the one we did last summer went a long way towards that.
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I hope we don't flog him, but I guess we will need to start selling players for profits at some point to comply with the ffp horseshit?
In think the one we did last summer went a long way towards that.
"At some point"
But yeah, maybe we're not at that point yet. I've got no idea where we currently stand with it tbh.
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Luiz should not be sold. Too risky as even if we do sign Bentancur the PL is hard to get used to with its intensity compared to Serie A. Luiz is still only 23 and will only get better.
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I don't rate Douglas at all. However, this is because I think we are playing his in the wrong position as he is not a DCM. I would prefer to see him playing further forward, then, I think he can reach a potential, which I think we haven't really seen.
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I’d kind of agree with this as in Gerrards early performances where Nakamba was played as the 6 he was played as an 8 and you could immediately see the improvement. His performance against Citeh in particular was excellent.
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
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He needs to be playing further forward. He has a good brain to see a pass and together with Buendia and Courtinho (sp) would slot in nicely to give extra strength to that area of the pitch.
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Don't want to us to sell and can't see us selling either. He's one of our four 8s. He can cover at 6 too.
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
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I think we'd only sell if he told us he wants to go. At which point you squeeze £35-40m out of someone desperate and move on.
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Likely has a £100k a week contract coming, is trusted by Gerrard and has a tall blond, football loving, bi girlfriend. Dougie "Jackpot" Luiz is not going anywhere.
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
I have a bit of ITK on this
I’ve heard that we are ‘bracing’ ourselves apparently
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
Making sure the fax machine has toner in it, and the paper tray is full.
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
Making sure the fax machine has toner in it, and the paper tray is full.
Make sure it's plugged into the phone socket, someone may have taken it out to use their modem to connect to the 'internet'
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If other clubs want our players they can offer proper money for them.
£32m is a derisory offer.
Selling the likes of Luiz, Cash, Watkins etc weakens us and strengthens them. So others must pay a premium.
In that regard Luiz is a £50m+ player
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Does Daniel Levy have a ‘war chest’ of that magnitude though?
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I can't take any of this seriously until Spurs are 'poised' to 'swoop'.
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And apparently we’re still ‘tracking’ Bentancur. Is that a polite way of saying ‘stalking’ and if so is that not illegal?
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And apparently we’re still ‘tracking’ Bentancur. Is that a polite way of saying ‘stalking’ and if so is that not illegal?
We're gaslighting him so that he comes for five quid and a packet of scratchings
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
Making sure the fax machine has toner in it, and the paper tray is full.
Make sure it's plugged into the phone socket, someone may have taken it out to use their modem to connect to the 'internet'
Getting Doreen from accounts in on the weekend as she is the only one who can remember which way up the paper is meant to go - dont want to be sending a blank fax now do they.
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Levy is counting out £32mil in 1p coins.
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Likely has a £100k a week contract coming, is trusted by Gerrard and has a tall blond, football loving, bi girlfriend. Dougie "Jackpot" Luiz is not going anywhere.
Tough gig. I hope he stays. I’d stay if I were him
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Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a £32m bid for Douglas Luiz.
Always one of my favourites "preparing".
Assume it means waiting for telex machine to warm up
Knowing Spurs, that £32m would be made up of £2m cash and Harry Winks who they've chosen to value at £30m.
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The question to ask with Doulas Luiz is, how good is going to be in a few years time? I do kind of get why people
are not convinced but he's only 23. And like someone said, he's not really played in his proper so called position a lot. I say stick with him for now.
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We should keep Luiz. But play him as an 8 not a 6. Think he’d be even more effective there.
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Likely has a £100k a week contract coming, is trusted by Gerrard and has a tall blond, football loving, bi girlfriend. Dougie "Jackpot" Luiz is not going anywhere.
Well, now that you've explained it in Lehmann's terms.
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Would we accept Doug Luiz going out if it meant Bissouma coming in?
I like him as a player, think he can develop even further with us. But would accept it in those circumstances.
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Would we accept Doug Luiz going out if it meant Bissouma coming in?
I like him as a player, think he can develop even further with us. But would accept it in those circumstances.
No if we want to go places, you keep your best players and Dougie is one of those. We shouldn’t get one great player in and get rid of another.
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Luiz and Lehmann could become Mr and Mrs Aston Villa. The King and Queen of all our claret and blue hearts!
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Probably not a common opinion but I think Luiz is a crap and the biggest area needed for an upgrade in the team.
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It’s likely not a common opinion because it’s wrong 🤪
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It's the talent opinion equivalent of flat earthers.
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I get it, I seem to fluctuate between thinking he's beginning to make a breakthrough for a week or two to thinking he's as much protection as a soggy paper towel. He'll never convince me, so we'll have to sell him because I can't continue with this dilemma. Yep, I'm settled, he's crap.
I'd still want £40m for him though....
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It’s likely not a common opinion because it’s wrong 🤪
he is half right
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I get it, I seem to fluctuate between thinking he's beginning to make a breakthrough for a week or two to thinking he's as much protection as a soggy paper towel. He'll never convince me, so we'll have to sell him because I can't continue with this dilemma. Yep, I'm settled, he's crap.
I'd still want £40m for him though....
My feelings here exactly.
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Rumours Spurs are bidding £32m. Really hope he stays.
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I would like to have seen him play more as an 8, but the emergence of Ramsey has made that a lot less likely. I still think he'll develop into an excellent player and if we sell him we'll regret it. But if that's what it takes to pull off the DM move we're after then so be it. It would leave very light for DM cover though, which is something we're pretty used to.
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When he first came he scored some important goals. Then we turned him into a DM.
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When he first came he scored some important goals. Then we turned him into a DM.
He's scored 3 goals ever, and only the one against Watford could be described as important. The first was in the opening home game defeat to Bournemouth, and the second was the fifth in the 5-1 win over Norwich.
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No need to be so snide.
We nearly went down that year but he got us three goals from midfield, one was crucial and the other two were screamers. My point is he hasn't got near to scoring since then because we have put him in a defensive position that doesn't suit him.
Sorry, your tone here has annoyed me.
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See, the confusion he generates is spreading. It's for the best if we just trust my opinion on this and sell him. For £45m.
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No need to be so snide.
We nearly went down that year but he got us three goals from midfield, one was crucial and the other two were screamers. My point is he hasn't got near to scoring since then because we have put him in a defensive position that doesn't suit him.
Sorry, your tone here has annoyed me.
Ah diddums, what a fucking shame.
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No need to be so snide.
We nearly went down that year but he got us three goals from midfield, one was crucial and the other two were screamers. My point is he hasn't got near to scoring since then because we have put him in a defensive position that doesn't suit him.
Sorry, your tone here has annoyed me.
Ah diddums, what a fucking shame.
havent heard a good diddums in ages
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No need to be so snide.
We nearly went down that year but he got us three goals from midfield, one was crucial and the other two were screamers. My point is he hasn't got near to scoring since then because we have put him in a defensive position that doesn't suit him.
Sorry, your tone here has annoyed me.
Ah diddums, what a fucking shame.
*inhales helium*
Your tone is antagonistic and you're making me very angry!
(http://cf.broadsheet.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/sf.jpg)
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Appears Dougie still remains part of Gerrard's plans. https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1488277271190196226
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Let's not forget who Dougie's agent is. Not much brass to be made with a happy player signing a contract extension.
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Allegedly turned down three bids today. He’ll be signing a new deal in the near future is my guess.
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First time that I've ever seen mention of a sell on clause in his contract!
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Hopefully Luiz gets played in a more advanced position. That will suit him and the team more. He’s not disciplined enough to have a defensive role at all.
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Didn’t think the original comment was snide, not so sure about the follow up :-)
I do agree with the comment that he’s not a DM and should play further forward though and have been saying it since his first couple of games for us. You don’t have to score loads from an advanced position if you’re providing plenty of assists and getting yourself forward in attacks. It does of course help though and it would be interesting to see how many he’d score and assist if given a run in the team further forward.
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Well I'm glad he's still here. I guess that with the fact that we've not brought a DM in, that's going to continue to be his role for the time being, even though it's not really what he does best.
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Let's not forget who Dougie's agent is. Not much brass to be made with a happy player signing a contract extension.
Yeah but Coutinho is the same. I'm sure there will be some payback somewhere, can't have Kia going hungry.
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As long as he and Ms Lehmann are in love, he'll be happy to stay in Brum.
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As long as he and Ms Lehmann are in love, he'll be happy to stay in Brum.
You really think that?
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Well I'm glad he's still here. I guess that with the fact that we've not brought a DM in, that's going to continue to be his role for the time being, even though it's not really what he does best.
I agree. Without a more defensive CM, we are not seeing the best of Luiz.
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As long as he and Ms Lehmann are in love, he'll be happy to stay in Brum.
You really think that?
I'm a romantic who has recently found love again. Please, just let me clutch to this in a world gone wrong.
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As long as he and Ms Lehmann are in love, he'll be happy to stay in Brum.
You really think that?
I'm a romantic who has recently found love again. Please, just let me clutch to this in a world gone wrong.
And they will live happily ever after and so will you and your new Beau eamon.
(http://)
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Thanks mate :)
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Allegedly turned down three bids today. He’ll be signing a new deal in the near future is my guess.
The fact we were all pretty sanguine about this just tells you how the club has changed. Any team offering the kind of money being bandied about for a player who is probably not our best midfielder we would have snapped their hands off 2 years ago - not anymore
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As long as he and Ms Lehmann are in love, he'll be happy to stay in Brum.
She might need to work on her Portuguese. https://twitter.com/AstonVillabrfc/status/1488539968318365696
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Well I'm glad he's still here. I guess that with the fact that we've not brought a DM in, that's going to continue to be his role for the time being, even though it's not really what he does best.
On this subject Aston Villa have opened a careers website. I had a search for 'Defensive Midfielder' but 0 jobs were shown. https://careers.avfc.co.uk/
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Brilliant!
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Doesn’t get any better .
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Another anonymous performance tonight but he was not alone in that!
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He was utterly anonymous tonight. He’s the key player when we’re trying to play out from the back against a high press and he just wasn’t at the races. Kept losing his runners in behind him as well which caused all sorts of problems for Konsa/Mings.
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Anonymous apart from stealing the ball off a Leeds attack to set Coutinho off for Ramsey's second.
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I'm a big fan but as I said at the game, this was one he really should have shone in, taking the pace and hustle out of the game but he was just as hurried as everyone else.
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If we could get Bissouma and Ward-Prowse in, I think we could sell Luiz and McGinn on for a tidy some.
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You have to wonder whether the reported 3 bids we rejected last month has unsettled him a bit. I wouldn't blame him if that meant he played in his preferred position.
Really struggling and he's not alone. He'll be gone in the Summer.
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Useless today crap against Leeds and having a pretty poor season.
Played like he did not care.
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You have to wonder whether the reported 3 bids we rejected last month has unsettled him a bit. I wouldn't blame him if that meant he played in his preferred position.
Really struggling and he's not alone. He'll be gone in the Summer.
Think we might have been happy to offload if the Bissouma bid had been accepted, might even have been hawking him around. I'd have flogged him anyway as is about as much use as a chocolate teapot as a DM, and we have better in his more natural position. Does nothing well, like a Brazilian Westwood.
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Hasn't played well for ages imo, think he's mentally checked out of here.
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Hasn't played well for ages imo, think he's mentally checked out of here.
listening to other players when on international duty?
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His yellow card today was a disgrace. Lazy, half hearted and taking the easy way out. Seems to be avoiding physical contact like he might contract Covid. Really poor last two games.
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I told you he was shite.
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I told you he was shite.
I remember nodding my head in agreement, though I'm almost impossible to please when it comes to watching Villa.
There are loads of people on here with far more intelligence than I, who understand the game better and watch more of the Villa, also. Many seem to rate him, and obviously Man City/Pep did/do, too. I'm happy to trust the judgement of those posters.
I just don't know where his best position is. The home game against Pep's robots, he looked very good driving forward second half, and I was fully prepared to smear humble pie all over my body.
Maybe we just need to play him in his best position because what I saw in the Newcastle game was a nothing player.
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What is his best position though? If it's attacking midfielder, well tough shit, that's Ramsey's spot now.
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Very poor game overall. Slows play down too much for my liking. He did make one telling block first half which would have let their forward with a clear run on goal had he not. Even so, I'd leave him out next game.
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What is his best position though? If it's attacking midfielder, well tough shit, that's Ramsey's spot now.
It's as an "8", not a 6, which I think means box to box.
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He’s behind both Ramsey and Sanson as an 8 in my view. He does ok as a holding defensive midfielder but he’s just not suited to it if we’re being pressed high and he seems to have gone backwards markedly since Dean left. He just seems to have no intensity about him currently. He’s obviously a talented player but it’s just not working currently. I think he’s only in the team as Marvellous is injured and they don’t quite yet trust Ireogbunam.
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I am starting to resent the fact he never looks really arsed about anything.
He's now also the anointed waster of every free kick.
Not sure how Rick Wakeman thought that'd be a good idea, but anyone watching that Newcastle game would have shuddered to think it may be repeated in future fixtures.
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He’s behind both Ramsey and Sanson as an 8 in my view. He does ok as a holding defensive midfielder but he’s just not suited to it if we’re being pressed high and he seems to have gone backwards markedly since Dean left. He just seems to have no intensity about him currently. He’s obviously a talented player but it’s just not working currently. I think he’s only in the team as Marvellous is injured and they don’t quite yet trust Ireogbunam.
Between 18 months of non-stop football and his new romantic interest he's probably just knackered.
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He’s behind both Ramsey and Sanson as an 8 in my view. He does ok as a holding defensive midfielder but he’s just not suited to it if we’re being pressed high and he seems to have gone backwards markedly since Dean left. He just seems to have no intensity about him currently. He’s obviously a talented player but it’s just not working currently. I think he’s only in the team as Marvellous is injured and they don’t quite yet trust Ireogbunam.
Between 18 months of non-stop football and his new romantic interest he's probably just knackered.
If he is tired as you suggest then perhaps it might be an idea not to pick him?
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What is his best position though? If it's attacking midfielder, well tough shit, that's Ramsey's spot now.
It's as an "8", not a 6, which I think means box to box.
He’s behind both Ramsey and Sanson as an 8 in my view. He does ok as a holding defensive midfielder but he’s just not suited to it if we’re being pressed high and he seems to have gone backwards markedly since Dean left. He just seems to have no intensity about him currently. He’s obviously a talented player but it’s just not working currently. I think he’s only in the team as Marvellous is injured and they don’t quite yet trust Ireogbunam.
Between 18 months of non-stop football and his new romantic interest he's probably just knackered.
If he is tired as you suggest then perhaps it might be an idea not to pick him?
He is a not interested in signing a new contract by all reports.
Dean Smith said on a few occasions he wanted him to sign a new contract. To me he's always evaded committing after we stayed up in the 1st season in the hope citeh would trigger the buy back clause post season 2 in prem.
Once citeh walked off he seams to favour of sunny climes in Italy/Spain as he does not like the deep holding role.
Bentacor signed by spurs in Jan was quoted by Tim Vickery & a top Spanish commentator as a replacement for Luiz when we bid for the JUVE player.
Tim also repeated that Luiz wants to move on and will not sign a new deal while he eyes other options in Europe.
Also its leaked that Citeh have a sell on clause on him that's been kept quiet, hence with 12 months left we will sell in summer unless his playing attitude & commitment changes stance.
As a 19 year old he signed for one of the biggest clubs in Europe but due to work permit fail he was hived to Girona 2 years in Spain.
Then 2 years with us failing to get enough games with full brazil squad to get work permit so Citeh cut him loose.
Never convinced me than he saw villa as little more than a holding situation to walk back to Citeh and that ship has sailed.
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Never convinced me than he saw villa as little more than a holding situation to walk back to Citeh and that ship has sailed.
It's the same with many of our players. Coutinho is here because he wants regular game time in a top league so that he can cement his place in the Brazilian WC squad. 2022 is probably his last chance. Buendia sees us as next step on his way to a major CL club. Martinez will go as soon as the big 3/4 in this country or the European big boys come calling for him. We really need to progress to european football by end of next season otherwise we will be back to square 1.
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To me, he's just not a holding/defensive midfielder. It seems to be it's all he's ever played since he's been here. There's more to him I reckon.
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It's been the problem all along, Marvelous proved the point, get a genuine defensive midfielder playing well and we improve across the park, yet we continue to put square pegs in to round holes, Luiz or McGinn neither are a solution they become the problem.
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Well he appears to be a quality player but what’s his strongest position?
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Overrated just like Mcginn
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I for one think he is a very good player. . Think he is very good defensively when he track oppositional players that have the ball, very good (world class) in holding the ball in mdifield and easily can pick an accurate pass and also have the awaerness about the play and players posisions to make him a an stand out player more often then not (yes, seems to disappear a bit sometimes but that can be about how we as a are playing also). I would put him as a number 7. We have Mc ginn there and we dont have a number 6 so he play as nr 6. He might not be physical strong enough to play as a 6 in the english game.
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Overrated just like Mcginn
Yep, agreed. Need a big performance from those pair today, if starting. They've both been dreadful for a while now.
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McGinn was superb in the FA Cup game at old trafford. Douglas Luiz has played out of position in the three years he has been here. Push him into a role where he gets forward and he would be more effective.
The missing piece is a defensive midfielder behind them. They would both improve drastically if we had that player.
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I've always seen Luiz as a foot on the ball, driving forward type of player. Not a great passer or tackler but a calming influence.
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Well he appears to be a quality player but what’s his strongest position?
Transfer list
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Well he appears to be a quality player but what’s his strongest position?
You need to ask Alisha Lehmann.
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I've always seen Luiz as a foot on the ball, driving forward type of player. Not a great passer or tackler but a calming influence.
A good summary I’d say. On his day he’s superb at this, he’s not bad at winning it back either, but he’s just not the enforcer we need in front of the back four.
I still like him, but he’s really not the player to play in front of the defence when our full backs are so far forward. Him and McGinn seem to be really struggling with this role.
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Dougie has quality in possession but plays his own game. If he's being imposed upon some if that flair is lost .
Has a good passing range and has ability on the ball in being able to flip it and back heel with footy skillz not always seen by your regular player certainly at dm
His tempo is one thing that needs a little push but we don't really play high tempo these days or press on to the opposition back line as a unit. The deeper sitting I think frustrates him.
I agree with others who like to see him up the pitch higher.
I think a different system or one certainly with more flexibility to rotate in midfield is more suited but we unlikely to get that within Gerrard system of inverted full backs. These days Dougie has to go round covering the full backs and pivot the midfield.
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I've always seen Luiz as a foot on the ball, driving forward type of player. Not a great passer or tackler but a calming influence.
Yeah when he was starting for Brazil a year ago they were playing him as an 8.
DM and then 2 out of 3 of Doug, McGinn and Ramsey is most logical way to do it but seems Nakamba injury has messed everything up and since then Gerrard just reverted to what DS did for central midfield with the same inconsistant results.
I think his mind is elsewhere now and he won't sign a new deal, ironic considering recent off the pitch developments as you'd think that would settle him down more unless Lehmann will move on from our ladies team aswell.
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We've surely got to sign a DM in the summer. Luiz is better as an 8.
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We've surely got to sign a DM in the summer. Luiz is better as an 8.
He can be what he likes, just at another club please.
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A spell on the bench required now. Shouldn't have started today. A few cute diagonal balls aside, he was largely anonymous.
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How much of a surprise would it be if he starts next weekend?
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How much of a surprise would it be if he starts next weekend?
None whatsoever. Totally ineffective today and has been for months. Seems more interested in womanising on Instagram.
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How much of a surprise would it be if he starts next weekend?
None whatsoever. Totally ineffective today and has been for months. Seems more interested in womanising on Instagram.
I also think it’s not his fault that he’s not playing in a position that will get the most from him.
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He looked much better when Nakamba was in the team and his shackles were off a bit.
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He looked much better when Nakamba was in the team and his shackles were off a bit.
So true, looked to have real quality when he was in that 8 position.
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How much of a surprise would it be if he starts next weekend?
None whatsoever. Totally ineffective today and has been for months. Seems more interested in womanising on Instagram.
I also think it’s not his fault that he’s not playing in a position that will get the most from him.
Yeah, if he was playing in his position and playing this shite then I would be hammering him but everyone and their dogs know he's not a DM.
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It shouldn't stop him from putting in a shift though Edgy. Get hold of the ball and pass to another Villa player. Break up play and be solid and dependable. Instead, he a shrinking violet. I really do not rate him at all.
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If you compared him to their No 6 who buzzed about all game it was like chalk and cheese.
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I appreciate the struggles of not being in his natural position but he could at least put a shift in.
I dislike him more every game.
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He's crap.
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He's not crap, he's not a defensive midfielder full stop. He's to light, to slow and doesn't get the hard ball, watch how Marvelous tackles he leaves nothing behind, before his injury he was the steel in the defence and gave Luiz more freedom. At this time we need a hard man to play the position, doesn't have to be stylish just someone that likes stopping the opposition.
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When Konsa returns, I reckon SG will play Chambers in the DCM position. It's not Doug's bag.
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Really hasn’t kicked on from the excellent form he showed in the final dozen or so games of the truncated 2019/20 season Whilst mitigating circumstances are well documented ie having to play too deep etc , I am surprised that he hasn’t made a better contribution albeit not from his preferred position. Doesn’t appear to have the skill set needed to adapt.
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I truly believe that the best role for Luiz is as a more defensive 8 to used against the better sides or those who are stronger in midfield. His performance in the home game against Man City springs to mind. Unfortunately, because we didn’t address the DM issue again in January, we’re forced to play him there whilst Nakamba is injured. I’d like to see him as an 8 for a season and then make a call on him.
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He's not crap, he's not a defensive midfielder full stop. He's to light, to slow and doesn't get the hard ball, watch how Marvelous tackles he leaves nothing behind, before his injury he was the steel in the defence and gave Luiz more freedom. At this time we need a hard man to play the position, doesn't have to be stylish just someone that likes stopping the opposition.
He's crap. Good at nothing, ok at lots of things. Never a top half midfielder.
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... Never a top half midfielder.
Well, he's at the right club then!
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This thread includes a couple of examples of Luiz's play from Saturday that show his biggest limitations for me.
https://twitter.com/TalkinTactics/status/1495506296048599040?s=20&t=qrozKbeFmBjCMixJhZOPYQ (https://twitter.com/TalkinTactics/status/1495506296048599040?s=20&t=qrozKbeFmBjCMixJhZOPYQ)
Firstly the time he let Sarr go past him as if he wasn't there which allowed that crucial first counter attack where Watford should have scored. It gave them a lift, made us doubt ourselves and put the crowd on edge. Secondly the time in the second half where he came forward and woefully gave the ball away, leading to another counter that should have been a goal. He isn't strong enough to be a consistent ball winner or disciplined enough to play such a crucial defensive role.
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I truly believe that the best role for Luiz is as a more defensive 8 to used against the better sides or those who are stronger in midfield. His performance in the home game against Man City springs to mind. Unfortunately, because we didn’t address the DM issue again in January, we’re forced to play him there whilst Nakamba is injured. I’d like to see him as an 8 for a season and then make a call on him.
But Ramsey, Sanson and McGinn (even on recent form) are all better than him in that position, and we also have Iroegbunan coming through. What is the point of a 5th choice 'number 8' being kept on the books, especially when you can sell for a profit and his contract is running down.
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I truly believe that the best role for Luiz is as a more defensive 8 to used against the better sides or those who are stronger in midfield. His performance in the home game against Man City springs to mind. Unfortunately, because we didn’t address the DM issue again in January, we’re forced to play him there whilst Nakamba is injured. I’d like to see him as an 8 for a season and then make a call on him.
But Ramsey, Sanson and McGinn (even on recent form) are all better than him in that position, and we also have Iroegbunan coming through. What is the point of a 5th choice 'number 8' being kept on the books, especially when you can sell for a profit and his contract is running down.
Hard to disagree.
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I truly believe that the best role for Luiz is as a more defensive 8 to used against the better sides or those who are stronger in midfield. His performance in the home game against Man City springs to mind. Unfortunately, because we didn’t address the DM issue again in January, we’re forced to play him there whilst Nakamba is injured. I’d like to see him as an 8 for a season and then make a call on him.
But Ramsey, Sanson and McGinn (even on recent form) are all better than him in that position, and we also have Iroegbunan coming through. What is the point of a 5th choice 'number 8' being kept on the books, especially when you can sell for a profit and his contract is running down.
I can see us offloading both Luiz and McGinn in the summer if the price is right.
Dougie will end up in Italy, McGinn, more than likely, ManU. Combined fee of £80m+
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McGinn to Yanited...I think it's fanciful.
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McGinn to Yanited...I think it's fanciful.
To be fair you’re probably right, but he’s been linked more than once. I suppose it depends on who their new manager is
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When he came off at Brighton Gerrard gave him a quick arm around the shoulder and said a word or two; Luiz didn't look or seem to react but ploughed on to the bench like a kid in a strop. Maybe it was just disappointment, maybe it was nothing. But in case it wasn't: diddums mate!
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Came as a great prospect, I have been disappointed as I thought he had more potential.
Loses the ball in possession or through poor passing
Not sure if he is a creative goal scoring M/Fielder , how many goals has he scored ?
Does get petulant and liable to get booked
If some one wants him for 50 million I will chip in for the taxi and wish him well
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Thought he was very poor again yesterday. When he feigned injury losing the ball in the middle of the park very embarrassing. He looks a better prospect further up the field but totally unreliable. I'm not a fan
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He might very well be suffering fatigue, I don’t think he’s actually had a proper break from football since last season?
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He might very well be suffering fatigue, I don’t think he’s actually had a proper break from football since last season?
and the excuse for the first season he was at the Villa? He's not going to turn us into a top 10 team. Sorry about telling a home truth.
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He’s a good player when he’s on it. He’s just too inconsistent. It might be because of fatigue but in truth his passing has always been suspect. I was glad that SG hooked him for that awful attempt at an easy pass as he needs to be aware it isn’t acceptable.
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I'm at that point where I see absolutely no redeeming features with Douglas. I hope for a massive upgrade in the summer.
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For those that were lucky enough to be there - or watch on a stream - what was Bissouma like yesterday ? Worth the money or not ?
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For those that were lucky enough to be there - or watch on a stream - what was Bissouma like yesterday ? Worth the money or not ?
He was ok. But you wouldn’t make a decision based on one game but instead an entire body of work. And in that position he would be head and shoulders better than anything we have today.
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For those that were lucky enough to be there - or watch on a stream - what was Bissouma like yesterday ? Worth the money or not ?
I think he's overrated and there's better in europe. This is type of signing we were making under O'Neill.
He does have presence which we need infront of defence but he isn't that good a footballer imo in terms of passing and decision making. Also gifted goals to Man. United and Burnley in recent weeks.
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I think he’s a great player who needs a break from the team. That will make or break him
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I think he is the logical player to sell when we sign a proper DM (with Nakamba as his understudy).
I’d accept anything above £25m but would not be surprised if he was later sold for £50m. I think he had more gears than say SJM but is being shackled by the system and the position he is being asked to play. I know it is illogical but SJM feels closer to the soul of our team than Luiz despite me thinking Luiz has a higher ceiling.
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I think he is the logical player to sell when we sign a proper DM (with Nakamba as his understudy).
I’d accept anything above £25m but would not be surprised if he was later sold for £50m. I think he had more gears than say SJM but is being shackled by the system and the position he is being asked to play. I know it is illogical but SJM feels closer to the soul of our team than Luiz despite me thinking Luiz has a higher ceiling.
Yeah, he has looked very good at times, but overall he has not impressed. The lack of a proper DCM has hindered his progress, but SG needs to get a tune out him soon, or he is off.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
I think he will come good as a defensive-ish midfielder, just not the only one in the team. He’d be ideal in a double pivot or in a three where one goes and two stay. At the moment he is too isolated and I think his confidence is shot. A change of clubs might get him out of his funk. We should turn a nice profit, even with one years left, so everyone should be pretty happy.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
I take your point, and there is no evidence.
But off the top my head we have had Mark Draper, Ashley Westwood, Jordan Veretout, Idrissa Gueye and on and on as derided defensive midfielders. In fact Stiliyan Petrov came under a lot of stick until he was sainted.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
We quite often suggest moving a non-performer further forward. It's being suggested with Chambers. No idea why. If anything, we've had more success historically with doing the opposite. Evans, McGrath, Southgate, a plethora of ex-wingers at fullback, all moved backwards. Perhaps Luiz should have a go at centre half?
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
We're not Brazil but they play him as advanced in a double pivot given Casemiro of Real Madrid always starts as their DM and they also have Fabinho.
If they were all fit then Nakamba-Luiz-McGinn is likely what Gerrard would put out but ultimately Ramsey having a very good run of form makes it very difficult to leave him out unless you play him as one of the two off the striker.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
We're not Brazil but they play him as advanced in a double pivot given Casemiro of Real Madrid always starts as their DM and they also have Fabinho.
If they were all fit then Nakamba-Luiz-McGinn is likely what Gerrard would put out but ultimately Ramsey having a very good run of form makes it very difficult to leave him out unless you play him as one of the two off the striker.
You can't blame the geezer if he doesn't fancy being played advanced in a double pivot, tbf.
These guys earn shedloads, but this is a bridge too far. Also, it could hurt him in the end.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
Was he though? I'm not the best on here at understanding tactics the way paul_e does for example, but defensive midfielder as a term is often a bit reductive in context of the modern game when they're all expected to be able to play
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It’s interesting isn’t it that when bought Doug he was only 20/21, just a year older than Jacob and 2 years older than a Chuck and Tim and get we worry about their ages
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
Was he though? I'm not the best on here at understanding tactics the way paul_e does for example, but defensive midfielder as a term is often a bit reductive in context of the modern game when they're all expected to be able to play
It's what he was was described as when we bought him. Whatever he is/is supposed to be, he's been average at best for most of the time he's been here. If he is better when played further forward, well that's a bit of hard luck because Ramsey and McGinn are much better there than him. I'm fairly certain he'll be sold in the summer.
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He was bought as a defensive midfilder though. The fact that he isn't very good at it has now got people saying that he's more effective further forward. Where's the evidence for that?
When Nakamba plays Luiz has looked more effective, Man City earlier in the season was an example.
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I think we signed him more as a Pirlo than a Makelele but have since tried to make him play more like the latter. The current problem is that his lack of confidence in his tracking and battling ability has knocked him back generally and now things that came naturally when he joined just aren't there.
At his best he's great at taking 1-2 touches, getting his head up and spotting space to play someone into but for the last month or 2 (in particular) his touch has completely abandoned him. Right now I reckon most of us could trap a ball as well as he does and as a result he's changed how he's playing because he doesn't trust his basic skill. So now he plays a lot more blind passes (and gives away cheap possession as a result) or he's finding himself with no space because if a heavy touch and forces himself into the physical battle against players much more suited to it than he is.
He desperately needs a rest but also he needs someone on the training ground with him firing passes (and I mean firing them, force him to work hard on the control) for him to take 1 touch and spread it, get him doing it for 30-40minutes at a time just to get that muscle memory back.
I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
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I think we signed him more as a Pirlo than a Makelele but have since tried to make him play more like the latter. The current problem is that his lack of confidence in his tracking and battling ability has knocked him back generally and now things that came naturally when he joined just aren't there.
At his best he's great at taking 1-2 touches, getting his head up and spotting space to play someone into but for the last month or 2 (in particular) his touch has completely abandoned him. Right now I reckon most of us could trap a ball as well as he does and as a result he's changed how he's playing because he doesn't trust his basic skill. So now he plays a lot more blind passes (and gives away cheap possession as a result) or he's finding himself with no space because if a heavy touch and forces himself into the physical battle against players much more suited to it than he is.
He desperately needs a rest but also he needs someone on the training ground with him firing passes (and I mean firing them, force him to work hard on the control) for him to take 1 touch and spread it, get him doing it for 30-40minutes at a time just to get that muscle memory back.
I'm not going to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
All well and good. At the moment - and for most of his time here, actually - he has lacked dynamism: he looks slow and lacking energy; and positionally he's suspect.
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I think we signed him more as a Pirlo than a Makelele but have since tried to make him play more like the latter. The current problem is that his lack of confidence in his tracking and battling ability has knocked him back generally and now things that came naturally when he joined just aren't there.
At his best he's great at taking 1-2 touches, getting his head up and spotting space to play someone into but for the last month or 2 (in particular) his touch has completely abandoned him. Right now I reckon most of us could trap a ball as well as he does and as a result he's changed how he's playing because he doesn't trust his basic skill. So now he plays a lot more blind passes (and gives away cheap possession as a result) or he's finding himself with no space because if a heavy touch and forces himself into the physical battle against players much more suited to it than he is.
He desperately needs a rest but also he needs someone on the training ground with him firing passes (and I mean firing them, force him to work hard on the control) for him to take 1 touch and spread it, get him doing it for 30-40minutes at a time just to get that muscle memory back.
I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
I agree with that Paul - I am a Luiz fan - but with twelve months left on his contract there is limited time to re-build him and get the benefit.
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I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
Not sure which goal you're thinking about to be honest. The Watford one was from about 6 yards, and the Norwich and Bounemouth goals he put his laces through both of them.
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I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
Not sure which goal you're thinking about to be honest. The Watford one was from about 6 yards, and the Norwich and Bounemouth goals he put his laces through both of them.
Bournemouth I went back and checked, I wouldn't say it was laces through, it was much more controlled.
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I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
Not sure which goal you're thinking about to be honest. The Watford one was from about 6 yards, and the Norwich and Bounemouth goals he put his laces through both of them.
Bournemouth I went back and checked, I wouldn't say it was laces through, it was much more controlled.
Two and a half years ago now though. He's starting to move into John Jensen territory!
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I think that the point about him needing a rest is an important one. He didn't really get a break at all in the summer - he went with the Brazil national team to the Copa America and then to the Olympics. He basically hasn't has a decent break since the summer of 2020, and that was a shortened one because of Covid.
I have been a huge fan of his, but I can't argue with any sincerity that he deserves to be starting on current form. Nor that we should hold on to him at all costs, should a few clubs be interested in him. The stage that our club is at is that we buy promising players, turn them into better ones and the few that we can live without can be sold for a profit. Doug, and maybe Matty Cash if the Madrid interest is real, could be prime examples of how we can fund the next wave of promising players that will make us a better team.
I am sure Doug will be a top-level player for most of his career, as when he is on form he's a wonderful footballer. It's just he hasn't found the consistancy yet. I think in the right system he could look brilliant, but I don't think we play that way at the moment.
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I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
Not sure which goal you're thinking about to be honest. The Watford one was from about 6 yards, and the Norwich and Bounemouth goals he put his laces through both of them.
Bournemouth I went back and checked, I wouldn't say it was laces through, it was much more controlled.
Two and a half years ago now though. He's starting to move into John Jensen territory!
I know, but my point is that we saw through that season, particularly after the restart, and for first months of last year that there's a very good player with all the ingredients to be world class in there but the wheels have come off for now and he just needs someone to get him back to basics and playing his natural game.
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I'm not gonig to write him off though, anyone that can sidefoot pass into the top corner from 20-25yards (Watford was it?) has the ability to be much better than we've seen for the last few months and it's up to the club to work out how they get him back to that.
Not sure which goal you're thinking about to be honest. The Watford one was from about 6 yards, and the Norwich and Bounemouth goals he put his laces through both of them.
Bournemouth I went back and checked, I wouldn't say it was laces through, it was much more controlled.
Two and a half years ago now though. He's starting to move into John Jensen territory!
I know, but my point is that we saw through that season, particularly after the restart, and for first months of last year that there's a very good player with all the ingredients to be world class in there but the wheels have come off for now and he just needs someone to get him back to basics and playing his natural game.
I also think there may be an element of him thinking it's time to move on. I'm not saying I don't think he's putting effort in, just that when you're not fully commited mentally is starts to show.
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He's just stale and out of form.
He needs resting for a couple of weeks for his own benefit.
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He's just stale and out of form.
I thought you was about to say, stale and out of date.
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Loved up and out of form.
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He's just stale and out of form.
I thought you was about to say, stale and out of date.
No, that's the Elvis impersonator on Blackpool pier.
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He's just stale and out of form.
I thought you was about to say, stale and out of date.
No, that's the Elvis impersonator on Blackpool pier.
Quoting Manics lyrics, I used to like you. *sad face*
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I'm sure I saw "4REAL" on his arm the other week, but in biro.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I'm sure I saw "4REAL" on his arm the other week, but in biro.
Probably a small shopping reminder, that's about 58p in UK money.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I got sent the album from that Britannia Music Club thing, when you signed up to get three free CDs of your choice then got sent absolute shite once a month for the next two years.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I got sent the album from that Britannia Music Club thing, when you signed up to get three free CDs of your choice then got sent absolute shite once a month for the next two years.
My brother was in that, ended up with shite like Rainbow, Bread and Foreigner
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Britannia Music, blimey, that’s a blast from the past. I used to get nearly all my music from them before I had a 50cc scooter to get me out of sleepy Dawlish.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I got sent the album from that Britannia Music Club thing, when you signed up to get three free CDs of your choice then got sent absolute shite once a month for the next two years.
I'll never forgive them, or myself, for not sending back 'Blast' by Holly Johnson. Americanos indeed. Wanker. Now that's stuck in my head again.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I got sent the album from that Britannia Music Club thing, when you signed up to get three free CDs of your choice then got sent absolute shite once a month for the next two years.
I'll never forgive them, or myself, for not sending back 'Blast' by Holly Johnson. Americanos indeed. Wanker. Now that's stuck in my head again.
"Blue Jeans and chino's, Pepsi and Oreo's"
The fucking shit you remember.
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That was their MO. You'd sign up and order CDs you liked, say in my case New Order, Happy Mondays or whatever, and then get sent rubbish like Beverley Craven or Tamsin Archer for the next two years. Or even worse, the Manic Street Preachers.
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Bit of an obscure reference for a non-fan? ;)
I got sent the album from that Britannia Music Club thing, when you signed up to get three free CDs of your choice then got sent absolute shite once a month for the next two years.
I'll never forgive them, or myself, for not sending back 'Blast' by Holly Johnson. Americanos indeed. Wanker. Now that's stuck in my head again.
"Blue Jeans and chino's, Pepsi and Oreo's"
The fucking shit you remember.
You're doing Johnson wrong. It was 'Coke, Pepsi and Oreos."
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They always sent me Cheryl Crow for some reason. Not her though sadly.
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They always sent me Cheryl Crow for some reason. Not her though sadly.
Was that the album where she covered 'I Got You Babe" and 'Believe'?
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That was their MO. You'd sign up and order CDs you liked, say in my case New Order, Happy Mondays or whatever, and then get sent rubbish like Beverley Craven or Tamsin Archer for the next two years. Or even worse, the Manic Street Preachers.
F'kin hell. Online Music club? What were you thinking Martin? They will only lure you in then send you the shit they cannot sell through the stores.
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They always sent me Cheryl Crow for some reason. Not her though sadly.
Sheryl. We saw her being interviewed on TV the other day and thought she looked really good. She must be pushing sixty, surely.
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This reminds me of the time I joined World Books on a trial basis and got sent the equivalent of the Brazilian rain forests every month containing utter dross like Delia Smith recipes on a never ending loop and seemingly costing more to return than the books themselves.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
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That was their MO. You'd sign up and order CDs you liked, say in my case New Order, Happy Mondays or whatever, and then get sent rubbish like Beverley Craven or Tamsin Archer for the next two years. Or even worse, the Manic Street Preachers.
F'kin hell. Online Music club? What were you thinking Martin? They will only lure you in then send you the shit they cannot sell through the stores.
This was pre-online days. They tempted you in with free cd's, then sent you one every month, which you were able to return if you didn't want it. Obviously as with gym memberships, their business model depended on most people not bothering.
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They always sent me Cheryl Crow for some reason. Not her though sadly.
Sheryl. We saw her being interviewed on TV the other day and thought she looked really good. She must be pushing sixty, surely.
Sixty is the new seventy, she'll do me.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Who?! How many albums did he release?
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
If It makes him happy, it can't be that bad.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
He couldn't even make a successful pass at her.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
If It makes him happy, it can't be that bad.
If we sell him and he becomes that world-class player he showed fleeting signs of being, it will be our favourite mistake.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
He couldn't even make a successful pass at her.
Very good, I like that one.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Is he now sleeping with Sheryl Crowe?
All he wants to do, is have some fun.
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He's not the only one.
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Excuse me. Can I post something about Douglas Luiz?
Only if you think he is shite :)
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I wonder if he watches the sun coming up over Alishas boulevard every morning?
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Well, if he turns out to be a world-beater I'd be happy to eat crow.
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He played well. Goal aside, did he sit a bit deeper today?
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Thought it was his best game for a while.
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Thought it was his best game for a while.
Yep. No sloppy mistakes and a solid game for the lad.
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He played well. Goal aside, did he sit a bit deeper today?
Very close to the centre back pair I thought. Did well.
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Great to see Dougie score after such a long drought.
Hopefully this will give him the confidence to push on with the Villa, as he's a very good footballer especially when asked to play to his strengths.
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Yep good to see him get one but, there were at least three times in the game when under no he pressure passed straight to the opposition. One good game in how many? still not sure he will be with us after the summer.
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I still like Doug. I think it's highly likely he'll leave in the summer, but will we be losing a gem?
He's only 24. I feel he's a victim of his own versatility having played DM for 3 seasons when it's clearly not his best role. He's got a bit of quality, an excellent pass and bags of energy. Will we be letting a potentially outstanding No 8 leave or is he not quite at the level we need?
Obviously Ramsey is nailed on. I think McGinn is playing well and will shine more if we can get a dominant DM behind him. Personally I'd be pretty happy with Luiz as our third option and emergency cover for DM if needed, with Carney also an option
What do you think?
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Absolutely. He's a quality player and still not at his peak, and rarely played in his best position for us. If we sell him someone will be getting a bargain.
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Keep him for sure but I suspect his head has been turned and will leave in the summer. Luiz, McGinn and Ramsey competing for two spots next season is a strong group. Played very well last night but not as effective/bothered at 6 unfortunately.
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His best perfs. as an 8 this season have been against the best two teams in the world. A pity our central midfielders never play in a position that suits them. Smith/Gerrard Out !
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Assuming we are in the market for a DM and Nkamba will be the backup, then out of the players left, I would have Luis and Ramsay. McGinn hasn't done enough for me this season.
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Assuming we are in the market for a DM and Nkamba will be the backup, then out of the players left, I would have Luis and Ramsay. McGinn hasn't done enough for me this season.
this
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Luis was playing very well while Nakamba was on the pitch (basically not playing the DM role) but as soon as Chuck came on (bizarre substitution) he reverted back to the DM role which doesn't suit him! There is a decent player in him but DM is definitely not a role for him so I assume he will move on and fulfill his potential elsewhere.
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All the talk is that Luiz is moving on due to not signing a new contract
This window would be the one to be selling him and we can expect to see him leaving.
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Does he want to/intend to sign a new contract?
If not, then it's time to ship him out. And before we start asking for a King's Ransom, we need to realise that sales to European clubs are bound to bring in less than a domestic sale - the money (outside of PSG, Real and Barca) isn't there.
Take what we can get (hopefully £20m+), wish him well and move on.
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I’d rather lose him than Chuck to be honest
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I’d rather lose him than Chuck to be honest
Agreed
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has more average and meh games than good ones.
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I imagine he may want to hold on until next year, when he can command greater earnings on a Bosman. Although it’s a risky decision for him.
I think he’ll be off for circa 20 mil
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I’d rather lose him than Chuck to be honest
Based on?
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I’d rather lose him than Chuck to be honest
Based on?
Intuition
You must be a fool not to realise Chuck is a special talent (and unfortunately he knows it) whereas Doug is just a good player
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I really like Doug, and think he'll go on to have a very good career, but I think it makes sense all round for him to go this summer. It's our last chance to cash in on him, and we should make a profit, and he'll get the chance to move to a league that maybe suits his game a bit more ahead of the World Cup.
He is talented, that I am sure of, but he isn't s DM in the Premier League. And I think we are desperate for a bit more physicality all over the pitch, which is what he lacks. Even if we were to play him further forward, he isn't quick, energetic or strong enough for what we need. In Italy or Spain, I think he will look fantastic.
This could be a rare case of us buying a player, getting decent use out of him and selling him on for a profit with no animosity whatsoever.
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I really like Doug, and think he'll go on to have a very good career, but I think it makes sense all round for him to go this summer. It's our last chance to cash in on him, and we should make a profit, and he'll get the chance to move to a league that maybe suits his game a bit more ahead of the World Cup.
He is talented, that I am sure of, but he isn't s DM in the Premier League. And I think we are desperate for a bit more physicality all over the pitch, which is what he lacks. Even if we were to play him further forward, he isn't quick, energetic or strong enough for what we need. In Italy or Spain, I think he will look fantastic.
This could be a rare case of us buying a player, getting decent use out of him and selling him on for a profit with no animosity whatsoever.
I'd agree with that, I like him and think he's a better player (and has played better) than a lot of our fans give him credit for. If we'd had a proper DM for the last 3 years and played him 10 yards up the pitch i think he'd have a lot more fans because he has bags of talent, just not the presence to do the job we asked of him.
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I hope when he leaves us, he doesn’t suddenly become a free kick expert.
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The player Luiz was when he arrived compared to now shows how we've developed him. Playing in the DM role for a period will undoubtedly have improved his overall game even though that's not really his natural position. He had that great period post lockdown for the rest of 2020 when he was excellent in the DM role and had a number of Villa fans fearing that Man Citeh would swoop in for him. I'd like to see him player further forward as an 8 in a settled midfield to see how far along he's really developed but if he's not prepared to stay on in signing a new contract, then we should sell him for a profit now, thank him for his service and move on.
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I really like Doug, and think he'll go on to have a very good career, but I think it makes sense all round for him to go this summer. It's our last chance to cash in on him, and we should make a profit, and he'll get the chance to move to a league that maybe suits his game a bit more ahead of the World Cup.
He is talented, that I am sure of, but he isn't s DM in the Premier League. And I think we are desperate for a bit more physicality all over the pitch, which is what he lacks. Even if we were to play him further forward, he isn't quick, energetic or strong enough for what we need. In Italy or Spain, I think he will look fantastic.
This could be a rare case of us buying a player, getting decent use out of him and selling him on for a profit with no animosity whatsoever.
I'd agree with that, I like him and think he's a better player (and has played better) than a lot of our fans give him credit for. If we'd had a proper DM for the last 3 years and played him 10 yards up the pitch i think he'd have a lot more fans because he has bags of talent, just not the presence to do the job we asked of him.
I li,e him a lot, I think he just lacks a burst of acceleration to be a really top player.
It's funny too because he tends to play better in the games against the better teams. I think a deal this summer makes sense, but it's one I think we may regret over time.
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I’m not sure we have much choice. It’s accept some cash now to hopefully return a profit or he leaves for nothing next year.
Whichever happens he, and villa, have done alright out of the original £15m deal from Man City.
I suspect that Kamara will have similar sort of stay at the club which is one of the reasons he probably signed here.
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Can understand him wanting to leave, if he feels he's being played out of his preferred position. Players will play out of position for a club that is winning things, however he probably feels we haven't progressed enough for him.
Which i can't really argue with.
I think he is a great player and probably has more to give, just don't think it is with us.
Would love to be proved wrong though.
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Overall he’s done reasonably well for us and ive always liked Dougie even though he frustrates at times. Does seem to make sense for all parties if he goes this summer rather than for nowt next year. He’s had some good and some poor games, but don’t think you can question his commitment to the cause over last few years and he was absolutely key to us staying up.
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apparently Dougie is posting pics of himself on IG with the label Villa❤️
People guessing he’s staying/signing a new contract ?
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Or he's saying farewell?
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Avofficial posting them as well
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I don’t think we can lose him and Chuck this summer. If Luiz stays and gets game time further forward, we may see a different player.
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Or he's saying farewell?
Is it captioned "It's not you, it's me"?
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apparently Dougie is posting pics of himself on IG with the label Villa❤️
People guessing he’s staying/signing a new contract ?
I can't see any of these
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I hope it’s farewell. No tangible signs of improvement over the last few years. Effort and commitment never in doubt mind.
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I think he’s a talented player, but he’s not a defensive mid. I’d like to keep him if we can - he’s not old for a midfielder he can definitely develop.
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I think he’s a talented player, but he’s not a defensive mid. I’d like to keep him if we can - he’s not old for a midfielder he can definitely develop.
I can see both sides to this one and it may just be that he's better suited to a league other than the PL. However as you say it's worth bearing in mind he's not that old e.g. he's younger than Keinan who we think of as still "developing".
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He's one of our 4000 midfielders that would probably look a lot better playing further forward.
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He's one of our 4000 midfielders that would probably look a lot better playing further forward.
I think you’ve been told a million times not to exaggerate
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It's true though, none of the cnuts want to be stoppers apart from nice guy Marv.
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It's true though, none of the cnuts want to be stoppers apart from nice guy Marv.
I'm the Marv of any 7 a side game it seems, the only one that bothers to stay back and defend.
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With Kamara and Marv, Dougie if he stays should be given free reign to get forward more. We know he can carry the ball, we know he can pass, and we know he can score goals given the chance.
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With Kamara and Marv, Dougie if he stays should be given free reign to get forward more. We know he can carry the ball, we know he can pass, and we know he can score goals given the chance.
... although he lacks the crucial turn of speed that gives good #8 and #10 their space to take a shot.
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It's true though, none of the cnuts want to be stoppers apart from nice guy Marv.
I'm the Marv of any 7 a side game it seems, the only one that bothers to stay back and defend.
As reliable and unchanging as a static caravan in a Wem winter!
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Apart from the fact this bloke is committing the same crime as Carney, but getting nowhere near the same flak. Is this true
“Since his debut, only Tyrone Mings has played more Premier League games for Aston Villa than Douglas Luiz”
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Apart from the fact this bloke is committing the same crime as Carney, but getting nowhere near the same flak. Is this true
“Since his debut, only Tyrone Mings has played more Premier League games for Aston Villa than Douglas Luiz”
Douglas Luiz is a Brazil international. CC is an 18 year old demanding big money and guaranteed starting time.
It's nothing like the same scenario.
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Luiz has given us a lot of service too. If he does leave, he still would have my respect.
A lot of people consider Keinan Davies an up and coming prospect who still could come good. He's the same age as Luiz and Luiz has been a starter for us for a few years. If we can keep him, I think we should.
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I wish Gerrard was asked about his contract situation in a presser, he's usually honest enough about these things. We have no idea if he wants to stay.
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I wish Gerrard was asked about his contract situation in a presser, he's usually honest enough about these things. We have no idea if he wants to stay.
I believe he was asked about him. Just said no one has enquired or made an offer for him and that he continued to work hard etc….
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He's got a year left and his other half has signed on for that year. I think he'll be off next summer.
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He's got a year left and his other half has signed on for that year. I think he'll be off next summer.
That’s always been my hunch. Even if he leaves I think we’ve had good value for a £15m signing.
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I think women often sign one year deals so wouldn't read too much into that. She is probably just keeping her options open so she can stay or leave next summer.
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I think Luiz has looked a much better player with a proper DM behind him and would like to see us keep him around to fight for one of #8 roles in the squad.
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By all accounts we much looked a lot better against Man United second half with Douglas Luiz and Sanson playing really well. He's looked up for it pre-season and apparently is the model pro on the training ground. Fresh start for me, especially since he's not going to be used as a 6.
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Looks like talks ongoing wrt the new contract. https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1552997874308464640
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Looks like talks ongoing wrt the new contract. https://twitter.com/JPercyTelegraph/status/1552997874308464640
For those without access
Aston Villa are in talks with Douglas Luiz over a new contract and are hopeful of striking an agreement with the Brazil international.
Villa have moved to secure Luiz’s future and want to extend the midfielder's career with the Midlands club, despite interest from clubs competing in the Champions League.
A £15 million signing from Manchester City in July 2019, Luiz has been a reliable performer under Dean Smith and his successor Steven Gerrard, who was appointed in November last year.
The 24-year-old's contract expires at the end of the forthcoming season but Villa are understood to have held constructive talks over a long-term deal.
As previously reported by Telegraph Sport, Villa instigated talks with Luiz earlier this year when the January transfer window closed, after rejecting a £30m offer from a rival Premier League club understood to be Newcastle United.
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With long-term target Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips completing a £45m move to Manchester City, and another previous target Yves Bissouma joining Tottenham from Brighton, securing the future of Luiz has now become even more of a priority.
Villa have captured Boubacar Kamara from Marseille on a free transfer this summer and also view Luiz as an integral part of their midfield options for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond.
Negotiations are ongoing but Villa remain optimistic that Luiz will agree to stay, with a number of South American players including Philippe Coutinho, Emiliano Martínez and Diego Carlos also at the club.
Last season Villa head coach Gerrard said: "Douglas is a fantastic player, really talented and we rate him extremely highly.
"We want to keep all of our best players around. We understand there will be interest in our best players as well, we don't have a problem with that.
"But yes we want to keep all of our top talent around, we see Douglas as a top talent, a really wonderful footballer on his day. It's my job to try and make this team and this squad as strong, littered with top footballers."
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
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It's my job to try and make this team and this squad as strong, littered with top footballers."
No, Steven, that's Mr Lange's job. It's your job to make this strong squad, littered with top footballers function as a team.
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
He’s a just turned 24 and is a Brazilian international. In the right role I think he’ll develop into a quality player.
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
He’s a just turned 24 and is a Brazilian international. In the right role I think he’ll develop into a quality player.
We’ll see a different Doug this season.
He won’t be shackled with defensive responsibilities.
He’s a wonderful player.
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
He’s a just turned 24 and is a Brazilian international. In the right role I think he’ll develop into a quality player.
And even if he does end up leaving after this season surely it's better that we get 25m or 30m than letting him go for free.
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
Can’t disagree with that, other than the games at the end of our first season back in the premier league he’s been average at best, he’ll never amount to anything at our club.
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The problem I have with Luiz, is his tendancy to be casual in areas of the pitch where it's often fatal. We saw it in his very first game against Bournemouth. I'm not doubting his ability & he may be more effective as a No 8, but on the evidence of the last 3 years, I'm not convinced.
I still think he'll run down his contract & go on a free.
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I'd sell him come what may. I think he's really ordinary. I appreciate beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I must be blind as.
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I'd sell him come what may. I think he's really ordinary. I appreciate beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I must be blind as.
I appreciate his beauty
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I like Doug. I think as an 8 or with the added protection of Kamara in a double pivot he could be excellent. I definitely want to keep him.
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I like Doug. I think as an 8 or with the added protection of Kamara in a double pivot he could be excellent. I definitely want to keep him.
Yep agree.
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I'd sell him come what may. I think he's really ordinary. I appreciate beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I must be blind as.
I appreciate his beauty
A handsome man and a pretty partner.
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I like Doug. I think as an 8 or with the added protection of Kamara in a double pivot he could be excellent. I definitely want to keep him.
He definitely deserves the opportunity
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I like Doug. I think as an 8 or with the added protection of Kamara in a double pivot he could be excellent. I definitely want to keep him.
He definitely deserves the opportunity
Agreed, if he’s prepared to sign a contract.
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New 3 year contract according to the Telegraph. Good age, and good player if he kicks on. Better than McGinn and Ramsey at present for me.
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His running style is similar to that of Dennis Mortimer, which I like. Otherwise, in the right circumstances, and with proper coaching and encouragement, I think he should become a very very good player. Hope he can kick on from here.
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So another one staying who has underwhelmed the last 3 yrs 🤷♂️
Can’t disagree with that, other than the games at the end of our first season back in the premier league he’s been average at best, he’ll never amount to anything at our club.
I think he has played most of his time in the wrong position. The Liverpool game at home last season was a prime example of when he wasn't restricted to being the DM, he was a lot more involved in our attacking play.
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Was hoping he’d be sold, the Brazilian Westwood.
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in his 4th season with us now and I'm still not sure what the strengths are in his game.
Hoping he improves.
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I like him, and hoping he gets better with Kamara behind him.
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I dont see this as anything other than a good thing
I think hes still got potential - I think it is pretty much impossible to judge any Villa player on the last 12 month cos theyve all been shit.
George Best would end up looking like Keith Gillispe if he played for us
At least we dont lose him on a free - and from a FFP perspective... I have no idea what this means.
UTV
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I like Doug but he doesn't often hurt the Opposition.
I think this is the problem with our Midfield in general. Ramsey showed glimpses of being able to do it last season but someone needs to step up in midfield and make a killer pass or a dribble into the Opposition box.
Perhaps Doug can do this now he can be played in his natural position, but the juries still out for me.
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Preserves his transfer value if he flatters to deceive again this season. Though I doubt Gerrard will look to sell him now while he's our manager. He'll keep giving Luiz plenty of chances to play shit before he finally hooks him.
I think Mr Woodhall has said it, but we can't have had too many players who look really good against the better teams and pretty average against the rest. Dugee certainly has the talent but I don't know how he fits into our team (see also Coutinho/Buendia/Meatball......).
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Preserves his transfer value if he flatters to deceive again this season. Though I doubt Gerrard will look to sell him now while he's our manager. He'll keep giving Luiz plenty of chances to play shit before he finally hooks him.
I think Mr Woodhall has said it, but we can't have had too many players who look really good against the better teams and pretty average against the rest. Dugee certainly has the talent but I don't know how he fits into our team (see also Coutinho/Buendia/Meatball......).
Not me, it's far too perceptive.
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New 3 year contract according to the Telegraph. Good age, and good player if he kicks on. Better than McGinn and Ramsey at present for me.
Excellent news.
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Great news. A quality player signed up and if used correctly will improve
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Played as an 8, hopefully off set pieces that’ll do nicely
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Good news, I think he’s really promising and with the competition in that position he’s got to get better if he’s to play
I know a lot don’t like him but you are wrong. Again.
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I’m a fan of his, good news.
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Can be used in a double pivot and as an 8 so is likely to be involved. More so means he cannot leave for free next summer.
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This is his 4th year with us, how long does the description 'promising' last?
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This is his 4th year with us, how long does the description 'promising' last?
At the very least until we might need to sell him.
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New 3 year contract according to the Telegraph. Good age, and good player if he kicks on. Better than McGinn and Ramsey at present for me.
Excellent news.
3 years is interesting, usually expect 4.
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This is his 4th year with us, how long does the description 'promising' last?
When he can be described as either useless shit good great or excellent.
I think bang average is pretty accurate.
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I suspect he might start on Saturday and in an 8 position with Kamara anchoring. I don't think we'll revert to a double pivot.
That's the position most of us think is his best. His range of passing you'd think would be an improvement on what we saw Saturday, albeit that's a low bar.
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He's a very good player and his best years are in front of him.
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I think a lot of posters here are looking for things to fault him for during games - if something wrong happens and he was on the ball 3 passes before, "FFS DOUG!", I see him as a player never shirking away from being available for a pass and doesn't slow down our moves. Does the odd brain farts, which are extremely frustrating, but I like him as a player.
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Much as I like Ramsey and hope he has a bright future, both him and McGinn have really poor passing stats. Doug hasn't been given much time at 8, but with Kamara behind him I think he may be able to move the ball quicker and more accurately than the other two.
If we're honest, Ramsey hasn't really shone since the last quarter of last season and should probably have been taken out the team for Sanson - but that's another debate. Much as he is a Gerrard favourite, now Doug is freed up from his DM duties I wouldn't be surprised if Ramsey's minutes are managed more this season. I know why many thing Doug is average, but I'm quietly confident he can grow into a very decent 8 for us.
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He's a very good player and his best years are in front of him.
Whe did he last have a game where he came off and you thought he played really well though? I'm with Chicago, he's bang average. He was bought as a defensive midfielder but is rubbish at it, so people then say he should be played further forward, but he's mostly rubbish at that as well. All he really does is sit in the middle and play simple little passes, which is a skill I guess, but not really enough to be honest. Then there are the mistakes and giving the ball away, which reduces his overall contribution even further. I don't mind him, but he's another like Mings and McGinn who needs replacing.
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Doug's a Brazilian version of Harry Winks, technically tidy and busy. Like most of his midfield teammates he's just too small to add the physical presence our midfield really needs. I still think he's worth retaining though.
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Not a player I would be overly concerned about if he left. A bit lightweight in my view but he does show some good touches though not enough I feel.
The idea may be to let him move sometime in the next 12 months or so and we can get a higher fee.
I was rather hoping we might get £20m for him now, in which case I would seize the moment and indeed the money.
A bit of a plodder I think. Will be delighted to be proved wrong.
Very early days but we certainly do not want a repeat of last seasons form.
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If he goes - "fuck him he was no good any way"
Signs a new deal - "why have we done that? He is not that good - average at best"
We really are hard to please arnt we?
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Not hard to please, just shows he divides opinion.
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If he goes - "fuck him he was no good any way"
Signs a new deal - "why have we done that? He is not that good - average at best"
We really are hard to please arnt we?
Don't both those statements back each other up, that the general contentious is that Dougie isint that good?
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Not hard to please, just shows he divides opinion.
He does. I think he's one of those players that would comfortably hold his place in a better side though. He has had more moments in the Premier league of quality than McGinn has since we came up for me.
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This is his 4th year with us, how long does the description 'promising' last?
Until 11 March 2023. At tea-time.
He’s just turned 24, it’s not outrageous to say he’s promising is it?
He’s a solid 7/10 performer who can get much better.
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Not hard to please, just shows he divides opinion.
He does. I think he's one of those players that would comfortably hold his place in a better side though. He has had more moments in the Premier league of quality than McGinn has since we came up for me.
He has I think he’s a better option than McGinn.
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I like him and again feel he's done better when playing a little further forward rather than as a 6 because he's bit as good at breaking the play up. I reckon he'll do well at some point. Depending on how he's used.
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He's one that you could see actually breaking through to become a key player.
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Our midfield has plenty of skill but not much bite in comparison with many of the other teams in our league and we are often slow and predictable in our build up.. Luiz, as with many of the others would probably look much better with a totally different combination of players around them at another club.
I don't see him as crucial to the future of the club but as has been pointed out he is still young and has plenty of football left in him.
Good luck to Luiz but I certainly won't be breaking open any bottles of champagne if he has a new contract and is staying.
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I think a lot of posters here are looking for things to fault him for during games - if something wrong happens and he was on the ball 3 passes before, "FFS DOUG!", I see him as a player never shirking away from being available for a pass and doesn't slow down our moves. Does the odd brain farts, which are extremely frustrating, but I like him as a player.
He's a little too passive in his passing for me. Far too often he just returns the ball back to the CB or FB under little pressure. Without the ball, he gets caught far too often ahead of the ball. This might not be as much of an issue at 8 but at 6 is a big problem. I agree, he gets a lot more criticism than is justified but for me frustration is mainly that there's a lot more in him. He was arguably our best player after the covid restart but that sharp spiky midfielder has only been seen intermittently since. If we switch to 4231, he could easily sit in next to Kamara and we'll see a better player.
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Our midfield has plenty of skill but not much bite in comparison with many of the other teams in our league and we are often slow and predictable in our build up.. Luiz, as with many of the others would probably look much better with a totally different combination of players around them at another club.
I don't see him as crucial to the future of the club but as has been pointed out he is still young and has plenty of football left in him.
Good luck to Luiz but I certainly won't be breaking open any bottles of champagne if he has a new contract and is staying.
We saw last week that Pearson and Tavernier in the Bournemouth midfield were simply more aggressive than our 3 from the first minute, which we didn't get to grips with at all. It is why I would still have an athletic, tough tackling hard midfielder on my list of wants, wherever he fitted in across the 3 in midfield.
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I don't understand the fuss over Luiz, I have yet to see a game where he has dominated the oppositions midfield
His corners and free kicks are woeful, for me based on our current midfield options he would not get in the team.
If he was as good as some claim, why are no clubs offering us £20 million + for his signature, he currently only has a year left on his contract, maybe his agent has told him to sign the new Villa deal as he would not earn anywhere else as much as we are prepared to pay him.
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A more mobile version of Hourihane but without the great left foot.
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He's a very good player and his best years are in front of him.
Whe did he last have a game where he came off and you thought he played really well though? I'm with Chicago, he's bang average. He was bought as a defensive midfielder but is rubbish at it, so people then say he should be played further forward, but he's mostly rubbish at that as well. All he really does is sit in the middle and play simple little passes, which is a skill I guess, but not really enough to be honest. Then there are the mistakes and giving the ball away, which reduces his overall contribution even further. I don't mind him, but he's another like Mings and McGinn who needs replacing.
I'm in this camp too, Risso.
Incidentally, I thought Luiz' best game was Man City at home last season. He marauded forward and looked the part. I want to see more of that from Doug, and more of that kind of performance from us. We lost, but we played very well in that second half.
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Southampton stands out as he actually got into the box and managed to score
Other than that he is the epitome of watching the game for 20 mins and then realising he is playing
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He's a very good player and his best years are in front of him.
Whe did he last have a game where he came off and you thought he played really well though? I'm with Chicago, he's bang average. He was bought as a defensive midfielder but is rubbish at it, so people then say he should be played further forward, but he's mostly rubbish at that as well. All he really does is sit in the middle and play simple little passes, which is a skill I guess, but not really enough to be honest. Then there are the mistakes and giving the ball away, which reduces his overall contribution even further. I don't mind him, but he's another like Mings and McGinn who needs replacing.
I'm in this camp too, Risso.
Incidentally, I thought Luiz' best game was Man City at home last season. He marauded forward and looked the part. I want to see more of that from Doug, and more of that kind of performance from us. We lost, but we played very well in that second half.
Liverpool at home too. Plus I thought he was good away to Man Utd in both games.
That's the enigma with him, at his best he can mix it with the best, his ceiling is higher than our other midfielders. He lacks consistency and needs to fix his position, but I'd be sad to see him leave because we will 100% be watching him boss a Champions League knockout game in a couple of years whilst we're trying to re-ignite Harry Winks career.
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I think we all clearly want Luiz to do well but our midfield is so frequently "outbattled" that if truth be known there would not be many tears shed by Villains if there had been major personnel changes during the summer. Sadly it looks as if SG must be happy with his midfield and I find that very surprising indeed.and this may come back to haunt him by the time the league takes its World Cup break."
I think the comment about him having the potential to boss a
a Champions Lgue game is quite feasible but it won't be playing for us and the next game week is likely to see a return to normal service levels.
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Wow what a goal yesterday from a corner .
I don't think I've ever seen that before.
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Played well last night, well done Doug.
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What a brilliant goal last night more of the same against West Ham please Dougie.
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Steve Staunton had a great left foot and scored a couple of goals direct from corners, as I recall.
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Home to Palace in 94.
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Do we think he meant it?
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Do we think he meant it?
Yes; because his next corner was taken in exactly the same manner, which needed a clearing punch from their keeper.
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Do we think he meant it?
Given there's a video doing the rounds of him doing the same thing in training the day before, I'll say pretty obviously yes.
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Yes, on evidence of doing it 3 times in 2 days, including twice in the match, I guess he meant it. He's a very good footballer, I'd love to see a fully confident version of him.
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Do we think he meant it?
Given there's a video doing the rounds of him doing the same thing in training the day before, I'll say pretty obviously yes.
I didn’t think he meant the one in training because it looked like there were a bunch of players in the box so it looked like a normal corner drill. Fair play if he did, takes some skill. I’m a fan of his and want him to step up because he’s always looked like he has a lot of potential..
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https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1562352510186274816?t=5N9iBHE35KmiprYYnHh5HA&s=08
It looks like he was practicing it.
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He did it at Walsall less than two months ago.
As has been said, if Beckham had done it, people would have been pulling their pudds to it.
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He did it at Walsall less than two months ago.
As has been said, if Beckham had done it, people would have been pulling their pudds to it.
Especially as there is the twitter footage of him doing it 24hrs earlier
On another note recently the rumour was that he has resigned - if so why have we not announced it?
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4 year deal agreed if you believe the rumours and the suggestive tweet by the club. To be announced soon.
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4 year deal agreed if you believe the rumours and the suggestive tweet by the club. To be announced soon.
Good news if confirmed.
That's the midfield signing sorted. ;)
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Good. He was good the other night, I’d have him in instead of McGinn.
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Not a great fan of Dougie but we probably need him as SJM continues to disappoint.
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Ramsey looks our best current centre midfielder. And people expected top half. Wow.
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Luiz is another really ordinary player. I’d rather we sold him.
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He’s just turned 24 - I think it’s a good thing to keep him. There are plenty of midfielders who develop plenty late into their 20s.
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If we hadn't brought in Kamara to play 6 I'm sure he would've left. Knowing he can now compete for his natural position I think he will be better for us on all fronts. At the moment, I don't think there is anything SJM does better than Doug. He should be given a fair chance in the midfield 3 with Coutinho and JJ.
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I think that he can be a really great player, but he has to move on to achieve that, probably abroad!
At the moment he will not get picked over McGinn, club captain, Kamara, recent high profile signing, so that leaves Ramsey which is possible but unlikely, so he is going to sit on our bench and potentially stop the development of our youth players.
The system that SG plays does not suit him and we don't get the best out of him but what do I know I only watch them every week playing the same crap!
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Luiz is another really ordinary player. I’d rather we sold him.
Agree 100%
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Will be very happy if he signs a new deal. He's only going to get better. I'd start him on Sunday.
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Will be very happy if he signs a new deal. He's only going to get better. I'd start him on Sunday.
Yup.
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Just stick Kamara and Luiz in front of a defence with Chambers in and let's win some games ffs.
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If someone offered £20m+ for him I'd bite there hands off.
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If someone offered £20m+ for him I'd bite there hands off.
Well Atletico Madrid are lining up a £20m bid according to the Telegraph...
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And now Liverpool offering 20m apparently…
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He's a good player. We shouldn't be letting him go.
We will though, of course, and instead hang on to technically wank shite like McGinn.
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Luiz and Kamara are our 2 best midfielders at the moment…they should be both playing and creating a partnership in the middle of the pitch. We should not be entertaining paltry offers of £20m for a young Brazilian international with plenty of potential. If he does get sold without being replaced by a better player then we’ll be much weaker for it, and the downward spiral towards a relegation battle will continue.
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I’ll preface this by saying I wouldn’t blame him.
Does anyone think he stalled out signing an extension for this exact moment. See how the first 5 matches go and then make a decision? After getting subbed off at 60 minutes for whatever reason he showed his displeasure and was vocal on the bench. Proper Sanson salty.
Where are we going? We will has a new manager within 6 months surely and he’s got CL clubs tapping him up..
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That's what happens when you let players go into last 12 months, teams will just lowball with bids.
Hopefully he starts tomorrow at least and puts in a decent farewell performance.
No idea what on earth the thinking is with midfield. Probably have lost Carney, Sanson and Luiz from last season's squad in next 48 hours. Tim and Nakamba can only play as DM so we effectively have two players on the bench just covering one position which is a total waste with Sanson in exile.
Just more decisions Gerrard is getting wrong.
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I think he’s a good player who will get better - and you know if the clubs who are interested are Liverpool and Athletico then perhaps it suggests he’s alright and more than good enough for us.
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*IF* these Liverpool and Atletico rumours are true, then they see something in Doug that hasn't been brought out at Villa. They are both high intensity teams which we clearly are not so he's not really had to run himself ragged with us. If he is capable of that why the bloody hell aren't we using it?
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He’s now our best midfielder and we’re in a position for the first time since he’s arrived where we don’t need to waste him playing as a six and we have him on the bench and rumoured to be leaving. I don’t get it at all.
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And now Liverpool offering 20m apparently…
This is what happens in the last few days of the transfer window, they try and throw as many stories out as possible to make it exciting. It may be true though so who knows.
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He’s now our best midfielder and we’re in a position for the first time since he’s arrived where we don’t need to waste him playing as a six and we have him on the bench and rumoured to be leaving. I don’t get it at all.
Yep.
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Head and shoulders above McGinn and Ramsey against West Ham. I'd die for a midfield trio of Kamara, Luiz and Sanson.... never going to happen under this clown though.
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Without the surety of an incoming player of better quality than what we've got, selling Douggie would be foolish.
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We may not have a choice if he asks for a move as per Greasy , opportunity of CL football I am sure he will jump at it
The pisser is that we have known his position is tenuous for a long time and we have not recruited that elusive midfielder we all dream about
Any purchases now if he leaves will look like ala Ings panic buys and not a part of a coherent plan
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If he goes then Sanson shouldn’t be going anywhere and brought back into match day squad….but that won’t happen.
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We may not have a choice if he asks for a move as per Greasy , opportunity of CL football I am sure he will jump at it
The pisser is that we have known his position is tenuous for a long time and we have not recruited that elusive midfielder we all dream about
Any purchases now if he leaves will look like ala Ings panic buys and not a part of a coherent plan
Ings wasn’t a panic buy unless you think going into the start of a new season with one recognized striker is the right thing to do.
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We may not have a choice if he asks for a move as per Greasy , opportunity of CL football I am sure he will jump at it
The pisser is that we have known his position is tenuous for a long time and we have not recruited that elusive midfielder we all dream about
Any purchases now if he leaves will look like ala Ings panic buys and not a part of a coherent plan
Ings wasn’t a panic buy unless you think going into the start of a new season with one recognized striker is the right thing to do.
No but the choice of Ings as the other recognised striker was hardly a well thought out plan.
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We may not have a choice if he asks for a move as per Greasy , opportunity of CL football I am sure he will jump at it
The pisser is that we have known his position is tenuous for a long time and we have not recruited that elusive midfielder we all dream about
Any purchases now if he leaves will look like ala Ings panic buys and not a part of a coherent plan
Ings wasn’t a panic buy unless you think going into the start of a new season with one recognized striker is the right thing to do.
No but the choice of Ings as the other recognised striker was hardly a well thought out plan.
Who else was available that was better?
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We may not have a choice if he asks for a move as per Greasy , opportunity of CL football I am sure he will jump at it
The pisser is that we have known his position is tenuous for a long time and we have not recruited that elusive midfielder we all dream about
Any purchases now if he leaves will look like ala Ings panic buys and not a part of a coherent plan
Ings wasn’t a panic buy unless you think going into the start of a new season with one recognized striker is the right thing to do.
No but the choice of Ings as the other recognised striker was hardly a well thought out plan.
Absolute nailed on, guaranteed panic buy. Out of nowhere on the day we sold Grealish, to soothe the fans' feelings. Ridiculous signing that was a part of what did for Dean Smith and looks like seeing off Gerrard too.
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I would imagine in a functional midfield ie Liverpool he would look exceptional and a very good option to rotate with Thiago who seems to get more than his fair share of knocks.
Played as a #6 or that nonsense he is doing at the moment at defensive wide right he is wasted….he needs to be in the middle fully involved, popping the ball about, getting into shooting positions like he was during the covid survival run. Let’s not forget how well he did then….
He needs a change of manager or a change of club or he will be a 6/10 merchant for rest of season and leave on a free
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getting into shooting positions like he was during the covid survival run. Let’s not forget how well he did then….
Eh? He scored three goals all season, all of which were pre-Covid. He looked better after the Covid break, but as a team we still only won 2 out of 10. His whole career with us has been average at best.
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Stevie will sort it out for his old buddies. Getting a good player off us for 20mil.
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This is difficult, do we accept 20mil for a player who is running down his contract talented as he is, and try to find a replacement or hope he he stays motivated till the end of the season.
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Luiz is a good player but there is better out there. However, I'd rather have him then not have him, especially with no replacement and Sanson being told to leave as well.
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For an ex-midfielder our manager has f*ck all idea as to how to populate his midfield.
Imo Luiz, Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn are very similar in the sense that they are all better offensively and certainly none are comfortable in the auxiliary full back roles they are being asked to play. Luiz like all of them are currently wasted talents.
We definitely need a box to box midfielder to complement any one of the 4 mentioned and Kamara in the current shambles of a system we play.
I'd definitely have Luiz and Sanson in ahead of the ineffective McGinn, but that isn't going to happen under the current regime.
I would have Ramsey playing in the old greedlish position too for what it's worth.
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I’ve always liked Doug, I think he’s a quality player who we haven’t got the best out of, maybe someone else will If he goes
There’s plenty on here who continually say that he offers nothing so they will be happy if we can bank 20+ million
McGinn Will possibly be the next one to interest a top club so we can cash in on him as well and even more people will be happy
I’ve said it before in my opinion there’s nothing wrong with our midfield as it stands, it has quality and plenty of options
The big problem is the way it shapes up and is coached
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
That he may not be, but in my opinion he's better than all of our other midfielders.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
A midfield 3 of Thiago, Fabinho and Luiz would work pretty well for Liverpool, particularly with the forward runners that they have.
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For an ex-midfielder our manager has f*ck all idea as to how to populate his midfield.
Imo Luiz, Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn are very similar in the sense that they are all better offensively and certainly none are comfortable in the auxiliary full back roles they are being asked to play. Luiz like all of them are currently wasted talents.
We definitely need a box to box midfielder to complement any one of the 4 mentioned and Kamara in the current shambles of a system we play.
I'd definitely have Luiz and Sanson in ahead of the ineffective McGinn, but that isn't going to happen under the current regime.
I would have Ramsey playing in the old greedlish position too for what it's worth.
We don't need new midfielders, we need to play a system that actually uses them.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
Wes Brown has won the league. Luiz wouldn't play every week but he'd be good enough for their squad, and is likely to get better under a competent manager.
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*IF* these Liverpool and Atletico rumours are true, then they see something in Doug that hasn't been brought out at Villa. They are both high intensity teams which we clearly are not so he's not really had to run himself ragged with us. If he is capable of that why the bloody hell aren't we using it?
I think Luiz needs to take some responsibility why his form after the restart was never consistently replicated. He has all the ability.
Plenty of clubs should be interested but that's more to do with his contract situation.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
That he may not be, but in my opinion he's better than all of our other midfielders.
That's made me feel more depressed about our situation than I already was. Then I think, hang on, we have Kamara who is a fine midfielder and better and more consistent than Luiz thus far.
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I don't feel like any player can be properly judged playing for this manager in this system.
Fair point. Even so, Doug isn't winning the league standard and therefore not Liverpool standard.
Not sure that’s true and Liverpool more than most are pretty good with their recruitment. The fact Doug hasn’t been a world beater for us doesn’t necessarily mean he doesn’t have a hell of a lot of potential. I think he does and we’d be stupid to sell him now, unless we have a very good replacement who is definitely joining.
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I am not convinced by Luiz at all, but what I will say is I much prefer having him as an option to selling him on the last day of the window and having nobody there.
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For an ex-midfielder our manager has f*ck all idea as to how to populate his midfield.
Imo Luiz, Sanson, Ramsey and McGinn are very similar in the sense that they are all better offensively and certainly none are comfortable in the auxiliary full back roles they are being asked to play. Luiz like all of them are currently wasted talents.
We definitely need a box to box midfielder to complement any one of the 4 mentioned and Kamara in the current shambles of a system we play.
I'd definitely have Luiz and Sanson in ahead of the ineffective McGinn, but that isn't going to happen under the current regime.
I would have Ramsey playing in the old greedlish position too for what it's worth.
We don't need new midfielders, we need to play a system that actually uses them.
Exactly!
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Doug would look really good in Liverpool's midfield. That shows that he's less of the problem and our bigger problem is the players he's surrounded by here.
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Right now he's our best No 8 and our second best DM. Selling him would be absolutely nuts.
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Right now he's our best No 8 and our second best DM. Selling him would be absolutely nuts.
Letting him go for free next summer is hardly an acceptable alternative either. If Luiz is allowed to go, I expect we will have a replacement number 8 lined up instead of him (and Sanson). I'd far prefer if we got in a second 6 to partner Kamara in a 4231 rather than this horrible 3 man midfield.
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Deleted - Posted in wrong thread.
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Right now he's our best No 8 and our second best DM. Selling him would be absolutely nuts.
Letting him go for free next summer is hardly an acceptable alternative either. If Luiz is allowed to go, I expect we will have a replacement number 8 lined up instead of him (and Sanson). I'd far prefer if we got in a second 6 to partner Kamara in a 4231 rather than this horrible 3 man midfield.
It's more acceptable than further derailing our season.
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If the player wants to leave and won't sign a new contract, and 9 months left on his current deal, the club will accept the best price they are offered.
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I'd sell either way, but then again i wouldn't have him in the team with everyone fit. Yes, he's tidy on the ball etc but he doesn't perform any particular role well enough. Not in this league anyway.
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If the player wants to leave and won't sign a new contract, and 9 months left on his current deal, the club will accept the best price they are offered.
That’s fine if they replace him - if they don’t it’s negligent.
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If the player wants to leave and won't sign a new contract, and 9 months left on his current deal, the club will accept the best price they are offered.
That’s fine if they replace him - if they don’t it’s negligent.
Replace him with better as well
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Gerrard says he's not in control of whether Luiz stays at the club? What the hell does that mean?
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Gerrard says he's not in control of whether Luiz stays at the club? What the hell does that mean?
Because he doesn't know if he'll still be manager in 30 minutes, I imagine.
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He said that only Luiz and his agent know if he'll leave tomorrow. I'm just...I don't have words for what a basketcase we've become in the last four weeks.
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God almighty that sounds very Scott Parker. We must not sell him.
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God almighty that sounds very Scott Parker. We must not sell him.
It very much sounds like if Luiz doesn't sign with us tomorrow, he'll be playing for another club at the weekend, because the club wants a profit instead of losing him on a free.
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If he was going I don't think he'd have played today. My guess he wants to see who takes over from Gerrard before making a final decision. As long as Gerrard is here after next week I think he will look to force a move in January
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He said that only Luiz and his agent know if he'll leave tomorrow. I'm just...I don't have words for what a basketcase we've become in the last four weeks.
What the hell is going on at Villa Park?
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He said that only Luiz and his agent know if he'll leave tomorrow. I'm just...I don't have words for what a basketcase we've become in the last four weeks.
Abdicating himself of any responsibility in the process, that's Stevie G for you.
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I hope he doesn't leave because he can clearly see Gerrard's clueless, and then a week later we appoint a proper manager.
Him on corners is our only threat.
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I guess there is an offer on the table they will take if he doesn’t sign a new deal, and why would you?
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Bizarre. If we were going to set a deadline on him signing a new contract surely you do it before transfer deadline day?
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Did not overly celebrate when scoring
guess he is on his way
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Did not overly celebrate when scoring
guess he is on his way
He was in the corner already and did his standard chest out thing. Don’t read too much into it. That’s note saying he’s not leaving but there’s no guarantee we will allow it happen tomorrow.
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Bizarre. If we were going to set a deadline on him signing a new contract surely you do it before transfer deadline day?
It's just poor plan. We had all of last season to get the deal sorted and even July to get a commitment. To just let things drift into the season and now he's unsettled is just another black mark of our summer business especially as him and Kamara as double pivot infront of back 4 has potential if trusted for a run of games.
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I guess he either signs the contract or he leaves. I would imagine the club are encouraging him to make a decision to generate some revenue if the club have received an acceptable offer.
He’s maybe waited as long as he can to see what transpires.
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I’ve just seen on the newsnow site that Gerrard is saying he’s not in control of the situation with Douglas Luiz. I don’t know whether this interview was done tonight after the game or earlier on but it sounds to me like Douglas is off tomorrow.
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Bizarre. If we were going to set a deadline on him signing a new contract surely you do it before transfer deadline day?
It's just poor plan. We had all of last season to get the deal sorted and even July to get a commitment. To just let things drift into the season and now he's unsettled is just another black mark of our summer business especially as him and Kamara as double pivot infront of back 4 has potential if trusted for a run of games.
The club have probably had an offer on the table for months and he hasn't signed it. I did think he would follow suit after his partner signed a deal to stay on but if his agent is telling him about offers from Champions League clubs and he's not even starting every game for us or playing in a position that suits him, I'm not sure I could blame him for dawdling either.
We'll get approx £20m for him which is pigeon-feed these days but better than nowt. Still a lose-lose situation for us though.
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Off where?
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Brilliant goal again by Dougie.
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I wouldn't be amazed to see him go to Chelsea with Gallagher coming the other way on loan as part of the deal.
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Bizarre. If we were going to set a deadline on him signing a new contract surely you do it before transfer deadline day?
It's just poor plan. We had all of last season to get the deal sorted and even July to get a commitment. To just let things drift into the season and now he's unsettled is just another black mark of our summer business especially as him and Kamara as double pivot infront of back 4 has potential if trusted for a run of games.
The club have probably had an offer on the table for months and he hasn't signed it. I did think he would follow suit after his partner signed a deal to stay on but if his agent is telling him about offers from Champions League clubs and he's not even starting every game for us or playing in a position that suits him, I'm not sure I could blame him for dawdling either.
We'll get approx £20m for him which is pigeon-feed these days but better than nowt. Still a lose-lose situation for us though.
I'm sure he's bright enought to know that the CL is the place to be without his agent having to tell him.
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Steven Gerrard, when asked if he is confident Douglas Luiz will still be an #avfc player on Friday: "I am not in control of that. We are not in a position where we need to lose our top players but at the same time he has a year to go...."
Gerrard (ctd): "It is one of those touchy situations where the club has to do what is best for the club, not necessarily what is best for me."
FFS
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
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Bizarre. If we were going to set a deadline on him signing a new contract surely you do it before transfer deadline day?
It's just poor plan. We had all of last season to get the deal sorted and even July to get a commitment. To just let things drift into the season and now he's unsettled is just another black mark of our summer business especially as him and Kamara as double pivot infront of back 4 has potential if trusted for a run of games.
The club have probably had an offer on the table for months and he hasn't signed it. I did think he would follow suit after his partner signed a deal to stay on but if his agent is telling him about offers from Champions League clubs and he's not even starting every game for us or playing in a position that suits him, I'm not sure I could blame him for dawdling either.
We'll get approx £20m for him which is pigeon-feed these days but better than nowt. Still a lose-lose situation for us though.
I'm sure he's bright enought to know that the CL is the place to be without his agent having to tell him.
I mean that he would be learning about CL offers from his agent. Maybe only love (for his gal) can keep him here, now.
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
Even if that’s true you keep that behind the scenes Rory. I think he knows it’s over
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
Even if that’s true you keep that behind the scenes Rory. I think he knows it’s over
What is telling is it’s his first open discourse against Purslow et al. Makes a change from him publicly criticizing the players but when you start openly pointing the finger at your bosses it generally only ends one way. Just ask Scott Parker.
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
Even if that’s true you keep that behind the scenes Rory. I think he knows it’s over
Yeah maybe, but I wouldn't particularly blame him for thinking about how he'll explain things to his next employer. He's done here, clearly.
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
Even if that’s true you keep that behind the scenes Rory. I think he knows it’s over
What is telling is it’s his first open discourse against Purslow et al. Makes a change from him publicly criticizing the players but when you start openly pointing the finger at your bosses it generally only ends one way. Just ask Scott Parker.
I hope that when I wake up and check up on all things Villa; two things have happened. Gerrard has been fired and we have a couple of new players on their way. Unfortunately I doubt either will happen tomorrow.
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12 months ago I wouldn’t have been arsed if we sold Luiz. Now I’d be pissed off. That could be more of anything and everything we do at the moment is pissing me off
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For me he lacks the pace - I watched one of their players run past him and he could not get keep up (and he had only just come on as a sub)
Surprised the goal was given when you consider that GKs are usually so well protected by referees
I would imagine that now he knows that champions league clubs are in for him - he will run down his contract and leave us on a free next summer, therefore another £20 million lost if we don't sell him.
Even rich people miss £20 million!!
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To be honest, I couldn’t care less if Dougie stays or goes now.
In all the time he has been here I think I have been frustrated with his performances on more occasions than I have been impressed by them.
I don’t recall many MOTM performances from him,although I’m sure there have been a couple.
We have had nigh on 2 years of his contract saga. I can’t believe it’s down to money. If he doesn’t want to sign then he may as just go.
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The problem is, if you look at the other options in the squad (other than Kamara) they are worse than Luiz , so unless we are bringing someone better in, his leaving actually weakens us.
This looks like piss poor planning.
I can’t blame him wanting to leave this shot show though.
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Gregg Evans has tweeted that we’re definitely not selling Luiz today.
So he’ll be off, then.
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Gregg Evans has tweeted that we’re definitely not selling Luiz today.
So he’ll be off, then.
Sounds about right.
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I hope we do sell him, useless player and puts between £12m and £30m in the kitty depending which clickbait article you read.
We need a better replacement, but that goes for if he stays as well. The whole midfield is useless except for possibly Irooegbunam and Kamara who have not played enough yet to judge, but look decent prospects.
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Selling him is worth discussing, but getting rid on deadline day, with no replacements and a dysfunctional midfield wouldn't be a good idea.
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It's strange the level of club interested in him. What do they see that we don't/never have?
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Such a I don’t give a fuck anymore bell end answer
To be fair to him, TV, we don't know what has been going on behind the scenes. Maybe Gerrard has been begging Purslow to secure Luiz's future.
Even if that’s true you keep that behind the scenes Rory. I think he knows it’s over
Yeah maybe, but I wouldn't particularly blame him for thinking about how he'll explain things to his next employer. He's done here, clearly.
I don't think Talksport really give a monkey's about this sort of thing.
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David Ornstein, who is to Arsenal stories as John Percy is to Villa ones, unfortunately, posting Arsenal pushing really hard to sign him today.
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What's the shock? We've had months to sort out his deal ffs or sell him early this summer if he didn't want to sign.
Bit naive if we thought he was staying just because he's in love with Lehmann. She could easily leave end of the season aswell.
Pretty amusing to think he's content with being McGinn backup when he'd have probably started for Arsenal last night given they have a few injuries in midfield.
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Not bothered if he stays or goes.
We tend to garner more points with Nakamba, anyway.
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Apparently he "wants to go" according to Talksport, though the club say he's not for sale.
He's off!
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It was funny last night, as the first corner he took before scoring direct was one of his more usual fail to clear the first defender crap ones. Then he goes and thunder bastards it straight in.
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What's the shock? We've had months to sort out his deal ffs or sell him early this summer if he didn't want to sign.
Bit naive if we thought he was staying just because he's in love with Lehmann. She could easily leave end of the season aswell.
Pretty amusing to think he's content with being McGinn backup when he'd have probably started for Arsenal last night given they have a few injuries in midfield.
Apparently he had agreed a deal and changed mind , I suppose not starting games whilst watching us lose will have that effect.
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What's the shock? We've had months to sort out his deal ffs or sell him early this summer if he didn't want to sign.
Bit naive if we thought he was staying just because he's in love with Lehmann. She could easily leave end of the season aswell.
Pretty amusing to think he's content with being McGinn backup when he'd have probably started for Arsenal last night given they have a few injuries in midfield.
yes agreed, anymore with a brain could have worked that out, someone needs to be held accountable for recent actions
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I rate Luiz but I'd let him go today. It's a real pity he never showed his potential consistently with us. No guarantee he will elsewhere either.
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I like Doug, but if he’s had enough best to ship out now and not keep him around. Leaves us short in the middle though especially with Sanson out in the cold and our skipper not at the races.
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
Theres a better player in there than we have seen. If he has the right attitude
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
That's exactly how I feel. We've failed him in his development, in defining his role and moving the club forward with him as a focal point.
He's got every right to explore his options with (apparently) multiple clubs in Europe interested.
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Of course he wants to go, you can see it the body language of the players, it's not a happy camp and he's got the chance to leg it. The manager claims he can't do much about it? Try making it a half decent place to work and players like Doug might think twice about leaving.
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
Theres a better player in there than we have seen. If he has the right attitude
And right manager/coach.
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
Theres a better player in there than we have seen. If he has the right attitude
And right manager/coach.
And for all of the "our midfield is shit and we need to buy loads of better players", the talk has been of Luiz going to one of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Roma or Juventus.
That rather suggests that the problem is us rather than him.
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Just when we finally got a player to beat the first man from corners
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
Theres a better player in there than we have seen. If he has the right attitude
And right manager/coach.
And for all of the "our midfield is shit and we need to buy loads of better players", the talk has been of Luiz going to one of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Roma or Juventus.
That rather suggests that the problem is us rather than him.
Yep. There is a reason players leave Villa and thrive - they are played in the position they are suited for. Luiz will thrive once he leaves.
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Can’t blame him for wanting to go. He’s been here for a while now and we’re going backwards.
Theres a better player in there than we have seen. If he has the right attitude
And right manager/coach.
And for all of the "our midfield is shit and we need to buy loads of better players", the talk has been of Luiz going to one of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Roma or Juventus.
That rather suggests that the problem is us rather than him.
Or he has the same agent as Leandro Bacuna. No way he is anything more than cover for any of those teams.
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I’m not arsed. He’s alright, but we have lots of tippy tappy shortarses and not enough big fuckers in midfield. It’s a team game and you need a balance of strengths, not a squad of clones. I wish him well if he goes as he’s mainly put the effort in and done fine for a player that was a rookie when he first signed 3 years ago.
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Or he has the same agent as Leandro Bacuna. No way he is anything more than cover for any of those teams.
What has Bacuna got to do with it?
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Or he has the same agent as Leandro Bacuna. No way he is anything more than cover for any of those teams.
What has Bacuna got to do with it?
Tina Turner?
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AdmirableOffensiveFieldmouse-size_restricted.gif)
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
Because we talk like a big club but don't act like one.it's all absolute crap
We've won sod all for years and never look like winning anything again in the near future. We finished 14th and had one new player on the pitch last match.
We're a joke
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
That attempt to buy Smith-Rowe was fucking laughable. As if he was going to leave Arsenal to come here.
I wonder hhow much time we've wasted chasing unachievable transfer targets
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
boring
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Or he has the same agent as Leandro Bacuna. No way he is anything more than cover for any of those teams.
Got linked with clubs much higher up the chain than he was likely to play for. Reo Coker was another.
What has Bacuna got to do with it?
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I reckon Luiz is the kind of player who could easily be a regular in World Cup and Champions League winning sides, but helping to free up the star performers rather than shining himself. A team on the front foot will find a real use for him, but he doesn't suit the kind of sides that don't enjoy a lot of controlled possession. It's not that he isn't good enough for top sides, it's that he's always seemed the wrong type of player for us. I'm sure he'd be the unsung hero of a top team, and possibly head their appearance charts.
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
boring
I would describe the window as boring. Underwhelming and insufficient but not boring. First time in a whole were busy on deadline day.
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And for all of the "our midfield is shit and we need to buy loads of better players", the talk has been of Luiz going to one of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Roma or Juventus.
That rather suggests that the problem is us rather than him.
I think that's a reach personally. He's in the final year of his contract so £20m is nothing for a 24 year old player with three years solid experience, and he's probably just about demonstrated that he's got enough talent to work with. Man City had two years when they could have reclaimed him but chose not to. I'd like him to stay but won't be heartbroken if he goes.
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
That attempt to buy Smith-Rowe was fucking laughable. As if he was going to leave Arsenal to come here.
I wonder hhow much time we've wasted chasing unachievable transfer targets
It's certainly says a lot about the bigger picture
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
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Or he has the same agent as Leandro Bacuna. No way he is anything more than cover for any of those teams.
What has Bacuna got to do with it?
Got linked with clubs much higher up the chain than he was likely to play for. Reo Coker was another.
Was he? Who were those clubs?
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
boring
Repetitive, but to some extent valid. We will shortly find out what the clubs actual aims are, when they appoint the next manager - I don't think we can use transfer activity in the last couple of weeks as a marker anymore because it's been obvious the manager is on his bike.
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
Weren't the bids for Smith-Rowe reportedly £40m or so?
He's a decent player, but I'd hardly call that derisory.
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
I'm not sure offering £30m or more for someone with about 20 top flight appearances at the time was derisory.
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
I'm not sure offering £30m or more for a 19 year old with about 20 top flight appearances at the time was derisory.
I don't know. We've just seen a young defender go to Chelsea for £70 million or so who only played 7 times last year
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The fact that Chelsea are over paying this year for a player has little to do with what we offered for a different player a year ago.
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
I'm not sure offering £30m or more for a 19 year old with about 20 top flight appearances at the time was derisory.
I don't know. We've just seen a young defender go to Chelsea for £70 million or so who only played 7 times last year
I'm not sure what you're suggesting? That they should have played him with his broken leg? Or that he's overpriced because he can't play with a broken leg?
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
Weren't the bids for Smith-Rowe reportedly £40m or so?
He's a decent player, but I'd hardly call that derisory.
£25m then went back with £30m.
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And yet just over a week ago Luiz was poised to sign a new contract. Perhaps he's less than enamoured with Gerrard's antics and changed his mind?
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Sky Report says It will be a late one if it does get done. There are mounting problems in midfield, so Mikel Arteta admitted he is looking for options with Douglas Luiz one of those options. Arteta worked with him at Manchester City. He wants to move to Arsenal. It’s worth noting the likes of Atletico Madrid, Liverpool and Juventus have shown interest
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
Weren't the bids for Smith-Rowe reportedly £40m or so?
He's a decent player, but I'd hardly call that derisory.
£25m then went back with £30m.
And you think that £30m for a 21 year old with a couple of dozen first team appearances is "derisory"?
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The first player since Westwood we will have sold for a free higher than we paid.
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We have wasted his talent for the last 3 seasons by playing him out of position, and then not playing him when we actually signed someone to complement him. He'll go to any one of the clubs (most of which are far more successful than us at the moment) that have been linked with him and look excellent - yet another example of a shocking lack of talent development/player management from the club. Arsenal will put him alongside Partey in the midfield long term, and he'll be really effective. Idrissa Gueye mark 2.
No complaints from me towards the player - to be fair, being sat on the bench watching Ramsey and McGinn turn in stinker after stinker and keep playing ahead of you is enough to make anyone consider their options.
I hope we don't end up selling, but either way, the fact its come to this with an unhappy player wanting to leave on deadline day or leaving for free next window, still represents a massive failure from the club. This has almost pissed me off more than the performances of late, as off the pitch is one of the rare areas we've been decent.
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The first player since Westwood we will have sold for a free higher than we paid.
Apart from Targett, Sinclair and Bacuna (was raised on the transfer thread last night)
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Im fairly sure he's going just because he's finally gotten good at taking corners.
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Some interesting logic, complaints about not signing a certain level of player, then mocked when enquiring about that level of player.
There's a difference between enquiring and submitting derisory bids that don't have a hope of being accepted. We rightly used to take the piss out of Ellis for doing the same, so it shouldn't be out of bounds to comment on it when we appear to do it now.
Weren't the bids for Smith-Rowe reportedly £40m or so?
He's a decent player, but I'd hardly call that derisory.
£25m then went back with £30m.
And you think that £30m for a 21 year old with a couple of dozen first team appearances is "derisory"?
I think he only had a year left on his deal too. Presumably his agent let him know what Villa were prepared to pay him and he got the deal he wanted.
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He was signed as a defensive midfielder, he just wasn't very good at it. Or indeed, much else, other than his newly acquired skill of scoring from corners.
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The first player since Westwood we will have sold for a free higher than we paid.
Apart from Targett, Sinclair and Bacuna (was raised on the transfer thread last night)
I can't imagine Chukwumeka cost us £20m from Northampton either.
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I think he only had a year left on his deal too. Presumably his agent let him know what Villa were prepared to pay him and he got the deal he wanted.
He had two years left at the time.
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We have wasted his talent for the last 3 seasons by playing him out of position, and then not playing him when we actually signed someone to complement him. He'll go to any one of the clubs (most of which are far more successful than us at the moment) that have been linked with him and look excellent - yet another example of a shocking lack of talent development/player management from the club. Arsenal will put him alongside Partey in the midfield long term, and he'll be really effective. Idrissa Gueye mark 2.
No complaints from me towards the player - to be fair, being sat on the bench watching Ramsey and McGinn turn in stinker after stinker and keep playing ahead of you is enough to make anyone consider their options.
I hope we don't end up selling, but either way, the fact its come to this with an unhappy player wanting to leave on deadline day or leaving for free next window, still represents a massive failure from the club. This has almost pissed me off more than the performances of late, as off the pitch is one of the rare areas we've been decent.
Luiz has played over 100 league games for us in the past three and a bit seasons. There are valid concerns about our inability to develop him as a player (could say same for likes of Konsa and Watkins) but he got every chance on match day.
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If it's true Arsenal are chasing him,it won't be hard to catch him
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Do people honestly think we offered £25m for ESR and then upped it to £30m by pulling figures out of the air rather than those offers being based on discussions we'd had with his agent?
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Do people honestly think we offered £25m for ESR and then upped it to £30m by pulling figures out of the air rather than those offers being based on discussions we'd had with his agent?
We got played like a fiddle.
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I doubt we'd have thought a £30m bid for Ramsey last summer was derisory. We may not have accepted it, but after a nearly identical number of top flight games as ESR it would have struck me as a decent offer.
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SSN getting overly excited that Arsenal are improving their offer from £20m to £25m despite the club saying he’s not for sale.
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I dont rate him. They wil take the £25m. More of a concern is our transfer strategy to this point that has left us way short in midfield.
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If they do decide to sell at £25m then Tielemans would be an upgrade for the same price.
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Twat on SSN just going on about Luiz 'being available'.
Don't they listen to their own twat stood outside the North Stand?
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I cant believe Arsenal don't go in for Tilelmans if he is the same price. I think he is far better than Luiz.
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Do people honestly think we offered £25m for ESR and then upped it to £30m by pulling figures out of the air rather than those offers being based on discussions we'd had with his agent?
We got played like a fiddle.
Maybe, but more likely asrsenal were stalling on a new deal, we contacted his agent who gave us a figure and told Arsenal they either met the demands or they'd push for the move, obviously Arsenal agreed a new deal but that doesn't mean we were played, it means the agent did his job.
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Do people honestly think we offered £25m for ESR and then upped it to £30m by pulling figures out of the air rather than those offers being based on discussions we'd had with his agent?
We got played like a fiddle.
Maybe, but more likely asrsenal were stalling on a new deal, we contacted his agent who gave us a figure and told Arsenal they either met the demands or they'd push for the move, obviously Arsenal agreed a new deal but that doesn't mean we were played, it means the agent did his job.
Possibly. Then we did the exact same with JWP. Or JWP did the exact same with us!
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Do people honestly think we offered £25m for ESR and then upped it to £30m by pulling figures out of the air rather than those offers being based on discussions we'd had with his agent?
We got played like a fiddle.
Maybe, but more likely asrsenal were stalling on a new deal, we contacted his agent who gave us a figure and told Arsenal they either met the demands or they'd push for the move, obviously Arsenal agreed a new deal but that doesn't mean we were played, it means the agent did his job.
Possibly. Then we did the exact same with JWP. Or JWP did the exact same with us!
And we did the same with Grealish 2 years ago, it happens all the time.
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Offer Leicester £25m for Tiellemans, if they happens tell Arsenal they can have Luis for £30m.
Easy
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The first player since Westwood we will have sold for a free higher than we paid.
Apart from Targett, Sinclair and Bacuna (was raised on the transfer thread last night)
Was Westwood not after the other two? I thought we sold Targett for what we paid for him, my mistake.
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It was funny last night, as the first corner he took before scoring direct was one of his more usual fail to clear the first defender crap ones. Then he goes and thunder bastards it straight in.
And it was refreshing to see that the wankers from VAR had a look at Kamara standing his ground in front of their keeper, and deemed it ok. To be honest, I was expecting them to rule it out because it was against Arsenal.
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It was funny last night, as the first corner he took before scoring direct was one of his more usual fail to clear the first defender crap ones. Then he goes and thunder bastards it straight in.
And it was refreshing to see that the wankers from VAR had a look at Kamara standing his ground in front of their keeper, and deemed it ok. To be honest, I was expecting them to rule it out because it was against Arsenal.
The commentators here were going mental
"Slippery slope to playing ice hockey rules"
"Thin end of the wedge " and other such bullshit.
Mind they were screaming for a penalty against Mings in the first half when he manhandled Saka as well.
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The first player since Westwood we will have sold for a free higher than we paid.
Apart from Targett, Sinclair and Bacuna (was raised on the transfer thread last night)
Was Westwood not after the other two? I thought we sold Targett for what we paid for him, my mistake.
Could be. I'm just stealing other peoples work.
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Can’t say I’m at all concerned if this really average player leaves.
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Man City have a sell on clause in place. 20% of anything over £15m
£20m they get £1m
£25m - £2m
£30m - £3m
£35m - £4m
I reckon he's on his way out. It's a question of how much we can screw out of Arsenal.
Wouldn't surprise me if he stayed down in London last night to be on site for a medical today.
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Word on the Tweet is we're asking £40 mill for Luiz. Maybe pricing him out? Either that or we're willing to be negotiated down to £30 mill.
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swap Luiz for Jesus
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Word on the Tweet is we're asking £40 mill for Luiz. Maybe pricing him out? Either that or we're willing to be negotiated down to £30 mill.
Why would we price him out of he's effectively free to go in January?
My only concern about it is we don't appear to have a replacement in place at a time when we knew his contract situation might be a risk. Tielemans would be brilliant if we could get him, but I suspect they'll be others after him, and our league position and Slippy's precarious position will put potential acquisitions off.
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Word on the Tweet is we're asking £40 mill for Luiz. Maybe pricing him out? Either that or we're willing to be negotiated down to £30 mill.
Why would we price him out of he's effectively free to go in January?
My only concern about it is we don't appear to have a replacement in place at a time when we knew his contract situation might be a risk. Tielemans would be brilliant if we could get him, but I suspect they'll be others after him, and our league position and Slippy's precarious position will put potential acquisitions off.
because we'd struggle to replace him in the squad today so a player we know adds something to us has more value than £20-30m sat in the bank that we can't use. There comes a point where the money is too much to turn down and it sounds like we've decided that's £40m, I'm ok with that. If Doug and Arsenal don't like it they maybe should've bid a month ago.
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£30 and £40 million for Luiz??? They've obviously seen his potency from corners and thought "think what he could do with free kicks"....they'd be wrong. It's madness.
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Word on the Tweet is we're asking £40 mill for Luiz. Maybe pricing him out? Either that or we're willing to be negotiated down to £30 mill.
Why would we price him out of he's effectively free to go in January?
My only concern about it is we don't appear to have a replacement in place at a time when we knew his contract situation might be a risk. Tielemans would be brilliant if we could get him, but I suspect they'll be others after him, and our league position and Slippy's precarious position will put potential acquisitions off.
because we'd struggle to replace him in the squad today so a player we know adds something to us has more value than £20-30m sat in the bank that we can't use. There comes a point where the money is too much to turn down and it sounds like we've decided that's £40m, I'm ok with that. If Doug and Arsenal don't like it they maybe should've bid a month ago.
I'd agree with you if he were a first-pick player under this manager, but he hasn't been, so cash in now and bank the money for use in January. Don't get me wrong, I think Doug has looked okay when he's been used by Slippy, but there is clearly a preference for Ramsey and McGinn as first-pick alongside Kamara.
With Dedoncker coming in, I'd see Luiz' role even further under threat.
Take the money!
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Whilst we do need to balance the books and sell sensibly, and I'm not the biggest Douglas fan, I don't see the benefit of selling him without an adequate replacement. The Wolves fella isn't that. We'll still be short. If we're not using Sanson, we're very short of numbers in midfield, particularly when JJ and McGinn are struggling. Luis has actually been better than those too.
Also, we've all been here before. We know when a Villa manager is a dead man walking. Gerrard reeks of it. I'd rather keep Douglas so that the next manager has a half decent midfield option. We could still see Douglas become a very good no 8. If Arsenal fancy him, it says something. I don't care about losing him for a free. We need decent players here and now.
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116 appearances for us and he hasn't established himself as a first choice 6, 8 or 10.
If the price is right ........ sell.
Wonder how Sanson might do with a run of games?
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Word on the Tweet is we're asking £40 mill for Luiz. Maybe pricing him out? Either that or we're willing to be negotiated down to £30 mill.
Why would we price him out of he's effectively free to go in January?
My only concern about it is we don't appear to have a replacement in place at a time when we knew his contract situation might be a risk. Tielemans would be brilliant if we could get him, but I suspect they'll be others after him, and our league position and Slippy's precarious position will put potential acquisitions off.
because we'd struggle to replace him in the squad today so a player we know adds something to us has more value than £20-30m sat in the bank that we can't use. There comes a point where the money is too much to turn down and it sounds like we've decided that's £40m, I'm ok with that. If Doug and Arsenal don't like it they maybe should've bid a month ago.
I'd agree with you if he were a first-pick player under this manager, but he hasn't been, so cash in now and bank the money for use in January. Don't get me wrong, I think Doug has looked okay when he's been used by Slippy, but there is clearly a preference for Ramsey and McGinn as first-pick alongside Kamara.
With Dedoncker coming in, I'd see Luiz' role even further under threat.
Take the money!
Given the slope that slippy is currently on I'm not sure how he favours setting us up in midfield matters all that much. Even ignoring that, we've just let Tim go out on loan and Gerrard seems to have decided to completely ignore Nakamba and Sanson. That means our midfield options right now are Kamara, Dendoncker, McGinn, Ramsey and Luiz, if we can't get a replacement in selling him now would leave us really short of options.
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116 appearances for us and he hasn't established himself as a first choice 6, 8 or 10.
If the price is right ........ sell.
Wonder how Sanson might do with a run of games?
That's what I was thinking. Obviously preferable if we get someone like Gallagher or Tielemans in to replace him.
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I have always liked Douglas Luiz and I am very frustrated that this manager has not identified 4-2-3-1 as the system with him in the first 11.
We seem to have taken a very strange turn this week and I am really uncomfortable with it.
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£30 and £40 million for Luiz??? They've obviously seen his potency from corners and thought "think what he could do with free kicks"....they'd be wrong. It's madness.
Or it could be because there is a 20% sell on clause to Man City as being reported in some dodgy media outlets
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116 appearances for us and he hasn't established himself as a first choice 6, 8 or 10.
If the price is right ........ sell.
Wonder how Sanson might do with a run of games?
That's what I was thinking. Obviously preferable if we get someone like Gallagher or Tielemans in to replace him.
If that was happening great , but I don't think it is so just more cloggers.
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116 appearances for us and he hasn't established himself as a first choice 6, 8 or 10.
If the price is right ........ sell.
Wonder how Sanson might do with a run of games?
That's what I was thinking. Obviously preferable if we get someone like Gallagher or Tielemans in to replace him.
If that was happening great , but I don't think it is so just more cloggers.
I'm a glass half-full man. :)
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116 appearances for us and he hasn't established himself as a first choice 6, 8 or 10.
If the price is right ........ sell.
Wonder how Sanson might do with a run of games?
That's what I was thinking. Obviously preferable if we get someone like Gallagher or Tielemans in to replace him.
If that was happening great , but I don't think it is so just more cloggers.
I'm a glass half-full man. :)
At 11pm you can top it up or chuck it away.
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swap Luiz for Jesus
I'll take £25 million plus Zoroaster.
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£26m plus add ons allegedly accepted according to TS
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Arteta thinks he can win the league by singing Man City reserves from 4 years ago
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£26m plus add ons allegedly accepted according to TS
That better not be true.
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£26m plus add ons allegedly accepted according to TS
That better not be true.
Daylight robbery, bite their hand off!
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If it is true I think it's a good buy for them, he'll do well in a settled team. No guaranteed starter by any means but they have European football.
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Swap him for Smith-Rowe. 12 months on, we get our man. He's a sub for Arsenal now mostly, isn't he?
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Arteta thinks he can win the league by singing Man City reserves from 4 years ago
A strange way of trying to win the league!
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Just heard on Radio WM (I know!) that we've turned down Arsenal's offer.
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Swap him for Smith-Rowe. 12 months on, we get our man. He's a sub for Arsenal now mostly, isn't he?
Now we’re talking.
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Just heard on Radio WM (I know!) that we've turned down Arsenal's offer.
Might as well burn £26m if true. Crazy
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I want to keep Doug.
He’s scored for Villa within living memory.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q88QFsf/20220901-190330.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q88QFsf)
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We've got these "Serious owners" who "mean business" so why are we in a position where Joe, Carney and now appears to be Dougie have/want to leave. Add to that ESR turning us down last year, Ward Prowse and Sarr hardly banging the door down to join.
That attempt to buy Smith-Rowe was fucking laughable. As if he was going to leave Arsenal to come here.
I wonder hhow much time we've wasted chasing unachievable transfer targets
Agree, I don’t think Smith-Rowe was ever going to leave Arsenal, for us or anyone.
I think because he was stalling on a new contract we put our low starter bid and was, basically, told that it’s a non starter.
If we’d have been given any encouragement I think we’d have followed it up with another bid.
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So topic header? Is old, new, ???
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£26m plus add ons allegedly accepted according to TS
Do the add-ons include a £20 kettle,?
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£26 million for a player who wants to go - take the money now or he will go for free at the end of the season
If he stayed how many games will he start??? Not many
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Just heard on Radio WM (I know!) that we've turned down Arsenal's offer.
Radio WM has gone to pot
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q88QFsf/20220901-190330.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q88QFsf)
Saw that last night and joked that he was probably asking for a move 😂
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I kind of see both sides of the argument here. We could do with him staying but that 26m or whatever it is could be used in January if we can't spent it now.
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£26 million for a player who wants to go - take the money now or he will go for free at the end of the season
If he stayed how many games will he start??? Not many
He’s a good player better than many we have got, will probably improve but he isn’t going to sign a new contract so 26m is about right. We get a 10m profit on original cost.
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£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
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£26 million for a player who wants to go - take the money now or he will go for free at the end of the season
If he stayed how many games will he start??? Not many
He’s a good player better than many we have got, will probably improve but he isn’t going to sign a new contract so 26m is about right. We get a 10m profit on original cost.
We have to give shitty 20% still a profit though on a fairly mediocre performer with a year left. I think we should take it.
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I'm swaying towards don't take it. Earlier in the window, maybe, but not now.
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I'm swaying towards don't take it. Earlier in the window, maybe, but not now.
Yep, unless we have someone lined up to rush through in the next few hours as a replacement selling him would be reckless.
If we hadn't loaned out Tim and AJ and Sanson was part of the squad I'd be less upset, even though I think Luiz is a far better player than he gets credit for by many.
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Sell him, please
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Very optimistically I think there is a bit of domino effect here. Chelsea are trying to sign a midfielder, Arsenal are trying to get Luiz. I reckon we will have a deal for Gallagher by the end of the window if Chelsea get their man.
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I think Kamara is the replacement for Luiz and Dendonkar the upgrade on Nakamba.
Kamara and Dendonkar with one of Ramsey and McGinn might make a decent blend.
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Sell .His head's turned.
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Very optimistically I think there is a bit of domino effect here. Chelsea are trying to sign a midfielder, Arsenal are trying to get Luiz. I reckon we will have a deal for Gallagher by the end of the window if Chelsea get their man.
Well yes, Gallagher would be the upgrade on McGinn/Ramsey so I hope you’re right but only as a permanent. I’d sooner play our players if it’s a loan.
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£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
-
£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
Indeed. It's far too easy to slag others off when it's not your own money your spending.
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£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
With that number given, £250 million, you should be asking why aren't we up there in terms of performance with the biggest spenders yet.
We're top 10 in net spend since 2020 and the only one outside of European places. Not only that, we're in the basement.
-
£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
You're right. We can sit back the deadline is passing and watch our pursuit of European qualification unfold. We've done enough, we don't need any further strengthing. Just spend what we generate and we'll be good to go.
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Because it’s not actually always about actual spend but making shrewd decisions. Gerrard wasn’t one of those, in fact it’s now looking like a monumental fuck up. Some of the signings we’ve made have been good though in the last 3 years.
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£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
With that number given, £250 million, you should be asking why aren't we up there in terms of performance with the biggest spenders yet.
We're top 10 in net spend since 2020 and the only one outside of European places. Not only that, we're in the basement.
He'll just come back with the same spin "the nanager" even though it is practically the same team smith had so it's the "two managers" and then next year it will be the third manager. I mean, I dont know who os responsible for recruiting these terrible managers
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Do we know if Luiz needs to be driven down to Islington?
-
£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
You're right. We can sit back the deadline is passing and watch our pursuit of European qualification unfold. We've done enough, we don't need any further strengthing. Just spend what we generate and we'll be good to go.
Explain it to me then…
Do you think..
1. They have given up
2. Lost faith in Gerrard
3. Decided to copy the Glazers
Something else?
We’ve all seen how woeful the team has been so far. I struggle to see why anyone would back Gerrard with a big money signing right now.
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If the M1 is anything like it was last night, he's left it too late.
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£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
With that number given, £250 million, you should be asking why aren't we up there in terms of performance with the biggest spenders yet.
We're top 10 in net spend since 2020 and the only one outside of European places. Not only that, we're in the basement.
Nobody else 'up there' was relegated recently, so we've had to spend to just stay up. That was supposed to be 'phase 1' in a plan to get the club into Europe (and eventually the CL). The frustration is that we appear to have stalled. Is that just because we have selected the wrong manager (again), or something more worrying, is what people are wondering now. Maybe it's like a weird PTSD post-Lerner thing!?
The hope is that we would've gone bigger in this window, had we not had such a shocking start. That they are temporarily pulling the drawbridge up on big spending until they get another manager, or to a point in time where propsective players (that we can tempt financially but are currently reluctant to come because they don't want to sign for a manager who is shortly going to be on his bike) will be gettable.
If it isn't that, and we aren't going to spend another £250m or whatever it'll realistically take to get 'up there', then I'm not sure what the point of having such apparently wealthy owners is. Making up the numbers in this league is not what we've been told is happening.
I think its more likely to be a temporary blip, but I've just been telling my son to be more optimistic (about going back to school next week), so am trying to take some of my own advice!
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I was non plussesd if he goes or not but I'd fucking keep him purely for the amount of African Arsenal fans bombarding the Villa Socials.
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Sell .His head's turned.
Agreed, when his heart's not in it we may as well get the fee rather than letting him go for free.
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Sell .His head's turned.
Not to mention his stomach having to work under the Manager.
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Although if his head is turned, it was likely turned before he scored another screamer last night. So, maybe, keep him even if his head is turned.
-
£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
You're right. We can sit back the deadline is passing and watch our pursuit of European qualification unfold. We've done enough, we don't need any further strengthing. Just spend what we generate and we'll be good to go.
Explain it to me then…
Do you think..
1. They have given up
2. Lost faith in Gerrard
3. Decided to copy the Glazers
Something else?
We’ve all seen how woeful the team has been so far. I struggle to see why anyone would back Gerrard with a big money signing right now.
1. Yes, absolutely 100%. I think they deliberaly held back last summer to see if the Newcastle takeover happened. I think the window and this one shows this. I don't blame and I'm stressing this again that my issues with them is they've kept banging the European drum even though they know we aren't good enough. We're miles off being good enough and we clearly don't have the finances to be good enough. People are swallowing as demonstrated on here by posters genuinely believe we should be top half. They want be thinking this in the next couple of years believe me.
2. No, one thing that can't be denied is there ruthless in their actions with employees. He would have gone by now.
3. I don't get where this has been indicated but no they aren't coping the glazers. What wouldn't surprise me.....cue the laughs I know....is if they've got a business plan to get the stadium done, ensure we're a Premier league club with the view to cashing out to the Saudis (or similar). The ways its going, every club will need to be run like this to even be kn the league. Just on your points though about the glazers I think what we are seeing is more Lerner when we 2011
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Although if his head is turned, it was likely turned before he scored another screamer last night. So, maybe, keep him even if his head is turned.
Indeed.
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If his sale brings in someone who is also a capable starter then let’s do it. I’d love Conor Gallagher now that Chelsea have made a deal for Zakaria. It could be that Luiz sale is dependent on other things happening and being agreed to.
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edit: I was duped.
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Well we better have a fucking replacement.
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He knows he can head away for zip in a few months.
With a World Cup coming up I don't think he'll down tools between now and then if we tell Arsenal to do one.
A new manager in a few weeks - one who lets midfielders play as midfielders - might even encourage him to stay.
-
£26 million. Negative net spend for the second year in a row.
Whoop whoop. We're rocking these windows
I read somewhere that the owners have a net spend of about £250 million on transfers since they arrived.
Do you really expect Villa to be up there with the biggest spenders in Europe, every year?
How is that sustainable?
You may want to give Championship Manager a rest.
You're right. We can sit back the deadline is passing and watch our pursuit of European qualification unfold. We've done enough, we don't need any further strengthing. Just spend what we generate and we'll be good to go.
Explain it to me then…
Do you think..
1. They have given up
2. Lost faith in Gerrard
3. Decided to copy the Glazers
Something else?
We’ve all seen how woeful the team has been so far. I struggle to see why anyone would back Gerrard with a big money signing right now.
1. Yes, absolutely 100%. I think they deliberaly held back last summer to see if the Newcastle takeover happened. I think the window and this one shows this. I don't blame and I'm stressing this again that my issues with them is they've kept banging the European drum even though they know we aren't good enough. We're miles off being good enough and we clearly don't have the finances to be good enough. People are swallowing as demonstrated on here by posters genuinely believe we should be top half. They want be thinking this in the next couple of years believe me.
2. No, one thing that can't be denied is there ruthless in their actions with employees. He would have gone by now.
3. I don't get where this has been indicated but no they aren't coping the glazers. What wouldn't surprise me.....cue the laughs I know....is if they've got a business plan to get the stadium done, ensure we're a Premier league club with the view to cashing out to the Saudis (or similar). The ways its going, every club will need to be run like this to even be kn the league. Just on your points though about the glazers I think what we are seeing is more Lerner when we 2011
I am not sure though. Could you elaborate please?
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Jason Burt @JBurtTelegraph 1m
Arsenal to accept defeat - as things stands - in their pursuit of Douglas Luiz.
Aston Villa standing firm that he is not for sale and a third bid is not expected. More on @TeleFootball
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Although if his head is turned, it was likely turned before he scored another screamer last night. So, maybe, keep him even if his head is turned.
Indeed.
Noticed he didn't celebrate. Maybe doing respect gesture (in reverse) so popular with footballers if they score against their former club.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
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He did the same celebration he did against Bolton didn’t he?
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Doing a Hoolahan.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
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Although if his head is turned, it was likely turned before he scored another screamer last night. So, maybe, keep him even if his head is turned.
Indeed.
Noticed he didn't celebrate. Maybe doing respect gesture (in reverse) so popular with footballers if they score against their former club.
Like when Wes Hoolahan didn't celebrate after scoring against us because he thought he was about to sign.
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Doing a Hoolahan.
ok ok. sorry.
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Well if he's staying I hope he doesn't work to rule. Though it'll be hard to tell.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
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Doing a Hoolahan.
No that’s a blast from the past.
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If he is staying, I hope this isn’t a sign that the board are still listening to Gerrard
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
Basically,
Selling him would be bad, a sign we're shit
Keeping him is bad, a sign we're shit
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
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What happened to the new contract he was signing last week?
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Possibly a sign that Gerrard is on his way out and any new manager would persuade him to re-sign?
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What happened to the new contract he was signing last week?
If i was him, having played that Arsenal side last night, I would absolutely be off.
We are 19th in the league and have just been effortlessly danced around by Arsenal. He's had 3 years of that sort of shit rubbish here. Of course he'll want to go.
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Big shout to keep him - if we finish 16th and he goes on a free seems a bit of a waste
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I think it's a mistake to keep him. I like him as a player but he's going to be thoroughly fucked off with the club for a while, and so won't play anyway.
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I think it's a mistake to keep him. I like him as a player but he's going to be thoroughly fucked off with the club for a while, and so won't play anyway.
I don't think any of that will happen. He knows he can leave on a free soon if he chooses so he'll have a choice of clubs come next summer, unless he decides to stay if course.
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All depends on him, if he's going to sulk then we should probably have sold him as he won't be beneficial to us. If he's professional and just cracks on then it's better he stays. A few extra points because we still have him should make up most of that £25m in prize money for being a few places higher.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
What nonsense, no doubt if we sell you’d be moaning that we are a selling club too
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
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Here it comes...
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At this stage of the window we have to keep him. Hopefully he’ll play out of his skin now for a great move in the summer.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
Cancel culture on here?
I hold my hands up - I could’ve been banned on multiple occasions, with no complaints!
Easily the most tolerant messageboard.
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At this stage of the window we have to keep him. Hopefully he’ll play out of his skin now for a great move in the summer.
I would think a spot on the World Cup squad for Brazil would be the real motivator.
He'll have plenty of offers come June.
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Just a thought but maybe the useless oaf is going to start playing 4-2-3-1 therefore he plays further forward?
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
You are ridiculous
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
Fucking hell I think I’ve seen it all now.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
Selling him wouldn’t save us £25m, it would generate £25m (less what we bought him for).
Selling him doesn’t admit that we’re in relegation battle…it means we value him as part of the squad and don’t want to decrease or weaken our midfield options in the squad. If anything, it’s more of a slant on the other players sitting on the sidelines (such as Nakamba and Sanson).
We as fans and the management are clearly not that confident in the midfield options in the squad if we were to sell, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Why would we knowingly weaken the midfield options for the sake of £25m?
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Just a thought but maybe the useless oaf is going to start playing 4-2-3-1 therefore he plays further forward?
Maybe the coaches are having a word with him. He certainly needs some help, or maybe needs to listen and accept help anyway.
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Doing a Hoolahan.
No that’s a blast from the past.
I was thinking of it the other day, for some reason, while also pondering the time that Mark Hughes quit Fulham to take the Villa manager's job that we hadn't offered him. Has any other manager left a club to take on a job that they weren't then given?
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He'll probably sign a new contract tomorrow.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
If only there was such a thing
-
Arsenal have made a third bid, according to a couple of blue tick sources.
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"Cancel culture"!!!! 😂😂😂
I'm guessing you've just realised that you're not making any sense!
-
So if you're worried about the vultures
Only thing we can do is cancel culture
I didn't mean to insult ya
All that's left to do is cancel culture
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"Cancel culture"!!!! 😂😂😂
I'm guessing you've just realised that you're not making any sense!
Alex Jones makes probably more sense
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The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
I see you are on the same wavelength as that ****** Piers Morgan.
-
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
I see you are on the same wavelength as that ****** Piers Morgan.
Hold on a minute… you **** out the c word, but still inflict P**** *****n on us? I know which I find less offensive.
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I suspect we've rejected the bids because the owners couldn't risk being exposed by letting the net spend for the window go down. Or something.
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The owners are just money grabbing idiots and turning down £25 million proves it. Ermm, somehow.
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The owners are just money grabbing idiots and turning down £25 million proves it. Ermm, somehow.
Not just money grabbing bastards, but shit ones at that - they don't even try to grab money! The bastards!
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Well if Dougie is staying I’d say we’re done now then.
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The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
I see you are on the same wavelength as that ****** Piers Morgan.
Hold on a minute… you **** out the c word, but still inflict P**** *****n on us? I know which I find less offensive.
I needed to read this a few times 🤣
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Reckon he and his agent were playing us to get a fat wage increase on the new contract he may very well sign now?
Cynical? Moi?
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At 9am (ish) this morning Villa tell Sly Sports Spews that they weren't going to sell Dougie, yet 13 hours later they're still trying hard to make a story of him going to Arsenal. Wankers.
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Still hoping for 22/23 happiness for our French lads in the next hour.
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I am sure Arsenal have acted in a very gracious and respectful manner and can feel aggrieved that Villa have not shown due deference and acquiesced to their request for our player.
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Well done Villa standing up to one of the Sky 6.
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Knowing how Arsenal have done their transfer deadline day business in the past, we’ll probably wake up tomorrow to find the deal was done in the early hours due to an issue with a faulty fax machine that didn’t deliver the required paperwork that was sent at 10:59pm.
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Oh yeah...they started that shit with Arse-shavin' didn't they...
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This seems like a condensed version of Gareth Barry to Liverpool in 2008.
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Gregg evans tweeted earlier that Dendoncker was 1 of 3 bits of business . After Bednarek I wonder if there will be a late announcement of Dougie signing a new contract ?
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Maybe we are turning down bids for Dougie while Tielemens is getting out of the shower after his game?
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Gregg evans tweeted earlier that Dendoncker was 1 of 3 bits of business . After Bednarek I wonder if there will be a late announcement of Dougie signing a new contract ?
On this part. Let's say he signs, and says it was never in doubt. Would that be "unsporting" for the clubs bidding?
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Sky seem very upset they haven’t been able to sell Luiz to Arsenal. Hilarious!!!!
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Sky seem very upset they haven’t been able to sell Luiz to Arsenal. Hilarious!!!!
I'm fairly sure it's all just theatre. They probably haven't bid at all. Shame that the lovely Jim White isn't there to oversee it all. NOT!!
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Well done Villa standing up to one of the Sky 6.
Ahem. Scab 6.
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Excuse me! They are founders of the European League don’t you know.
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The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
I see you are on the same wavelength as that ****** Piers Morgan.
Hold on a minute… you **** out the c word, but still inflict P**** *****n on us? I know which I find less offensive.
Sorry about that mate. A school boy error and I do apologise.
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Good I'm glad we told them to fuck off. In a weeks time our con man of a manager will be gone and hopefull the new bloke sees the light so that Luiz get starts vs McGinn.
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Fuck off Arsenal and Sky and Talk Sport.
Luiz we love you and soon we will have a manager in charge who knows how to coach and won't be tactically clueless and you will make the Brazil squad later in the year.
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Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if a new contract was signed with a release clause.
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John Percy saying that barring any major u-turn, Luiz is staying with us.
I can't work this out. Why not just take the money? If keeping him saves us £25 million that ti me is an admission we're I'm a relegation battle. If we were that confident the squad we'd be selling
I’m not sure I follow you?
He is going to leave for free so we're saying that keeping him essential. If we were confident in what we would have after he's gone, we would selling surely? I'm not on a wind up or "trolling" I'm being serious that are we thr type of club to turn down £25 million. Put it another way, how would we feel if we brought him for £25 Mill on a 1 year deal
So just so we're clear, you're simultaneously complaining that the owners aren't investing enough and that they're also mad for not selling a fringe player when they could get £25m for him?
The cancel culture on heros and villains means I can not comment further.
So, are we shit for keeping him, or, was it shit for not selling him? 🤔
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Knowing how Arsenal have done their transfer deadline day business in the past, we’ll probably wake up tomorrow to find the deal was done in the early hours due to an issue with a faulty fax machine that didn’t deliver the required paperwork that was sent at 10:59pm.
That's true KRS. I was thinking the same earlier that they usually have an extra day.
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So if it’s true he wanted to go, do we now have an unhappy player.
He didn’t look very happy when he scored the other night either.
I don’t know what to make of it all.
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Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
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So if it’s true he wanted to go, do we now have an unhappy player.
He didn’t look very happy when he scored the other night either.
I don’t know what to make of it all.
He will want to make Brazil’s World Cup squad, and will probably get more minutes here.. but obviously the football is more flattering at ahhsnul.
I can’t imagine he’ll be scoring any more of those corners now, though. The jig is up!
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Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
Who the fuck is Edu?
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So if it’s true he wanted to go, do we now have an unhappy player.
He didn’t look very happy when he scored the other night either.
I don’t know what to make of it all.
If he keeps scoring goals he can look as miserable as Steve Bruce when the chip shop has closed early for all I care.
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Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
Who the fuck is Edu?
Long-necked bloke, used to hang about with Rod Hull, IIRC.
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If he'd gone for £25m, I'd can't say I'd be too bothered, provided we got time to find a replacement. The fact that they left it this late, means it was never going to happen.
-
Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
Who the fuck is Edu?
Long-necked bloke, used to hang about with Rod Hull, IIRC.
"Heh"
-
Edu is their Lange equivalent and a former player of theirs.
-
Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
Who the fuck is Edu?
Long-necked bloke, used to hang about with Rod Hull, IIRC.
That edu creature got a grip of Micahel Parkisnson's gonads on live TV. Parky wasn't best pleased IIRC.
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Edu is their Lange equivalent and a former player of theirs.
Thanks, I think I remember him as a player, but hadn't a clue he was now working for them.
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Fuck off Arsenal and Sky and Talk Sport.
Luiz we love you and soon we will have a manager in charge who knows how to coach and won't be tactically clueless and you will make the Brazil squad later in the year.
I have always thought that Luiz has always been played out of position with us.
He has played as an emergency DM when really his true value is higher up the pitch.
I for one am glad he is staying and as Toronto says our new Manager will be able to utilise all our players including Dougie in a better tactical plan.
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I’m glad he’s stayed.
He could leave on a free? He could sign a new deal. All if’s and buts right now.
I’m not worried about losing £25m this previous window? No.
We’ve wasted ten fold that over the years on crap.
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He's staying, he wants his Brazil place back, he's played well this season and not been assured of his place despite 2 of the 3 players ahead of him looking - how to put this politely - not exactly in peak form. I know what I'd change in this equation.
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Sign a new contract please Doug.
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I'm glad he's staying. He's a good player. Just hope he is happy to stay as well.
Hopefully the board put a block on him going, so the new manager/coach will have a bigger squad to work with.
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I’m a bit torn on whether we should have cashed in or not. We keep being told that player trading is a part of modern football and certainly massively helps with FFP compliance so knowing when to trade an asset is vital for me in Pushing us forwards. I have a feeling that unless he signs a new contract we’ve maybe missed the window for selling him which would be good for the trading account and FFP. 🤷🏼♂️
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As long as he plays then he is worth keeping - he is a tidy player, and could complement Kamara as the one of the two holding players. Saying that he'll probably make the odd sub appearance over the next 10 games.
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I’m a bit torn on whether we should have cashed in or not. We keep being told that player trading is a part of modern football and certainly massively helps with FFP compliance so knowing when to trade an asset is vital for me in Pushing us forwards. I have a feeling that unless he signs a new contract we’ve maybe missed the window for selling him which would be good for the trading account and FFP. 🤷🏼♂️
If the offer had come in a werk ago I'd agree but selling someone who should be starting most games with no time to replace him is never a good idea. That said there would be a point where the offer was too much to turn down but in the current market that would have been a lot more than £25m.
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I’m a bit torn on whether we should have cashed in or not. We keep being told that player trading is a part of modern football and certainly massively helps with FFP compliance so knowing when to trade an asset is vital for me in Pushing us forwards. I have a feeling that unless he signs a new contract we’ve maybe missed the window for selling him which would be good for the trading account and FFP. 🤷🏼♂️
If the offer had come in a werk ago I'd agree but selling someone who should be starting most games with no time to replace him is never a good idea. That said there would be a point where the offer was too much to turn down but in the current market that would have been a lot more than £25m.
agree, and particularly if there is 20% due to citeh.
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I think Arsenal trying to sneak a deal through that close to the wire made Villa dig their heels in. Available all summer, choosing deadline day was stupid. A week earlier he'd have likely gone and we would have loaned in a midfielder.
-
Maybe if he'd kept Sanson a bit more involved then we could have taken the money for Doug.
As it is, I'm happy he stayed. Hopefully a new manager will get the best out of him.
-
I'd be interested to know if Dougie has been told something that might be happening in the very near future and who his next gaffer may be.
In this day and age where footballers; or more specifically their agents rule, I'm surprised they didn't push harder for him to get the move to Arsenal. Maybe they did, I have no way of knowing but it all seems very strange to me. Once a player intimates he wants offski, that's what usually happens. We can only wait and see.
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Gooners are not happy!
Re: 2022 Summer Transfer Window
Postby Ach » Today 8:19 pm
alexafc12 wrote:
Edu well and truly humiliated
You look up inept in the dictionary, there'll be a pic of edu
Who the fuck is Edu?
Long-necked bloke, used to hang about with Rod Hull, IIRC.
And even though he was tall, he wasn't know for his aerial abilities.
-
For us to turn down £25m to use him as a bit part player then lose him on a free next summer is #classicvilla.
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I'd play him regularly a bit further forward now, instead of McGinn, with Kamara and Dendoncker behind him.
-
Does this mean Gerrard feels obliged to start him in every game now, I wonder, regardless of form or not being played in his best role. McGinn is already a stuck-on starter and Kamara too. Dendoncker may need to be patient. Naka and Morgan can do a Darren Bent and spend their match matchdays shopping in town.
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McGinn was subbed pretty early the other day I wouldn’t if Gerrard’s view might be shifting.
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I’m glad I stayed made me feel a bit better about the transfer window
Hopefully if we get a decent manager he might sign a new contract You know the same as Delph and Grealish did 😀
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He'll be gone in June. I would have cashed in on him and we probably would have but we've shit the bed after an abysmal start.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
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He'll be gone in June. I would have cashed in on him and we probably would have but we've shit the bed after an abysmal start.
We need to give the new manager all options.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
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I think it was a big back the manager move. Gerrard had made it clear he wanted to keep him and the owners obliged.
It also reduces his excuses if he fails to turn things around.
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For us to turn down £25m to use him as a bit part player then lose him on a free next summer is #classicvilla.
Letting our best No8 and second best No6 go on the final day for peanuts without a replacement would have been more classic Villa.
With our net spend, money isn't the key issue here. Have the most competitive squad possible for the season is the priority.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
and if we'd let him leave with no time to sign a replacement you, and many others, would be moaning that we'd made a mistake by leaving ourselves short in midfield until January. It's a no win situation for the club and, because everything is shit, whatever happened was always going to be moaned about.
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With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
I would use 20p coins as you can form a more intricate formation and better chance of confusing the opposition.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
2p I reckon, 1.25bn of them and given they're more than double the size of a penny they'd be the most area covered.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
2p I reckon, 1.25bn of them and given they're more than double the size of a penny they'd be the most area covered.
Imagine how slow it'd be to change coin midfield shape, though, having to shift 1.25 billion coins.
It would be almost as slow as our actual midfield.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
The 50p pieces would also be at least as accurate as our current players when heading or shooting at goal.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
The 50p pieces would also be at least as accurate as our current players when heading or shooting at goal.
I'm onboard if it means we give no quarter.
-
Ladies, gentlemen, you're wrong-headed with all this talk of coins. What's needed is a big charity cheque to shield the defence.
-
I wonder if the Smith Rowe saga last summer had a part to play in us being determined to not let him go to Arsenal
-
Ladies, gentlemen, you're wrong-headed with all this talk of coins. What's needed is a big charity cheque to shield the defence.
Laminated obviously.
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The 50p pieces would bring back memories of Nathan Baker and all our other 50p-headed players over the years.
-
I wonder if the Smith Rowe saga last summer had a part to play in us being determined to not let him go to Arsenal
I had the same thought. Plus £23M for a 24 year old Brazilian international in todays market is too low, he would be double that.
Glad we told Arsenal to shove it, just hope Dougie feels the same, at least he can take his time and choose where he wants to go.
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If we get the right manager in, adapt our style to the squad we have, and climb the table, hopefully Dougie may decide this is the place for him to be after all
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Stil hopeful we can get £10m for in him in the January window, top up the kitty for the new manager.
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Think we should of sold at £25m
4 years and hardly any improvement from him and i still struggle to think where his best position is - as do i feel the various Management
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
2p I reckon, 1.25bn of them and given they're more than double the size of a penny they'd be the most area covered.
Imagine how slow it'd be to change coin midfield shape, though, having to shift 1.25 billion coins.
It would be almost as slow as our actual midfield.
We play them next to McGinn who has a feet and shins made of them.
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I think Arsenal trying to sneak a deal through that close to the wire made Villa dig their heels in. Available all summer, choosing deadline day was stupid. A week earlier he'd have likely gone and we would have loaned in a midfielder.
I'd agree with that.
Assuming their interest was genuine and they just weren't just trying to unsettle one of their rivals for the top 4. >:(
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He needs game time and good performances to get back in the Brazil squad, so hopefully he’ll get his down with minimal fuss and force his way to becoming a regular starter. From the clubs perspective, I would expect them to make him an offer that he can’t refuse with at least a £50m release clause in his contract.
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He needs game time and good performances to get back in the Brazil squad, so hopefully he’ll get his down with minimal fuss and force his way to becoming a regular starter. From the clubs perspective, I would expect them to make him an offer that he can’t refuse with at least a £50m release clause in his contract.
Signing a new contract for $1,000 would be very good business indeed.
-
🤔
-
🤔
Thought it was just me.
-
🤔
Thought it was just me.
The Godfather!!!!
-
🤔
Thought it was just me.
The Godfather!!!!
Oh another "classic" I've never seen.
-
🤔
Thought it was just me.
The Godfather!!!!
Oh another "classic" I've never seen.
Would highly recommend it.
-
He's been poor since 2020/21. Poor throughout last season and for me probably not deserving of an improved contract.
It baffled me to hear "pundits" going firm.in the loin at the prospect of him as a 6, as he's nowhere near mobile or strong enough to do it effectively.
On balance I'd have kept him, for the optics, but if they'd have come in for him earlier, I'd have got rid.
-
the pundits I heard say he'd have been good for Chelsea and Arsenal have never watched him play - absolute lazy talk - he's done nothing to suggest he can step it up a level, especially as a defensive midfielder.
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I’m just glad we kept him because Arsenal, their supporters and their manager are massive thundercnuts.
-
He's been poor since 2020/21. Poor throughout last season and for me probably not deserving of an improved contract.
It baffled me to hear "pundits" going firm.in the loin at the prospect of him as a 6, as he's nowhere near mobile or strong enough to do it effectively.
On balance I'd have kept him, for the optics, but if they'd have come in for him earlier, I'd have got rid.
Pretty much how I feel, especially the last para. Selling him in those circumstances would've given all the wrong signals.
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This is corny.. but he posted on Instagram a montage of himself in the shirt and wrote “I’m focused here.”
Glad we kept him.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
2p I reckon, 1.25bn of them and given they're more than double the size of a penny they'd be the most area covered.
My thoughts exactly.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
Whoops, wrong post quoted.
-
He isn't a nailed in starter.
He's had 100+ games to show that he's indispensible, but we're none the wiser as to whether he's a 6, 8 or 10.
He wants to leave.
He hasn't signed a new contract, despite there being one on the table for some time.
£25m declined now.
How much will his value have fallen to by January.
Having missed out 9n a move to Arsenal, what will his form be like on the coming months.
Think we've dropped one by keeping him.
We can't play £25m in cash in midfield, and I doubt it could score directly from corners. Although I'd consider giving it a start over McGinn.
With £25m in, say, 50p pieces, you could at least form some sort of protection in the middle of the park.
I wonder what denomination of coins would be most effective.
2p I reckon, 1.25bn of them and given they're more than double the size of a penny they'd be the most area covered.
Imagine how slow it'd be to change coin midfield shape, though, having to shift 1.25 billion coins.
It would be almost as slow as our actual midfield.
Haha, excellent.
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The player that is so shit, that Arsenal, top of the league, and Liverpool wanted him. These clowns don't understand football. If only they asked people in here
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Really good performance, particularly after the last few days. He's played himself into the starting 11.
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He should always be ahead of most our midfields in my opinion and also further up the pitch. Played very today.
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Really good performance, particularly after the last few days. He's played himself into the starting 11.
Yep he was excellent.
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His role today is exactly how we should be using him, did a lot of good defensive work but was allowed to drift and get forward as well.
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Solid today. Like how he always looks for Countho.
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Solid today. Like how he always looks for Countinho
Edited
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At his best today, mopping up all over the park and moving the ball well, and quickly. And good on him for not being a twat over the Arsenal move not going ahead.
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Sign a new deal Doug.
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Kamara provided the cover that allowed him to play.
He is obviously not suited to being the holding player. But linking up play, being available for passes and filling gaps seemed to suit him.
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Played well today but the treacle he runs in gets thicker by the month.
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Much better today. I am looking forward to seeing Dendonker next to Kamara so it frees up the likes of Coutinho, Buendia, Luiz etc.
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
Yes, watching MOTD I thought the same.
Also noticed he was straight over looking pretty chuffed when we equalised, so no sign of him being peeved by the non-transfer.
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It wasn't just that he wasn't sulking after the Arsenal move didn't happen, he actually raised his game today. Good to see.
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Did well today but there was one strange incident in the first half where he almost nicked a ball and sulked for about five seconds walking around. The crowd very much let him know about it. He's a good player.
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
Yes, watching MOTD I thought the same.
Also noticed he was straight over looking pretty chuffed when we equalised, so no sign of him being peeved by the non-transfer.
Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
Yes, watching MOTD I thought the same.
Also noticed he was straight over looking pretty chuffed when we equalised, so no sign of him being peeved by the non-transfer.
Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Exactly, but you put it so much better than me which is why I never considered a career in sports journalism.
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
Yes, watching MOTD I thought the same.
Also noticed he was straight over looking pretty chuffed when we equalised, so no sign of him being peeved by the non-transfer.
Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Exactly, but you put it so much better than me which is why I never considered a career in sports journalism.
I was very unhappy with the way I worded it, to be honest. Think Paul probably expressed it best in the first place!
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I'd like to see him with Donk and Kamara doing a lot of the additional dirty work. The way he ratted about today cleaning things up, with Kamara and Dendonker providing cover, bulk and physical presence, he can get on the ball and move it on quicker. Should give us balance.
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That pass was perfect, I mentioned it in the match thread andxwas pretty surprised no one else did.
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Luiz probably his best game for us today and that couple of days after we told Arsenal to fuck off. More of same please Villa and yes you too Dougie.
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That pass was perfect, I mentioned it in the match thread andxwas pretty surprised no one else did.
Maybe you just said everything that needed saying 😉
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Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
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Was so happy to see Doug sliding across to Bailey in celebration of the goal.
Had to laugh at Watkins' initial reaction to the goal. Non-plussed (jealous?), he just kicks the ball casually back into the net. Did take part in the celebrations latterly, in fairness.
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Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
Go on?
Why is there suddenly scrutiny of a random post? Is it because I never normally post on the football threads without telling someone to fuck off?
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Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
Go on?
Why is there suddenly scrutiny of a random post? Is it because I never normally post on the football threads without telling someone to fuck off?
I was at the game so I've no idea what the commentator said. ;)
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Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
Go on?
Why is there suddenly scrutiny of a random post? Is it because I never normally post on the football threads without telling someone to fuck off?
I was at the game so I've no idea what the commentator said. ;)
Yeah, it's alright for some!
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Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
Go on?
Why is there suddenly scrutiny of a random post? Is it because I never normally post on the football threads without telling someone to fuck off?
Yes it's quite shocking ;D ;)
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Agreed both, that was a lovely move. Young did brilliantly to win the ball, played a good positive ball to Luiz, then that pass wasn't even on when Luiz hit it, but he engineered it, knew he could count on Watkins to really challenge for it, and it was so incisive and beautifully weighted.
Wow...to make it better you could have finished it of by plagiarising the commentator at the 2014 world cup describing James goal for Colombia.
Go on?
Why is there suddenly scrutiny of a random post? Is it because I never normally post on the football threads without telling someone to fuck off?
Yes it's quite shocking ;D ;)
Come on then, what did the commentator say in 2014?
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So watch this and hope your spanish is good.
But roughly:
From a land called Colombia
A man called James
Has scored a goal that's a portrait.
(https://i.ibb.co/bdTdySz/20170628-The18-Photo-James-Rodriguez-Goal-Uruguay-Colombia.png) (https://ibb.co/bdTdySz)
https://the18.com/en/soccer-videos/james-rodriguez-volley-vs-uruguay
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So watch this and hope your spanish is good.
But roughly:
From a land called Colombia
A man called James
Has scored a goal that's a portrait.
(https://i.ibb.co/bdTdySz/20170628-The18-Photo-James-Rodriguez-Goal-Uruguay-Colombia.png) (https://ibb.co/bdTdySz)
That puts my semi-literate shite to shame, Aftab.
I was slightly more pleased with my pre-match prediction - which was only one goal out, I might add.
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Haha..kudos for your prediction and I better go to bed before I offend you anymore :-X
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Haha..kudos for your prediction and I better go to bed before I offend you anymore :-X
Yeah, that might be an idea, eh?! 😉
No, I just think my post about the Luiz pass was really poorly written, so it being picked up on by you and BV makes me think I've dropped a bollock of some variety.
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Rory your description was great. As for BV his best comments are usually confined to "Does anyone fancy another" or "I was at the bar when they scored" :)
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The pass Doug played for the chance for Ollie, if that was De Bruyne, Thiago, or someone of that stature it would be getting serious plaudits. It was perfectly timed and weighted.
He played an identical pass to Ollie at Old Trafford last season, another game where he was a bit further forward and superb.
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Basically showed yesterday why Arsenal wanted to sign him. I will be very disappointed if we let him go for free this year. Quality player who we just need to give minutes in his preferred position - hopefully, if he can get a run in the side and we start doing well, might be able to get the new deal done. Luiz-Kamara-Donk could be an excellent midfield 3.
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Best game that I've seen Doug play for Villa
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He'll go for free at the end of the season no doubt, but he's always come across as a decent and humble lad and I've no doubt about his attitude, so as long as he's better than those he's competing with he should play.
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If he had even a small bit of pace, he'd be a £70m player. I hope we keep him, he's a very good player, and to improve on him would cost an awful lot of money.
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Basically showed yesterday why Arsenal wanted to sign him. I will be very disappointed if we let him go for free this year.
We’ve probably got little choice, he hasn't signed the new contract on offer and is entitled to leave for nothing when the current one runs out next summer. If he didnt sign last month Id guess the opportunity is gone
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Our only remaining hope is that we put an immense run together between now and the world cup break. If we can show progress on the pitch, maybe he'll have a change of heart and commit.
He can speak to clubs from January I think (*maybe not English clubs?), so we don't have long. With consistency, he'd be an asset to any side. That ball to Ollie yesterday was sublime, and linked well with Bouba in the middle yesterday too.
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Dougie, Kamara & Donc are three players who can tackle and pass - a functioning midfield at last. Sarr & Bertie T would love it playing either side of those three. Ah well, never mind.
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Percy what you doing setting the team from back to forward...this will never catch on! Well it won't now as we don't have wings.
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Percy what you doing setting the team from back to forward...this will never catch on! Well it won't now as we don't have wings.
Our winger scored a goal yesterday. Our other wide player had a goal unfairly chalked off.
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Percy what you doing setting the team from back to forward...this will never catch on! Well it won't now as we don't have wings.
Our winger scored a goal yesterday. Our other wide player had a goal unfairly chalked off.
This is true. Makes you wonder if this midfield is the key to getting Phil & Emi2 in the side successfully.
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We have had a weak core since 2019 resulting in a lot of pressure on the defence and, in my opinion, too many defeats. Yesterday is the most solid we have looked in quite a while.
I would maybe swap out Ramsey for Buendia/Coutinho but that would be a basis to build from
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Rory your description was great. As for BV his best comments are usually confined to "Does anyone fancy another" or "I was at the bar when they scored" :)
Guilty as charged but as character traits go, it's not the worst one to have. :)
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I've been listening to 5 Live and they were talking about Antony becoming the 100th Brazilian to play in the Premier League and if Arsenal had signed Douglas Luiz he would have become the 101st. Villa apparently don't play in the Premier League.
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Douglas has played well this season. Part of that is playing a bit further forward. He's warranted more starts than he's had. He's composed, uses the ball well. I think he benefits from having Kamara behind him.
Lets give him a run. In terms of contract. All we can do is offer him a new one in a couple of months (lets not fire it out too early). If he wants to sign he signs, if not, he's been a good servant all told. Douglas would want to feel like he's a key player for one thing. But also that we're progressing and look like we could step up a level. So we'll know more in 3 months.
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I've been listening to 5 Live and they were talking about Antony becoming the 100th Brazilian to play in the Premier League and if Arsenal had signed Douglas Luiz he would have become the 101st. Villa apparently don't play in the Premier League.
Are you serious? Wow, fcuk the rest of us...even if it was clearly a mistake, the mindset speaks volumes.
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I've been listening to 5 Live and they were talking about Antony becoming the 100th Brazilian to play in the Premier League and if Arsenal had signed Douglas Luiz he would have become the 101st. Villa apparently don't play in the Premier League.
Are you serious? Wow, fcuk the rest of us...even if it was clearly a mistake, the mindset speaks volumes.
It was during the preview of the Man Utd v Arsenal game at half time in Brighton v Leicester. Just shows how much anyone outside the London/North West football media bubble actually registers other than to pat them on the head.
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He cost £15m so I reckon we have had good value out of him. I suspect he decided a long time ago that he wasn’t going to sign. Ramsey can fill the void next year.
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Which one ;)
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Are people starting to realise how good he is now?
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He cost £15m so I reckon we have had good value out of him. I suspect he decided a long time ago that he wasn’t going to sign. Ramsey can fill the void next year.
Based on the video on the loanwatch thread, Aaron Ramsey would fill that role well.
Aaron seems a little more solid than Jacob was at the same time in his development
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Aaron is and will be a baller.
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New contract: https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2022/october/14/luiz-signs-new-long-term-contract/
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New contract signed. Good news.
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100 Appearances by 24 - pretty impressive.
Is this to ensure we recoup a decent fee for him in January, or is it a show of commitment?
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Was not expecting that, good news.
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Brilliant news. He should be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
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I imagine Poch wanted it sorted before he comes in a few weeks.
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Great news. Good to get some for a change.
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Interesting development
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Happy with this - and also Arsenal will be annoyed, expecting to get him free.
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Brilliant news, things mustn't be as gloomy in the camp as some would have you believe.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Either way it’s a win. At least we get a fee if he goes now. I would still rather he stayed though.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Am sure there will be, but then again, if he were a free agent he'd be able to massively coin it in on signing on fees from the buying club.
He can't do that any more.
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Any idea of the length of time?
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I’ve been a critic of his but in a poor season so far, for me he’s been one who’s improved.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
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He needs to be used properly. I think playing with or just slightly ahead of Kamara he'll be excellent.
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Just needs to be played at 8 once Kamara is back, and push JJ forward.
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Get in!
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Good news however you look at it.
Pretty good of him to sign.
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Good news from a player who has acted with total professionalism towards the Villa in his time at the club despite being played out of position for much of that time.
Now all it needs is for him to be played in his correct position by our next manager.
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Good news however you look at it.
Pretty good of him to sign.
Agreed, during a time when there isint a lot to say positively about our performances this is a win win surely.
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Be lovely if he scores the winner on Sunday while that twat watches from the Chelsea bench.
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He must know that the Manager is on his way out.
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Any idea of the length of time?
4 year deal until 2026.
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Be lovely if he scores the winner on Sunday while that twat watches from the Chelsea bench.
I don't rate Potter as highly as some here but that's a bit harsh. :(
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
I'm leaning toward such feelings.
Bland.
Bu then pushed further forward (as in the Man City game last season), I think he looks decent.
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Hurrah! One half of the best-looking football couple in the world commits to his villa on er, Love Island. Seriously, you should watch the Mr & Mrs segment that he and Alisha Lehmann did for Pravda recently. It would restore your faith in love across boundaries.
And if Arsenal come back in for him in June we can charge £45m instead of £25m.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Either way it’s a win. At least we get a fee if he goes now. I would still rather he stayed though.
If he did go he'd still get pelters from people who would seem to prefer our players leave on a free. For his sake I just hope he doesn't say anything about liking the club or he'll be hated forever.
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Brilliant news - really pleased with that. Some positivity at last.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Thats a remarkable take.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
The mind boggles
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Hurrah! One half of the best-looking football couple in the world commits to his villa on er, Love Island. Seriously, you should watch the Mr & Mrs segment that he and Alisha Lehmann did for Pravda recently. It would restore your faith in love across boundaries.
There was also some nice footage during the summer of them going back to his home place of Nova Holanda (which isn't the greatest area) and bringing supplies to the local residents.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Either way it’s a win. At least we get a fee if he goes now. I would still rather he stayed though.
If he did go he'd still get pelters from people who would seem to prefer our players leave on a free. For his sake I just hope he doesn't say anything about liking the club or he'll be hated forever.
Bore off.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Either way it’s a win. At least we get a fee if he goes now. I would still rather he stayed though.
If he did go he'd still get pelters from people who would seem to prefer our players leave on a free. For his sake I just hope he doesn't say anything about liking the club or he'll be hated forever.
Too late! He said in a very brief interview on Pravda to mark the contract-signing that he "loves Aston Villa". Smooth bastard.
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The feeling that he was just going to walk out of the door in the summer was adding to the general feeling that the whole 'project' was sliding down the pan, so for that alone it's welcome, but anyway I think he's our most talented actual central midfielder with his best years ahead of him, and played in a properly functioning team he'll be quality.
The fact the likes of Arsenal and supposedly Liverpool were after him tells you that his ceiling is perhaps considered higher than what we've been able to see so far.
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I agree with Lee.
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I've always looked upon Luiz as the sort of player we would miss when he's gone. With that in mind, I'm glad he's staying.
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Yeah but what’s the buyout clause in this new contract?!
Sad that was my 2nd thought too. There will be strings attached
Either way it’s a win. At least we get a fee if he goes now. I would still rather he stayed though.
If he did go he'd still get pelters from people who would seem to prefer our players leave on a free. For his sake I just hope he doesn't say anything about liking the club or he'll be hated forever.
Bore off.
I'm not wrong though. If he goes to Arsenal for a £15m buyout clause in the summer there will be snakes everywhere.
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Fabian Delph is still a cúnt, and there is no defence for the way he behaved. Nobody criticised him for leaving, it was the manner of his departure. But please feel free to continue that debate on the Delph thread or the former players one rather than trying to turn one of the few bits of good news we've had into a rehash of an argument you've already lost.
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The feeling that he was just going to walk out of the door in the summer was adding to the general feeling that the whole 'project' was sliding down the pan, so for that alone it's welcome, but anyway I think he's our most talented actual central midfielder with his best years ahead of him, and played in a properly functioning team he'll be quality.
The fact the likes of Arsenal and supposedly Liverpool were after him tells you that his ceiling is perhaps considered higher than what we've been able to see so far.
I agree. He's our best No 8. Second best No 6 and would be very comfortable in a double pivot.
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I hope he now gets to play instead of McGinn next to Kamara and JJ when fit. He moves the play along nicely and is way better on the ball. This is very good news.
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Any idea of the length of time?
4 year deal until 2026.
Thanks for that.
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I can only assume Nanny McPhee put his footdown, and said his one working set-piece had to stay
Can only be good news - even if it just means we get more money for him.
Think hes a good player - but still no idea how we create a functioning midfield out of our current lot. I think some of that is shoe-horning Ramsey and McGinn in but not using them to their strength.
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It’s good news, he has shown that he can be a very good player on his day.
He needs to get more consistent and when he sits with another 6 he is very effective.
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Fabian Delph is still a ******, and there is no defence for the way he behaved. Nobody criticised him for leaving, it was the mannger of his departure. But please feel free to continue that debate on the Delph thread or the former players one rather than trying to turn one of the few bits of good news we've had into a rehash of an argument you've already lost.
Not lost by any means CD. I didn't bring up the buy-out clause speculation, I really hope there isn't one.
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Glad he's staying, he's a good player and very professional. Linked up well with Kamara, I thought.
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I can only assume Nanny McPhee put his footdown, and said his one working set-piece had to stay
Can only be good news - even if it just means we get more money for him.
Think hes a good player - but still no idea how we create a functioning midfield out of our current lot. I think some of that is shoe-horning Ramsey and McGinn in but not using them to their strength.
I'd be tempted to bung Nakamba in at defensive midfield until Kamara is back.
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Fabian Delph is still a cúnt, and there is no defence for the way he behaved. Nobody criticised him for leaving, it was the manner of his departure. But please feel free to continue that debate on the Delph thread or the former players one rather than trying to turn one of the few bits of good news we've had into a rehash of an argument you've already lost.
How would one pronounce the accent you've put in there? I thought it was a bit of dust on my screen at first
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It's pronounced to rhyme with Quisling.
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I can only assume Nanny McPhee put his footdown, and said his one working set-piece had to stay
Can only be good news - even if it just means we get more money for him.
Think hes a good player - but still no idea how we create a functioning midfield out of our current lot. I think some of that is shoe-horning Ramsey and McGinn in but not using them to their strength.
I'd be tempted to bung Nakamba in at defensive midfield until Kamara is back.
Yeah, me too. Lets face it, we played our best football by miles under this manager when he was in the team. Plus there was a thrill of danger when he had the ball at his feet that would at least liven up the viewing experience.
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I can only assume Nanny McPhee put his footdown, and said his one working set-piece had to stay
Can only be good news - even if it just means we get more money for him.
Think hes a good player - but still no idea how we create a functioning midfield out of our current lot. I think some of that is shoe-horning Ramsey and McGinn in but not using them to their strength.
I'd be tempted to bung Nakamba in at defensive midfield until Kamara is back.
Yeah, me too. Lets face it, we played our best football by miles under this manager when he was in the team. Plus there was a thrill of danger when he had the ball at his feet that would at least liven up the viewing experience.
I think he gives a balance to the midfield albeit in a limited way. I think Luiz, Ramsey and Nakamba is better balanced
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Very surprised. Pleased too. His best is yet to come.
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I think he brings a bit of trust, he's so doggedly defensively minded the other players have a bit more freedom to play forward, and are less inclined to maybe pass the ball backwards to him!
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Thats a remarkable take.
So someone please tell me after 3/4 years of him playing pretty regularly in a multitude of positions - which is his best one? Because i could not tell you.
I think he is slow and this slows down all our play from front to back, he loses possession a lot and then when he does usually goes down like he has been poleaxed. He has now the novelty of scoring from a corner but this masks his overall shitness from deadballs we have watched for last few years.
Him and McGinn are the fundamental reasons for our piss poor midfield - in my opinion
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I can only assume Nanny McPhee put his footdown, and said his one working set-piece had to stay
Can only be good news - even if it just means we get more money for him.
Think hes a good player - but still no idea how we create a functioning midfield out of our current lot. I think some of that is shoe-horning Ramsey and McGinn in but not using them to their strength.
I'd be tempted to bung Nakamba in at defensive midfield until Kamara is back.
Aye. Our best form under SG was with Nakamba in the middle during that early period. Odd SG hasn't even looked at it again since his return to fitness.
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Perhaps he signed the new contract knowing there's likely to be managerial departures soon.....?
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Thats a remarkable take.
So someone please tell me after 3/4 years of him playing pretty regularly in a multitude of positions - which is his best one? Because i could not tell you.
I think he is slow and this slows down all our play from front to back, he loses possession a lot and then when he does usually goes down like he has been poleaxed. He has now the novelty of scoring from a corner but this masks his overall shitness from deadballs we have watched for last few years.
Him and McGinn are the fundamental reasons for our piss poor midfield - in my opinion
No 8.
He's the best passer of any of our midfielders by some distance and given proper gametime in the role I'm confident he'll show what he can do.
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So there's not much of a plan to change our midfield then.
We've got Kamara and Luiz on long term deals and McGinn is captain.
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It's pronounced to rhyme with Quisling.
Didn't know that Quisling was "Popular" in English.
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Surprised but pleased, if he asks to go at the end of the season we can get more money for him if the likes of Arsenal still want him.
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Surprising news, but very welcome news, believe we've still to see the best of him.
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Good news whichever way you look at it the club benifits.
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better than him going on a free in the summer whichever way you look at it.
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I like Dougie so it’s yes from me
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Hurrah! One half of the best-looking football couple in the world commits to his villa on er, Love Island. Seriously, you should watch the Mr & Mrs segment that he and Alisha Lehmann did for Pravda recently. It would restore your faith in love across boundaries.
There was also some nice footage during the summer of them going back to his home place of Nova Holanda (which isn't the greatest area) and bringing supplies to the local residents.
Agreed really good example to set
A lot of them from humble beginings seem to do that type of stuff - Viera, Drogba, George Weah over the years.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
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Whatever the reason, face value or other wise , this is good news.
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New contract: https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2022/october/14/luiz-signs-new-long-term-contract/
Great news for us and Alisha.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
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So there's not much of a plan to change our midfield then.
We've got Kamara and Luiz on long term deals and McGinn is captain.
I think McGinn will start to come under pressure. Once Kamara is back I'd have thought him and Luiz will be fixtures in the team. I hope so anyway.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
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So there's not much of a plan to change our midfield then.
We've got Kamara and Luiz on long term deals and McGinn is captain.
I think McGinn will start to come under pressure. Once Kamara is back I'd have thought him and Luiz will be fixtures in the team. I hope so anyway.
Plus Ramsey. He's the only ball-carrier with pace that we have and Gerrard seems to want to build things around him.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
You realy think he's crap, yet Arteta wanted to fit him in the midfield that is curently sitting top of the league?
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
You realy think he's crap, yet Arteta wanted to fit him in the midfield that is curently sitting top of the league?
Yes I do, it’s what’s called an opinion.
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He needs to be used properly. I think playing with or just slightly ahead of Kamara he'll be excellent.
It's the same as with most of our players, he would (hopefully will with us) be a valuable member of a correctly functioning team.
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Fairly apathetic with regards the new contract. Yes he has been one of our better players this season albeit without a meaningful improvement in his own performance from previous seasons.
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Great news, a good player who has benerally been solid for us despite us not really using him in a way to get the best of his ability.
Personally I think a 4231 with him sitting alongside Kamara (Dendoncker in the short term) but with the job of controlling our tempo would be really good, get the 3 ahead and the fullbacks offering movement and I'd trust him to find them in space fairly regularly.
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Great news, a good player who has benerally been solid for us despite us not really using him in a way to get the best of his ability.
Personally I think a 4231 with him sitting alongside Kamara (Dendoncker in the short term) but with the job of controlling our tempo would be really good, get the 3 ahead and the fullbacks offering movement and I'd trust him to find them in space fairly regularly.
Yes as we set up against Citeh.
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Great news, a good player who has benerally been solid for us despite us not really using him in a way to get the best of his ability.
Personally I think a 4231 with him sitting alongside Kamara (Dendoncker in the short term) but with the job of controlling our tempo would be really good, get the 3 ahead and the fullbacks offering movement and I'd trust him to find them in space fairly regularly.
Yes as we set up against Citeh.
Yep, almost exactly, it's no surprise that it was comfortably our best performance of the season.
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Fantastic news, I’m really pleased about this. I think he’s an excellent player. I just wish we could use him alongside Kamara and not have to rely on him as our number six.
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Hopefully the new manager will get a tune out of him then.
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Fantastic news, I’m really pleased about this. I think he’s an excellent player. I just wish we could use him alongside Kamara and not have to rely on him as our number six.
I'd let Dendoncker have some games as cover for Kamara, he doesn't have the range of passing but he'll do the job of winning the bal lback and protecting the defence and he's good enough of shifting the ball 'to the talent' that he'd not be the liability that Nakamba has been in the past.
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The feeling that he was just going to walk out of the door in the summer was adding to the general feeling that the whole 'project' was sliding down the pan, so for that alone it's welcome, but anyway I think he's our most talented actual central midfielder with his best years ahead of him, and played in a properly functioning team he'll be quality.
The fact the likes of Arsenal and supposedly Liverpool were after him tells you that his ceiling is perhaps considered higher than what we've been able to see so far.
Precisely. He has real talent and can develop, we need to start using him properly.
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Fantastic news, I’m really pleased about this. I think he’s an excellent player. I just wish we could use him alongside Kamara and not have to rely on him as our number six.
I'd let Dendoncker have some games as cover for Kamara, he doesn't have the range of passing but he'll do the job of winning the bal lback and protecting the defence and he's good enough of shifting the ball 'to the talent' that he'd not be the liability that Nakamba has been in the past.
I’d like to see this as well. Part of me wonder if Dendoncker is good enough as he was surplus to requirements at a struggling Wolves side then I remember he has recently been a Belgium international but was up against players like Neves and Moutinho who are very good.
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Fantastic news, I’m really pleased about this. I think he’s an excellent player. I just wish we could use him alongside Kamara and not have to rely on him as our number six.
I'd let Dendoncker have some games as cover for Kamara, he doesn't have the range of passing but he'll do the job of winning the bal lback and protecting the defence and he's good enough of shifting the ball 'to the talent' that he'd not be the liability that Nakamba has been in the past.
I’d like to see this as well. Part of me wonder if Dendoncker is good enough as he was surplus to requirements at a struggling Wolves side then I remember he has recently been a Belgium international but was up against players like Neves and Moutinho who are very good.
He moved the ball around pretty well in his first couple of minutes, but I fear that he is like our current central midfielders.. is he a 6, is he an 8, is he a hybrid? I do have to say, it is nice to have someone with some size in the middle for once. Hopefully he can come good and push on because he's in a contract year at 27 years old. Tough call.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
Agreed if it's an excuse to get a fee for him then fine. If the coach and club think he is the future then I think we are in the shit. If I'm wrong and he turns into the world beater some think he is then I will openly admit it. But based on what I have seen so far I stick by my judgement of him thinking he is a lot better than he actually is.
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The feeling that he was just going to walk out of the door in the summer was adding to the general feeling that the whole 'project' was sliding down the pan, so for that alone it's welcome, but anyway I think he's our most talented actual central midfielder with his best years ahead of him, and played in a properly functioning team he'll be quality.
The fact the likes of Arsenal and supposedly Liverpool were after him tells you that his ceiling is perhaps considered higher than what we've been able to see so far.
Precisely. He has real talent and can develop, we need to start using him properly.
He has been here 3 years....how long do we give him?
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
You realy think he's crap, yet Arteta wanted to fit him in the midfield that is curently sitting top of the league?
And Chelsea paid £20mil for another of of our midfielders who thought he was better than his actual talent. That's going well for him
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He’s 24. So still very young. When he arrived he was highly regarded by Man City as a 21 year old. He’d be better if he got more games vs a very out of form McGinn. Used as a DM we are not getting the best out of him. He showed early on he has an eye for goal so a position that is more central and more advanced with other players who can pass and keep the ball would help also.
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He's one of these players who dosent really do it for me but there's a very decent player in there who's still quite young so I've got no problems with it.
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I think it's a good thing. As said before he is still young. He would have shown it had he been able to play alongside Bouba Kamara.
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Great news for us and Alisha.
Which as you say, is great news for us. 8)
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Play him in the right position and he will be just fine.
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Somewhat surprised with this news given he nearly left a few weeks back. I'm sure a release clause is baked into this contract, then again if some club is willing to pay it it will mean Luiz has performed.
I think he's a very talented player but is capable of a lot more as a 6 or 8 where he wants to play.
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If we get him in the right role I think he can be a cracking player. I think he can help link the midfield, especially once Kamara is back. But we really need the correct shape in midfield.
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Would be amusing if he's dropped back to the bench on Sunday.
Fair play to him, obviously he's in deep with Alishia but not like he couldn't keep seeing her if he moved down to London.
Guess he must really like it here as tbh I'd be off like a shot if Arsenal were bidding given the state we're in. Perhaps there's a release clause in this deal like Delph but for now let's hope the next manager sees sense and builds midfield around him and Kamara as I think over time that will be a very decent pivot infront of the defence.
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Well hopefully things are more positive than performances on the pitch suggest. He has real potential, we have to release that potential.
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Would be amusing if he's dropped back to the bench on Sunday.
Fair play to him, obviously he's in deep with Alishia but not like he couldn't keep seeing her if he moved down to London.
He does seem very loved up and genuinely pleased to have signed it with Alisha, his Dad and his brother/friend in the official pics. Given Arsenal were very keen to get him in, this and his professional attitude this season have been refreshing to see.
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Would be amusing if he's dropped back to the bench on Sunday.
Fair play to him, obviously he's in deep with Alishia but not like he couldn't keep seeing her if he moved down to London.
Guess he must really like it here as tbh I'd be off like a shot if Arsenal were bidding given the state we're in. Perhaps there's a release clause in this deal like Delph but for now let's hope the next manager sees sense and builds midfield around him and Kamara as I think over time that will be a very decent pivot infront of the defence.
He does, posted numerous times on his social media accounts that he loves Brum, thinks it is an amazing city.
Whenever someone slags off the Villa he is quick to defend us as well, warms my heart tbh. Remember that Brazilian journo he had a go at? ;D
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Whenever someone slags off the Villa he is quick to defend us as well, warms my heart tbh. Remember that Brazilian journo he had a go at? ;D
I didn't delve too deeply into it but the impression I got was that the journalist had made some comments about Alisha.
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Jesus now we are stuck with him. I think he is crap
Unlike others I’m in agreement with you hookey
So you chaps wanted him to walk away as a free agent?
I understand why we’ve done this and if we get a good fee for him great, however if he stays long term in our midfield we’re going nowhere, main reason being that he’s crap, maybe a better word is ordinary.
You realy think he's crap, yet Arteta wanted to fit him in the midfield that is curently sitting top of the league?
And Chelsea paid £20mil for another of of our midfielders who thought he was better than his actual talent. That's going well for him
All about opinions, but I think you’re wrong and if (and I accept a fair bit needs changing for this) we get the midfield balance right and Doug is put in the right role he will develop and flourish. We have some really good players, but the lack of the correct shape and tactics is making them look much worse than they are.
I actually think a midfield 3, with the right structure, of Kamara, Doug, and JJ could be excellent.
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We have not had a consistently functioning midfield since promotion.
The set up does not suit the players and or vice versa.
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Delph, Cleverley and Westwood - the good old midfield days....
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Well hopefully things are more positive than performances on the pitch suggest. He has real potential, we have to release that potential.
I realise what you're saying there.
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I see Doug and Kamara as potentially a similar pairing to Petrov and Barry, 2 players who have positional discipline and will put the defensive work in but have the technical ability and passing range to make things happen and let the players around/in front of them push into the box and get the goals we need. Both capable of scoring the odd wonder goal as well. They are also both not the quickest so will need to concentrate on making the ball do the work and have pace added around them.
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I see Doug and Kamara as potentially a similar pairing to Petrov and Barry, 2 players who have positional discipline and will put the defensive work in but have the technical ability and passing range to make things happen and let the players around/in front of them push into the box and get the goals we need. Both capable of scoring the odd wonder goal as well. They are also both not the quickest so will need to concentrate on making the ball do the work and have pace added around them.
Agree Paul. Would like to see them partnered in central midfield (when the former is fit obviously) with one of Coutinho, Buendia, McGinn or Ramsey in a more advanced role in front of them.
When you see that those four should practically be competing for one spot in the side, you realise how imbalanced the squad is and that sit has been assembled with only one formation in mind.
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I see Doug and Kamara as potentially a similar pairing to Petrov and Barry, 2 players who have positional discipline and will put the defensive work in but have the technical ability and passing range to make things happen and let the players around/in front of them push into the box and get the goals we need. Both capable of scoring the odd wonder goal as well. They are also both not the quickest so will need to concentrate on making the ball do the work and have pace added around them.
Agree Paul. Would like to see them partnered in central midfield (when the former is fit obviously) with one of Coutinho, Buendia, McGinn or Ramsey in a more advanced role in front of them.
When you see that those four should practically be competing for one spot in the side, you realise how imbalanced the squad is and that sit has been assembled with only one formation in mind.
I'd be ok with Buendia orRamsey playing wide so there are options and then obviously Bailey covers both wide spots as well. McGinn is the really difficult one because, in his current form, it's hard to find anywhere for him. On that basis I'd Probably go with Ramsey left, Bailey right (but happy for them to swap sides regularly) and Coutinho in the middle to start with Buendia carrying on with his supersub role which is working really well for him right now.
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The next manager must come in and drop McGinn, it's that simple.
If next one persists then it's another who favours workrate over technical excellence so that's going to continue to be an issue. McGinn can of course ping some nice passes in a game but if you favour a possession style game and play through the thirds he simply isn't that good especially not now compared to three years ago.
As said above the logic midfield going forward is Kamara-Luiz-Ramsey.
Ramsey is what McGinn was 2-3 years ago even if he's dipped himself but he can show the form he was around turn of the year under the next manager.
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The next manager must come in and drop McGinn, it's that simple.
If next one persists then it's another who favours workrate over technical excellence so that's going to continue to be an issue. McGinn can of course ping some nice passes in a game but if you favour a possession style game and play through the thirds he simply isn't that good especially not now compared to three years ago.
As said above the logic midfield going forward is Kamara-Luiz-Ramsey.
Ramsey is what McGinn was 2-3 years ago even if he's dipped himself but he can show the form he was around turn of the year under the next manager.
I think the next manager who comes in has to let McGinn play his natural game and not have him shackled and restricted.
We’ll soon see the best of him again then.
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The next manager must come in and drop McGinn, it's that simple.
If next one persists then it's another who favours workrate over technical excellence so that's going to continue to be an issue. McGinn can of course ping some nice passes in a game but if you favour a possession style game and play through the thirds he simply isn't that good especially not now compared to three years ago.
As said above the logic midfield going forward is Kamara-Luiz-Ramsey.
Ramsey is what McGinn was 2-3 years ago even if he's dipped himself but he can show the form he was around turn of the year under the next manager.
I think the next manager who comes in has to let McGinn play his natural game and not have him shackled and restricted.
We’ll soon see the best of him again then.
Where does McGinn play though?
Luiz hasn't signed a new deal to keep warming the bench, Kamara is an obvious start when back fit and while Ramsey has had a dip he's far more of a scoring threat these days and loads of managers would love to work with and improve a talented young player like him.
That's before trying to get some more width in the team and also coax better form out of Buendia/Coutinho.
So guess that means McGinn as a false 9! Would be amusing him throwing his backside into CBs and trying to win penalties I guess but ultimately he just hinders our style and system too much these days.
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Does Doug (or any of the Villa men) go along to the women's games?
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Where does McGinn play though?
Back in Scotland.
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Jonathan Northcroft
Sunday October 16 2022, 12.00am, The Sunday Times
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On deadline day the bids came in, and there is a certain way these things tend to go when one of the big clubs pursues a player and the middling one that owns him is in an exposed market position.
This was on September 1, when Arsenal were hammering away at Aston Villa’s resolve by making not one, not two, but three offers for Douglas Luiz. The Brazil midfielder had ten months left on his contract and the bidding reached £25 million but Villa’s owners, Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, and the chief executive Christian Purslow, held their respective nerves.
Three times Arsenal were rebuffed and efforts were redoubled to tie Luiz to a longer deal. The Brazilian, shown exactly how much he is valued at Villa Park, felt keen to extend and the result is a new contract, agreed on Friday, which should keep one of the fundamental building blocks of Villa’s squad in place for the long term.
“I am very happy,” Luiz told The Sunday Times after signing his deal. “I’ve felt very welcomed and comfortable at this club from the first moment. I’ve never regretted coming here at any point and I’m really happy I am staying here for longer.
“This club has progressed during my time and bought great players in the last year like Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara and Lucas Digne. And we have [John] McGinn.
“I see the club developing and progressing.”
Luiz, 24, joined Villa after their promotion to the Premier League in 2019, having signed for Manchester City from Vasco da Gama in 2017, but he spent two years on loan at Girona while awaiting a UK work permit. “I was a bit apprehensive about coming to an English football club given the language barrier but Villa, from the first day, opened the door and helped me on that side. This club has helped me grow as a person and a player.”
Keeping him is another sign of the ambition shown since Sawiris and Edens became owners in 2018. They have invested around £440 million in transfers (though £100 million was recouped in a stroke by selling Jack Grealish) and have sights set high, despite a disappointing start to 2022-23.
“Both Arsenal and Aston Villa are really good teams,” said Luiz, considering the events of deadline day, “but I am happy here both in terms of the squad we are building and the plan the club has put in place for the future. I want to be a part of that plan, which is the main factor in me wanting to stay.”
The plan is? “They have a one to two-year plan to progress within this league. Bear in mind that only a couple of years ago we were in a different league [the Championship] but I am confident in the plan and the progression we want to make as a team.
“I am a guy who always wants to win. I’m a character who doesn’t like losing. Winning is the only option.”
Despite Arsenal’s best efforts, Luiz has chosen to stay at Villa Park and says he is looking forward to helping push the club higher up the Premier League table
Despite Arsenal’s best efforts, Luiz has chosen to stay at Villa Park and says he is looking forward to helping push the club higher up the Premier League table
Villa’s ambitions include European football. “It’s a goal for the club, but we need to be realistic at the same time, because the teams who are in the Champions League already are very good. So, to be close to [the Champions League spots] over the next couple of years is the club’s aim.”
Happiness off the pitch is another factor keeping Luiz in the Midlands. His girlfriend is Alisha Lehmann, a 23-year-old Swiss international forward who plays for Aston Villa Women FC in the WSL. “Haha. No. We always try to avoid talking about football and do other stuff to keep it off-topic,” Luiz said, laughing, when asked if theirs is a football-obsessed relationship.
Being part of Villa’s growing South American contingent also keeps him enjoying life. He, Carlos and Coutinho, alongside Argentinians Emi Martínez and Emi Buendía socialise regularly. “We have such a good relationship,” Luiz said.
“One time during the week we go in one house and everyone is together, we make a barbecue and we are one family.
“I don’t think it’s only us, it’s everyone in the team, we speak so much. But in South America, because of the language, we’re much together.”
His family visit regularly from Brazil. “They kind of do a rotation. My dad and brother are here now and next my mum and sister will come to visit. I’m really grateful they come to see me.”
Coutinho may not yet have found his best form this season, but Luiz regards playing with him as a privilege, saying that he studies his compatriot in training “to learn and help me evolve as a player”.
Having won the Olympics with his country and been part of the Brazil team that finished as runners-up in the 2021 Copa America, going to the World Cup “is a big goal for me and I am working hard to get there. I think it is reachable, though obviously we have a good team at the moment.”
Though Luiz has not played for Brazil since last October, he has been spoken of highly by Brazil’s manager, Tite, who described him as “both the bow and the arrow” — a midfielder capable of defending and attacking. “I think I can fulfil any position on the field and even though I’m a midfielder, I can help the forwards and the defenders. I adapt to the role and the tactics according to the game at the time,” Luiz said.
“I’ve always been quite confident player, quite a calm player, mature on the pitch and I have tried to bring that to Villa. I’ve always worked hard on the tactical side and try to stick to what I’m instructed to do by the trainers.”
Now he faces Chelsea, another side who were monitoring his situation before the new contract was signed. He may come up against Jorginho, who was born in Brazil but left the fold to represent the country of his great-grandparents, Italy. “A very good player,” said Luiz with a smile. “I wish he had chosen Brazil. It would be handy to have him as well.”
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Lovely interview. All very positive stuff, with a fair bit of wisdom (though I genuinely rofl'd at the "And we have John McGinn" bit. Meatball must be the most charming bonnie wee lad that everyone at the club falls under his spell).
I also wonder how much of that interview was conducted in English as there is a paragraph verbatim lifted from his Pravda interview on Friday having signed his new contract. It was noticeable in that interview how his English is still fairly basic (weirdly, I thought he was more fluent in the recent video of him and his missus) so I'm hoping the rest of his quotes are translated from Portugese so they give a true sense of what he's saying rather than the interviewer filling-in any gaps of his English.
This "project" to get us to 7th/8th has to happen by next season max by the sounds of this and the MOMS podcast this week. Disillusionment may set-in amongst our best players January next season if we're still adrift and playing mediocre shit.
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About time some of them pulled their finger out then eamonn.
We can only put so much of the blame onto Steven, I suppose. A fair few of the players have been abysmal since before he came in, and have been largely rubbish throughout his tenure.
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Thought I was supporting a different team reading that interview!
Fair play he loves it here but I'm amazed he didn't just wait until January and leave then as Arsenal is incredibly exciting proposition to play for and they have many South Americans in their squad aswell.
Amusing the article has him as a key player for us.
He started 4 of the first 5 games this season on the bench and I've never felt at any point he's been as key for us as he was under Dean Smith.
Hopefully like so many in this squad the next manager utilizes him more effectively.
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Lovely interview. All very positive stuff, with a fair bit of wisdom (though I genuinely rofl'd at the "And we have John McGinn" bit. Meatball must be the most charming bonnie wee lad that everyone at the club falls under his spell).
I also wonder how much of that interview was conducted in English as there is a paragraph verbatim lifted from his Pravda interview on Friday having signed his new contract. It was noticeable in that interview how his English is still fairly basic (weirdly, I thought he was more fluent in the recent video of him and his missus) so I'm hoping the rest of his quotes are translated from Portugese so they give a true sense of what he's saying rather than the interviewer filling-in any gaps of his English.
This "project" to get us to 7th/8th has to happen by next season max by the sounds of this and the MOMS podcast this week. Disillusionment may set-in amongst our best players January next season if we're still adrift and playing mediocre shit.
I agree - but the world cup could speed up that process for those involved (Emi in particular)
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I see Doug and Kamara as potentially a similar pairing to Petrov and Barry, 2 players who have positional discipline and will put the defensive work in but have the technical ability and passing range to make things happen and let the players around/in front of them push into the box and get the goals we need. Both capable of scoring the odd wonder goal as well. They are also both not the quickest so will need to concentrate on making the ball do the work and have pace added around them.
I agree. I think Doug & Kamara will make an excellent central midfield pairing given time.
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Played really well today IMO.
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Played really well today IMO.
I normally dislike him but I think he's been solid today. One of very few.
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I thought he was good too.
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Definitely not his biggest fan, but thought he played well
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He needs to be played alongside a DM and not be the DM. It's so obvious it's been said a million times and I feel like a prick saying it again. Just play Nakamba for McGinn. Or my nan for McGinn.
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Buendia, Luiz, Digne were often getting selected for their national teams not long ago (I think Phil still does). They must be good players to be chosen by those teams so the aim must be to get them back to that level of performance.
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I think we need to talk about Luiz's touch before he got his shot off that led to three efforts on goal in 5 seconds. Absolute, total and utter filth. Almost worth the ticket price alone.
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I think we need to talk about Luiz's touch before he got his shot off that led to three efforts on goal in 5 seconds. Absolute, total and utter filth. Almost worth the ticket price alone.
It was after the 3 shots but yes, superb touch and awareness, just a shame that even if he'd buried it Ings was offside for his shot so it wouldn't have counted. Luiz regularly has touches like that where you see just how smart a player he is, it's why I find it strange that so many people don't rate him.
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Thought he played well on Sunday. Looked more composed than he'd done before in that role.
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From Doug
I come here I apologized for the red card, even though I thought it was not for expulsion, I was not disloyal! but anyway I harmed my team at an important moment! apologies fans, staff and Aston villa F.C
https://twitter.com/dgoficial/status/1583212895399133185?s=46&t=0SCiumIvQk6qHk6_QaixEQ
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Think he wrote that himself
Which is nice
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I think he's been out best player this season and we'll miss him.
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He was a twat, but we move on. He's got one match left that he's available for us now until after the World Cup.
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It was a scandalous red card
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His Glenn Whelan moment.
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From Doug
I come here I apologized for the red card, even though I thought it was not for expulsion, I was not disloyal! but anyway I harmed my team at an important moment! apologies fans, staff and Aston villa F.C
https://twitter.com/dgoficial/status/1583212895399133185?s=46&t=0SCiumIvQk6qHk6_QaixEQ
He's a good lad, our Doug. Everyone fucks up from time to time.
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I thought he was unlucky to be fair.
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Part of his contract to get Steven Gerrrad the sack.
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Thought Mitrovic should have got what Doug did, six of one etc…
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I probably need glasses , but I still can't see that as red. Is Mitrovic going to spend the night in intensive care.
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That wasn’t a red, come on, anyone who thinks it is what about the twat that ran towards him with his chest puffed out. Stupid decision
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Michael Oliver looked at it once on the little TV and gave a red. I've looked at it multiple times and still don't see any evidence of him even attempting a head butt.
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Michael Oliver looked at it once on the little TV and gave a red. I've looked at it multiple times and still don't see any evidence of him even attempting a head butt.
I don't think the TV was working and he went with the advice of the VAR in his ear.
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Never a red in a million years, shit decision
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It wasn’t a red but at last some fight in the midfield.
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Mitrovic went full Bamford, and you never go full Bamford.
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Mitrovic went full Bamford, and you never go full Bamford.
I thought the extra couple of floor rolls were excellent. One Bafta on its way to Mitrovic for the drama.
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Whatever, it served it's purpose in the mix of ineptitude to bring about much needed change so hallelujah, and at least Dendonker might get to touch the ball in a Villa shirt.
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Like it or not, unless you play for a Sky6 team you get sent off for that these days, it was stupid. But at least it showed some heart.
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Can it be reviewed?
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Can it be reviewed?
You can review anything but if they deem it frivolous they can extend the ban. There might only only have been minimal contact, but he moved his head aggressively towards Mitrovic and you just can't do that and expect to get away with it. It's not like the Bamford situation where TV showed that El Ghazi's elbow was about three feet away from him.
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Yeah, we'd have more chance of getting a decent cup draw than getting that overturned.
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That wasn’t a red, come on, anyone who thinks it is what about the twat that ran towards him with his chest puffed out. Stupid decision
We’ve all seen red cards given though, that’s the point.
Worth it to see the back of Gerrard, in my opinion.
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Anyway I would like to give Dougie a big thank you as that moment sealed his managers fate
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That’s not getting overturned in a million years.
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That red card was the equivalent of Glenn Whelan's missed penalty against Preston - the absolute final nail in the manager's coffin. The third goal flicking in off Mings was merely a wreath being placed on top.
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I'm pissed off by the red. I think both players were equally at fault and Doug gets the red because of Mitrovic's play acting. I'd love to have seen the ref have the balls to just give Mitrovic a yellow and move on.
I can't believe how accepting the commentators were of the decision and why there's not more ridicule of Mitrovic today. It's a disgusting side of the game that I absolutely hate.
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Wrongfully dismissed and available for Brentford, Michael Oliver really is a ******.
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Apparently his claim of wrongful dismissal is upheld. Well there you go, if the Gods decide your time is up, your time is up
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Wrongfully dismissed and available for Brentford, Michael Oliver really is a ******.
Indeed but then the world would be a different place today
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So wrongfully dismissed but surely now Mitrovic is punished for his simulated agonising death?
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A bit of mixed emotions for that
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That Jawdiee ref was always going to do us at some stage.
Isn't he the same bell end who overturned the penalty in the last minute against Brighton two seasons back?
Initially gave the decision, looked at the monitor - which confirmed Trez had been fouled in the box - and overruled it.
Cxnt.
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A bit of mixed emotions for that
Why? Gerrard would have gone after that performance if we’d lost 1-0, Luiz’s Red had little bearing on action man hairs sacking.
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and there you go that sending off cost us the match so it did
we were playing really well right up until that point
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What I found strange is that there was only one Var clip, which was from distance
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and there you go that sending off cost us the match so it did
we were playing really well right up until that point
The game was a shit show but Ings had missed a great chance just before the red card. Was never a penalty either.
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A bit of mixed emotions for that
Why? Gerrard would have gone after that performance if we’d lost 1-0, Luiz’s Red had little bearing on action man hairs sacking.
Yes probably, just glad he has gone, and glad luiz is available
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What I found strange is that there was only one Var clip, which was from distance
When Oliver went to the monitor it appeared not to be working, we never saw him view the clip pitch side, it looked like he got a message in his headset?
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What I found strange is that there was only one Var clip, which was from distance
When Oliver went to the monitor it appeared not to be working, we never saw him view the clip pitch side, it looked like he got a message in his headset?
didn't they say there was another monitor next and below it that was working
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Aston Villa@AVFCOfficial
Douglas Luiz has seen a claim of wrongful dismissal upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission. He will not serve a suspension and is available for #AVLBRE (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLBRE?src=hashtag_click) at Villa Park on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1583511937987534849
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Honestly, I know it got lost in the brouhaha around Gerrard but the decisions for the penalty and especially this red were utterly disgraceful. The idea that you VAR a red card into being then, effectively, VAR it out of being, I'm sorry, it's a complete farce.
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He nodded his head which isn’t a headbut. The other guy charged at him and Luiz gets sent off?
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Aston Villa@AVFCOfficial
Douglas Luiz has seen a claim of wrongful dismissal upheld by an Independent Regulatory Commission. He will not serve a suspension and is available for #AVLBRE (https://twitter.com/hashtag/AVLBRE?src=hashtag_click) at Villa Park on Sunday.
https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1583511937987534849
I’m shocked at that.
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Yeah that's bollocks. Is this the first VAR assisted decision to be later over turned?
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Maybe VAR wanted Gerrard out.
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Apparently his claim of wrongful dismissal is upheld. Well there you go, if the Gods decide your time is up, your time is up
I thought that. The abject performance combined with anything that could go wrong, going wrong, was the final confirmation to all that he had to go. Anyway good news that it's rescinded and Dougie's available, we could do with a bit of a lift before Sunday.
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Honestly, I know it got lost in the brouhaha around Gerrard but the decisions for the penalty and especially this red were utterly disgraceful. The idea that you VAR a red card into being then, effectively, VAR it out of being, I'm sorry, it's a complete farce.
And nobody will question this or Oliver and his competence at this level.
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Both refs involved should be suspended. You need to be certain for a red card, not just make it up.
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.
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.
Good point.
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I'm glad it's been overturned, it was a god awful decision that was basically a red card for having the gall to be 6 inches shorter than his opponent.
I don't think it, or the penalty, changed the game but if the heavy rumour that Sawaris snapped after it was given is true then it's a shit decision that will have a massive long-term benefit for us.
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Honestly, I know it got lost in the brouhaha around Gerrard but the decisions for the penalty and especially this red were utterly disgraceful. The idea that you VAR a red card into being then, effectively, VAR it out of being, I'm sorry, it's a complete farce.
Var has said to the ref ”you might want to look at this?” Oliver takes a look and thinks, maybe. Gives a red because he has the seed of doubt in his mind. Oliver is at fault. Var is a bit at fault too but it’s Oliver’s call.
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oliver could not wait to give it, he looked at it once and that was it.
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Honestly, I know it got lost in the brouhaha around Gerrard but the decisions for the penalty and especially this red were utterly disgraceful. The idea that you VAR a red card into being then, effectively, VAR it out of being, I'm sorry, it's a complete farce.
Var has said to the ref ”you might want to look at this?” Oliver takes a look and thinks, maybe. Gives a red because he has the seed of doubt in his mind. Oliver is at fault. Var is a bit at fault too but it’s Oliver’s call.
But worst of all Mitrovic is a ****** who died there right in front of the watching world.
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The sensible approach would be a booking for Luiz for aggression and Mitrovic for simulation.
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The sensible approach would be a booking for Luiz for aggression and an Oscar to Mitrovic for simulation.
FTFY
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Both refs involved should be suspended. You need to be certain for a red card, not just make it up.
Exactly this.
And Mitrovic, who feigned injury, partook in simulation, deceived officials, fellow players, fans, and tried to get a fellow professional sent off will receive what kind of sanction?
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The sensible approach would be a booking for Luiz for aggression and an Oscar to Mitrovic for simulation.
FTFY
Like button, consider it pressed!
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What did Bamford get for his Oscar winning performance that time? I can't remember.
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The sensible approach would be a booking for Luiz for aggression and Mitrovic for simulation.
What I thought would happen, seeing it live.
I was a lot more pissed off about it seeing it on the highlights when I got home!
Incompetent officials and cheating players seem to get off pretty lightly!
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oliver could not wait to give it, he looked at it once and that was it.
I try to be impartial when it comes to referees but Michael Oliver is the exception. He's a c***. He's got a long list of crimes against Aston Villa and I struggle to understand why as a club we don't insist on refusing to allow him to ref our games. If that's possible, I have no idea.
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Logically Mitrovic should be charged with simulation. I’m not holding my breath.
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That’s not getting overturned in a million years.
Interesting
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Logically Mitrovic should be charged with simulation. I’m not holding my breath.
Dougie was facing a three game ban so the cheating fucker should serve the same instead. Such cheating will never be removed from the game when this behaviour goes unpunished. Oh, and would it have been a red card if say a Citeh player had committed it? We know the answer.
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oliver could not wait to give it, he looked at it once and that was it.
Terrible decision, I can only assume he fancies Alisha and is more than a bit jealous of her and Dougie's burgeoning romance.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63352901
Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz available to play Brentford after red card revoked
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Not that it would have changed the outcome but fuck me what a joke. It was never a red. You could argue he shouldn’t have got involved/just walked away but Mitrovic clearly fucking went full Bamford. He should now be penalized instead. What pisses me off is that VAR looked at it as did that blind ****** ref. And yet a day later it’s rescinded.
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Logically Mitrovic should be charged with simulation. I’m not holding my breath.
Dougie was facing a three game ban so the cheating fucker should serve the same instead. Such cheating will never be removed from the game when this behaviour goes unpunished. Oh, and would it have been a red card if say a Citeh player had committed it? We know the answer.
I don't think the pen would have been given had it been a Citeh player. We still would have lost though.
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I agree
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What an absolute f**king clusterf**k. The referee is advised to look at the evidence, sends Doug off, then after the game, the evidence is examined again, only to decide that it wasn’t a sending off after all. Eh? How is that possible. Now, I’m not suggesting for one minute that SG shouldn’t have been sacked but on such decisions careers can be decided.
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I'm in the never a red camp, a comical decision.
Thankfully the independent Regulatory Commission saw sense unlike that **** Oliver who no surprise we have a very high losing tally when he's officiating. Shock horror!
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Pleasantly surprised. I hope this makes Oliver look like the twat that we know he is to the wider footballing fraternity.
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That’s not getting overturned in a million years.
Interesting
Indeed I’m very surprised.
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Like Dougie, I appear to have gotten away with it.
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Was it Oliver that gave the pen at Old Trafford when Pogba tripped himself up?
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You’d hope there would be some action against the officials, but I doubt it…
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Was it Oliver that gave the pen at Old Trafford when Pogba tripped himself up?
It was indeed. But he's only one of many.
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
surely this is bringing the game into disrepute or fucking cheating Bamford style
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
Yep
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In Aussie Rules, the weekly review board can hand out retrospective punishments. Not that you’d expect the Premier League to manage that without fucking up in favour of their chosen few.
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Anyone see the interviews pitch side after the match? Dublin and Ferdinand started to discuss the incident with one of them starting to mention how they disliked the play acting (cheating, basically) in the modern game when Mitrovic must have appeared out of shot to be interviewed. Cue slight panic and a pathetic change of direction with a mutual appreciation ensuing between the three of them. Mitrovic thought it was a red card because Doug apparently hit him on the nose with his head. No injuries/marks visible on his face though.
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Both the red and the pen were wrong, and I said that on the match thread. Disgraceful refereeing.
And Oliver is supposedly our best ref?! - joke.
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
Yep
That’s how I saw it. Also the original aggressor was Mitrocic even before the shameful play acting.
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
Yep
That’s how I saw it. Also the original aggressor was Mitrocic even before the shameful play acting.
This is what Mitrović needed, along with some common sense refereeing. https://twitter.com/FBAwayDays/status/1563852119878389760
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The referee and Mitrovic should both be called in front of the FA to explain their actions. I said at the time how Mitrovic must have magic skin. They did a close up on him when he took the penalty and there wasn't a mark on him even though he lay on the ground holding his face for ages until that idiot ref sent Doug off. The ref looked at a tiny screen on a lap top and decided to send him off. That was scandalous. I couldn't even tell if there was any contact and I was looking at my 50 inch screen in my living room. And the icing on the cake for that shithouse Mitrovic was that his son was sat in the stand watching him. We all know it had no bearing on the result because we were completely outplayed but that's irrelevant. They should be having a good look at that incident and asking questions of Oliver and Mitrovic.
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Anyone see the interviews pitch side after the match? Dublin and Ferdinand started to discuss the incident with one of them starting to mention how they disliked the play acting (cheating, basically) in the modern game when Mitrovic must have appeared out of shot to be interviewed. Cue slight panic and a pathetic change of direction with a mutual appreciation ensuing between the three of them. Mitrovic thought it was a red card because Doug apparently hit him on the nose with his head. No injuries/marks visible on his face though.
Yes I saw that vomit inducing wasn't it?
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If it’s been overturned , it yet again shows what a shower of shit VAR is. It was VAR intervention to start with.
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Doug stood his ground, nothing more. Mitrovic should be getting 3 games for that shit. Utter disgrace of a footballer with his behaviour.
Yep
That’s how I saw it. Also the original aggressor was Mitrocic even before the shameful play acting.
This is what Mitrović needed, along with some common sense refereeing. https://twitter.com/FBAwayDays/status/1563852119878389760
Love it. What a different world. I know throwing a punch isn’t right, but emotion is part of the game. It’s such a shame that the likes of Mitrovic or that cu*t at Leeds as well as many others try to get players sent off.
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This is what Mitrović needed, along with some common sense refereeing. https://twitter.com/FBAwayDays/status/1563852119878389760
Love it. What a different world. I know throwing a punch isn’t right, but emotion is part of the game. It’s such a shame that the likes of Mitrovic or that cu*t at Leeds as well as many others try to get players sent off.
If you like that, you might enjoy this analysis of a brawl in the 1996 All-Ireland Final on Gaelic football's MOTD equivalent.
As the more disapproving of the pundits says, the referee could have warned the two captains "but somebody had to go". :)
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Ah, the great Pat Spillane. Not a Kerryman but that was a great team.
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Ah, the great Pat Spillane. Not a Kerryman but that was a great team.
Nah, he stayed down "injured" when Roscommon were on top in the first half in 1980 and broke my 10 year old heart.
FWIW members of that great Kerry team reckoned the 1980 final was the one they should have lost. :'(
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Coming from a football mad county with one solitary losing final appearance, I don’t have much truck with other’s sob stories. Sorry.
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The lot of them are exploitative scum who refuse to pay their players.
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Coming from a football mad county with one solitary losing final appearance, I don’t have much truck with other’s sob stories. Sorry.
Ha, I suppose my Louth supporting friends would say the same. At least we have the occasional provincial title to look forward to, and Roscommon and Monaghan are probably the two main overachievers in football when you consider population size.
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The lot of them are exploitative scum who refuse to pay their players.
Dublin population 1.5 million, Leitrim 35,000. It’s unbalanced enough. Going pro would kill the game.
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
Playing him as DM never worked. Dean Smith moved him there after he showed such promise in a more advanced position and he did well as we stayed up. But that’s not his best position. Smith didn’t figure it out and Gerrard rarely played him anyway. Put him next to a more stay at home DM he showed what a cultured competent player he is. Upgrade Dendoncker with Kamala and we will see the best of Doug. McGinn should never start again in this midfield.
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
Playing him as DM never worked. Dean Smith moved him there after he showed such promise in a more advanced position and he did well as we stayed up. But that’s not his best position. Smith didn’t figure it out and Gerrard rarely played him anyway. Put him next to a more stay at home DM he showed what a cultured competent player he is. Upgrade Dendoncker with Kamala and we will see the best of Doug. McGinn should never start again in this midfield.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jy3RBwP/kamala-1597059031.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jy3RBwP)
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
Playing him as DM never worked. Dean Smith moved him there after he showed such promise in a more advanced position and he did well as we stayed up. But that’s not his best position. Smith didn’t figure it out and Gerrard rarely played him anyway. Put him next to a more stay at home DM he showed what a cultured competent player he is. Upgrade Dendoncker with Kamala and we will see the best of Doug. McGinn should never start again in this midfield.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jy3RBwP/kamala-1597059031.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jy3RBwP)
(https://i.ibb.co/cJWzW7Y/CE5-DA3-F7-98-DF-4-BF5-8-F68-A074-EDE71-A65.png) (https://ibb.co/cJWzW7Y)
Great in defence and on the attack apparently
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
Playing him as DM never worked. Dean Smith moved him there after he showed such promise in a more advanced position and he did well as we stayed up. But that’s not his best position. Smith didn’t figure it out and Gerrard rarely played him anyway. Put him next to a more stay at home DM he showed what a cultured competent player he is. Upgrade Dendoncker with Kamala and we will see the best of Doug. McGinn should never start again in this midfield.
It’s mad that he could hardly get in the team until Kamara got injured. My ten year-old son would have been an upgrade on McGinn, never mind Dougie.
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To think, slippy almost lost him on us.
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To think, slippy almost lost him on us.
Nonsense, he signed a new contract under Gerrard a few weeks back and got plenty of game time under him. (I'm sure he knew Gerrard was on borrowed time).
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Luiz is better on the front foot rather than moping up in front of the defence. A superb display today and for me, his best in a Villa shirt.
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To think, slippy almost lost him on us.
Nonsense, he signed a new contract under Gerrard a few weeks back and got plenty of game time under him. (I'm sure he knew Gerrard was on borrowed time).
Excuse me? He has been a bit part player for a while and Gerrard made some very odd comments about him at times.
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As good a game as I can remember him having for us. Superb and very nearly scored from a corner again.
Playing him as DM never worked. Dean Smith moved him there after he showed such promise in a more advanced position and he did well as we stayed up. But that’s not his best position. Smith didn’t figure it out and Gerrard rarely played him anyway. Put him next to a more stay at home DM he showed what a cultured competent player he is. Upgrade Dendoncker with Kamala and we will see the best of Doug. McGinn should never start again in this midfield.
But how can a professional not see this though? I know a lot of us are armchair manager twats but something like this is so patently obviously. I can't get my head around not being able to see it.
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What a colossus today! A superb performance from Dougie.
Totally dominated the midfield along with Emi and Leander.
Seemed to have a great understanding going with Dendoncker...when one stepped forward the other stepped back.
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What a colossus today! A superb performance from Dougie.
Totally dominated the midfield along with Emi and Leander.
Seemed to have a great understanding going with Dendoncker...when one stepped forward the other stepped back.
Absolutely. He was brilliant today.
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Luiz is better on the front foot rather than moping up in front of the defence. A superb display today and for me, his best in a Villa shirt.
But he was mopping up in front of the defence , he was part of the 2 in a 4-2-3-1 with Dedoncker.
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Special mention for him tracking the whole length of the pitch to chase down a brentford player, despite us being 4 up already. That's the sort of desire i want to see from the players.
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What a colossus today! A superb performance from Dougie.
Totally dominated the midfield along with Emi and Leander.
Seemed to have a great understanding going with Dendoncker...when one stepped forward the other stepped back.
Absolutely. He was brilliant today.
Thirded!
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Definitely the best I've seen of Luiz in a Villa shirt today. Only disappointed he didn't get the goal he deserved.
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Think this proves him signing a new deal is massively important for us.
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I don’t think Luiz was mopping up in front of the back 4. Under Gerrard and Smith he found himself about 2 feet in front of the defence of not within it.
Today he was making tackles and playing the ball from the centre of midfield with Dendoncker the more withdrawn if needed. It’s the way a 2 should play, retrieving the ball in midfield and not from in between the 2 central defenders.
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I maintain that he was the biggest reason we stayed up after the lock down. He was everywhere, like having tow players. if he can get back to those levels then he will be a big player for us (or significantly boost our FFP).
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Playing the two meant they could hunt the ball down aggressively rather than him having to hang around waiting for it to appear through our usual vaporous "midfield". It's been a while since we dominated the middle of the park like him, Dendoncker and that bottle of fizz that was Buendia did today.
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What a colossus today! A superb performance from Dougie.
Totally dominated the midfield along with Emi and Leander.
Seemed to have a great understanding going with Dendoncker...when one stepped forward the other stepped back.
Absolutely. He was brilliant today.
Thirded!
The best performance by a central midfield player for a very long time.
That performance had everything, brilliant.
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What a colossus today! A superb performance from Dougie.
Totally dominated the midfield along with Emi and Leander.
Seemed to have a great understanding going with Dendoncker...when one stepped forward the other stepped back.
Absolutely. He was brilliant today.
Thirded!
The best performance by a central midfield player for a very long time.
That performance had everything, brilliant.
He was awsome - and Dendocker very impressive - just felt like they knew exactly what they were being asked to do and picked because they were the two players that best fitted the role.
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He was awsome - and Dendocker very impressive - just felt like they knew exactly what they were being asked to do and picked because they were the two players that best fitted the role.
Damn right! The duo were fantastic today ... and it looked so natural from the outset because they both read the game so well.
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A sensational performance from him today. Some wonderful and stylish touches and passes in possession and a real terrier when hunting down the ball.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
They certainly won't want to be far off their line!
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To think, slippy almost lost him on us.
"Listen, we're working with the players that we have in the building and it's my job to protect them. And to try and make them be the best versions of themselves. By playing them in the wrong position. In the wrong formation."
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It is absolute insanity that we've had him for 3 years and 90% of the time he's been playing as the only defensive midfielder at the base of a midfield 3. That's on Smith as well as Gerrard - a huge failing of coaches that we've wasted his skill set.
He's always had massive talent but it's been obvious those talents are best deployed when he's not the only midfielder tasked with breaking up play. Having the physicality of Donk next to him yesterday is exactly what we should have been doing with him all along - again, I go back to the obsession from SG/DS with trying to make McGinn work in all possible lineups as a main reason why.
If he had ended up going to Arsenal, we'd have seen him consistently put in performances like the one he put in yesterday, next to Xhaka/Partey in midfield, and be thinking wtf were we doing. The fact he's signed that contract is absolutely massive.
Double pivot of him + Kamara when he's back, with Donck available to beef it up against stronger teams, is the midfield we should be building around. Fully believe that combo is good enough to take us to the top half and potentially higher.
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Exactly right Keeno.
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It seems that we've accumulated decent players without thinking how they're all going to fit in and work as a unit. Which makes it all the more frustrating the odd time when it all clicks because they've been properly set-up.
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I’ve never been a fan of Luiz but he was excellent yesterday.
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He's an outstanding player and I'm pleased for him that it's all coming together. So glad he signed that contract.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
The one yesterday was the best hit of the lot, he hit it like the Ronaldo free kicks that dip but with a lot more side spin so it kinda wobbled and dipped in the air, keeper had no chance of judging the flight of it and it was maybe 1-2 inches away from going in off the post. The technique involved is incredible. My only quesrtion is why we don't ahve him taking free kicks in the same way. I reckon he's easily good enough to hit double figures from set pieces alone.
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It is absolute insanity that we've had him for 3 years and 90% of the time he's been playing as the only defensive midfielder at the base of a midfield 3. That's on Smith as well as Gerrard - a huge failing of coaches that we've wasted his skill set.
He's always had massive talent but it's been obvious those talents are best deployed when he's not the only midfielder tasked with breaking up play. Having the physicality of Donk next to him yesterday is exactly what we should have been doing with him all along - again, I go back to the obsession from SG/DS with trying to make McGinn work in all possible lineups as a main reason why.
If he had ended up going to Arsenal, we'd have seen him consistently put in performances like the one he put in yesterday, next to Xhaka/Partey in midfield, and be thinking wtf were we doing. The fact he's signed that contract is absolutely massive.
Double pivot of him + Kamara when he's back, with Donck available to beef it up against stronger teams, is the midfield we should be building around. Fully believe that combo is good enough to take us to the top half and potentially higher.
I agree with all this but I do seem to remember conversations around 2019/20 that he and Nakamba couldn't play together.
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He must be due to score another worldie from outside the box soon. He nearly scored it yesterday, i seem to remember when he first came he scored a few.
looking forward to seeing him keep improving.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
The one yesterday was the best hit of the lot, he hit it like the Ronaldo free kicks that dip but with a lot more side spin so it kinda wobbled and dipped in the air, keeper had no chance of judging the flight of it and it was maybe 1-2 inches away from going in off the post. The technique involved is incredible. My only quesrtion is why we don't ahve him taking free kicks in the same way. I reckon he's easily good enough to hit double figures from set pieces alone.
He was taking our free kicks last season and they were pretty rubbish. No one could understand why he had them and not Coutinho. It was presumed he was doing something on the training ground that we hadn’t seen.
I can see why now, he has a wicked technique.
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His shooting has a fair bit of power behind it too. That first half effort if on target was unstoppable. On the corners we now have options to worry defenders as he will have a reputation for being accurate with deliveries to threaten opposing keepers, it gives us many options to try something different if we wish which is far removed from lobbing in there and hoping for the best.
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Luiz was just awesome yesterday. I hope he makes the Brazilian squad.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
The one yesterday was the best hit of the lot, he hit it like the Ronaldo free kicks that dip but with a lot more side spin so it kinda wobbled and dipped in the air, keeper had no chance of judging the flight of it and it was maybe 1-2 inches away from going in off the post. The technique involved is incredible. My only quesrtion is why we don't ahve him taking free kicks in the same way. I reckon he's easily good enough to hit double figures from set pieces alone.
He was taking our free kicks last season and they were pretty rubbish. No one could understand why he had them and not Coutinho. It was presumed he was doing something on the training ground that we hadn’t seen.
I can see why now, he has a wicked technique.
Yes indeed, but he's clearly spent the summer working on it and is now delivering some of the most dangerous corners I've ever seen on a week-by-week basis, I'm going back to it again but I'm gutted yesterdays didn't go in because it was a truly stunning delivery, I'd bet that hundreds of hours of practice have gone into this, maybe this is what McPhee has spent his time under Gerrard working on.
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Yes indeed, but he's clearly spent the summer working on it and is now delivering some of the most dangerous corners I've ever seen on a week-by-week basis, I'm going back to it again but I'm gutted yesterdays didn't go in because it was a truly stunning delivery, I'd bet that hundreds of hours of practice have gone into this, maybe this is what McPhee has spent his time under Gerrard working on.
Maybe MacPhee can organise where the other players stand to take advantage of them, but what he's doing is natural ability. Sure he'll almost certainly be practising them over and over again so his muscle memory knows exactly how to strike it, but don't think that's something a coach can really do do to be honest.
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Yes indeed, but he's clearly spent the summer working on it and is now delivering some of the most dangerous corners I've ever seen on a week-by-week basis, I'm going back to it again but I'm gutted yesterdays didn't go in because it was a truly stunning delivery, I'd bet that hundreds of hours of practice have gone into this, maybe this is what McPhee has spent his time under Gerrard working on.
Maybe MacPhee can organise where the other players stand to take advantage of them, but what he's doing is natural ability. Sure he'll almost certainly be practising them over and over again so his muscle memory knows exactly how to strike it, but don't think that's something a coach can really do do to be honest.
A coach can encourage it and stay back after training, etc.
Of course it's probably that he had a lot of spare time at BMH waiting for the missus...
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I want to see him shoot more, not side footing it but putting his laces through it.
SHOOT.
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Yes indeed, but he's clearly spent the summer working on it and is now delivering some of the most dangerous corners I've ever seen on a week-by-week basis, I'm going back to it again but I'm gutted yesterdays didn't go in because it was a truly stunning delivery, I'd bet that hundreds of hours of practice have gone into this, maybe this is what McPhee has spent his time under Gerrard working on.
Tremendous save, plus the follow-up as well. Our last home game we had Kepa in Banks mode and we had Raya on similar form yesterday. Difference was we actually managed some shots that were truly unstoppable.
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I’m surprised opposition sides haven’t started putting a man on the back post to try and counter it.
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You can't hurt a fool and you can't beat a swerve.
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I want to see him shoot more, not side footing it but putting his laces through it.
SHOOT.
Agreed! SHOOOT!!
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Not having heard it in the Duggee context before, I thought the booing noise meant that Ruud Van Nistelrooy was playing for us.
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Very nearly a third goal of the season direct from a corner as well. Keepers must be shitting themselves when we get a corner from their right hand side.
The one yesterday was the best hit of the lot, he hit it like the Ronaldo free kicks that dip but with a lot more side spin so it kinda wobbled and dipped in the air, keeper had no chance of judging the flight of it and it was maybe 1-2 inches away from going in off the post. The technique involved is incredible. My only quesrtion is why we don't ahve him taking free kicks in the same way. I reckon he's easily good enough to hit double figures from set pieces alone.
It's the way it dips at the end. The ball must be five feet or more above the crossbar at the front post and dips to about a foot below the crossbar at the back post, and it's doing it at pace, with swerve. I'd hate to be defending it.
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“Gerrard was a great coach at Aston Villa, but unfortunately the results weren’t showing. We know how dynamic football is. We have to look forward. If the result doesn’t appear, we have to make a move or change something.
“Our assistant took over and we managed to have a great game against Brentford. He made changes to the formation and the way of playing. I think that’s what Gerrard lacked a bit: to take a little risk.
http://sportwitness.co.uk/thats-gerrard-lacked-aston-villa-star-talks-changes-management/
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Missed out on the Brazil WC squad. And yet Fred is in there.
In conclusion, come on Argentina!
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In today's big football news Dougie and Alisha have split up because he didn't approve of her 'raunchy' calendar. :(
On a more positive note it means Alisha is now single again.
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In today's big football news Dougie and Alisha have split up because he didn't approve of her 'raunchy' calendar. :(
On a more positive note it means Alisha is now single again.
Bit of an odd one, as it's not like they both haven't posted pictures of both of them on holiday etc in various states of undress. Oh well.
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24 year-old gets packed in by girlfriend. Ah well.
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In today's big football news Dougie and Alisha have split up because he didn't approve of her 'raunchy' calendar. :(
On a more positive note it means Alisha is now single again.
is this calendar on sale yet? asking for a friend
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In today's big football news Dougie and Alisha have split up because he didn't approve of her 'raunchy' calendar. :(
On a more positive note it means Alisha is now single again.
is this calendar on sale yet? asking for a friend
It might well make a nice Xmas gift for your friend, very thoughtful of you.
https://www.alisha-lehmann.com/products/alisha-lehmann-official-2023-calendar
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Jebus! For that price I want it to be so graphic that I get to see the insides of her stomach!
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for that price I'd expect an hour with her too. Jesus.
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She ain’t all that
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In today's big football news Dougie and Alisha have split up because he didn't approve of her 'raunchy' calendar. :(
On a more positive note it means Alisha is now single again.
is this calendar on sale yet? asking for a friend
It might well make a nice Xmas gift for your friend, very thoughtful of you.
https://www.alisha-lehmann.com/products/alisha-lehmann-official-2023-calendar
A lot of thought has gone into that website:
"Free Shipping
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review."
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There's a Christmas card for a fiver for those who prefer their perving in a more affordable price bracket.
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Imagine the arses on the kids if she ended up marrying John McGinn.
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A lot of thought has gone into that website:
"Free Shipping
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review."
Indeed. I clicked on 'Care Instructions' and nothing happened. How did we know if it is washable?
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Imagine the arses on the kids if she ended up marrying John McGinn.
No chance of McGinn getting her pregnant. He'd try sticking his arse into her.
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is this calendar on sale yet? asking for a friend
It might well make a nice Xmas gift for your friend, very thoughtful of you.
https://www.alisha-lehmann.com/products/alisha-lehmann-official-2023-calendar
A lot of thought has gone into that website:
"Free Shipping
Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review."
Yeah, she has notions but it all seems a bit amateur and cringeworthy.
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Against my better judgement I clicked on the link. Bloody hell, that's one expensive calendar.
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I don't know what's sadder, her doing the calendar in the first place or that there will be sad sacks that will buy it.
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Imagine the arses on the kids if she ended up marrying John McGinn.
Very good! ;D
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I can see why they argued, that’s ridiculously overpriced!
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Imagine the arses on the kids if she ended up marrying John McGinn.
They could go zorbing without the need for inflatables.
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£50 for a signed one! Fuck me.
How many have you ordered BV?
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There are few things more incrementally depressing than reading comments about Lehmann (and other women unwittingly trapped in your banks) on here. Obviously it's all relative - the government brings me down far more - but do you have to tell the world every time you touch yourself?
Anyway, hope you all had lovely weekends, etc.
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There are few things more incrementally depressing than reading comments about Lehmann (and other women unwittingly trapped in your banks) on here. Obviously it's all relative - the government brings me down far more - but do you have to tell the world every time you touch yourself?
Anyway, hope you all had lovely weekends, etc.
Perhaod you could point out where anybody has said anything of the sort, Bernard Righton?
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There are few things more incrementally depressing than reading comments about Lehmann (and other women unwittingly trapped in your banks) on here. Obviously it's all relative - the government brings me down far more - but do you have to tell the world every time you touch yourself?
Anyway, hope you all had lovely weekends, etc.
Perhaod you could point out where anybody has said anything of the sort, Bernard Righton?
Two quite early on with examples of what they would want for "that price".
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And BE with his 'washable' query.
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It was a joke about the price. I don’t actually want to see the insides of her stomach. Even if she paid me £50. Lighten up.
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In any case, an intelligent woman who of her own free will and volition has decided to do a "raunchy" (not my words) calendar, probably doesn't need some middle aged bloke sticking up for her.
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And BE with his 'washable' query.
Bollocks! That was a comment on the lamentably bad adaptation of a generic online shop web-template. There is no room in my bank for her or on my wall for her calendar.
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And BE with his 'washable' query.
Bollocks! That was a comment on the lamentably bad adaptation of a generic online shop web-template. There is no room in my bank for her.
My own 'bank' prefers the older currencies as the years wear on, and is mostly pre-decimilisation as it stands.
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There are few things more incrementally depressing than reading comments about Lehmann (and other women unwittingly trapped in your banks) on here. Obviously it's all relative - the government brings me down far more - but do you have to tell the world every time you touch yourself?
Anyway, hope you all had lovely weekends, etc.
Perhaod you could point out where anybody has said anything of the sort, Bernard Righton?
I'll forgive the one-handed typos, but said anything of what sort?
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I don't know what's sadder, her doing the calendar in the first place or that there will be sad sacks that will buy it.
I would imagine there would be some empty sacks with those that do buy it
I thank you
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I don't know what's sadder, her doing the calendar in the first place or that there will be sad sacks that will buy it.
Yes terribly sad that she has done this. I assume she has had poor advice, afterall she is still a young person.
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£50 for a signed one! Fuck me.
How many have you ordered BV?
I'm with PaulTheVillan on this one.
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Normally get my 14yr old lad the Villa calendar but this year he’s going with Alisha for some reason
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I’m sure that David Beckham has released non-football calendars in the past - I don’t see how this is any different. Yes, the website is less polished than it might be, but like all of us, she’s operating at a particular level in the market. I’m not going to buy it, or criticise her for doing it either. The economics of the women’s game means that she will need to earn money from outside football at some point. It’s up to her how she does that. Maybe she doesn’t want to run a pub.
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I haven't read anything terribly offensive written on here about her, just a lighthearted joke or two.
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This guy is on the verge of being world-class.
Dean Smith made the move and slowly developed him and he's a fantastic signing, and he's already proving his worth under Emery's tutelage. Emery has really made an impression I feel with Luiz as he's gone up another level since the restart has he not?
I have only read and seen brief highlights of the Liverpool matches (due to Christmas) I see that he set up the goal against Liverpool, and against Tottenham today I watched the match on screen and he started it all off to get the goal with a shot that Lloris fumbled before scoring an absolutely sublime midfielders goal.
The way he got into the box is something that is much needed, and we have to salute this guy because he's only going to get better.
Wonderful improving midfielder and I have fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
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He was brilliant today.
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This guy is on the verge of being world-class.
Dean Smith made the move and slowly developed him and he's a fantastic signing, and he's already proving his worth under Emery's tutelage. Emery has really made an impression I feel with Luiz as he's gone up another level since the restart has he not?
I have only read and seen brief highlights of the Liverpool matches (due to Christmas) I see that he set up the goal against Liverpool, and against Tottenham today I watched the match on screen and he started it all off to get the goal with a shot that Lloris fumbled before scoring an absolutely sublime midfielders goal.
The way he got into the box is something that is much needed, and we have to salute this guy because he's only going to get better.
Wonderful improving midfielder and I have fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
What's made the difference is putting Kamara alongside him. Gerrard couldn't get the best out of either of them because of his game tactics and management; Emery is dong so.
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This guy is on the verge of being world-class.
Dean Smith made the move and slowly developed him and he's a fantastic signing, and he's already proving his worth under Emery's tutelage. Emery has really made an impression I feel with Luiz as he's gone up another level since the restart has he not?
I have only read and seen brief highlights of the Liverpool matches (due to Christmas) I see that he set up the goal against Liverpool, and against Tottenham today I watched the match on screen and he started it all off to get the goal with a shot that Lloris fumbled before scoring an absolutely sublime midfielders goal.
The way he got into the box is something that is much needed, and we have to salute this guy because he's only going to get better.
Wonderful improving midfielder and I have fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
What's made the difference is putting Kamara alongside him. Gerrard couldn't get the best out of either of them because of his game tactics and management; Emery is dong so.
I suspect Emery has given them jobs instead of positions because they're both free to drift around in midfield and fill gaps as needed. For Kamara is a side-to-side drift where he's always free to fill the most dangerous gap for the opposition to attack and it means he's always where we need him to be. For Doug it's more vertical, at times he drops in to defence to add a body or give an option for a pass but other times he'll follow his own pass up field (as he did for his goal) and he seems to thrive in the freedom it gives him to just control the play. I reckon playercam footage of both of them from today would be a masterclass in how to play as a modern 2 man midfield.
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This guy is on the verge of being world-class.
Dean Smith made the move and slowly developed him and he's a fantastic signing, and he's already proving his worth under Emery's tutelage. Emery has really made an impression I feel with Luiz as he's gone up another level since the restart has he not?
I have only read and seen brief highlights of the Liverpool matches (due to Christmas) I see that he set up the goal against Liverpool, and against Tottenham today I watched the match on screen and he started it all off to get the goal with a shot that Lloris fumbled before scoring an absolutely sublime midfielders goal.
The way he got into the box is something that is much needed, and we have to salute this guy because he's only going to get better.
Wonderful improving midfielder and I have fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
What's made the difference is putting Kamara alongside him. Gerrard couldn't get the best out of either of them because of his game tactics and management; Emery is dong so.
I suspect Emery has given them jobs instead of positions because they're both free to drift around in midfield and fill gaps as needed. For Kamara is a side-to-side drift where he's always free to fill the most dangerous gap for the opposition to attack and it means he's always where we need him to be. For Doug it's more vertical, at times he drops in to defence to add a body or give an option for a pass but other times he'll follow his own pass up field (as he did for his goal) and he seems to thrive in the freedom it gives him to just control the play. I reckon playercam footage of both of them from today would be a masterclass in how to play as a modern 2 man midfield.
Yes and they complemented each other so well.
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Dougie and Kamara what a pair they are brilliant.
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I like Doug but he is nowhere near world class.
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He was fucking brilliant today, really excellent.
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I like Doug but he is nowhere near world class.
I think he has the ability to become world class, his touch, vision and passing range are superb but he can be a bit 'lax' which leads to him giving away cheap posession if teams press him in the right way. With experience that is happening less often and he's added set pieces and goals to his game recently so he is working on his game. I think he'll get there in another year or 2 so long as he keeps putting the work in.
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He was awful in the first half against Liverpool, constantly giving the ball away, but then improved greatly second half. He was excellent for the whole match today, so he just needs to hit those heights consistently. Luiz and Kamara is a proper pairing, hard to think of a midfield duo we've had with that much combined ability. Probably not seen since the Sylla/El Ahmadi days ;)
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He was awful in the first half against Liverpool, constantly giving the ball away, but then improved greatly second half. He was excellent for the whole match today, so he just needs to hit those heights consistently. Luiz and Kamara is a proper pairing, hard to think of a midfield duo we've had with that much combined ability. Probably not seen since the Sylla/El Ahmadi days ;)
Yep, the first half vs Liverpool is what he needs to cut out of his game, he looked 'leggy' and complacent. He was, along with everyone else, poor against Newcastle as well but otherwise I think he's had a good season, Even Fulham he was playing pretty well before the ridiculous red card.
As a pairing I think they'll be the best since Milner and Petrov if they stay together for the rest of the season. As I said on a thread earlier, if you add in Tim, JJ and maybe 1-2 others I can honestly see us going from no midfield to one of the best sets of midfielders in the country over the next 6-12months.
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He was awful in the first half against Liverpool, constantly giving the ball away, but then improved greatly second half. He was excellent for the whole match today, so he just needs to hit those heights consistently. Luiz and Kamara is a proper pairing, hard to think of a midfield duo we've had with that much combined ability. Probably not seen since the Sylla/El Ahmadi days ;)
Yep, the first half vs Liverpool is what he needs to cut out of his game, he looked 'leggy' and complacent. He was, along with everyone else, poor against Newcastle as well but otherwise I think he's had a good season, Even Fulham he was playing pretty well before the ridiculous red card.
As a pairing I think they'll be the best since Milner and Petrov if they stay together for the rest of the season. As I said on a thread earlier, if you add in Tim, JJ and maybe 1-2 others I can honestly see us going from no midfield to one of the best sets of midfielders in the country over the next 6-12months.
I didn't see the match versus Liverpool or much other than the goal (due to Christmas) however the reason he would look leggy is due to a long time since he played competitively due to the world cup.
He can be afforded that.
Made the goal didn't he?
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He was awful in the first half against Liverpool, constantly giving the ball away, but then improved greatly second half. He was excellent for the whole match today, so he just needs to hit those heights consistently. Luiz and Kamara is a proper pairing, hard to think of a midfield duo we've had with that much combined ability. Probably not seen since the Sylla/El Ahmadi days ;)
Boateng/Taylor.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
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Brilliant today. I’ve always rated Doug, but if we get him in the right role I think he’ll be tremendous.
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When he first broke in and scored a couple of belters it looked like that more advanced role would be best for him. Then he went back to a DM role that really didn’t suit him. But he did well after the Covid break and it somehow became his position. But we all saw that it really wasn’t. Now with Kamara we are seeing Doug flourish in a more conventional midfield role. He was excellent today.
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Have been a fan of Douglas Luiz since day one. Delighted to see him shine with Kamara.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
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Luiz 24 Kamara 23 Ramsey 21 Tim 19 Ramsey jnr 19 that's a hell of a midfield to hopefully enjoy for many years ahead.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
God i forgot about those days 😳
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Sylla, Sylla, Sylla, he loves the fuckin Villa, Villa, Villa
Great chant!
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Sali, Salifou.... Sali, Salifou...
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
My 12/nearly 13 year old son, started going regularly with me when he was 5/6 in the relegation year. He really has seen some shite in his young years, but completely Villa mad.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
My 12/nearly 13 year old son, started going regularly with me when he was 5/6 in the relegation year. He really has seen some shite in his young years, but completely Villa mad.
Good parenting, hopefully it will be rewarded with a shiny pot or two before long which we can all enjoy.
Regarding Dougie, i think at long last we are beginning to see his full potential. Whether it’s the partnership with Kamara or Emery’s influence or both we will have to see. What I do know is that he’s now an integral part of the team.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
My 12/nearly 13 year old son, started going regularly with me when he was 5/6 in the relegation year. He really has seen some shite in his young years, but completely Villa mad.
Good parenting, hopefully it will be rewarded with a shiny pot or two before long which we can all enjoy.
Regarding Dougie, i think at long last we are beginning to see his full potential. Whether it’s the partnership with Kamara or Emery’s influence or both we will have to see. What I do know is that he’s now an integral part of the team.
He has too many meh performances to become an integral member of the team. We know the ability is there and his role in the team suits him but I want more performances like against Spurs than we have seen from him many times.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
My 12/nearly 13 year old son, started going regularly with me when he was 5/6 in the relegation year. He really has seen some shite in his young years, but completely Villa mad.
Good parenting, hopefully it will be rewarded with a shiny pot or two before long which we can all enjoy.
Regarding Dougie, i think at long last we are beginning to see his full potential. Whether it’s the partnership with Kamara or Emery’s influence or both we will have to see. What I do know is that he’s now an integral part of the team.
He has HAD too many meh performances to become an integral member of the team. We know the ability is there and his role in the team suits him but I want more performances like against Spurs than we have seen from him many times.
I think the extra word there is important because most of the meh performances have been playing deeper in games where we're a bit under the cosh and he's just not suited to doing that job, I suspect Brend is thinking, like me, that those performances are going to be a lot less common under Emery and, on that basis, he'll be the player we've all wanted him to be since he arrived.
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Sylla/El Ahmadi. Fucking hell. It's a wonder we're still here, really.
Honest to fuck, if you became a Villa fan during those days and are still with us, you deserve the best life forever.
My 12/nearly 13 year old son, started going regularly with me when he was 5/6 in the relegation year. He really has seen some shite in his young years, but completely Villa mad.
Good parenting, hopefully it will be rewarded with a shiny pot or two before long which we can all enjoy.
Regarding Dougie, i think at long last we are beginning to see his full potential. Whether it’s the partnership with Kamara or Emery’s influence or both we will have to see. What I do know is that he’s now an integral part of the team.
He has HAD too many meh performances to become an integral member of the team. We know the ability is there and his role in the team suits him but I want more performances like against Spurs than we have seen from him many times.
I think the extra word there is important because most of the meh performances have been playing deeper in games where we're a bit under the cosh and he's just not suited to doing that job, I suspect Brend is thinking, like me, that those performances are going to be a lot less common under Emery and, on that basis, he'll be the player we've all wanted him to be since he arrived.
I hope so because you can see he is very talented. Still purring over his control and finish against Spurs.
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It reminded me of Michael Thomas against Liverpool for the title
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
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It reminded me of Michael Thomas against Liverpool for the title
Ah, live league football on terrestrial tv.
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Luiz always had the ability, demonstrated it after the restart where he was our best player for weeks. But whether he had the application and commitment was always in question. He would throw in a performance like his first half v Liverpool far too often. In fairness to him, even after his move to Arsenal collapsed in the summer he didn't throw a strop and has played well for us during a difficult time with change of coach etc. But I thought v Spurs he was absolutely outstanding. The technical quality for his goal was at a level not seen for us since Grealish's time.
This partnership with Kamara could develop to be one of the best in the division with Emery's guidance. The likes of Bissouma and Hojberg are no mugs but they destroyed them.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
Meek acceptance from who? I assume you mean managers not fans because every single player that fits into that group gets slagged off relentlessly and often has the 8/10 performances dismissed so they can be called 'championship' and offered lifts to whatever team we can convince to take them on a from us.
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It's been apparent for a good while that Luiz would probably be our best No 8 if he was playing alongside a decent DM. Now he is i'm suprised how many people are surprised by his form. He and Kamara have the makings of an outstanding partnership.
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It's been apparent for a good while that Luiz would probably be our best No 8 if he was playing alongside a decent DM. Now he is i'm suprised how many people are surprised by his form. He and Kamara have the makings of an outstanding partnership.
Totally agree.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
Meek acceptance from who? I assume you mean managers not fans because every single player that fits into that group gets slagged off relentlessly and often has the 8/10 performances dismissed so they can be called 'championship' and offered lifts to whatever team we can convince to take them on a from us.
The club.
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Maybe centre mid is a bit like centre half in that its' about partnerships and a good one can make players look better.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
Meek acceptance from who? I assume you mean managers not fans because every single player that fits into that group gets slagged off relentlessly and often has the 8/10 performances dismissed so they can be called 'championship' and offered lifts to whatever team we can convince to take them on a from us.
If you assumed he meant managers why did you go off on one about fans?
You can Google projecting and find out about it you know.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
Meek acceptance from who? I assume you mean managers not fans because every single player that fits into that group gets slagged off relentlessly and often has the 8/10 performances dismissed so they can be called 'championship' and offered lifts to whatever team we can convince to take them on a from us.
If you assumed he meant managers why did you go off on one about fans?
You can Google projecting and find out about it you know.
Maybe you should try, projecting means putting your own thoughts and or opinions onto someone else, which has absolutely fuck all to do with my post. I said I assumed he meant the manger (which I consider to be the same as the club) and then gave a reason why I asusmed that because I don't think what he said applies to the fans. Still, words are hard for you I know.
Of course, it's not quite as stupid as giving a subjective opinion about something and then when it gets countered with objective facts claiming the facts are subjective.
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I agree with the points made about consistency. Luiz consistently playing at his best is a key player and a maybe dark horse for future captain.
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Maybe centre mid is a bit like centre half in that its' about partnerships and a good one can make players look better.
I would take it further and as long as players play as a "team", then they can win against better players and they all look better then individual skills. Look at Leicester in 2016 for the most recent example of that.
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Consistency is the key for a good number of the squad including Luiz. At their best they're probably all good enough for a top 6 club, but they can all also be sloppy on their day and look poor. We now seem to have a manager prepared to drop and rotate people, so they're all going to have to be at it, all the time. How many times under Smith and Gerrard did we say "if we play like that in the rest of the games we'll be OK" only for us to then string together three or four terrible performances. I want to see an end to players like Luiz, Mings and McGinn being 4/10 one week, and then 8/10 the next. No more "I hope this is our bad half" please Mr Emery. Signs are very promising so far though.
Absolutely agree with that.
It is years of meek acceptance of low standards that has seen players of the 8/10 then weeks of 4/10 type persist here for years.
We need to thoroughly raise standards consistently, not just every now and then.
Meek acceptance from who? I assume you mean managers not fans because every single player that fits into that group gets slagged off relentlessly and often has the 8/10 performances dismissed so they can be called 'championship' and offered lifts to whatever team we can convince to take them on a from us.
If you assumed he meant managers why did you go off on one about fans?
You can Google projecting and find out about it you know.
Maybe you should try, projecting means putting your own thoughts and or opinions onto someone else, which has absolutely fuck all to do with my post. I said I assumed he meant the manger (which I consider to be the same as the club) and then gave a reason why I asusmed that because I don't think what he said applies to the fans. Still, words are hard for you I know.
Of course, it's not quite as stupid as giving a subjective opinion about something and then when it gets countered with objective facts claiming the facts are subjective.
You are an extremely literal person. You do project, uninvited. Perhaps that's a little too nuanced for you, but not everything is always expressed in a post.
Relax.
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Arsenal making moves for other midfielders is only positive for us and Luiz remaining.
I think hes improved immensely and is a chief supplier on set plays providing opportunities for goals.
Carry on his trajectory with El Maestro coaching and he'll be a staple in the Brazilian national team midfield.
I love him and how he plays the game.
Class.
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I'm a bit relieved they got Jorginho as I was half-expecting them to come sniffing after Douglas again.
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Seems very settled here now and can see him and Kamara only getting better together.
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Glorious insight.
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That's a good move for Arsenal. Good player for closing games out.
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Seems very settled here now and can see him and Kamara only getting better together.
What was the point in digging up this after three weeks. We know you try to snooker the threads, just give it a rest.
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Yes, er give it a break!
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Yes, er give it a break!
Join the cue
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Keep it in your pocket.
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this is loopy
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One to chalk off
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The Totally Football Show/Athletic podcast the other day that Luiz and Kamara are the best midfield pairing outside the top 6. High praise.
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Yes, er give it a break!
haha
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Stop bumping the thread for your own safety (shot).
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The Totally Football Show/Athletic podcast the other day that Luiz and Kamara are the best midfield pairing outside the top 6. High praise.
Are Spurs considered top 6 still? Luiz and Kamara walked all over the Spurs midfield only a few weeks back.
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Stop bumping the thread for your own safety (shot).
Hardly ! I keep Douglas very current as he's a key player and I actually predict him to be our top assist maker come season end.
He has produced some lovely deliveries in open play and from set plays.
Deliveries Evri one would be proud of.
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The Totally Football Show/Athletic podcast the other day that Luiz and Kamara are the best midfield pairing outside the top 6. High praise.
Are Spurs considered top 6 still? Luiz and Kamara walked all over the Spurs midfield only a few weeks back.
Luiz Guendouzi and Kamara with Ramsey ahead would be a top 4 midfield.
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Seems very settled here now and can see him and Kamara only getting better together.
What was the point in digging up this after three weeks. We know you try to snooker the threads, just give it a rest.
For the final time, not that I should have to, but having that thread available helps myself and, I'm sure, many others navigate the discussion forum.
Furthermore, under Emery, Douglas Luiz has started every single league match and takes our set pieces.
I was also had in mind that with the transfer window and how Arsenal were interested in a midfielder again this window and how Luiz seems settled here and developing a great midfield duo with BK.
Anyway, it's quite simple how I choose and then write on relevant threads and encourage debate on a variety of topics which I have my musings on.
So simply you can either join the debate and /or provide your own insight or opinions on this with Dougals or any thread, or simply butt out.
That goes to the rest of you who try (unsuccessful) to belittle with the snooker jibes. Doesn't work because I actually not familiar with the so called sport.
I find it insolence if people don't want to pick up points raised on threads either by me or others.
Please leave it out as others want to bandwagon and make unfunny comments.
Good day.
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Stop doing it then, and we won't have to.
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Stop doing it then, and we won't have to.
That doesn't make sense though because writing on specific and relevant thread is important.
Why would I write about Douglas Luiz elsewhere when he has his thread and certainly to be me should be a strong part of people's discussions as he's playing so well and is a key components and set piece taker.
So for an example:
Emery has spoken about need to win tomorrow to make top 10 .
There are various threads this could go.
Unai Emery
Pre match
What does success look like for Emery
Teams we'll finish above this season
I would write that in one of those.
No issue here apart from those not seemingly to like me bringing into consciousness and awareness specific threads for discussion and debate.
So, again, if you don't want to talk about Luiz, don't, but you and others shouldn't be trying to detract from the fact that I want to and that he's the creating goals and starting every game under Emery is the focus not these side issues.
If people don't have anything to contribute, perhaps just allow.
Who knows, sometimes I may have actually helped bring things to mind and raise awareness, thus doing a favour!
Others write on threads for relevance or to update/bump them, but it appears to be a problem when I do it for some.
Also, I'm sure you and others have commented on specific threads for good reason in your mind and in my mind it's good reason.
I also do it so that my discussion about a particular player or topic does not get lost. It's less difficult as I get confused and not as clever at understanding so simply and quickly as most. So I would write where I think is good to write.
As I've previously stated, it can be perplexing for me at times.
In any case, the compassionate among us will be respectful, and I have always understand in life here or where ever there will always be a minority who dislikes a method because it is not their method or they think it's stupid. Allow for it. Unless I violate forum rules, I will not change. And I certainly don't mean to offend or irritate anyone.
I was simply contributing and hoping that people would not turn all mean-spirited and could see the positives. I asking respectfully stop making these snide remarks.
Let's stop now because it's getting boring for everyone. Position has been established, and let's hope Villa moves into top half place.
Enjoy tomorrow all of us and even those who make fun I know it's just your way of communicating a dislike but can add to negatively when not having a good moment in a day so we all bare that in mind shall we.
Up the Villa!
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Hardly ! I keep Douglas very current as he's a key player and I actually predict him to be our top assist maker come season end.
He has produced some lovely deliveries in open play and from set plays.
Deliveries Evri one would be proud of.
That's a pretty low bar.
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Love Dougals Luiz.
He's started game on fire. Great energy. Really improving. Must be refreshed with his new hair and colour cut!
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He was excellent we got worse when he was subbed.
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I think he was subbed because he'd been booked. I can't think of any other reason because he was having a decent game.
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I think he was subbed because he'd been booked. I can't think of any other reason because he was having a decent game.
Yeah he chased a player down in Arsenals left back position, pushed him and then kicked the ball away which I thought was risky as he was on a yellow. He went off next break in play.
He was really good, calm with the ball, spiky and energetic without.
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I think he was subbed because he'd been booked. I can't think of any other reason because he was having a decent game.
Not sure why he got a yellow. It was like the ref had to give out a couple of yellow cards after that bit of handbags post the Saka challenge. Maybe the new hair style went against him!
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I think he was subbed because he'd been booked. I can't think of any other reason because he was having a decent game.
Not sure why he got a yellow. It was the like had to give out a couple of yellow cards after that bit of handbags post the Saka challenge. Maybe the new hair style went against him!
He stepped in after Saka had tied to deck Phil; ref implicated Luiz in the fracas.
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He was excellent we got worse when he was subbed.
You said elsewhere that Kamara was excellent too yet our midfield was clearly inferior to Arsenal in the second half with Jorginho and Odegaard increasingly more influential. I don't think you can pin all of our collapse on the defence.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
Disagree with this entirely. Luiz and Kamara are some of the only players that we have that can retain possession and make a smart pass. Both of them did a decent job of breaking up play yesterday in the oppo’s build up. As of right now, they are the safest people to pass the ball to in the squad. Everyone else has a better chance of turning it over. Way too critical on these two.. and the club in general in recent weeks Risso.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Pretty controversial take, but I think central midfield might be better balanced with Kamara and Dendoncker in there.
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Douglas was playing well when he got subbed. I thought it was strange. Duran and Bailey looked lively when the came on. Bailey so unlucky with that shot against the bar, although it was a great save by Ramsdale.
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I thought dougie had his best game for ages yesterday. I said during the game, he was getting himself into some excellent defensive positions and closing down and breaking up their play.
In the first half the game was really narrow and very congested with most of the play across the width of the 18 yard box. Dougie was everywhere in that space and help keep them well away from our goal.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Pretty controversial take, but I think central midfield might be better balanced with Kamara and Dendoncker in there.
Balance wise it probably would be but Luiz level of performance on the whole is better than Dendonkar’s. Dendonkar was in the team when we hammered Brentford and comfortably beat Man Utd but I think I’d stick with Dougie unless Dendonkar makes himself undropable the next time he plays or until we can get that better version in the summer.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Yep, agree entirely.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Yep, agree entirely.
Douglas' potential is there to be world-class.
In the first half, he was also getting high up the pitch and was crucial in an attacking press. He is getting round the pitch more given Kamara is affording him a licence. He can sit as well but I believe he will only improve to a very very high standard under Emery and he will be learning how to be midfield general. Doug possesses all of the attributes in his passing, dribbling, and technical ability, which will be more evident with Emery. I think we can see a Bruno Fernandes type influence from him next season.
To me, he's can be someone who can run games next season if has consistency where he's deployed in midfield.
He'll be 25 when next season begins and think we'll see some masterclass displays between now and end of this season as a taste. It's next season when he'll develop a true consistency and He'll be really highly regarded by not just me, not just Villa fans but everyone.
Douglas Luiz is a gem.
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I thought Luiz was our best player before he went of
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Yep, agree entirely.
As assists go this season Luiz has 5 to his name which is pretty decent. That’s also going to improve I’m sure.
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I don't think Kamara or Luiz have been excellent recently at all, they're both tidy on the ball, but both give it away too much and provide no support in front of the defence. I think they're too similar basically, and we need somebody with a bit more grit to play alongside Kamara who probably has the higher ceiling.
I think Luiz was pretty good yesterday with the ball and he is a decent player, but you’ve hit the nail on the head that he’s too similar to Kamara but not as good, and we need a destroyer in there instead. Basically a better and quicker version of Dendonkar.
Yep, agree entirely.
Douglas' potential is there to be world-class.
In the first half, he was also getting high up the pitch and was crucial in an attacking press. He is getting round the pitch more given Kamara is affording him a licence. He can sit as well but I believe he will only improve to a very very high standard under Emery and he will be learning how to be midfield general. Doug possesses all of the attributes in his passing, dribbling, and technical ability, which will be more evident with Emery. I think we can see a Bruno Fernandes type influence from him next season.
To me, he's can be someone who can run games next season if has consistency where he's deployed in midfield.
He'll be 25 when next season begins and think we'll see some masterclass displays between now and end of this season as a taste. It's next season when he'll develop a true consistency and He'll be really highly regarded by not just me, not just Villa fans but everyone.
Douglas Luiz is a gem.
He’s never going to be world class bud. I agree that he could improve further over the next year or two and if we do sign another one in there he could give us a selection headache, indeed I really hope he stays with us for these reasons but he’s never going to be world class. He’s too easy to run through for starters and his lack of presence defensively and his lack of sharp acceleration mean this won’t change.
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He’s one of the players that is capable of performing at the level that we aspire (I hope) to get to.
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Quality again today.
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Excellent today but you can see he missed Kam next to him. Having said that, mcginn was also excellent but the understanding he has with Kam, is vital to the way we play.
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Excellent again. He’s been very good for most of the season.
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And the Oscar goes to ............. Douglas Luiz.
Fantastic performance.
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There has been far less criticism towards Douglas Luiz since Unai Emery came in. I hope Douglas is enjoying his football because he does seem to be improving. I have often thought that he is a bit average but just recently, he's stepped up a level and I am beginning to see why Man City bought him. Not at. that level, but who know's?
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There has been far less criticism towards Douglas Luiz since Unai Emery came in. I hope Douglas is enjoying his football because he does seem to be improving. I have often thought that he is a bit average but just recently, he's stepped up a level and I am beginning to see why Man City bought him. Not at. that level, but who know's?
Under Unai management, his awareness seems to have improved. Often seems to have that extra bit of space, that extra split second longer on the ball and is making better decisions. The signs of a top quality player.
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Future captain?
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Future captain?
Yep. He was good yesterday and seems to be taking more responsibility with the ball. More forward passes, and he' scut out the silly mistakes that plagued him for a while. Same with McGinn. Both are paying at a higher level than they were before Emery came in.
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If I'm honest I think he's been better than Kamara for most of the games under Emery. That's not to say Kamara hasn't been very good but Luiz is at the heart of everything we do well going forward, he's the one who ups the tempo and changes the point of attack.
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If I'm honest I think he's been better than Kamara for most of the games under Emery. That's not to say Kamara hasn't been very good but Luiz is at the heart of everything we do well going forward, he's the one who ups the tempo and changes the point of attack.
What Luiz has at the moment, that most of the other players need to get to, is consistency. I think Kamara has the ability to be a better player than Luiz, but he's also got it in him at the moment to have a shocker. Luiz is giving consistent 7/10 performances, week in, week out.
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If I'm honest I think he's been better than Kamara for most of the games under Emery. That's not to say Kamara hasn't been very good but Luiz is at the heart of everything we do well going forward, he's the one who ups the tempo and changes the point of attack.
What Luiz has at the moment, that most of the other players need to get to, is consistency. I think Kamara has the ability to be a better player than Luiz, but he's also got it in him at the moment to have a shocker. Luiz is giving consistent 7/10 performances, week in, week out.
Worth noting, also, how long it took for us to get that from Luiz.
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another excellent performance yesterday.
i just hope that new contract he signed in october doesn't have a release clause...
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Fair but I'd say 7-8/10 because there are games where he dictates the play.
If we can get 2-3 other midfielders who have 7/10 as their 'lows' and go up from there every few games then we're in a good place. Given how young most of our midfielders are I think that will happen naturally and, if we can keep them together, gives us a group than can stick together for a fair few years, especially with Tim and AJ coming through as well.
What really excites me about our squad is how many players in it are a few years away from their peak, getting them to grow together, with key addition to help that, is why I don't think we're as far away from where we want to be as people think and why I don't think we need to spend insane amounts to get there.
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We may still end up spending a fortune but that's more of a comment on the transfer market.
He was excellent yesterday and covered for Kamara's absence. I wonder if the end of the Arsenal game would have still gone that way if we hadn't taken him off for the last quarter of an hour.
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It’s not bad for an £18 million midfield.
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My view
He possesses all of the characteristics necessary to be considered world-class and a mainstay in the Brazilian national team, and this can be accomplished with the assistance of Emery and coaching team.
I believe he will be running games at times for Villa next season and I see him as an important player in our development and progress.
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My view
He possesses all of the characteristics necessary to be considered world-class and a mainstay in the Brazilian national team, and this can be accomplished with the assistance of Emery and coaching team.
I believe he will be running games at times for Villa next season and I see him as an important player in our development and progress.
Hear, Hear
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It’s not bad for an £18 million midfield.
+£8m signing-on fee but still, yeah !
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My view
He possesses all of the characteristics necessary to be considered world-class and a mainstay in the Brazilian national team, and this can be accomplished with the assistance of Emery and coaching team.
I believe he will be running games at times for Villa next season and I see him as an important player in our development and progress.
Yep agree. The villa podcast mentions earlier, his false header in the second half yesterday, where he acted to header the ball in the middle of the park, dummied, turn and was away from the west ham player, pure nonchalance from a player flying at the moment. Crazy to think this is his 4th season with us already, im really excited about his growing partnership with Kamara. Love Dougie.
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If I'm honest I think he's been better than Kamara for most of the games under Emery. That's not to say Kamara hasn't been very good but Luiz is at the heart of everything we do well going forward, he's the one who ups the tempo and changes the point of attack.
What Luiz has at the moment, that most of the other players need to get to, is consistency. I think Kamara has the ability to be a better player than Luiz, but he's also got it in him at the moment to have a shocker. Luiz is giving consistent 7/10 performances, week in, week out.
Worth noting, also, how long it took for us to get that from Luiz.
Took just a couple of months........Since UE took over!
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Not in the Brazil squad for the upcoming friendlies.
I think it's only a matter of time before he does get back in.
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I think that’s for sure Footy, he’s got to be in the next one. His levels now are as Risso says very consistent.
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I think my likely player of the season vote has possibly switched from Kamara to Douggie over the last couple of months.
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Keeping hold of him was a great result 8)
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He strikes me as the sort of player that, if we didn't already have him, Emery would be interested in signing.
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"I love Villa Park. I love this club. Great 3 points" - Douglas Luiz
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He was outstanding yesterday. I still don't know what his best position is but you can see why Arsenal were interested when he plays like that.
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He was outstanding yesterday. I still don't know what his best position is but you can see why Arsenal were interested when he plays like that.
For me it's the pirlo style quarterback role where he is the playmaker who sets the tempo and changes the point of the attack.
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He was outstanding yesterday. I still don't know what his best position is but you can see why Arsenal were interested when he plays like that.
For me it's the pirlo style quarterback role where he is the playmaker who sets the tempo and changes the point of the attack.
Sounds about right, he seems to guide the midfield set-up, while Mings guides the backline set-up.
They are always looking for each other during the pressing from the back and I noticed Dougie on a few occasions waving to the other midfielders, where to position themselves before the forward pass was made.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
That was superb defending when he caught up with Solanke in the second half and got the block in.
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One thing I've not seen mentioned is how good the corner was for our 3rd. With someone like Mings to target near the front post there's really not a lot a team can do to defend that.
Amusingly the one before he'd completely miskicked and was clearly annoyed with the ball and pitch and the commentator started giving him shit, before immediately back tracking.
Stats wise he has 3 goals and 5 assists meaning about 1 goal involvement ever 3 games, which is very good and takes a lot of pressure away from the creative players in front of him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a couple more of each before the end of the season either.
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Amusingly the one before he'd completely miskicked and was clearly annoyed with the ball and pitch and the commentator started giving him shit, before immediately back tracking.
He did the same away at Arsenal, took a crap one that didn't clear the Arsenal defender and luckily went out for another corner. Curled the second one straight in.
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I like that, it suggests he responds to mistakes by doing better rather than hiding.
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I thought he was just knackered with that fluffed corner. Obviously not!
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I think he's an outstanding player. He's perfect as one of two DM's but I also think he'd be excellent further forward.
He had a problem when expected to do all the heavy lifting as a lone DM under Smith and Gerrard , he just wasn't ready for that and I think we could all see it. Surely our failure to get a proper DM sooner was one of our big mistakes?
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I reckon it's an unsung genius Austin MacPhee rope-a-dope move. Send a deliberately shit effort to the edge of the box to make the defenders relax slightly, then curl the next one in right under the bar.
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I think he's an outstanding player. He's perfect as one of two DM's but I also think he'd be excellent further forward.
He had a problem when expected to do all the heavy lifting as a lone DM under Smith and Gerrard , he just wasn't ready for that and I think we could all see it. Surely our failure to get a proper DM sooner was one of our big mistakes?
I think almost everyone on here could see that we needed a proper DM, the argument was whether it was to replace Luiz or compliment him, as someone who firmly believed the latter I'm very pleased to see that's the way we've gone. That said I think having a manager who gives him a clearer role has helped as well. Under Gerrard (and probably Smith to be fair) losing Kamara would've been a much bigger blow, under Emery Kamara still adds a lot to the team but isn't essential.
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I'll be honest, this break will probably do Kamara a bit of good. He was really poor in the three defeats on the spin, and probably needed a breather and a chance to get his head together again. With the team doing well without him, there's no need to rush him back if he's not quite ready.
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I agree Paul. Under Smiths / Gerrards set up with a better DM available I'd have expected Luiz to take McGinn or Ramsey's place, both were struggling with form and we had no answers.
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I think when considering how he’s playing now compared to under other managers, you’ve got to consider that he’s 24 now and in his 3rd Premier League campaign. He’s maturing, settled and knows what he’s doing. He’s got the best years ahead of him now.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
That was superb defending when he caught up with Solanke in the second half and got the block in.
Yes he was good but watching from North upper Solanke messed that up big time.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
That was superb defending when he caught up with Solanke in the second half and got the block in.
Yes he was good but watching from North upper Solanke messed that up big time.
He did, took a dodgy extra touch when he should have shot.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
That was superb defending when he caught up with Solanke in the second half and got the block in.
Yes he was good but watching from North upper Solanke messed that up big time.
He did, took a dodgy extra touch when he should have shot.
Yes, we said the same at the time. He'd opened up his body for the shot as well, couldn't belive he took the extra touch.
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I think Martinez did that to him, he got confused as to what to do next.
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I think Martinez did that to him, he got confused as to what to do next.
I agree, I thought that was really good goalkeeping.
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One thing I've noticed him doing a lot is rolling the ball backwards a fair amount, with his foot on top of the ball. It seems to buy him a few moments, and I don't really recall him it doing it much before Emery arrived.
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I think Martinez did that to him, he got confused as to what to do next.
I agree, I thought that was really good goalkeeping.
Haven't really looked at Martinez from the footage, but it's those kind of things that seperate the good from the great with keepers.
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I thought it was Emi's best game in ages.
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I thought it was Emi's best game in ages.
He was like Beckenbauer at times
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I think Martinez did that to him, he got confused as to what to do next.
I agree, I thought that was really good goalkeeping.
Haven't really looked at Martinez from the footage, but it's those kind of things that seperate the good from the great with keepers.
Martinez did the opposite of what you'd expect. Normally a keeper comes out to narrow the angle etc but he backpedalled really quickly and kept the choices low and obviously Mings was piling back too.
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Second best player on the pitch yesterday after Tyrone.
That was superb defending when he caught up with Solanke in the second half and got the block in.
Yes he was good but watching from North upper Solanke messed that up big time.
He did, took a dodgy extra touch when he should have shot.
Yes, we said the same at the time. He'd opened up his body for the shot as well, couldn't believe he took the extra touch.
I think you have to credit Martinez a little there, too. His positioning was very good - he started to come, almost beyond his box (so would have been seen by Solanki) then he stopped, then he retreated slightly, then goes back to his six yard box as Solanki goes slightly wide, then sets himself at the near post. All that makes Solanki rethink his approach with every touch. I still think Solanki made a mess of it, definitely, but I can't help but think the thought of facing the best goalkeeper in the world, one on one, has a reasonable impact on a forward's decision making if they ever find themselves in that position.
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Yes all of that sums up the difference between great and good. Emi did his work like a top class performer and Solanke behaved like an adequate, average PL player. Simple really better players win games.
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One thing I've noticed him doing a lot is rolling the ball backwards a fair amount, with his foot on top of the ball. It seems to buy him a few moments, and I don't really recall him it doing it much before Emery arrived.
Yes getting back to Dougie, he appears majestic to me these days.
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One thing I've noticed him doing a lot is rolling the ball backwards a fair amount, with his foot on top of the ball. It seems to buy him a few moments, and I don't really recall him it doing it much before Emery arrived.
Yes getting back to Dougie, he appears majestic to me these days.
A few players have mentioned the instruction to 'take a touch' and look around for the best options without rushing, and I imagine that's absolute music to the ears of a Brazilian.
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Yes all of that sums up the difference between great and good. Emi did his work like a top class performer and Solanke behaved like an adequate, average PL player. Simple really better players win games.
Correct my friend. A fine example of why the wonder saves are almost inconsequential with top class keepers, they can all do that, it's the things like this that mean you don't even have to make a save that make difference.
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I think Martinez did that to him, he got confused as to what to do next.
I agree, I thought that was really good goalkeeping.
Haven't really looked at Martinez from the footage, but it's those kind of things that seperate the good from the great with keepers.
Martinez did the opposite of what you'd expect. Normally a keeper comes out to narrow the angle etc but he backpedalled really quickly and kept the choices low and obviously Mings was piling back too.
Yep, he played for time. At the point where Solanke looked like he 'should' shoot there wasn't really any simple finish available because Emi had positioned himself to cover both the near and far post pretty well. With Mings closing in fast it meant he either had to try to smash it hard enough that Emi couldn't react or take the extra touch and go for the near post from a worse angle, the half a second of uncertainty was all Mings needed. Top goalkeeping but not the sort of thing people make a big deal of.
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I agree Paul. Under Smiths / Gerrards set up with a better DM available I'd have expected Luiz to take McGinn or Ramsey's place, both were struggling with form and we had no answers.
From memory, I think some of the reason Luiz wasnt starting ahead of Ramsey or McGinn was due to his contract situation. I recall him being our best player at home v Man City for example and Leeds away he was very good too from memory. Anyway, that setup under Gerrard was a complete mess that eventually every player struggled in.
I think Luiz is the most talented player in our club to be honest and the one with the highest 'ceiling' as to what he can achieve in the game. There isnt much he cant do technically with the ball, set piece delivery is another string he has added this season to his bow. Hes quality at them now and thats after years of us being crap at attacking set pieces. He's very good breaking with the ball on counters. If the opposition give him space to get turned on the ball, he can distribute it very well off both feet. Not with spectacular passing, though that was a very neat pass that Moreno away for the goal at West Ham. Roy Keane wasnt spectacular with his passing either but being able to pass the ball accurately and quickly with both feet is all you need.
As to be fair even as Gerrard said, there's another couple of gears in Luiz and thats the exciting thing. He could still be stronger and more aggressive in duels but he's improving in them I've noticed. At times he could be braver and quicker getting turned on the ball but again he's improving. That tap in goal at the weekend, watch his movement for that again on replay, thats something we might see a bit more of.
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The last day of last summer's transfer window is fast becoming a real sliding doors moment. I didn't particularly rate him, but since emery's been here, he's been absolutely fantastic, easily worth twice whatever arsenal offered.
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I was actually thinking about Luiz earlier and how Arsenal kept offering more and we kept telling them to fuck off. For all we think we sell too easily, it's been a fair while since we chose to sell a player we'd have preferred to keep. It's been clauses met that have resulted in players leaving.
Maybe a grey area with Veretout and Amavi as to how much we wanted to keep them.
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From today's Athletic:
Douglas Luiz: "I'm happy and my focus is on Villa. Staying has benefitted me."
"The last few hours of the transfer window were crazy,” Douglas Luiz says.
He is talking about the summer 2022 version when Arsenal, now eight points clear as Premier League leaders with 10 games to go, lodged three bids for Luiz on deadline day — less than 24 hours after he had scored against them, directly from a corner, in Aston Villa’s 2-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium — only to see them all knocked back.
“There were lots of conversations about joining,” Luiz tells The Athletic. “A lot happened that day, but I stayed calm about everything. The only issue was that my Villa contract was close to ending, but the club said to me they wanted me to stay and that they would sort everything out once the window closed.”
Still, there was a degree of uncertainty, as moves of this sort usually go against the lower-ranking club — especially as Arsenal offered £25million ($31m) for a player who had just 10 months left on his deal.
Steven Gerrard, Villa’s manager at the time, admitted it could go either way, prompting panic among the club’s supporters. Yet owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and chief executive Christian Purslow resisted, and were then true to their word, giving an extension on enhanced terms to the 24-year-old Brazilian, who is in the form of his life this season.
“I’m at the best level I have been at in the Premier League,” agrees Luiz, having notched up three goals and five assists in 26 appearances so far in what is his fourth campaign in the English top flight. But are there any regrets, as Arsenal close in on their first title in almost 20 years while Villa sit in the bottom half of the table, that the move did not go through?
“No regrets,” Luiz says. “I’m happy for Arsenal, they’re a big team and they’re doing really well. I have friends there. I knew how to handle the situation because I had it before when I was moving from Brazil (Vasco Da Gama to Manchester City in the summer of 2017) and other clubs were interested.
“I’m happy, and my focus is on Villa. Staying has benefitted me. I’m working hard and hoping we can have a good end to the season.”
By that, the in-form midfielder means a top-half finish, at least. Villa qualifying for European competition again after 12 years away remains an ambition and a tight-knit squad are bubbling with belief that they can improve on their current 11th position, having won three of their last four games and drawn the other. There’s a feel-good factor at their Bodymoor Heath training complex and smiles all around as the players complete another session under fiercely-driven manager Unai Emery, who replaced Gerrard at the end of October.
Luiz, who is talking to The Athletic after doing some extra set-piece training, is one of the players benefitting from Emery’s elite guidance. The former Sevilla, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal coach’s blend of tactical innovation and player motivation has transformed a team previously fearing relegation into outside contenders to nab a top-seven finish over the final 11 games of the season.
The success stories stretch right across the team, as yet again Villa had multiple contenders for their latest Player of the Month award, a vote Luiz — for his goals, assists, and driving runs — ended up winning.
It is not, however, a set of detailed instructions from the new manager that have helped take his game to a new level. “Honestly, I just feel a lot freer,” Luiz says of his upturn in form.
He never got the chance to play in the Premier League for City due to work permit issues; soon after signing, he was sent out on loan to their Spanish sister club Girona for two years while they tried to resolve the situation.
Then at Villa, after joining for £15million in July 2019, there were times early on when the transition to the English game looked like it was going to be too much for him. “Everyone has up and down moments but I’ve worked hard on improving,“ Luiz says. “I’m happy with everything: the games, the performances, the team, what is being achieved as a whole and how we’re always looking for more.”
Luiz has increased his attacking output, while also remaining defensively secure.
In the Villa ranks this Premier League season, he has the joint-most assists (five), the most passes into the final third (128), has won possession the most times (134), is second for interceptions (31; behind Tyrone Mings’ 36) and has a passing accuracy of 87.4 per cent (second to Ezri Konsa by just 0.2 per cent among those who have played at least 500 league minutes).
Oh, and he’s scored direct from a corner twice this season: that one against Arsenal in August, and a week earlier in a Carabao Cup win away to Bolton Wanderers of League One.
“A little bit of luck,” he says about those corners, laughing. “I know it’s so rare to score one, let alone two, but we do so much practice in training (with set-piece coach Austin MacPhee) so we have that advantage and are able to experiment with different options.”
Perhaps the greatest compliment you can pay Luiz, though, is that Emery has started him in every game since he arrived across all three domestic competitions, and that’s seen the real change in results. His driving runs from midfield help create space for team-mates and his vision and technical brilliance can break opposition lines.
That flair, developed on the streets of hometown Rio de Janeiro as a youngster, often shines through. Luiz was the second Brazilian to sign for Villa, just weeks after the arrival of striker Wesley, but their respective progress in the years since couldn’t be further apart. (Wesley is still a Villa player, but has barely appeared for them — four games off the bench for a total of 17 minutes — since a serious knee injury in January 2020 and has spent the past two seasons out on loan.)
Among Luiz’s many tattoos, there are reminders of his homeland. Of the ones on his left arm: “Religious pieces, but nothing too overly meaningful.” On his right leg, there is an image of him scoring his first professional goal for Vasco. However, it’s the one of his mother Maria, who worked as a hairstylist in one of the poorest areas of Rio when Luiz was growing up, that perhaps carries the most weight.
“She’s one of the main people who inspire me,” he says. “I’m really close with my family and they spend a lot of time with me in England, always following and supporting my football career.” It’s clear he misses Brazil, and he plans to go back before his playing career is over. “I’d like to return home and continue playing football for a club, but that’s a thought for further down the line.”
For now, there’s a focus on the Premier League and in finding a way back into the Brazil squad to add to his nine caps, the most recent of them won in October 2021. National-team staff have visited Bodymoor Heath to check in on Luiz and his countrymen Philippe Coutinho and Diego Carlos this season, but none has had a call-up. “I’ve experienced it and I want it again. Hopefully, it will happen soon.”
There’s a growing South American presence at Villa, with both Brazil and their biggest rivals Argentina well-represented. World Cup talk is kept to a minimum unless it’s Qatar 2022 winner Emiliano Martinez or countryman Emiliano Buendia speaking, and a group which also includes Spanish full-back Alex Moreno meets up regularly. Last week, Carlos, a £26million signing last summer now almost fit again following a seven-month Achilles injury lay-off, held a casino-themed party for his 30th birthday with wives, girlfriends and other family members invited.
“It was very good,” Luiz says. “Diego is at a point in his career where he’s returning from injury so it’s a really good moment for him to start getting back into everything. He just wanted to celebrate with a few games together. It’s a really strong group, so that benefits the team as well.”
That Luiz is now one of the longer-serving players in the Villa squad says a lot about how times are changing at the club.
Emery says Villa are going to be “ambitious but realistic” with their summer signings. Luiz would like to stick around and see what happens next; that potential move to Arsenal no longer in his thoughts.
“I believe in the Aston Villa project, so that’s why I decided to stay. It’s exciting to be a part of this new era,” he says. “Even when I was in Brazil, I knew about the size of Aston Villa and now they have really good objectives. Why wouldn’t I stay? Everything is going well. But also in football, everything happens quite quickly.”
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I used to think he was crap, offered nothing of significance. Now, he is the first player I look for on the teamsheet. Playing so well for us. Delighted he stayed with us.
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Always thought he was a big talent and I’m glad he’s showing it.
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Always thought he was a big talent and I’m glad he’s showing it.
Same, I always thought there was a top player in there but we just needed to find a way to get him to deliver consistently. He's my player of the season right now, so often the moves we score from start with him playing a pass that opens things up.
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I was a critic, delighted to be proved wrong. Keep it going Dougie.
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Pep's biggest mistake letting us have Luiz.
We have a super star in the making.
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Pep's biggest mistake letting us have Luiz.
We have a super star in the making.
Yes but it is his game time here that has made him what he is . He has always been a good player but he would drift in and out of games and make sloppy passes . This happens a lot less now , he actually dictates play
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Always thought he was a big talent and I’m glad he’s showing it.
Same, I always thought there was a top player in there but we just needed to find a way to get him to deliver consistently. He's my player of the season right now, so often the moves we score from start with him playing a pass that opens things up.
I love Dougie and I'll gloat with the told you so brigade. Excellent payer.
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City could obviously see his talent but he needed time to mature into what he is. You can see why they included a buy-back clause. Luckily for us, it took longer for him to mature than the clause allowed for.
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I like many was initially a critic as i was of the beleif he thought and played as if he was better than he actually was.
Now he has come of age he is a wonderfully gifted, patient and effective footballer - whether that is due to coaching (i assume it has helped immensely) or his playing partners the improvement in him is outstanding.
Would love a few more screamers from outside the box from him ;)
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I said a few months back as good as he was I wanted to see him dominating the midfield rather than cruising through games. Now, especially with his drives forward carrying the ball, he looks on another level. As somebody on here said a week or so back, Luiz seems to be everywhere and it's true. It's like he's taken the responsibility to own and control games, combine that with SJM and recent return to form of Ramsey, that's a great central midfield.
As Hookey said, a few more screamers would help, they're long overdue.
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I said a few months back as good as he was I wanted to see him dominating the midfield rather than cruising through games. Now, especially with his drives forward carrying the ball, he looks on another level. As somebody on here said a week or so back, Luiz seems to be everywhere and it's true. It's like he's taken the responsibility to own and control games, combine that with SJM and recent return to form of Ramsey, that's a great central midfield.
As Hookey said, a few more screamers would help, they're long overdue.
Last night I lost count of the number of times he was first onto the ball when it broke loose from either us or them, and as paul_e mentioned there were a few outstanding passes, not least the little scoop into Emi to set Watkins on his way.
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I said a few months back as good as he was I wanted to see him dominating the midfield rather than cruising through games. Now, especially with his drives forward carrying the ball, he looks on another level. As somebody on here said a week or so back, Luiz seems to be everywhere and it's true. It's like he's taken the responsibility to own and control games, combine that with SJM and recent return to form of Ramsey, that's a great central midfield.
As Hookey said, a few more screamers would help, they're long overdue.
Nearly got one last night, was some block by I think Faes to deflect it over. No way their Olsen esque keeper was saving it. Free another time in same spot when Bailey took the wrong option. More goals will come from Luiz.
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I was all for selling him to Arsenal. I am always wrong (unless we're talking B. Traore or Villa staying up with four to play in the first season back up).
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I was all for selling him to Arsenal. I am always wrong (unless we're talking B. Traore or Villa staying up with four to play in the first season back up).
same here, that's why I didn't apply for the Chelsea job
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I was all for selling him to Arsenal. I am always wrong (unless we're talking B. Traore or Villa staying up with four to play in the first season back up).
same here, that's why I didn't apply for the Chelsea job
You'd probably get it.
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Not for long, though.
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Best CM to have played for us in years based on his current form. Plenty of scope to improve further too.
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I have always liked him & always saw him as a good all round mid. Not amazing, but solid all round.
He never really excelled in any particular area of being a midfielder to me.
Since Emery has come in, I think of all the players who have improved, & all of them appear to have got better, Douglas Luiz is the one who has improved the most.
Watkins numbers make for headline news, but Luiz is one of the better players on the field playing consistently excellent week in week out & a big part of our current form.
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I think one mistake Emery made was in taking Luiz off late on in the Arsenal capitulation. Pretty sure he's not done that since.
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He is class example of fans shouldn't judge players too quickly, and there are more to a player than just the player - Emery has also shown us that.
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Dougie is performing very admirably, and he's a contender for my player of the season award. After his free kick goal that means he’s scored five goals this season, having previously scored a total of five goals in three Premier League seasons!
That statistic was made all by myself.
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He's now a £50m player imo.
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Bossed it today, magnificent.
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He’s fantastic isn’t he. What a player we have.
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He’s the player I am most worried about leaving. His contract *must* have a release clause and I’d guess it will be a value that suits him rather than us as it was signed when he had 12-months left so would’ve been a free transfer this summer.
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What a brilliant free kick I had a brilliant view of it.
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He’s the player I am most worried about leaving. His contract *must* have a release clause and I’d guess it will be a value that suits him rather than us as it was signed when he had 12-months left so would’ve been a free transfer this summer.
He could have gone to Arsenal but stayed, and we were really, really shit. Now we're on the verge of something big and he's an integral part of it, why would he leave?
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He’s the player I am most worried about leaving. His contract *must* have a release clause and I’d guess it will be a value that suits him rather than us as it was signed when he had 12-months left so would’ve been a free transfer this summer.
He could have gone to Arsenal but stayed, and we were really, really shit. Now we're on the verge of something big and he's an integral part of it, why would he leave?
Douglas Luiz: "The atmosphere is crazy. I'm so happy to be here and play in Villa Park, it's a dream really. We believe in Unai Emery and we're so happy with him".
"We want to play in the Europa League. We are training hard every day for this objective".
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/1657628558305660930?s=46&t=0-BUXD66ovTcofwrbTW4Ag
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I think he'll stay, but it wasn't like he turned Arsenal down to stay, the club rejected every Arsenal bid.
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The only blot on his book yesterday was dawdling on the ball that let Kane in and Emi saved the day. He is a little prone to being lax when receiving the ball back to goal.
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If there is a clause I believe it’ll be set at at least £80M. Out of reach of most unless Saudis make him their marquee signing.
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If there is a clause I believe it’ll be set at at least £80M. Out of reach of most unless Saudis make him their marquee signing.
If there was a clause, I'm pretty sure it would have been mentioned during the Arsenal bids reporting. After all everyone seemed to know about the Citeh buyback clause in the first contract.
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If there is a clause I believe it’ll be set at at least £80M. Out of reach of most unless Saudis make him their marquee signing.
If there was a clause, I'm pretty sure it would have been mentioned during the Arsenal bids reporting. After all everyone seemed to know about the Citeh buyback clause in the first contract.
He signed a new contract since then.
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He needs a better chant than he has.
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He needs a better chant than he has.
Its the first chant I’ve ever heard for him and it was underwhelming.
Defo need a new chant.
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He needs a better chant than he has.
Its the first chant I’ve ever heard for him and it was underwhelming.
Defo need a new chant.
Have no idea what the current chant is but perhaps something simple to Blondie's 'Denis' would work e.g.
Luiz Luiz, when you're in claret & blue
Luiz Luiz, we get a rush from you
Luiz Luiz, we're so in love with you......Luiz
Oh Luiz...etc
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‘There’s only one Douglas Luiz’?
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He needs a better chant than he has.
Its the first chant I’ve ever heard for him and it was underwhelming.
Defo need a new chant.
Have no idea what the current chant is but perhaps something simple to Blondie's 'Denis' would work e.g.
Luiz Luiz, when you're in claret & blue
Luiz Luiz, we get a rush from you
Luiz Luiz, we're so in love with you......Luiz
Oh Luiz...etc
Like it. Our best songs are normally 70s/80s influenced….Salifou and all that.
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I think he'll stay, but it wasn't like he turned Arsenal down to stay, the club rejected every Arsenal bid.
He didn't have to sign a contract though. He could have seen his contract out and left on a free...if he had so wished. And it would be a fair assumption for him to make that Arsenal would still be interested then.
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I think he'll stay, but it wasn't like he turned Arsenal down to stay, the club rejected every Arsenal bid.
He didn't have to sign a contract though. He could have seen his contract out and left on a free...if he had so wished. And it would be a fair assumption for him to make that Arsenal would still be interested then.
Correct, but he can ask the club to increase his wages for the next X years on the condition that a release clause of, dunno, £25m is included. Both parties win as we are guaranteed £25m (better than a free) and the player gets the bump in wages immediately and an easy exit if he fancies it.
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What is undeniably obvious is that Dougie is reacting positively to Emerys directions. More so he understand him than with Gerrard. Also hes shown greater consistency than under Smith who embraced the lock down lectures and meetings unlike Gilbert.
Luiz is just going to become better and better, and he's on the verge of being a world-class midfielder who can run games if he continues improving.
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Who is Gilbert?
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Who is Gilbert?
O'Sullivan, Ooh Wacka Doo Wacka Day, him.
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Who is Gilbert?
He put in one of the best and worst performances both against Leicester City under Dean Smith.
Ironically, the beloved Deano manages Leicester City now.
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Who is Gilbert?
(https://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTUzNzU4NzY0NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzQzNTY3Mw@@._CR343,2,1287,1287_UX402_UY402.jpg)
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Voted as the Players' Player of the Year.
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Well done Dougie! Right decision, hopefully the fans poll follows suit.
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Voted as the Players' Player of the Year.
I doubted him earlier in the season, but I think we now know that had more to do with Gerrard than Luiz. Fair play Douglas :)
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Well deserved
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Well done Dougie.
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Dougie is performing very admirably, and he's a contender for my player of the season award. After his free kick goal that means he’s scored five goals this season, having previously scored a total of five goals in three Premier League seasons!
That statistic was made all by myself.
As I suspected player of the year. I voted for him.
And I get accused of completely crazy ideas!
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Well done Doug, what a star this season among others who have also improved their performance.
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Dougie is performing very admirably, and he's a contender for my player of the season award. After his free kick goal that means he’s scored five goals this season, having previously scored a total of five goals in three Premier League seasons!
That statistic was made all by myself.
As I suspected player of the year. I voted for him.
And I get accused of completely crazy ideas!
Having an opinion on one thing (that a 5th of the forum agree with) doesn't mean that your other misunderstandings of correlation and causation are automatically redeemed.
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Well done Dougie, very deserved. Had to him or Mings, both very worthy of it.
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Dougie is performing very admirably, and he's a contender for my player of the season award. After his free kick goal that means he’s scored five goals this season, having previously scored a total of five goals in three Premier League seasons!
That statistic was made all by myself.
As I suspected player of the year. I voted for him.
And I get accused of completely crazy ideas!
I believed in you F-V. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230518-foresight-the-mental-talent-that-shaped-the-world
You might get the odd thing wrong but it's important to remember, "Human foresight will never be 20:20."
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Dougie is performing very admirably, and he's a contender for my player of the season award. After his free kick goal that means he’s scored five goals this season, having previously scored a total of five goals in three Premier League seasons!
That statistic was made all by myself.
As I suspected player of the year. I voted for him.
And I get accused of completely crazy ideas!
I believed in you F-V. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230518-foresight-the-mental-talent-that-shaped-the-world
You might get the odd thing wrong but it's important to remember, "Human foresight will never be 20:20."
Sorry, I just don't see it.
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It’s stunning insight and foresight to predict Douglas Luiz, an almost ever present under Emery would be a candidate for the player of the season. A prediction made merely 10 days ago not 10 months ago.
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Well done Douglas. Always had my doubts but the right manager has him playing really well.
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Emery can build the side around Doug. He's becoming the player we hoped he would.
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Our entire midfield cost around £20m. That’s quite astonishing
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Emery can build the side around Doug. He's becoming the player we hoped he would.
He always had the ability but his application was inconsistent. A rolls royce of a PL midfielder these days and will improve further.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
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Always really rated Dougie, so really pleased he’s starting to play to his potential now.
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Well done Dougie.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
There's a photo of him with Coutinho and Carlos. Carlos is the only one with a sense of style.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
There's a photo of him with Coutinho and Carlos. Carlos is the only one with a sense of style.
Coutinho seems to be wearing some sort of plastic strap across his chest.
It's probably a medical device preventing his torso from imploding.
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I thought Doug looked boss in his black shirt and chain
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<Gok Wan mode>
It’s just shows off his eyes darling.
</Gok Wan mode>
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<Gok Wan mode>
It’s just shows off his eyes darling.
</Gok Wan mode>
I've always found it amusing that all you need to do is move one letter and his name becomes Go Wank.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
There's a photo of him with Coutinho and Carlos. Carlos is the only one with a sense of style.
Cropped trousers and no socks with leather shoes? Ha!
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Twice we've conceded late goals after he's been substituted (Arsenal and Liverpool). No ideas whether it's correlation or causation but I hope he doesn't go off Sunday.
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Twice we've conceded late goals after he's been substituted (Arsenal and Liverpool). No ideas whether it's correlation or causation but I hope he doesn't go off Sunday.
I think it's the latter, against Liverpool in particular I thought we looked much easier to play through once he went off, because we couldn't drop the tempo and take the sting out of the game. In fairness he looked knackered so I can understand why it was him who was replaced but it definitely weakens us.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
There's a photo of him with Coutinho and Carlos. Carlos is the only one with a sense of style.
Cropped trousers and no socks with leather shoes? Ha!
It's a strong look if you're trying to say "I'm a dickhead, me"
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Twice we've conceded late goals after he's been substituted (Arsenal and Liverpool). No ideas whether it's correlation or causation but I hope he doesn't go off Sunday.
I think it's the latter, against Liverpool in particular I thought we looked much easier to play through once he went off, because we couldn't drop the tempo and take the sting out of the game. In fairness he looked knackered so I can understand why it was him who was replaced but it definitely weakens us.
Shows we need better strength in depth.
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Twice we've conceded late goals after he's been substituted (Arsenal and Liverpool). No ideas whether it's correlation or causation but I hope he doesn't go off Sunday.
I think it's the latter, against Liverpool in particular I thought we looked much easier to play through once he went off, because we couldn't drop the tempo and take the sting out of the game. In fairness he looked knackered so I can understand why it was him who was replaced but it definitely weakens us.
Shows we need better strength in depth.
Exactly, this is why I think 1-2 more midfielders will come in this summer, we particularly need someone with the same 'cool head' as Doug. I'm not sure that's the role for Guendouzi (who I really want to see come in and seems inevitable to me) so I think he'd be covering McGinn and Ramsey more than Doug/Bouba.
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I’d sell him. That black shirt look at the awards dinner was unforgivable.
There's a photo of him with Coutinho and Carlos. Carlos is the only one with a sense of style.
Cropped trousers and no socks with leather shoes? Ha!
It's a strong look if you're trying to say "I'm a dickhead, me"
It's all the rage over here. Dreadful
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Probably my POTY.
Emery is exactly the manager he needs at this stage of his career to reach the next level.
Loving the responsibility he's now taking for us and chipping in with goals, that late one at Brentford was critical when you look at the final table.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
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What a boss this lad is, a Brazilian Dennis Mortimer, a joy to behold
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
James Ward Prowse is available.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
James Ward Prowse is available.
Thanks, but still a no from me.
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Ever since he's been with us I've said he runs with the same stride that Dennis Mortimer ran with, and now he's taking on other characteristics.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
Do you not think he’s that now?
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
Do you not think he’s that now?
There are not many midfields I would swap ours for.
The combination of Doug SJM Bouboo and Ramsey.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
Do you not think he’s that now?
The next step that he takes is to become one of the best midfielders in the league.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
Do you not think he’s that now?
The next step that he takes is to become one of the best midfielders in the league.
Small step that, he's dominated against almost everyone we've played in the last 3-4 months.
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Great today, apart from the free kicks which were woeful.
Another player who should now be looking to step up another level next season and become an established quality top flight player.
Do you not think he’s that now?
The next step that he takes is to become one of the best midfielders in the league.
Small step that, he's dominated against almost everyone we've played in the last 3-4 months.
Outstanding again on Sunday, better than their WC winning midfielder.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
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Ever since he's been with us I've said he runs with the same stride that Dennis Mortimer ran with, and now he's taking on other characteristics.
Agreed, he's doing his best to grow a decent beard.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
I think we've got three of the best midfielders in the country with him, McGinn and Ramsey, genuinely.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
I think we've got three of the best midfielders in the country with him, McGinn and Ramsey, genuinely.
Don't forget Kamara as well! This is already a Champions League level midfield before we sign anyone else.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
I think we've got three of the best midfielders in the country with him, McGinn and Ramsey, genuinely.
Don't forget Kamara as well! This is already a Champions League level midfield before we sign anyone else.
Shit yes, the best of the lot.
I posted on her that after Emery's first game aginst Man Utd, I met a friend of a friend who was a huge Marseille fan. I mentioned Sanson had just got some minutes for us but he was only interested in Kamara, he was adamant that he would be a world class player, and this was before we'd really had a chance to see him playing in a functioning team.
He was so right.
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This season he has become the player I think we all hoped he would be when we signed him.
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This season he has become the player I think we all hoped he would be when we signed him.
Whilst you could argue the bloke with the alice band outgrew us too fast, Doug has actually grown in sync with us since joining, we could give him the time and games at the stage he needed them and may not have got elsewhere, and now we're both reaping the benefits of him putting it all together.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
I think we've got three of the best midfielders in the country with him, McGinn and Ramsey, genuinely.
Don't forget Kamara as well! This is already a Champions League level midfield before we sign anyone else.
Yes, you may be right. The balance is just perfect.
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I really believe we have one of the best midfielders in the country with our Dougie. He’s been outstanding since Emery has arrived. He’s so consistent as well, he never has a bad game.
I think we've got three of the best midfielders in the country with him, McGinn and Ramsey, genuinely.
Don't forget Kamara as well! This is already a Champions League level midfield before we sign anyone else.
Yes, you may be right. The balance is just perfect.
Its a brilliant Midfield and I dont think we will be shopping for replacements but maybe depth in this area.
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I always believed in Doug. In someways the biggest bonus is McGinn being rejuvenated, I thought he was done but he has been exceptional under Emery. Not needing to replace him is a big deal for us.
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I always believed in Doug. In someways the biggest bonus is McGinn being rejuvenated, I thought he was done but he has been exceptional under Emery. Not needing to replace him is a big deal for us.
I'd like us to sign another bruiser in midfield though. He's got that physical side to outwrestle the opposition and unsettle them, whereas everyone else we've got is a bit more lightweight. We'd struggle to replace that when he's injured.
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This season he has become the player I think we all hoped he would be when we signed him.
Whilst you could argue the bloke with the alice band outgrew us too fast, Doug has actually grown in sync with us since joining, we could give him the time and games at the stage he needed them and may not have got elsewhere, and now we're both reaping the benefits of him putting it all together.
Would say the same about Ramsey too.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
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Well they can get fucked.
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Well they can get fucked.
I'd have thought the above would be in quotation marks; as said by Luiz himself.
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Yeah, I’m sure he’d be thrilled at the prospect of joining tottingham’s push for the top half.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
It must be the official summer launch of 'Silly Season'.
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Palace are quoting £70m for Chiek Doucoure. Rice was £105m. Doug is somewhere between the 2.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
So Spurs wont be signing Dougie then, good to know.
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Palace are quoting £70m for Chiek Doucoure. Rice was £105m. Doug is somewhere between the 2.
Unless he had a clause put in his new deal when he only had 6 months left? Although clauses like that seem to exist if a champions league club come in, not Spurs. I'd be shocked if there wasn't one though.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
hahahahahahahaha
What makes those fuckers think would he want to downgrade ?
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Again the media have failed to take notice that we are now on a par with the Sky 6. Maybe we should put in a Bid for Kane to help them understand?
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Well he didn't kick up a fuss when he had the opportunity to join Arsenal and we said no, so I'm pretty sure he's not going to have his head turned by Spuds right now and we don't want to sell.
If he's got a release clause, again I don't see that he needs to jump at the first offer and there are plenty of reasons to not join them right now.
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It’s weird that a mid table club thinks it can take our players.
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It’s weird that a mid table club thinks it can take our players.
Especially one who has lost more cup finals than us this century!
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Liverpool apparently want Kamara too. I'd take it as the journos finally realising we have players worth having and thus players worth linking with other "bigger" clubs.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
Kane + £50m + add ons
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I’d be surprised if spurs are attractive enough for him to force a move. We might find out what/if there’s a clause in his contract though.
My guess is spurs will trigger it and Doug will use it to get a better contract at villa.
Either way, it’s a bit shit as I don’t remember a pre-season where the squad seems so settled and together.
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I wouldn't worry about this nonsense. It's a bit slow transfer wise and stories are needed. I doubt he'll go anywhere.
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So he's not shit then as some posters used to suggest as late as 2022?
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So he's not shit then as some posters used to suggest as late as 2022?
FFS !
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Liverpool apparently want Kamara too. I'd take it as the journos finally realising we have players worth having and thus players worth linking with other "bigger" clubs.
This comes from a link earlier in the week or last week, where a former Liverpool player, possibly Collymore, said that Liverpool should sign Bouba. Lazy, lazy journalism. Nothing to see here.
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Spurs and Chelsea have both shot themselves in the foot with their performance last season.
The lack of any sort of European football makes it hard for them to sign players from that level. With us and the Barcodes now in the mix for European football and attracting the players, it makes it difficult for them to get any sotEuropean football this coming season too.
Can you see either of them finishing above three of:
Man city
Liverpool
Arsenal
Man u
Us
Newcastle
Let alone another surprise package like Brighton...
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If Arsenal couldn't get him last season, I hardly think total no-marks like spurs are anything to worry about.
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If Arsenal couldn't get him last season, I hardly think total no-marks like spurs are anything to worry about.
Wasn't it January before last that Arsenal were in for him? When they weren't quite as attractive a proposition as they are now?
(not that he's going to Spurs in a million years)
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If Arsenal couldn't get him last season, I hardly think total no-marks like spurs are anything to worry about.
Wasn't it January before last that Arsenal were in for him? When they weren't quite as attractive a proposition as they are now?
(not that he's going to Spurs in a million years)
No it was last Jan, and don't forget carpeted had dropped him
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If Arsenal couldn't get him last season, I hardly think total no-marks like spurs are anything to worry about.
Wasn't it January before last that Arsenal were in for him? When they weren't quite as attractive a proposition as they are now?
(not that he's going to Spurs in a million years)
Last summer, deadline day.
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Arsenal bid for him summer 2022, Doug signed his new contract in October 2022.
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I stand corrected
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Everything was a bit of a blurry mess in the years before Emery.
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Yes defo the summer because he scored against Arsenal around deadline day amid all the speculation
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I stand corrected
Me too, I blame the general trauma of his reign
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I think clubs have left it too late to pick off our best players. Other than Watkins they're all on long contracts and I just think right now the club wouldn't entertain anything other than ridiculous bids to unsettle what Emery is building. I don't think we'd even entertain a conversation on Doug.
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Even if there was a release clause in Doug's contract, consider the progress we've made since then, i could easily see him being happy to negotiate a new deal. Everything about the trajectory of the team screams progression.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
They couldn't afford his pinkie toe...
Liverpool apparently want Kamara too. I'd take it as the journos finally realising we have players worth having and thus players worth linking with other "bigger" clubs.
Started off by that prick Collymore...
But like Douglas Luiz & Spurs, Liverpool couldn't afford Kamara...
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If Arsenal couldn't get him last season, I hardly think total no-marks like spurs are anything to worry about.
Agreed, can't see any player wanting to leave Villa for Spurs atm.
*Apart from Ollie and Dibu, obvs. ::)
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Liverpool apparently want Kamara too. I'd take it as the journos finally realising we have players worth having and thus players worth linking with other "bigger" clubs.
Only because Collymore said they should go for him.
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Media are talking about Luiz as a replacement for Hojberg though, which is daft. One's part of a double pivot and the other just had his best season playing as an 8.
They've also put his value as low as £25m. You have to just ignore the nonsense that comes from London media.
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We need to keep him at all cost so no way spuds.
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Arsenal are ready to hijack the deal according to errrm The Sun
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Even if there was a release clause in Doug's contract, consider the progress we've made since then, i could easily see him being happy to negotiate a new deal. Everything about the trajectory of the team screams progression.
Talking of release clauses, we should either avoid them completely or do what Sporting have done this month with their new striker from Coventry. Signed him for £20m with a €100m release clause. Who's the daddy! Loons.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
(https://i.ibb.co/S7cL4WF/Junior-Soprano-Angie-Dickinson.gif) (https://ibb.co/VpxKcrf)
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Boh, they just see us as exactly like Brighton so assume we'll behave like Brighton. Never mind that the two clubs have basically opposite transfer strategies.
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Monchi does have a reputation of selling players when there value is at its highest.
Luiz was previously very close to joining Arsenal.
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Monchi does have a reputation of selling players when there value is at its highest.
Luiz was previously very close to joining Arsenal.
...at a club where the model was more like Brighton than us, what he did in terms of sales at Sevilla isn't particularly relevant.
Luiz may have been interested but he's signed a new deal since, we're in a far better position than we were at the time and Spurs this summer is nowhere near as good an opportunity as Arsenal were last summer.
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Liverpool apparently want Kamara too. I'd take it as the journos finally realising we have players worth having and thus players worth linking with other "bigger" clubs.
Only because Collymore said they should go for him.
It's in The Athletic that he's on a list of 5 Liverpool are looking at. I doubt very much Stan's talk has made Klopp suddenly pay attention to a player he wasn't looking at before. But the fact they're losing players to Saudi might have changed plans.
Either way, I think its generally just journalists with little to talk about.
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Seen this tweet saying Doug has been called up to the Brazil squad for September fixtures;
https://twitter.com/AVFCStatto/status/1682357405672251392?s=20 (https://twitter.com/AVFCStatto/status/1682357405672251392?s=20)
But, I can't see anything about it anywhere else...
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Can't see anything in the Brazilian media. I also doubt they'd have selected the squad for the September fixtures this early.
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Can't see anything in the Brazilian media. I also doubt they'd have selected the squad for the September fixtures this early.
I don't see how they'd know more about it than a Villa twitter ITK account... ;D
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Even if there was a release clause in Doug's contract, consider the progress we've made since then, i could easily see him being happy to negotiate a new deal. Everything about the trajectory of the team screams progression.
Talking of release clauses, we should either avoid them completely or do what Sporting have done this month with their new striker from Coventry. Signed him for £20m with a €100m release clause. Who's the daddy! Loons.
I like to inform those who don't know something.
In Spain and Portugal the football league release clauses are mandatory for a players contract and a managers contract. It's about the welfare of the workers.
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I like to inform those who don't know something.
In Spain and Portugal the football league release clauses are mandatory for a player's contract and a manager's contract. It's about the welfare of the workers.
FTFY, I like to inform those who don't know.
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I wouldn't consider an offer for Doug less than £80m. That's not really what I think he's worth, more the value that I'd put on disrupting our forward momentum and one of the best PL midfield partnerships.
I suspect we'd just go and get Guendouzi, but even so I'd prefer we just keep Doug and not have to rebuild further this summer.
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I wouldn't consider an offer for Doug less than £80m. That's not really what I think he's worth, more the value that I'd put on disrupting our forward momentum and one of the best PL midfield partnerships.
I suspect we'd just go and get Guendouzi, but even so I'd prefer we just keep Doug and not have to rebuild further this summer.
I might consider Harry Kane plus £3m.
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Even if there was a release clause in Doug's contract, consider the progress we've made since then, i could easily see him being happy to negotiate a new deal. Everything about the trajectory of the team screams progression.
Talking of release clauses, we should either avoid them completely or do what Sporting have done this month with their new striker from Coventry. Signed him for £20m with a €100m release clause. Who's the daddy! Loons.
I like to inform those who don't know something.
In Spain and Portugal the football league release clauses are mandatory for a players contract and a managers contract. It's about the welfare of the workers.
My error, I meant buy-out clause rather than release clause. A player can buy his way out of a contract through a release clause where he would then become a free agent. It is not the same as a buy-out clause. I don't know about Spain but buy-out clauses in Portugal are rare.
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I can see Douglas scoring v Newcastle. It's the type of game he can produce. I just love how he plays the game of football.
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I wouldn't consider an offer for Doug less than £80m. That's not really what I think he's worth, more the value that I'd put on disrupting our forward momentum and one of the best PL midfield partnerships.
I suspect we'd just go and get Guendouzi, but even so I'd prefer we just keep Doug and not have to rebuild further this summer.
Yep, I think the days of us just rolling over the minute one of the SKY six show an interest in one of our players are gone.
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I wouldn't consider an offer for Doug less than £80m. That's not really what I think he's worth, more the value that I'd put on disrupting our forward momentum and one of the best PL midfield partnerships.
I suspect we'd just go and get Guendouzi, but even so I'd prefer we just keep Doug and not have to rebuild further this summer.
Yep, I think the days of us just rolling over the minute one of the SKY six show an interest in one of our players are gone.
Based on last nights performance Dougie has gone up another level. A real joy to watch. A recall to the Brazilian squad can't be far away. He's majestic on the ball, gliding past players, superb vision, we're potentially looking at the best Villa central midfielder of all time, he's that good.
£80m would be money well spent but I think he's happy at the Villa and there are very few that can afford him.
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He’s absolutely superb in getting out of tight spaces, receiving and moving the ball with a high level of confidence and competence. He’s precisely the type of player Emery would look to buy.
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He’s absolutely superb in getting out of tight spaces, receiving and moving the ball with a high level of confidence and competence. He’s precisely the type of player Emery would look to buy..
...but couldn't afford.
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There was a play last night, about midway through the 2nd half, where we had a corner (or free kick) and they cleared to him, high and a bit behind him, to stop it dead and then he sold Wilson an outrageous dummy with a little dip of his shoulders and gave himself all the time in the world to pick a pass. He made it look so easy but there's probably only a handful of players in the league that could've done that, phenomenal skill. 2-3 people on the pre-season thread posted about how good he was straight after so I assume other people were as impressed as I was by it.
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He’s absolutely superb in getting out of tight spaces, receiving and moving the ball with a high level of confidence and competence. He’s precisely the type of player Emery would look to buy..
...but couldn't afford.
quite. When you consider what Rice just went for, I'm struggling to find where the drop off is to Doug. And I would make the case he's every bit as good if not better in a number of areas. Rice is very good. Doug is better.
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He’s absolutely superb in getting out of tight spaces, receiving and moving the ball with a high level of confidence and competence. He’s precisely the type of player Emery would look to buy..
...but couldn't afford.
quite. When you consider what Rice just went for, I'm struggling to find where the drop off is to Doug. And I would make the case he's every bit as good if not better in a number of areas. Rice is very good. Doug is better.
Rice is physically stronger and more athletic but Luiz has better feet. Gets turned on the ball quicker and keeps it better. Luiz I thought totally outplayed Rice at that running track last season too.
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Gregg Evans theory Douglas Luiz, South Americans and Coutinho
"Having re-signed in October, Luiz has grown in value on the back of an impressive 2022-23 campaign where he was voted Villa player of the year by both the fans and his team-mates. Luiz stuck around at Villa because he felt very much at home alongside a growing South American contingent — which Coutinho still remains very much at the core of despite a lack of playing time in the second half of last season. Of course, there were other factors involved but if Villa do ever sell Luiz, the money they receive for him will go some way to making up for the huge investment made in Coutinho"
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Gregg Evans theory Douglas Luiz, South Americans and Coutinho
"Having re-signed in October, Luiz has grown in value on the back of an impressive 2022-23 campaign where he was voted Villa player of the year by both the fans and his team-mates. Luiz stuck around at Villa because he felt very much at home alongside a growing South American contingent — which Coutinho still remains very much at the core of despite a lack of playing time in the second half of last season. Of course, there were other factors involved but if Villa do ever sell Luiz, the money they receive for him will go some way to making up for the huge investment made in Coutinho"
He's doing a roaring trade in fan fiction lately. Why's he still hanging around when he's already been replaced?
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Press speculation regarding Klopp making a late bid of £60m for Dougie?? Can we dismiss this or is there a release clause lurking? This is the last thing we need if there's any substance to it.....!
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Press speculation regarding Klopp making a late bid of £60m for Dougie?? Can we dismiss this or is there a release clause lurking? This is the last thing we need if there's any substance to it.....!
nah thats just scousers lets stir some shit before we play them . 2 weeks ago they had bought Kamara practically
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Liverpool don't need a player like Luiz, they have McAlistair who plays that role. They need someone like Kamara. But they can get lost.
This is just press bullshit or designed to distrupt us before the game.
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Disrupt the supporters maybe I doubt anyone at the club gives a s"*;
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After yesterdays win In Saudi i imagine Liverpool are very content with what they already got
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My only "worry" with the Liverpool links is the speculation around Salah going to Saudi, which would change things in terms of their shopping lists.
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Press speculation regarding Klopp making a late bid of £60m for Dougie?? Can we dismiss this or is there a release clause lurking? This is the last thing we need if there's any substance to it.....!
By the time trees are devoid of leaves the ****** will be linking all of our first XI to the "big six".
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They've signed three CM's this window haven't they.. MacAllister, Endo and Szoboszlai?
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Press speculation regarding Klopp making a late bid of £60m for Dougie?? Can we dismiss this or is there a release clause lurking? This is the last thing we need if there's any substance to it.....!
By the time trees are devoid of leaves the ****** will be linking all of our first XI to the "big six".
I think this is true - on Football365 (which has gone to shite) - the headline after the Hibs game was something like "Watkins shows Spurs & (Another Sky6 Club I cant remember) what there missing"
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They've signed three CM's this window haven't they.. MacAllister, Endo and Szoboszlai?
Indeed, all look very good signings. I doubt they’re looking to spend big on another and id hope we’re in a space to refuse if they did.
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Ok I'm not worried about Luiz signing for Liverpool. Let's see how we do at Anfield.
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Until Emery comes out and says Dougie babe is not leaving saying in Spanish (please free to translate) "Clicky Klop, you can f**k off with that shit" I don't feel he ever be a proper villa manager
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Press speculation regarding Klopp making a late bid of £60m for Dougie?? Can we dismiss this or is there a release clause lurking? This is the last thing we need if there's any substance to it.....!
By the time trees are devoid of leaves the ****** will be linking all of our first XI to the "big six".
And winters coming
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Until Emery comes out and says Dougie babe is not leaving saying in Spanish (please free to translate)
I don't think anyone connected with Spanish football is going to be using the word 'babe' for the foreseeable future.
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Until Emery comes out and says Dougie babe is not leaving saying in Spanish (please free to translate)
I don't think anyone connected with Spanish football is going to be using the word 'babe' for the foreseeable future.
Special treatment for Emery will be allowed
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Until Emery comes out and says Dougie babe is not leaving saying in Spanish (please free to translate) "Clicky Klop, you can f**k off with that shit" I don't feel he ever be a proper villa manager
Dougie bebe no salir
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Liverpool need a DM and one thing we all fucking well know from before Emery (was there a before?) is that Dougie isn't a DM.
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I would imagine Liverpool would be told to look elsewhere before even thinking of making a bid.
They've signed 3 midfielders and I don't think any of them get into ours, though I like the look of the Hungarian lad.
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Is it a case of Liverpool feeling threatened by Villa now? I wouldn't say their squad is that much better than Villa's Perhaps a cynical attempt to disrupt Villa's remarkable rise in the Premier League?
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They have more express pace strikers than we do.
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I feel Luiz is now probably our best outfield player. Lazy journalists will link him to other clubs but it's unthinkable that we'd consider selling him with just a few days left in the transfer window.
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I feel Luiz is now probably our best outfield player. Lazy journalists will link him to other clubs but it's unthinkable that we'd consider selling him with just a few days left in the transfer window.
Nobody is apart the Meaning Evil or whatever it is called now.
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Liverpool sites are. I wonder if there is a release clause, whether he'd even want to go, whether he prefers the idea of Europa League over Conference and most importantly just how bullshitty this is.
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If we managed to keep him when he had not much time left on his contract, we were shit, Gerrard was manager, and top of the table Arsenal wanted him, then I'm fairly certain we can now we're great, he's on a longer contract and we're playing well under Emery.
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If we managed to keep him when he had not much time left on his contract, we were shit, Gerrard was manager, and top of the table Arsenal wanted him, then I'm fairly certain we can now we're great, he's on a longer contract and we're playing well under Emery.
Spot on. He's obviously not going anywhere and even if he did, based on Caicedo prices, we'd get 100m for him.
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More press speculation regarding a late raid on Villa for Douglas! It would severely weaken us if this happens. He's such an important cog in the midfield.
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As others have said, it's Caicedo prices for him at the very least, and with enough time for us to get a big-time replacement in. For which it's already too late.
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I don't think it's worth wrecking our season for any price. Either you want to move up the league or you don't. You don't progress by selling your best player 24 hours before the window closes.
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Why dont you fuck off Bingo and worry more about losing Salah than looking at our cream players
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Press can speculate however much they like. If Caicedo is worth £115M then anyone after Dougie can look at offering something north of £120M.
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Why dont you fuck off Bingo and worry more about losing Salah than looking at our cream players
Who said he is?
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If we managed to keep him when he had not much time left on his contract, we were shit, Gerrard was manager, and top of the table Arsenal wanted him, then I'm fairly certain we can now we're great, he's on a longer contract and we're playing well under Emery.
But it was the love of Alisha that kept him :D
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If you believe what you read, Liverpool weren't prepared to pay £115m for Bellingham. Then out of desperation they were prepared to pay that amount for Caceido. Now this late in the window we are to believe that Klopp has just woken up to the quality of Douglas Luiz and may tempt us with a £60m bid. Lol fuckin' lol
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That Caceido bid was a Doug Ellis special, “look we’ve bid for him too” knowing full well he was going to go to Chelsea.
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I suppose the unclear thing, or elephant in the room is a potential release clause?? And how much....
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I suppose the unclear thing, or elephant in the room is a potential release clause?? And how much....
A release clause doesn't mean we have to sell the player though. If he isn't looking to move they can offer all they like.
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This is the Liverpool Echo and a pathetic attempt to unsettle our players before Sunday. 3 weeks ago they were signing Kamara too.
They can go fuck themselves
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Liverpool in for Gravenberch apparently, so Dougie probably safe for now. Unless they're stockpiling midfielders.
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I suppose the unclear thing, or elephant in the room is a potential release clause?? And how much....
A release clause doesn't mean we have to sell the player though. If he isn't looking to move they can offer all they like.
Or if it is met, start a bidding war
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If you believe what you read, Liverpool weren't prepared to pay £115m for Bellingham. Then out of desperation they were prepared to pay that amount for Caceido.
Think that it's more that they didn't have the money for him, then banked £70m or so for their existing midfield, giving them both the money and a need.
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If you believe what you read, Liverpool weren't prepared to pay £115m for Bellingham. Then out of desperation they were prepared to pay that amount for Caceido.
Think that it's more that they didn't the money for him, then banked £70m or so for their existing midfield, giving them both the money and a need.
Yeah, it's one criticism I don't really understand. They obviously didn't expect Henderson and Fabinho to fuck off, especially for that much.
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I suppose the unclear thing, or elephant in the room is a potential release clause?? And how much....
A release clause doesn't mean we have to sell the player though. If he isn't looking to move they can offer all they like.
Any potential buyer would already know whether he would be interested in a move but we’d only get the release clause fee, say £60m compared to his true value to us and compared with other midfield transfers already completed this season, namely Rice and Caicedo.
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Liverpool in for Gravenberch apparently, so Dougie probably safe for now. Unless they're stockpiling midfielders.
This lad seems to have been around for ages, I've signed him a million times on Footbal Manager, but I've never seen him actually play.
Seems to be a modern day Wilf Bouma, who was a kind of proto-Gareth Bale on the game years ago. I was extremely excited to sign him when we did, and was a bit bemused by the fairly basic no-nonesense left back he turned out to be.
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Ha I thought the same thing. Initially it was like, doesn’t he already play for them but permanently injured. Their version of Traore or Coutinho.
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Was he one of the players Man U were trying to sign around the time Maguire was supposed to be off to West Ham? I've definitely seen him linked with someone else this window.
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Was he one of the players Man U were trying to sign around the time Maguire was supposed to be off to West Ham? I've definitely seen him linked with someone else this window.
The clubs I remember being mentioned this summer were Spurs (ha!) and Liverpool.
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Was he one of the players Man U were trying to sign around the time Maguire was supposed to be off to West Ham? I've definitely seen him linked with someone else this window.
The clubs I remember being mentioned this summer were Spurs (ha!) and Liverpool.
Oh maybe it was Spurs when they were still negotiating the Kane deal.
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
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Surely, he wouldn't have played tonight if he was off somewhere.
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
If he was leaving then he would not have played tonight
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Liverpool are signing Gravenberch, how many midfielders do they need?
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
If he was leaving then he would not have played tonight
Captain as well.
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Liverpool are signing Gravenberch, how many midfielders do they need?
They needed to freshen up their midfield even if they'd kept Henderson, Milner and Fabinho.
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
It’s you.
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
It's you.
He got a great reception last night that will have reinforced his view he's at the best place.
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
Fucking hekk, you. :) :)
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
The ref made him go off the long way round the pitch and in front of the holte, he got a standing ovation of appreciation - which he had to acknowledge
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Is it me or when he came off he was waving the Holte End goodbye????
Fucking hell!
Ahahahahahahahahaha
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So glad he stayed.
Now that he's adding goals to his game he's well on the way to being a top class midfielder. Surely not far off starting for Brazil now.
Our team is maturing like a fine wine and the younger players growing into experienced elites.
Keep on Dougging!!!
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Dougie's entourage were in a box right behind me in the trinity yesterday, one of them, possibly his dad, going absolutely mental when he scored the penalty, pulled his Luiz 6 emblazoned jersey off, holding it hight about his head towards the pitch. Great to see
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I have to admit since he has been here i always thought he played like he thought he was better than his actual ability and with a swagger purely because he was Brazillian.
I could not be more wrong - what a relavation this guy has been and is fundamental to our entire game plan - he is the heartbeat.
I cannot see how Brasil cannot pick him now as a starter as i just dont see anyone better in the prem in that position.
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With Luiz I like to (in my own head) pick something he did in the game that I doubt anyone else on the pitch could've done, there's usually at least 1-2 examples.
On Saturday it was the little chip over their guy and then run around him and collect the ball again, not just for the technique but the more the vision to see that as a way of getting around the press was sensational.
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I have to admit since he has been here i always thought he played like he thought he was better than his actual ability and with a swagger purely because he was Brazillian.
I could not be more wrong - what a relavation this guy has been and is fundamental to our entire game plan - he is the heartbeat.
I cannot see how Brasil cannot pick him now as a starter as i just dont see anyone better in the prem in that position.
I agree. I thought something similar.
But since Emery has arrived & given him permission to play his own game, he has become one of our most important players & is one of the first names on the team-sheet...
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A lot of comparisons to Gareth Barry at the weekend and thought his pass with his left to set Digne free before the goal was reminiscent of Barry<Young back in the day on that flank. Still think Luiz could be a bit snappier getting back into the right position defensively at times but he's quality on the ball.
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Quality again today, Enzo Fernandez outplayed and replaced.
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Quality again today, Enzo Fernandez outplayed and replaced.
Had a shaky start with losing the ball outside our box then passing it out of play but got better. There was a moment where he beat two or three, shielding the ball and passed it to a team mate. Was great to see
Well done Doug.
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Quality again today, Enzo Fernandez outplayed and replaced.
Doug is every bit a £100m player if Fernandez is.
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Best player on the pitch today.
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Remember when that Brazilian journalist said something bitchy about Villa and Doug was tweeting him saying he was clueless/and idiot? 😂
He defends us and I think he genuinely appreciates us.
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We should make him captain if/when McGinn gets dropped.
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Best player on the pitch today.
Love Doug but I thought Konsa and Bouba were the best today.
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Best player on the pitch today.
Love Doug but I thought Konsa and Bouba were the best today.
I think everyone outside the 4 more attacking players has a fair shout for it, we were excellent defensively and they all played a big part in it. Zaniolo would've been in the discussion at half time as well but he looked very tired after about an hour.
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A ropey first ten minutes from Douglush but back to his very best after that.
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He's now scored in the last 5 home league games.
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Offer him another contract. We can't lose him.
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Barely mentioned in the commentary but this guy is a baller, just as Cash said.
A new contract is becoming essential rather than a nice to have.
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He's now scored in the last 5 home league games.
That was such a calm finish.
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He's now scored in the last 5 home league games.
That was such a calm finish.
He dropped his left shoulder and calmly rolled it in. Just lovely
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There isn’t a midfielder in the Premier League I’d swap him for. Nobody, uh uh.
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There isn’t a midfielder in the Premier League I’d swap him for. Nobody, uh uh.
I seriously think he’s up there with one of the best players to play for us in my lifetime.
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I love watching Dougie play. It's weird. A couple of years ago he'd have those games where he'd swagger around without that much productivity, as if he thought he was way better than he was. Turns out he was absolutely right about being a baller, he's just gone up a few levels thanks to Unai, and also looking more athletic. A bit of added maturity has helped too, with age.
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Now that he's adding goals he's very close to the finished product.
This is where we have to keep hold of him.
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Happy to put his foot in but has a swagger to his play too. Really makes us more than the sum of our parts. He must be horrible to play against.
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He's a brilliant player. A lovely combination of industry and impudence.
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I wasn't that keen while he was still a Man City player, nor for a bit after he became ours. I love being wrong about football. Dougie's so consistently excellent.
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The player he has become, particularly under Emery, just shows what a top level coach can do.
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I love watching Dougie play. It's weird. A couple of years ago he'd have those games where he'd swagger around without that much productivity, as if he thought he was way better than he was. Turns out he was absolutely right about being a baller, he's just gone up a few levels thanks to Unai, and also looking more athletic. A bit of added maturity has helped too, with age.
This...
I think he is the player most improved by Emery being at the club.
He has become a wonderful, & arguably world class, central midfielder...
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I wasn't that keen while he was still a Man City player, nor for a bit after he became ours. I love being wrong about football. Dougie's so consistently excellent.
I think I went the other way, I saw some highlights of him before he signed and convinced myself we were getting a guy who'd be one of the best in the world. It's taken a while but it's fantastic to see him now delivering on the immense amount of talent he has. As others have said I think he's right up there as one of the top players int he league right now and there isn't a central midfielder I'd take over him.
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He can do everything, he’s a brilliant player.
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He can do everything, he’s a brilliant player.
He's a joy to watch but it needs Emery to get the midfield selection correct. We've been overrun a few times this season in midfield and Dougie as been good rather than great. Today he was back to being majestic. Love him!
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A 75m player we have there. Or if Chelsea want to sign him £125m
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A 75m player we have there. Or if Chelsea want to sign him £125m
£125m regardless whether it’s Chelsea or not.
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A 75m player we have there. Or if Chelsea want to sign him £125m
£125m regardless whether it’s Chelsea or not.
Quite. The market has been set by players not even as good as him.
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He looks every inch, a Brazillian midfieder.
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He looks every inch, a Brazillian midfieder.
Who bizarrely still can't get into their squad.
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Caicedo for £115m puts Dougie in the 150m bracket.
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He looks every inch, a Brazillian midfieder.
Who bizarrely still can't get into their squad.
Madness, but he wouldn't get in the England one also.
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A 75m player we have there. Or if Chelsea want to sign him £125m
A few weeks ago I was talking about him to a couple of Man Utd fans and said he'd be worth £80m minimum and that price will only go up and they both laughed. I know I wouldn't swap him for any of their midfielders.
I honestly think he's our best kept secret. Others don't seem to have cottoned on to just how good he is.
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He looks every inch, a Brazillian midfieder.
Who bizarrely still can't get into their squad.
Madness, but he wouldn't get in the England one also.
Only because Southgate doesn't like us for some odd reason.
England aren't stocked with great central midfielders beyond Rice (and Bellingham if he wants to waste him by playing him there). Luiz is clearly better than Phillips and Gallagher.
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The player he has become, particularly under Emery, just shows what a top level coach can do.
Playing with better players also helps. Didn't help when he first arrived that his defensive partners were either Nakamba (shit) or McGinn (great, but a bit shit in a defensive two).
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He's the first player I would pick every time and he was outstanding again today.
One problem is that he's now had 4 yellow cards (as has Digne), although today's yellow was so soft. Gilmour went down after a few minutes holding his head and the ref thought it was worth a booking.
Thereafter, there was no consistency in the evaluation of fouls let alone what warranted a card or not.
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Agreed rouge, the ref was shockingly inconsistent today.
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Luiz is our best player. He’s fucking brilliant and I love him. And I’m only two beers in.
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One problem is that he's now had 4 yellow cards (as has Digne), although today's yellow was so soft. Gilmour went down after a few minutes holding his head and the ref thought it was worth a booking.
Digne being on 4 could be a major problem given Moreno seems to have disappeared again.
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Absolutely outstanding today.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
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One problem is that he's now had 4 yellow cards (as has Digne), although today's yellow was so soft. Gilmour went down after a few minutes holding his head and the ref thought it was worth a booking.
Digne being on 4 could be a major problem given Moreno seems to have disappeared again.
No problem at all, we have SJM to fill in there.....
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Superb touch, plays with his head up, plays short and long passes with aplomb. Strong in the tackle and has an eye for a goal.
The complete midfielder, up there with Sid Cowans.
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He really dictates the pace of the game and keeps things ticking over. Plays some lovely passes and just gets everywhere. I honestly used to wonder what he brought to the game but these days I think he's quite possibly my favourite player. He has been immense for us this season. Brazilian squad beckons, surely.
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We really miss him when he doesn’t play.
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12-18 months ago there were plenty that didn't rate him and would have binned him off. It shows the importance of a decent manager and coaching.
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The player he has become, particularly under Emery, just shows what a top level coach can do.
Playing with better players also helps. Didn't help when he first arrived that his defensive partners were either Nakamba (shit) or McGinn (great, but a bit shit in a defensive two).
Better players or better manger? Nakamba rarely played.
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There isn’t a midfielder in the Premier League I’d swap him for. Nobody, uh uh.
This all day long and twice on Sundays.
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At the end of the game he took a ball on the edge of the box with a Brighton player up his arse and played a scooped pass 45 degrees behind him that was just fucking physically impossible.
He is the man.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21, not that much older than the youth players we've been adding.
In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one. Young players don't know exactly what they are and how they want to play when he was attracting all those criticisms.
There were probably Liverpool fora whining 22 years ago about why this Gerrard kid kept giving the ball away, or not knowing how to play as a defensive midfielder, or going missing in big games etc.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21. In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
Milner only had one very good season with us, his last one. Centre of the park, great athlete and gave 💯 every game. Luiz definitely has more to his game than Milner did but not quite matching his athleticism.
Think Luiz has a fair way to go to match Barry.
On today, Luiz was very good again. Thought others stood out more, mind but he utterly dominated Gilmore from the first whistle. Never looked like getting a second yellow either.
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He's like Garry Parker, Ray Houghton, and Kevin Richardson rolled into one.
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It can only be a matter of time before he's recalled to the Brazil team. Oh and how happy does he look right now.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21. In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
Milner only had one very good season with us, his last one. Centre of the park, great athlete and gave 💯 every game. Luiz definitely has more to his game than Milner did but not quite matching his athleticism.
Think Luiz has a fair way to go to match Barry.
On today, Luiz was very good again. Thought others stood out more, mind but he utterly dominated Gilmore from the first whistle. Never looked like getting a second yellow either.
I think Dougie is a better player than Barry….there I’ve said it, ready and waiting to be shot down.
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I agree.
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For us, better than Milner but not Barry - yet.
This is a special group with a special manager, so I do think Dougie will surpass Barry, maybe by the end of this season.
Just not quite, right now.
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Quite often when we didn't have the ball, Dougie was the highest up the pitch out of all the midfielders, just behind Watkins and Diaby. He is even more dangerous playing higher up, hence the goals and assists this season.
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They paid how much for Casiedo
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Always rated Doug. I think centre mid can be such a hard position, especially if you’re learning in a team that was been struggling a fair bit of the time. But he’s now got the team around him, and the experience, to show his class. Brilliant player - the coolness of the finish for his goal just illustrated his quality.
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His family have taken to sitting in a box by me, they are very, very enthusiastic supporters.
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They paid how much for Casiedo
Was thinking about this. Doug is better than him.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21. In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
Milner only had one very good season with us, his last one. Centre of the park, great athlete and gave 💯 every game. Luiz definitely has more to his game than Milner did but not quite matching his athleticism.
Think Luiz has a fair way to go to match Barry.
On today, Luiz was very good again. Thought others stood out more, mind but he utterly dominated Gilmore from the first whistle. Never looked like getting a second yellow either.
I think Dougie is a better player than Barry….there I’ve said it, ready and waiting to be shot down.
I agree, he’s the best I’ve seen since Cowans but I was too young to really appreciate how good he was and I really only remember his second stint properly.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21. In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
Milner only had one very good season with us, his last one. Centre of the park, great athlete and gave 💯 every game. Luiz definitely has more to his game than Milner did but not quite matching his athleticism.
Think Luiz has a fair way to go to match Barry.
On today, Luiz was very good again. Thought others stood out more, mind but he utterly dominated Gilmore from the first whistle. Never looked like getting a second yellow either.
I think Dougie is a better player than Barry….there I’ve said it, ready and waiting to be shot down.
V different players imo. Barry still better overall imo as his range of passing was superb. But Dougie is now some player and proved me wrong like many others
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Thank you Pep Guardiola and well done Aston Villa management.
Pep must rue the day he let Douglas Luiz go. Possibly his biggest mistake since taking over at City.
We have a mega star at our club. Well done to Dougie and to the AV boys in the suits.
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Quite often when we didn't have the ball, Dougie was the highest up the pitch out of all the midfielders, just behind Watkins and Diaby. He is even more dangerous playing higher up, hence the goals and assists this season.
Yeah seemed like Emery instructed him to push up on Gilmore yesterday when they had the ball at the back. Risky enough strategy playing a high line defensively with Torres stepping out into Luiz regular spot when required. Guess Wellbeck and Ferguson arent the quickest so didnt threaten in behind us at all. Pedro to be fair gave us a lot more to think about.
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Thank you Pep Guardiola and well done Aston Villa management.
Pep must rue the day he let Douglas Luiz go. Possibly his biggest mistake since taking over at City.
I imagine the trophies have helped him overcome his disappointment. :-)
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His application is brilliant now and if he could work on shot precision he will be world class.
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Thank you Pep Guardiola and well done Aston Villa management.
Pep must rue the day he let Douglas Luiz go. Possibly his biggest mistake since taking over at City.
We have a mega star at our club. Well done to Dougie and to the AV boys in the suits.
I don't think Guardiola is having nightmares. Luiz is coming on superbly but I think in that time abu city have had one or two rather useful midfielders.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21, not that much older than the youth players we've been adding.
In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one. Young players don't know exactly what they are and how they want to play when he was attracting all those criticisms.
There were probably Liverpool fora whining 22 years ago about why this Gerrard kid kept giving the ball away, or not knowing how to play as a defensive midfielder, or going missing in big games etc.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
I think he is better than both now.
And I say that being a huge admirer of Milners game when he was at Villa. That was the best football of his career in my humble opinion.
Douglas Luiz is currently playing stronger than Milner & Barry used to...
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He's very close to replacing Mr Mortimer in my all time best 11.
Only one other current team member is in that list - step forward mad as a box of frogs big Emi.
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I also think he was better than he was given credit for pre Emery. He was just asked to do too much defensive work and was crying out for someone alongside him.
100% valid point...
He certainly suffered from the role he was being asked to perform.
He did it without complaint & to the best of his ability, but it just didn't suit his game.
He seems a much free-er (word?) player now he has been given permission to take & keep the ball in tight areas...
Yup, all of this and Chris's post above.
I'd also add that he joined us at age 21. In the last few years when we were saying he was too defensive, not defensive enough, trying too hard, not trying enough - I think he was judged as being a highly rated Brazilian signed from Man City who wasn't brilliant from day one.
He's never been anything less than good. He's now our best midfielder since...Milner? Probably past him now on longevity. Barry?
Milner only had one very good season with us, his last one. Centre of the park, great athlete and gave 💯 every game. Luiz definitely has more to his game than Milner did but not quite matching his athleticism.
Think Luiz has a fair way to go to match Barry.
On today, Luiz was very good again. Thought others stood out more, mind but he utterly dominated Gilmore from the first whistle. Never looked like getting a second yellow either.
I think Dougie is a better player than Barry….there I’ve said it, ready and waiting to be shot down.
V different players imo. Barry still better overall imo as his range of passing was superb. But Dougie is now some player and proved me wrong like many others
Don't think there's much in it passing ability wise. Luiz can do it with both feet too, Barry's right foot from memory he rarely used. Barry was a fair old presence in midfield though despite not being that quick, Luiz has a bit to go there.
Barry was excellent in the air too and played in some rubbish Villa teams. To be fair to MON at least he put him back in CM and left him there (odd tactical nonsense move to LB aside!). Didn't Lambert pass up the chance to bring him back to Villa Park later in his career?
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
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Didn't Lambert pass up the chance to bring him back to Villa Park later in his career?
There was a rumour when Barry and Lukaku both loaned to Everton that we could have done that instead but chose not to. As they were costing Everton £10mill for the year and we were broke, I doubt we could have afforded them.
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Hes just on it. Sometimes players are just really aware of where they are and he's definitely in the zone when he plays. He just seems to have exactly the right amount of time on the ball.
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
I like your thinking Percy.
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
Nicolo's ears have pricked up.
Going back to the stat Footy mentioned about scoring 5 games running at Villa Park, it bears repeating because it's the kind of thing that Villa forwards might have acheived but decades apart, but that's our generally deeper lying central midfielder, and it follows on from our centre forward going on a record breaking scoring run.
Just another marker of how crazily good we've been in relation to really anything most of us have seen from Villa.
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I go along with that.
One for time wasting before being subbed off to a stan
One for wasting time before being substituted to a standing ovation against West Ham.
That being said, he might take a booking with or without intent against a tricky West ham outfit.
I believe he's looking to conquer his ability on direct free kicks. I hope it will only be a matter of time before he becomes a total expert on them in terms of precision and scoring a few more.
He's always been willing, and we've seen how incredible his corners can be, as well as how fantastic he is on penalties.
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
I like your thinking Percy.
Bravo.
That's excellent foresight!
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
I like your thinking Percy.
Taken off in the 89th minute when we're coasting and comfortable and gets a booking for a bit of shithousery, time wasting, going off slowly and the longest route, that sort of thing.
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He's scored 5 home games in a row.
That's some achievement.
On 4 yellows so probably be suspended before Xmas but have to say he's been so wonderful and sometimes he makes football look so easy.
What a midfielder!
At the risk of sounding a bit… well, like you… an intentional booking might be handy on Sunday. He could play both legs v AZ and just miss the Luton game, in which we shouldn’t miss him too much. He then gets a fresh start for the busy run up to 19 games.
I like your thinking Percy.
I know it is actually cheating but its what "big" winning teams do - so i hope we do
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I know it is actually cheating but its what "big" winning teams do - so i hope we do
It's not cheating if he spits in their manager's face after being subbed in injury time having scored the pen Moyse moaned about.
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Surely it’s just a case of scoring an 89th minute winner then taking off the shirt and waving it about a bit, no? ;D
*cough* win/win *cough*
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all he has to do s kick the ball away at a free kick
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I can't believe I agree, but I do!
And I'm impressed by the understanding of cynical methods in these posts on how to acquire a caution! People are being quite creative!
It feels a bit naughty and against the my nature , not to mention sporting behaviour, yet it's all part of the game at professional level. I have come to terms with these things for a while and look at it for the greater good and bigger picture -as it's for the love of our club!
Lucas Digne is also on 4 yellows , one away from a suspension. Any suggestions on how he too could pick up a booking?
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Great efforts!
Surely it’s just a case of scoring an 89th minute winner then taking off the shirt and waving it about a bit, no? ;D
*cough* win/win *cough*
Say no more!
That would be fun!
all he has to do s kick the ball away at a free kick
This is the strategic play. Very effective when implemented. No one gets hurt!
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I know it is actually cheating but its what "big" winning teams do - so i hope we do
It's not cheating if he spits in their manager's face after being subbed in injury time having scored the pen Moyse moaned about.
That foul play may lead to more than a yellow.
I would have to draw the line at spitting.
Refusing to give the ball back when Moyes wants to retrieve it would suffice.
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These are the options to obtain a yellow card. Oh this is so naughty!
-Unsafe or reckless play
-Disrespecting opponents
-Any offence (not only a foul) that interferes with or stops a promising attack
-Showing dissent, i.e. protesting or disagreeing publicly with a decision made by a match official
-Entering or re-entering the field of play without the referee's permission
-Improper celebrations, i.e. removing your shirt or entering spectator areas
-Entering the referee review area or excessively demanding a video 'review' in matches with VAR (video assistant referee)
-Deliberately leaving the field of play without the referee's permission
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-Disrespecting opponents
What, pointing out that jellied eels taste like shit or saying something outrageous about Lady Brady?
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-Disrespecting opponents
What, pointing out that jellied eels taste like shit or saying something outrageous about Lady Brady?
Referee interpretations on that one I guess!
Very good though none the less!
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Absolutely beautiful!! 6 in 6 . A record!
What a player just fantastic again today.
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If there is a clause in his current contract offer him a new one and get rid of it.
We have to keep hold of him.
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Adding goals to his passing and defensive work, along with being good from the penalty spot and a great set piece taker..... He's the shit, isn't he?
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Wins a lot of dirty ball these days, has improved out of all recognition in that part of his game. Goals will get the headlines but he's like a younger Verratti these days with his ability to play on the half turn.
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To think many of us would've snatched Arsenals hands off for that £25m, What the fuck is he worth now? Ridiculous player.
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To think many of us would've snatched Arsenals hands off for that £25m, What the fuck is he worth now? Ridiculous player.
Depends what's in his contract.
Anything below £50m would feel very unfair.
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Couple of sloppy passes and didn't help us keep control of the ball in a couple of spells that could have put us in trouble. Still more to come from him.
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Couple of sloppy passes and didn't help us keep control of the ball in a couple of spells that could have put us in trouble. Still more to come from him.
Bloody hell harsh taskmaster.
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If there is a clause in his current contract offer him a new one and get rid of it.
We have to keep hold of him.
Martinez, Konsa, Luiz, Watkings - indispensable spine of the team.
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He’s an absolutely ridiculous player. One of the best in the league now without question.
I’m resigned to losing him for Grealish-type money in the next two years if we don’t get Champions League, cause he could play for any team in Europe.
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Couple of sloppy passes and didn't help us keep control of the ball in a couple of spells that could have put us in trouble. Still more to come from him.
Bloody hell harsh taskmaster.
Unai-esque!
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I'd pay money just to watch him stroll the pitch with the ball at his feet.
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To think many of us would've snatched Arsenals hands off for that £25m, What the fuck is he worth now? Ridiculous player.
I wouldn’t. Not often I can say this but I’ve always rated him. That post Covid period under smith showed how good he can be. Emery has just provided a system where he can shine.
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Couple of sloppy passes and didn't help us keep control of the ball in a couple of spells that could have put us in trouble. Still more to come from him.
Bloody hell harsh taskmaster.
Unai-esque!
I predict this word is heading for the Oxford Dictionary.
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He’s an absolutely ridiculous player. One of the best in the league now without question.
I’m resigned to losing him for Grealish-type money in the next two years if we don’t get Champions League, cause he could play for any team in Europe.
Yep, obviously I don't want it. But the links will start any day now.
Romano has already said he's being monitored by 'top clubs'.
We have to keep this team together.
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Couple of sloppy passes and didn't help us keep control of the ball in a couple of spells that could have put us in trouble. Still more to come from him.
Bloody hell harsh taskmaster.
Maybe, but I think he is right. Don't get me wrong, the good in games far outweighs the bad, but he still has a few too many lapses. If he can get rid of them then he will be top drawer.
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Unai-esque!
I predict this word is heading for the Oxford Dictionary.
If it stops people saying Emery-ball then I'm all for it.
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He’s an absolutely ridiculous player. One of the best in the league now without question.
I’m resigned to losing him for Grealish-type money in the next two years if we don’t get Champions League, cause he could play for any team in Europe.
What’s with the “if”?
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Dwight Yorke back in April.
“Douglas Luiz is a player I have watched closely at Aston Villa and I’m not quite sure what his strengths are,” he said. “What does he actually do? He’s very steady in midfield but I don’t understand the hype from the summer when Arsenal nearly signed him. Luiz is not creative enough to sit in the midfield. He plays a crucial role at Villa, but you have to do more to warrant a big move. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, but he’s acceptable for Villa.”
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Dwight Yorke back in April.
“Douglas Luiz is a player I have watched closely at Aston Villa and I’m not quite sure what his strengths are,” he said. “What does he actually do? He’s very steady in midfield but I don’t understand the hype from the summer when Arsenal nearly signed him. Luiz is not creative enough to sit in the midfield. He plays a crucial role at Villa, but you have to do more to warrant a big move. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, but he’s acceptable for Villa.”
That's good enough for me. We should base our entire scouting operation on players not considered any good by Yorke, the daft twat.
Edit: by which I mean we should sign everyone he doesn't rate, because he's a gormless arsehead.
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Dwight Yorke back in April.
“Douglas Luiz is a player I have watched closely at Aston Villa and I’m not quite sure what his strengths are,” he said. “What does he actually do? He’s very steady in midfield but I don’t understand the hype from the summer when Arsenal nearly signed him. Luiz is not creative enough to sit in the midfield. He plays a crucial role at Villa, but you have to do more to warrant a big move. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, but he’s acceptable for Villa.”
Dwight why don’t I get interviewed for the Villa job Yorke?
Clearly he’s been liberated by our missing link Bouba, so some who didn’t watch us might not have realised - from what we saw with his attacking early doors - that he was being misused out of necessity .
It was great to hear Ollie in his MOTD2 interview talk about it all coming out of the midfield duo.
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How good is Dougie he's just brilliant.
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How good is Dougie he's just brilliant.
Too right he is Daz. Our best outfield player in my opinion.
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Dwight Yorke back in April.
“Douglas Luiz is a player I have watched closely at Aston Villa and I’m not quite sure what his strengths are,” he said. “What does he actually do? He’s very steady in midfield but I don’t understand the hype from the summer when Arsenal nearly signed him. Luiz is not creative enough to sit in the midfield. He plays a crucial role at Villa, but you have to do more to warrant a big move. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, but he’s acceptable for Villa.”
It would be really funny if he breaks the record Yorke set for scoring in consecutive home games with that quote in mind.
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How good is Dougie he's just brilliant.
Last few weeks he has been incredible. In the 2nd half v Mostar it looked like everyone else had slowed down he was so ahead of the game.
Taking emotion out of it he could easily be a starter for most of the top European sides.
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The Kamara & Luiz pairing is outstanding & it shouldn't be underestimated the impact that Kamara has had on Luiz's performances. He's cut out a lot of the sloppy casualness. Kamara gives Luiz the freedom to play.
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This guy is on the verge of being world-class.
Dean Smith made the move and slowly developed him and he's a fantastic signing, and he's already proving his worth under Emery's tutelage. Emery has really made an impression I feel with Luiz as he's gone up another level since the restart has he not?
I have only read and seen brief highlights of the Liverpool matches (due to Christmas) I see that he set up the goal against Liverpool, and against Tottenham today I watched the match on screen and he started it all off to get the goal with a shot that Lloris fumbled before scoring an absolutely sublime midfielders goal.
The way he got into the box is something that is much needed, and we have to salute this guy because he's only going to get better.
Wonderful improving midfielder and I have fingers crossed he's not badly injured.
At the start of this very year seeing his performance against Spurs away victory .
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I knew it the day he was born.
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I knew it the day he was born.
I knew it when he was a spark in his mother's eyes
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I knew it when the spark in his mothers eye was just a twitch
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I actually met him when he'd just signed for us. A mutual friend introduced us. I remember I said 'Come hither, Villa's hope. If secret powers suggest but truth to my divining thoughts, this pretty lad will prove our midfield's bliss. His looks are full of peaceful majesty, his head by nature framed to take a pen, his feet to nail a high press, and himself likely in time to bless a double-pivot.'
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I’ve always rated Doug, but I reckon he’s developing into one of the best midfielders in the league.
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Dwight Yorke back in April.
“Douglas Luiz is a player I have watched closely at Aston Villa and I’m not quite sure what his strengths are,” he said. “What does he actually do? He’s very steady in midfield but I don’t understand the hype from the summer when Arsenal nearly signed him. Luiz is not creative enough to sit in the midfield. He plays a crucial role at Villa, but you have to do more to warrant a big move. I don’t think he’s a top-four player, but he’s acceptable for Villa.”
Shows that just because you were a successful player, doesn't mean you know much about the game.
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He's been brilliant so far this season. He was sloppy a few times with the ball yesterday but him and Bouba ran the show. I used to think what Yorke said about him, but recognise that Douglas has improved no end under Unai. I look forward to watching him play now, turned into one of my favourite players and I was wrong about him.
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It's astonishing that while people are wetting their pants about how Man City want to buy Paqueta and Real Madrid want Guimares and there's this other Brazilian guy who is far better than either of them just quietly getting on with being brilliant.
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And long may it last. They can all fuck off as it relates to our Doug.
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It's astonishing that while people are wetting their pants about how Man City want to buy Paqueta and Real Madrid want Guimares and there's this other Brazilian guy who is far better than either of them just quietly getting on with being brilliant.
Danny Kelly more or less said the same thing when reviewing the game on radio taking into account the current problems Brazil are having.
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It's astonishing that while people are wetting their pants about how Man City want to buy Paqueta and Real Madrid want Guimares and there's this other Brazilian guy who is far better than either of them just quietly getting on with being brilliant.
Insane Brazil aren't calling him up given he had a run of starts in 2020 when he was good but nowhere near the level he is now and then was part of their Olympics win the following year.
Guess it's due to them just waiting for Ancelotti to run down his contract and they've given the job for a year to local coach who prefers to call up 28 year old Brazilian league midfielders with hardly any caps.
Brazil seem to have morphed into what Argentina were doing 5-6 years ago. Ignoring european based players in excellent form and selecting mediocre domestic players instead.
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Developing nicely under Emery , still makes errors (wolves A goal) but that's only natural at his stage of development
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Don't normally take much notice of Crooks' ramblings. But thought his comparing Luiz with Mortimer was interesting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67197334
Straying off topic, but thought not including Konza in that team was a big oversight.
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Crooks is a dullard who only picks players who score, even if it's a keeper's clearance that hits them on the arse and bobbles in off the post. He has a four year old's understanding of these things.
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Don't normally take much notice of Crooks' ramblings. But thought his comparing Luiz with Mortimer was interesting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67197334
Straying off topic, but thought not including Konza in that team was a big oversight.
I said soon after he signed that Luiz has a running style very similar to that of Dennis Mortimer.
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Mortimer was past his prime when I started going regularly but I don’t see the comparison, with Ramsey maybe.
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It was great to hear Ollie in his MOTD2 interview talk about it all coming out of the midfield duo.
I loved that bit too.
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Crooks is a dullard who only picks players who score, even if it's a keeper's clearance that hits them on the arse and bobbles in off the post. He has a four year old's understanding of these things.
Nah he also picks players so he can ramble on about something totally different that happened in the match. Look at the picking of Rice and Van Dijk for examples of that. First one all about the handball penalty with a final line on "Rice scored" and the other about the Young and Konate situation with a final line of "Van Dijk defended".
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West Ham used to get joy bullying our midfield. Definitely in that home game under Gerrard last season Rice dominated, to be fair Luiz completely outplayed Rice in the away game. But we crucified them in the middle at the weekend. Total dominance from the first minute. That new guy Alvarez had a nightmare for them, Soucek hooked early and JWP there only for the set pieces. Kamara did the basics very well and that included giving the ball to Luiz at every opportunity.
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And from todays BBC Gossip column, headlined "Arsenal retain interest in Luiz"
Arsenal remain interested in trying to sign Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25, from Aston Villa having previously had several bids rejected. (90min)
Well yes, my 55 year old self retains an interest in shagging Kylie Minogue, but both are as likely as each other!!!
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And from todays BBC Gossip column, headlined "Arsenal retain interest in Luiz"
Arsenal remain interested in trying to sign Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25, from Aston Villa having previously had several bids rejected. (90min)
Well yes, my 55 year old self retains an interest in shagging Kylie Minogue, but both are as likely as each other!!!
I could tell you about me and Kylie, but being a gentleman I we won't
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Fact:
Douglas Luiz has never ever missed a Villa game through injury.
What a pro!
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And from todays BBC Gossip column, headlined "Arsenal retain interest in Luiz"
Arsenal remain interested in trying to sign Brazil midfielder Douglas Luiz, 25, from Aston Villa having previously had several bids rejected. (90min)
Well yes, my 55 year old self retains an interest in shagging Kylie Minogue, but both are as likely as each other!!!
I could tell you about me and Kylie, but being a gentleman I we won't
Is your other hand called Danni ?
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Fact:
Douglas Luiz has never ever missed a Villa game through injury.
What a pro!
Footy you really shouldn’t jinx these things! Great stat though
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Fact:
Douglas Luiz has never ever missed a Villa game through injury.
What a pro!
Footy you really shouldn’t jinx these things! Great stat though
Oh I hope not!
He's my favourite player.
I love this:
"In one of the most tactically regimented sides in Europe, Luiz is relishing the freedom he has been afforded. Penalties, free kicks, corners, he does it all, but always with an air of modest authority. He’s that one player everyone wanted to be in school. Forget Roy of the Rovers, Luiz is the Roy of Rio"
Source article
https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/douglas-luiz-the-brazilian-midfielder-shining-at-villa-park/
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Football Insider (I know, I know) say we're about to start talks with Dougie over a new contract.
Seems likely given his performances and that Arsenal are still supposedly still interested in him. Would be good to get him tied down, even if only in the worst case scenario we can fleece them.
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Would make sense. If he's not one of our highest earners, he should be.
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
Oh you're right. And it was apparently a long term one, so even if someone was sniffing around we'd still be in a good position. I'll cop to that, Football Insider will never get my attention again.
Interestingly, it was October 14th that he signed last year. That was before Emery came in, right? Committing to us long term even under Gerrard makes you think there's no way he's leaving us now.
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Football Insider (I know, I know) says
Default action = scroll on at this point.
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
Unless there’s a release clause that the owners want re addressed
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
Unless there’s a release clause that the owners want re addressed
Or he's worth more and we're rewarding good performances.
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Plausible that his performances under Emery have earned him a new and improved deal that recognises his importance.
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
What is BS?
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Bad Senegalese. The new member and number one fan of African Car Reverser. He also mentioned there was a French band called Aston Villa in his second post.
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Plausible that his performances under Emery have earned him a new and improved deal that recognises his importance.
i'd assess after the triple header coming up - Spurs/Arsenal/Ci£y . (if indeed there is anew contract floating (which i doubt))
He's a good player but was only a few weeks ago he cost us a goal at Wolves .
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Isn't it only a year since he signed a new one?
That's what I thought ? Sounds like BS
What is BS?
Bad Spanish
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Plausible that his performances under Emery have earned him a new and improved deal that recognises his importance.
i'd assess after the triple header coming up - Spurs/Arsenal/Ci£y . (if indeed there is anew contract floating (which i doubt))
He's a good player but was only a few weeks ago he cost us a goal at Wolves .
He’s one of the best midfielders in the league. Blimey.
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Tough crowd!
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Plausible that his performances under Emery have earned him a new and improved deal that recognises his importance.
i'd assess after the triple header coming up - Spurs/Arsenal/Ci£y . (if indeed there is anew contract floating (which i doubt))
He's a good player but was only a few weeks ago he cost us a goal at Wolves .
Offering him a new contact after he didn't continue his home goal scoring form seems to be pandering to mediocre play. We shouldn't be rewarding failure at all.
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He only had 108 touches and completed 87 of 96 attempted passes, including the assist for the opener, barely even noticed him.
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
I was pissed off with him as well. Had £20 on 3-1 with him to get the first goal, and he let that sodding John McGinn score first instead!
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
yeah that was a bad pass , big opportunity squandered there
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
yeah that was a bad pass , big opportunity squandered there
U a troll or you just stupid?
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
yeah that was a bad pass , big opportunity squandered there
U a troll or you just stupid?
Fisherman casts his fishing line and catches a big fish?
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I was a bit angry with him yesterday when he broke away and it was about 4 on 2, not for the shite pass he chose to make but the fact he didn't just carry on and twat it in himself.
Lack of ambition, get rid.
yeah that was a bad pass , big opportunity squandered there
U a troll or you just stupid?
Fisherman casts his fishing line and catches a big fish?
very average size this one
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From The Athletic
DOUGLAS LIUZ, FROM ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR TO ASTON VILLA’S HEARTBEAT
Douglas Luiz, it was business as usual.
There he sat in the heart of Aston Villa’s midfield, building up the play, causing havoc from set pieces and breaking another individual record.
As Villa made it 12 home league wins in a row in the 3-1 win over Luton Town, up popped Douglas Luiz to assist the opener and, in turn, become the first Villa player to be directly involved in a goal across each of his last seven Premier League home appearances (a run stretching back to last season). Before that, he had beaten Dwight Yorke’s record by scoring in six home games on the bounce.
The latest achievement was on an occasion that marked his 150th Premier League appearance for Villa. He was the cover star on the matchday programme and was discussed at length by head coach Unai Emery, who said he was “proud of the improvement” leading up to the game.
By reaching the milestone, Douglas Luiz also became the first of the current crop to reach the 150-game mark and what makes that even more remarkable is how it was widely accepted he may never get anywhere near that number.
Not only did Villa reject four offers from Arsenal in August 2022, but they had also waited nervously for former club Manchester City to activate the buy-back clause in a deal that saw the Brazilian join for £15million ($18.2m by today’s rates) in July 2019. Villa even went as far as planning for life without him by signing Morgan Sanson for £14million from Marseille.
The next step was to invest further once City paid £30million to buy Douglas Luiz back, but to the surprise of the midfielder and those close to him at Villa, the move was never finalised.
City manager Pep Guardiola instead handed his reliable captain, Fernandinho, a contract extension for another 12 months that summer and decided that Douglas Luiz, the player he signed from Vasco da Gama in 2017 and sent on loan to Spanish side Girona, was no longer required.
That now looks like a missed opportunity for the treble winners who, like the rest of the Premier League, are watching Villa become a serious force. With five goals and an assist this season, Douglas Luiz is one of the top-performing midfielders in the division. At Villa, Douglas Luiz takes the most touches, makes the most passes and is also a leading creative force thanks to his successful passes into the opposition half (top at 278 this season) and most passes into the final third (86).
The 25-year-old has never spoken publicly about those two years when he was waiting for the City recall, but it’s clear it was always on his mind.
Villa were only able to sign Douglas Luiz in the first place because of the buy-back clause as City, who were previously unable to get a work permit for the former Brazil Under-20s captain, looked at alternative ways to control his future.
For a period, Douglas Luiz was left wondering what would happen next.
Missing out on a move to Arsenal hurt more than he let on during an interview with The Athletic last season, too. “A lot happened that day, but I stayed calm about everything,” he said earlier this year, keeping his cards close to his chest.
Douglas Luiz never downed tools and if anything, the chain of events that followed only helped him appreciate everything he now has at Villa, even if there was a degree of disappointment after the City and Arsenal setbacks.
Over the past 12 months under Emery, he has begun to shine and the brave move from owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens and former CEO Christian Purslow to reject multiple requests from Arsenal has now paid off.
After breaking Yorke’s record, Paul Merson, the former Villa midfielder, asked whether Douglas Luiz was the “most underrated player” in the Premier League.
No longer, though, is he flying under the radar as those who have watched his development at Villa now describe him as “world class” and a vital part of the high-flying side now chasing a Champions League dream.
It was the former sporting director, Jesus Garcia Pitarch, who initially met with Douglas Luiz, his father Edmilson, and the agent Carlos Leite as Villa won promotion to the Premier League in the summer of 2019.
Pitarch’s knowledge of the Spanish market led him to the midfielder, who showed plenty of promise and potential during his loan in La Liga at Girona, the club that forms a part of the City Football Group.
In Spain, Pitarch began discussing the project at Villa and put in the early groundwork to get the deal done.
Purslow, with the support of Sawiris and Edens, then got the deal over the line as Douglas Luiz became only the second Brazilian to sign for Villa, just weeks after the striker, Wesley, had moved from Club Bruges. How different the fortunes of each player have since turned out.
Yet it hasn’t been all plain sailing for Douglas Luiz, who struggled for large parts of his first two seasons under Dean Smith and then into his time with Steven Gerrard.
The question for too long was whether he was cut out to be a specialist No 6 or a more attacking No 8.
When Ollie Watkins was taken off penalties after missing spot kicks in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield in May and then during a pre-season friendly, Emery went searching for a replacement.
There was a clear gap and lack of experience that needed addressing. Douglas Luiz was chosen because of his accurate and consistent technique. Alongside MacPhee, he has worked on a routine where he runs slowly before winding up and striking the ball at speed.
Emery admits there’s still much more to come, saying: “Every player has an objective. For Douglas Luiz, it is to improve, to score goals.”
The general feeling is that the manager is over-demanding of Douglas Luiz. He often uses his go-to man as the catalyst to gee up the team, largely because he is the chief conductor. It’s not unusual to see the two sharing words during games and Douglas Luiz then setting the tone with clever movements that have been worked on long and hard on the training pitch.
Yet Emery, alongside the work with individual coach Rodri who has spent extended time with Douglas Luiz in the video analysis room, has shown considerable faith in him as a defensive midfielder from the start.
He’s the only midfield player who has started every Premier League game since Emery joined and the results are there to see, with Douglas Luiz at the heart of it all.
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*thats* how we ended up with Sanson! I didn't know that.
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Douglas Luiz, the first name I look for on our team sheet and the last name I ever want to see on the BBC gossip page.
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*thats* how we ended up with Sanson! I didn't know that.
And why he never played.
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Douglas Luiz, the first name I look for on our team sheet and the last name I ever want to see on the BBC gossip page.
On the latter, I wouldn't get your hopes up! Apparently Arsenal are keen, but are keeping it under the radar.
Seriously, the 'stories' will only increase the more this form continues, and I think barring the odd disappointing result, this is the new normal.
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I think I've spotted Greggggggg's contribution to that piece.
Missing out on a move to Arsenal hurt more than he let on during an interview with The Athletic last season, too
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I think the only way he leaves in the next 12 months would be if he has a release clause.
I think his contract is until 2026 so we'd need to sell summer 2025 at the latest if he doesn't extend.
He's now pretty much our best player, so hopefully he can be tempted to sign a longer deal with a pay rise to reflect that.
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The way all such speculation stops with our top players is when we are a Champions League team. We can go a long way to making that happen by beating a few of them regularly.
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The way all such speculation stops with our top players is when we are a Champions League team. We can go a long way to making that happen by beating a few of them regularly.
It doesn't then stop. It just means that Real Madrid and PSG are being linked with our players rather than Arsenal and Spurs.
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It's inevitable some players will go. My insight is we'll probably lose Gray, Gidman and Little, but be okay in the end.
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I think the only way he leaves in the next 12 months would be if he has a release clause.
I think his contract is until 2026 so we'd need to sell summer 2025 at the latest if he doesn't extend.
He's now pretty much our best player, so hopefully he can be tempted to sign a longer deal with a pay rise to reflect that.
He signed a new contract this time last year, just before Gerrard was sacked. There was a "story" the other day in the gossips that we were going to open talks with him over a new deal after Christmas. Might be nothing in that, but given the entirely different situation at the club since he signed the one last year, and his massive contribution to those changes, we might be about to offer him a much improved contract.
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I think it was a 4 year deal expiring Jun-26.
I'd give him 5 years and put him amongst our top earners.
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The way all such speculation stops with our top players is when we are a Champions League team. We can go a long way to making that happen by beating a few of them regularly.
It doesn't then stop. It just means that Real Madrid and PSG are being linked with our players rather than Arsenal and Spurs.
PSG perhaps, but then again, no guarantee of European success. If it's about the money the Joke league would be the destination. RM are potless but would still be linked.
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The way all such speculation stops with our top players is when we are a Champions League team. We can go a long way to making that happen by beating a few of them regularly.
It doesn't then stop. It just means that Real Madrid and PSG are being linked with our players rather than Arsenal and Spurs.
PSG perhaps, but then again, no guarantee of European success. If it's about the money the Joke league would be the destination. RM are potless but would still be linked.
I don't mean Luiz specifically. I mean the teams who would be linked with our players should we end up in the Champions League. If Diaby pings in another 15 goals and we finish third, PSG will definitely be linked to him next summer. If Kamara keeps up his excellent form I'd imagine Bayern (who are crying out for that kind of midfielder) would be linked.
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If we make Champions League this season I think players will most likely want to stay and play in it with Villa. It'll be the following season, whether we can do it again, will be the issue, in terms of actually losing players.
But I can definitely see the bigger European clubs starting to be linked with our players this summer.
I wouldn't like to lose the likes of Dougie or Kamara, but if we have Champions League to offer, and Emery at the helm, I'd be fairly confident of us being able to attract high standard replacements, even this summer.
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Won Player of the Month for October. Not the toughest decision. https://twitter.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1720019840801337505
Also nominated for the Premier League PotM, as is Unai for MotM.
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*thats* how we ended up with Sanson! I didn't know that.
And why he never played.
He might have earned his fee simply by being at the club and Luiz seeing him as "his replacement". If his improvement in the last two years has anything to do with Sanson waiting in the wings, then he was worth the £14m!
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Most of that Athletic article is toss.
Speculating how Luiz felt 'more hurt than he let on.' How would they honestly know that?
I'd say he was open at the time to a move to Arsenal (and a pay increase). But happy to stay at Villa. We probably have a few players on the books that would apply to.
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Reports suggesting Spurs will try to sign Dougie??
I try to win the lottery every week but it’s not going to happen.
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Some players might leave, but where we have come unstuck in the past is not replacing them with players of comparable quality or better.
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I feel too that Emery won't allow long drawn out sagas that last all summer. If someone wants out they'll be let go, but we'll have someone lined up to replace them before they've packed their bags, and they'll be in before preseason starts. There'll be no last minute exits with no time to replace them.
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West Ham seem to have improved themselves since selling Rice and likewise, Spurs, after selling Kane. We've done it in the past too, selling Yorke and bringing Dublin and Merson in.
You might not want to lose a star player but you hope to make enough money from it that you can strengthen the team as a whole.
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West Ham seem to have improved themselves since selling Rice and likewise, Spurs, after selling Kane. We've done it in the past too, selling Yorke and bringing Dublin and Merson in.
You might not want to lose a star player but you hope to make enough money from it that you can strengthen the team as a whole.
We're better now than when Grealish was here. It just took a genuinely great manager to realise that.
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Luiz signed a contract after the Arsenal interest and could've left for free in the summer. Actions speak louder than words. Let's be calm.
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West Ham seem to have improved themselves since selling Rice and likewise, Spurs, after selling Kane. We've done it in the past too, selling Yorke and bringing Dublin and Merson in.
You might not want to lose a star player but you hope to make enough money from it that you can strengthen the team as a whole.
We're better now than when Grealish was here. It just took a genuinely great manager to realise that.
spot on , Grealish if anything was holding us back as everything had to go via him
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Awful today, should have been subbed off earlier.
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A rare off day for Doug, but he's got years of credit in the bank. The first half set up was rubbish and meant that both Luiz and Kamara looked poor.
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Awful today, should have been subbed off earlier.
Poor today but didnt get the logic of subbing him for the Donk with about 10 mins to go. Maybe Emery just laying down a marker with him. He wasnt the only one at fault but I expected a lot more from him for the first goal.
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Think they recognised that he makes us tick and they worked very hard to give him no time at all.
It worked.
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His piss poor attempt to closedown for the first goal after ball watching was really poor.
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Useless bastard, sell him.
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His piss poor attempt to closedown for the first goal after ball watching was really poor.
Yep piss poor. Cost us the goal at Wolves also . He's great when he plays well but he really needs to add consistency especially if he wants to get back in the Brazil squad .
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His piss poor attempt to closedown for the first goal after ball watching was really poor.
Yep piss poor. Cost us the goal at Wolves also . He's great when he plays well but he really needs to add consistency especially if he wants to get back in the Brazil squad .
I thought Zaniolo was more culpable, he didn't track the run then gave up when the ball was played back, Duggie could and should have closed faster but he was never going to get a block in there.
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Useless bastard, sell him.
I think he and Zanolio set the tone today, the first 10 minutes both were poor and the complacency seemed to spread from them.
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Useless bastard, sell him.
I think he and Zanolio set the tone today, the first 10 minutes both were poor and the complacency seemed to spread from them.
They had an off day. Dougie has been exceptional, if he had a bad day so be it. He’s been absolutely instrumental in why we’re in the top 5.
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Useless bastard, sell him.
I think he and Zanolio set the tone today, the first 10 minutes both were poor and the complacency seemed to spread from them.
They had an off day. Dougie has been exceptional, if he had a bad day so be it. He’s been absolutely instrumental in why we’re in the top 5.
Agree, but he is not beyond criticism.
He was poor today.
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His piss poor attempt to closedown for the first goal after ball watching was really poor.
Yep piss poor. Cost us the goal at Wolves also . He's great when he plays well but he really needs to add consistency especially if he wants to get back in the Brazil squad .
I thought Zaniolo was more culpable, he didn't track the run then gave up when the ball was played back, Duggie could and should have closed faster but he was never going to get a block in there.
Zaniolo did the same for the West Ham goal; stopped tracking back so that Bowen had the chance to cut inside.
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The goal came down their left?
Honestly, I know H&V loves a good scapegoat, but not everything is one guy's fault. The two players most culpable for the goals were probably our two best on most days: Luiz and Martinez.
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Dougie called up for the games against Colombia and Argentina. His first Brasil call-up in 2 years.
https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2023/11/06/convocados-da-selecao-veja-a-terceira-lista-de-fernando-diniz.ghtml
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I'm always torn on things like this. He absolutely deserves it, but I'd be quite happy if he was left out and had a nice 2 weeks off to relax.
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I generally go with the view that it probably makes the player happier, shows he can fulfill his international ambitions, so that’s good for us. Obviously hope and pray he doesn’t get injured!
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I generally go with the view that it probably makes the player happier, shows he can fulfill his international ambitions, so that’s good for us. Obviously hope and pray he doesn’t get injured!
Yep. I worry if a player isn't getting international recognition playing for us there's a concern they may feel a need to move to a more fashionable club to get noticed.
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We have to stop bricking it every time a player gets called up. It’s what they want to achieve while with us. This is not the dark ages where information is limited. If a player is tapped up he doesn’t have to wait for getting together with players from Man City to see it happen. Agents are everywhere and these players are connected. And we need to take comfort that Aston Villa is a superb and ambitious place to be right now. Not like back in the day when as a club, for the most part we were just treading water and there to make up the numbers. Our best players are very well paid and play a club truly headed in the right direction. This is great news for Doug and absolutely well deserved.
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Dougie called up for the games against Colombia and Argentina. His first Brasil call-up in 2 years.
https://ge.globo.com/futebol/selecao-brasileira/noticia/2023/11/06/convocados-da-selecao-veja-a-terceira-lista-de-fernando-diniz.ghtml
Great news !
Happy for Douglas Luiz just concerns for him being readily fit and available for the Spurs match after the international break.
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Dougie called up for the games against Colombia and Argentina. His first Brasil call-up in 2 years.
He deserves it though I imagine he's only in the squad due to the injury of Casemiro. I hope Dougie smashes it. The game at the Maracanã against Argentina will be fun.
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His assist to Watkins deserves special mentioned in his own thread. Wow. Absolutely world class.
He ran the show when he came on against the Dutch Cheese Farmers.
Luiz I rate as a truly special midfield talent. I adore his way of playing football.
I would love to see more of him and Tielemans on the pitch playing football together rather than one or other - that are going to be a devastating combination of midfield brilliance!
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His assist to Watkins deserves special mentioned in his own thread. Wow. Absolutely world class.
He ran the show when he came on against the Dutch Cheese Farmers.
Again, they're called AZ Alkmaar. Call them that
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I'm using the clubs nicknames and respectful enough to use English.
I think again you're missing the point! Douglas Luiz pass was truly wonderful!
Up The Villa!
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You learn something new every day. It seemed an odd thing to call them
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Must be the dutch equivalent of 'sheepshaggers'
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What are the chances of him actually playing for Brazil this break? Just looking at the schedule and they play Argebtina at 00:30 on Wednesday morning.
We don't play until Sunday but he's probably looking at being very late rejoining the squad.
(Same goes for Martinez, I suppose, but slightly different scenario for keepers)
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What are the chances of him actually playing for Brazil this break? Just looking at the schedule and they play Argebtina at 00:30 on Wednesday morning.
We don't play until Sunday but he's probably looking at being very late rejoining the squad.
(Same goes for Martinez, I suppose, but slightly different scenario for keepers)
Looking at their squad, I reckon he'll play. They look a bit thin in midfield.
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and they play Argebtina at 00:30
Do you have to take the piss out of their accent? Tsk!
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and they play Argebtina at 00:30
Do you have to take the piss out of their accent? Tsk!
My fat thumbs hitting the wrong keys there. How many times have I misspelled it that autocorrect thinks it is a word though, is the worrying thing.
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
True , Ian Wright on MOTD didn't even know his name lol
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
Aah, yes but the Arse are circling again, preparing an Emile Smith-Rowe plus cash offer for a January swoop!
I hope we are bracing ourselves!!
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
Aah, yes but the Arse are circling again, preparing an Emile Smith-Rowe plus cash offer for a January swoop!
I hope we are bracing ourselves!!
If he really wanted to leave then Smith Rowe would be a brilliant option. Still hope he stays put though
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
Aah, yes but the Arse are circling again, preparing an Emile Smith-Rowe plus cash offer for a January swoop!
I hope we are bracing ourselves!!
If he really wanted to leave then Smith Rowe would be a brilliant option. Still hope he stays put though
if smith Rowe isn't good enough for the Arsenal he not good enough for us
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I thought Martinez wasnt good enough for Arsenal?
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
Aah, yes but the Arse are circling again, preparing an Emile Smith-Rowe plus cash offer for a January swoop!
I hope we are bracing ourselves!!
If he really wanted to leave then Smith Rowe would be a brilliant option. Still hope he stays put though
if smith Rowe isn't good enough for the Arsenal he not good enough for us
I thought Martinez wasnt good enough for Arsenal?
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
Aah, yes but the Arse are circling again, preparing an Emile Smith-Rowe plus cash offer for a January swoop!
I hope we are bracing ourselves!!
How long do we need to brace ourselves to say fuck off.
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Nobody, other than us really know how brilliant he is.
True , Ian Wright on MOTD didn't even know his name lol
…but did say he was brilliant.
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I thought Martinez wasnt good enough for Arsenal?
Thought he wasn't good enough for Villa, using same logic, at the time. Spectacularly wrong. Arteta has gone through a number of keepers since and none remotely in Martinez class.
Douglas Luiz has the ability to be playing for the likes of Real Madrid. He's already better than Kovacic at Man City. Think both City and Arsenal have missed the boat there.
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Was there an issue with Luiz getting a work permit when he was at Man City? That's why they had to keep loaning him out? Seems to have worked in our favour in the long run.
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Was there an issue with Luiz getting a work permit when he was at Man City? That's why they had to keep loaning him out? Seems to have worked in our favour in the long run.
I’m sure there was too. I think he could get a work permit whilst at villa because he was considered an integral part of the squad (wages) whereas at Man City that was considered a reserves’ wage.
That’s how i remember it but no idea what rules where being applied or if I completely imagined it.
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So Arsenal are going to offer us a player we don't want or need, who's never fit for a player we do need, who's never injured.
The media presumably just expect us to roll over & comply with the big boys request.
I understand that in the past we have lost key players, but things are different now.
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You have to laugh at the speculated value of Dougie in the media. Provided there's not a specific release clause in his contract he won't be going anywhere, and certainly not for £60m.
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If it were £60m he'd literally already be gone, should he wish it. Basic logic:
Arsenal interested in him;
Arsenal signed Havertz for £60m to play in midfield;
Luiz had a miles better last season than Havertz.
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Citeh failed to get a work permit for him initially so sent him on loan he came back signed for us for £15m, we got a permit, but Citeh retained a £25m buyback clause which they did not trigger. Hence our gain.
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So Arsenal are going to offer us a player we don't want or need, who's never fit for a player we do need, who's never injured.
Oh FFS, international duty injury incoming. :(
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You have to laugh at the speculated value of Dougie in the media. Provided there's not a specific release clause in his contract he won't be going anywhere, and certainly not for £60m.
Rice and Caicedo going for £100m have set the benchmark.
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We should be grateful to doff our caps, take a sicknote player who turned us down previously so that The Arsewipes can pay less than they want to for a player we do not want to sell.
Having said that does his new contract have a price clause in it ?
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We should be grateful to doff our caps, take a sicknote player who turned us down previously so that The Arsewipes can pay less than they want to for a player we do not want to sell.
Having said that does his new contract have a price clause in it ?
Well, if his new contract does have a price clause in it, we should find a buyer outside the premier league and not give those Arseholes the satisfaction of getting one of our best players on the cheap.
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We should be grateful to doff our caps, take a sicknote player who turned us down previously so that The Arsewipes can pay less than they want to for a player we do not want to sell.
Having said that does his new contract have a price clause in it ?
Well, if his new contract does have a price clause in it, we should find a buyer outside the premier league and not give those Arseholes the satisfaction of getting one of our best players on the cheap.
Or just give him a nice bump-up in pay in return for signing a new long-term contract with no release clause.
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If there is a clause then the Smith-Rowe links don't make sense because his value is subjective and wouldn't be counted towards triggering anything.
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If there is a clause then the Smith-Rowe links don't make sense because his value is subjective and wouldn't be counted towards triggering anything.
Almost like they're just making it up as they go along...
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If there is a clause then the Smith-Rowe links don't make sense because his value is subjective and wouldn't be counted towards triggering anything.
Almost like they're just making it up as they go along...
Exactly.
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International slow news week as well, got to fill that content somehow.
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Don't forget they will all be negotiating with Monchi as well!
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Hope to see Douglas Luiz Playing some minutes for Brazil.
The matches he's called up are for Colombia away Friday and World Champions Argentina home Wednesday .
Duran not called up for Colombia
Martinez called up for Argentina
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That game against World Champions Only Because Martinez Stopped Muani's Shot Otherwise France Would Have Three Stars Argentina is tasty, on paper at least.
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Colombia 2-1 Brazil
Brazil starting 11 v Colombia:
Alisson.Gabriel, Marquinhos, Renan Lodi, Emerson Royal, André, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior Rodrygo
82nd minute Douglas Luiz came on.
Diaz of Liverpool Scored both goals. Fair play to him
Martinelli opened scoring.
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
And they can feck right off in January, too.
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FIFA 2024 for Christmas innit?
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
Where?
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We probably won't hear anything substantial about selling players that we don't want to sell. Because clubs won't be given any encouragement and we'll flat bat any interest away.
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
Where?
copy and paste job from Footy Insider
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
I mentioned this in the transfer thread a few days ago, but there's always the possibility it's Luiz's agents trying to get him a bigger deal with us. There was talk a while ago about us opening negotiations with him about a new deal after Christmas.
There was stories about Watkins talking to Arsenal just before he signed his new contract last month.
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
Where?
copy and paste job from Footy Insider
I have no doubt there are plenty of club who covet Dougie, and Arsenal might be one of them. Some of them might even approach us or make a bid - but that is still a million miles away from him actually leaving. If were mid-table I'd be a "bit" worried, but we're not. We have upward momentum, he's playing well, in a system that seems to suit him, he's scoring goals, and he's back in the Brazil squad - WHY would he want to leave for a club that has the same chance of silverwear this season as we do?
Dougie - as with a few other of our better players with their peak years still ahead of them - might well have their heads turned at some point in the future if it feels like we've stopped improving. But we're not there yet. I really don't see us selling ANYONE we don't want to sell in January. Unless it's really crazy money and Unai/Monchi believe they can weave some magic with the proceeds.
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Romano saying Arsenal coming in for Luiz again in January.
Where?
On his exclusive blog for subscribers* only.
*which I'm not.
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I so hope this quote is true.
https://twitter.com/espenstrand/status/1725489647717920853
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Ha ha, yes I hope so too!
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Colombia 2-1 Brazil
Brazil starting 11 v Colombia:
Alisson.Gabriel, Marquinhos, Renan Lodi, Emerson Royal, André, Bruno Guimarães, Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Vinícius Júnior Rodrygo
82nd minute Douglas Luiz came on.
Diaz of Liverpool Scored both goals. Fair play to him
Martinelli opened scoring.
i noticed Duran wasn't on the Colombia bench was he called into the squad or not this time ?
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i noticed Duran wasn't on the Colombia bench was he called into the squad or not this time ?
He's not in the squad.
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Has he still got a hurty toe?
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I so hope this quote is true.
https://twitter.com/espenstrand/status/1725489647717920853
Saka said same about Man City earlier this year.
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The gap between us and Arsenal has closed considerably between last season and this. If we weren’t interested in selling him then we won’t be now. The price is much, much higher anyway. Doug is critical to Emery’s system. He’s not easily replaceable and is why he won’t be going anywhere.
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Hopefully. He’s key to us, but reality is we have no idea what’s written into his contract. Either way I’d hope we are looking at signing him to a new one, he justifies revised terms.
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A second RB and a new deal for Dougie would be a good January for me. Anything else is a bonus.
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I think he's worth more to us now than Ratboy was valued at when he fucked off.
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I so hope this quote is true.
https://twitter.com/espenstrand/status/1725489647717920853
Saka said same about Man City earlier this year.
He didn't say that. Someone just made it up - and then it went viral. I saw the original tweet - which was clearly a joke by a no-one.
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A second RB and a new deal for Dougie would be a good January for me. Anything else is a bonus.
Plus John Burridge as understudy/life mentor to Emi.
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God - the press are really trying hard to flog Doughie to arsenal.
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Such a delightful footballer.
That was a world-class delivery for the Pau goal.
Did you see the exchange with Digne on a free kick from shooting distance, as Doug really fancied it despite being more suited generally to a left-footer
Digne and Bailey had to convince him it's not for him. rightly so in many ways. Digne took it and whipped over the wall to produce a save.
Dougie fancies it all though, could see he fancied it!
Man can score from corners!
I'm excited anytime he takes a set piece.
Love him!
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God - the press are really trying hard to flog Doughie to arsenal.
Today I saw a report suggesting Man City want to buy him back
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Ker-ching!!
That'll be £200m, please -all up front, as you may not actually be in the league much longer.
Oh yes, and we'll have Grealish back as well in case we run short of programme-sellers.
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I’m guessing the media didn’t like us beating their favourite team yesterday - seems like our whole squad will be available in a sort of “Black Friday sale”
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That's right. The media.
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We're in the top 4, on merit, and some of our best players are having excellent seasons. Of COURSE they're going to be linked with moves away. That's what happens.
Other teams wanting our players, and those teams getting our players are very different things.
I'm more interested in how we strengthen in January from a position of strength. We might not still be in the top four come January, given we play 3 other top four contenders in December, but we'll certainly still be in the European football mix, which is a world away from where we were in January last year. It will be nice to be in January looking to see who we can buy to strengthen the squad, rather than who we can buy to 'replace' someone in the current 11.
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The Arsenal links are particularly weird at the moment in so far as they make absolutely no logical sense. Luiz has 3 years left on his deal. They'd have to give us Declan Rice 100m type money to buy him, which even they can't do in consecutive windows due to FFP.
At least last season, it (sort of) made sense as his deal was running down and he wasn't in the team. Now though it's a total non story. He's obviously not going anywhere in January.
Even if we don't qualify for the Champions League, and a CL club comes in for him next summer, the club would be asking for 100m.
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A few weeks ago the "links" were saying that Arsenal couldn't afford him so they wanted to offer cash and Emile Smith-Rowe. They were only valuing DL at about £65mil, I think, so it was ESR plus about 30mil, I reckon. Which is laughable.
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I have really come to love this player since Emery arrived & sprinkled his magic eye over his game.
I always thought that Douglas Luiz was a 'Jack of all trades & master of fuck all'.
Don't get me wrong, I respected the fact that he was playing out of position, & was playing pretty well on a pretty consistent basis, but I did not foresee the absolute "world class" footballer that he has become under Emerys guide.
Giving him permission to control the ball in tight areas has been key the change in his game & I absolutely love watching him on the ball.
And for the record, my own personal interpretation for the definition of "world class", means that I do not think there are many players in world football that I would currently swap for Douglas Luiz...
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Arsenal, Citeh AND Liverpool in this morning links. Media obviously desperate to flog him for us, Kamara will be next, no doubt!
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It's odd, because while he's been great this season he's just carrying on his form from last season rather than really stepping up.
So given Arsenal bid £60m for Mount, £70m for Caicedo and then signed Havertz for £60m, in addition to the £100m for Rice, why didn't they just try and get him in the summer?
They clearly had the money to at least make us talk. Even if I don't think we'd have chosen to sell for those numbers above. It can't be that they've suddenly decided he's better than they thought.
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It's odd, because while he's been great this season he's just carrying on his form from last season rather than really stepping up.
So given Arsenal bid £60m for Mount, £70m for Caicedo and then signed Havertz for £60m, in addition to the £100m for Rice, why didn't they just try and get him in the summer?
They clearly had the money to at least make us talk. Even if I don't think we'd have chosen to sell for those numbers above. It can't be that they've suddenly decided he's better than they thought.
They don't like the thought of Villa 'treading on their territory' and becoming a threat!!
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Havertz hasn't really worked out for them, no matter how adorable Arteta thinks he is.
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You have to think this is now part of the "game" to disrupt up and coming challengers.
As if FFP does not hamstrung you enough when challenging the the usual suspects then lets pick off your best players.
For me Luiz has to be worth £90m plus but what is the point in selling your best established players of that quality if you want to compete?
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You have to think this is now part of the "game" to disrupt up and coming challengers.
As if FFP does not hamstrung you enough when challenging the the usual suspects then lets pick off your best players.
We'd do exactly the same, given half a chance. And have done, when we've been given the chance.
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I can only think there is a release clause in the new contract he signed. There's too much noise around this for there not to be.
I remember there being talk that legally the Grealish one couldn't be revealed by the press but clearly it was known about internally.
If Luiz has got a clause and it's only £60m there will definitely be bids. I imagine the club are trying to offer him a new deal if this is the case.
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It's just content filler and it's informed by ignorance, so best to ignore.
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I can't believe anyone thinks it is possible for a player to have a release clause and it not be known.
His agent will make it known to anyone who asks, there's no benefit whatsoever for the player in trying to keep it secret.
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Grealish's wasn't widely know until very late, was it?
I think I'd be more surprised if Duggie didn't have one, he was holding the cards during the last negotiations.
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Grealish's wasn't widely know until very late, was it?
I think I'd be more surprised if Duggie didn't have one, he was holding the cards during the last negotiations.
Grealish's will have been known to any club or agent who asked about it from the day he signed it. Whether the wider public know about it doesn't really change anything.
I dunno re Luiz. He was clearly on the up at that point, but he wasn't anything like as important to us as he is now.
I can't see us wanting to sell him (if there is no release clause) in January, and tbh, and I know I am asking for it now, i can't see him wanting to leave, either, not mid-season.
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I could see him doing like Caicedo and signing a new deal in January then leaving for 100mil in the summer.
I wouldn't want to lose him but look at what Emery did over the simmer with not much more than that amount. We could probably get 2 world class replacements in and have a bit of change left over.
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I dunno re Luiz. He was clearly on the up at that point, but he wasn't anything like as important to us as he is now.
But he was still a useful enough player that Arsenal wanted to spend somewhere in the region of £25m on him, and he could have joined them (or anyone else) for nothing nine months later.
He's more valuable to us now than he was then, but he definitely held all the cards at the point he signed that contract last year.
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I suppose my point is that there a lot of people saying 'I haven't heard about a release clause so he probably hasn't got one'. I think that conversely, on the balance of probability, he has.
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so Villa starting to scare the Sky wank offs . They did it to Leicester when they took Kante to chelski , Mahrez to the oils and Arsenal tried to get Vardy , to be fair to Albert he turned them down , oh and Drinkwater pmsl to Chelski .
This villa is not that Leicester , they can all fuck up . This Villa are going places.
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I suppose my point is that there a lot of people saying 'I haven't heard about a release clause so he probably hasn't got one'. I think that conversely, on the balance of probability, he has.
If he has then I really hope its not for something paltry like 60 million
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Grealish's wasn't widely know until very late, was it?
I think I'd be more surprised if Duggie didn't have one, he was holding the cards during the last negotiations.
I agree.
The other thing is, clubs only bid for players once they know the player wants the move, and Arsenal made several last season.
I appreciate others will disagree, but I think the only thing keeping him here after January will be Arsenal's FFP situation. I don't know if they have that kind of room.
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I can't believe anyone thinks it is possible for a player to have a release clause and it not be known.
His agent will make it known to anyone who asks, there's no benefit whatsoever for the player in trying to keep it secret.
It absolutely will be known (if there is one) which is why I suspect there are so many links, probably coming from his team.
The grey area is whether the press can report there's one.
I hope he's happy here and will stay as it would massively disrupt us. Fingers crossed it's all bullshit
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I suppose my point is that there a lot of people saying 'I haven't heard about a release clause so he probably hasn't got one'. I think that conversely, on the balance of probability, he has.
If he has then I really hope its not for something paltry like 60 million
I'm aware we are getting into hypotheticals and negatvity but, if thats what he wanted to sign the new contract and protect us from him walking away for nothing, we would surely have agreed wouldn't we, supposing that the offer that we had from Arsenal at that time was a reported £25m?
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Why would the press be bound by anything in a contract between Villa and Duggie?
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Why would the press be bound by anything in a contract between Villa and Duggie?
I remember Gregg Evans (I know, I know) saying the Grealish one was bound by confidentiality hence it never being reported on until he'd left.
But these things are all cloak and daggers.
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Why would the press be bound by anything in a contract between Villa and Duggie?
They would be and so would the agent.
It does not mean the information does not become known by certain parties but publishing it without evidence presents a level of risk.
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Maybe Duggie fancies living in London, he came close to joining Arsenal before
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Yes I can understand the agent, employed by one of the parties in the contract, being bound by a confidentially clause. But the press?
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Why would the press be bound by anything in a contract between Villa and Duggie?
They would be and so would the agent.
It does not mean the information does not become known by certain parties but publishing it without evidence presents a level of risk.
The agent might be, but there's no way the press wouldn't be able to report on it if they were bored enough.
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The self-defeatism of our fans is alarming. FFS there are rumours about almost every player out there who is something more than decent. I know we are burdened by experience but we just need to calm down. Trust that our owners will tell whoever comes for any of out key players to fuck off.
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The self-defeatism of our fans is alarming. FFS there are rumours about almost every player out there who is something more than decent. I know we are burdened by experience but we just need to calm down. Trust that our owners will tell whoever comes for any of out key players to fuck off.
Its not 'self defeatism' its being realistic - you cant tell another party to fuck off when you've got a release clause. And chances are he's got one.
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The self-defeatism of our fans is alarming. FFS there are rumours about almost every player out there who is something more than decent. I know we are burdened by experience but we just need to calm down. Trust that our owners will tell whoever comes for any of out key players to fuck off.
Its not 'self defeatism' its being realistic - you cant tell another party to fuck off when you've got a release clause. And chances are he's got one.
And I don't think there's anyone on here who isn't perfectly "calm" about the situation.
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The self-defeatism of our fans is alarming. FFS there are rumours about almost every player out there who is something more than decent. I know we are burdened by experience but we just need to calm down. Trust that our owners will tell whoever comes for any of out key players to fuck off.
...........if they can.
I get your point and until this weekend I've not really thought it was an actual possibility. But I must admit that I'm starting to wonder. There's so much consistent reporting for it to be just a bit of skullduggery from other clubs trying to unsettle our progress. I'm increasingly minded to believe that there could well be a genuine interest from at least 2 of the 3 clubs above us and a probable release clause. The question will be is that clause 'low' enough for said clubs to pay it: they'd get a brilliant player and destabilise a genuine contender for the top 4 in one go. And of course whether Luiz wants to leave.
Also, I found it a bit jarring that Emery was asked about it after the Spurs game. It felt a very bold question from the reporter if there is nothing in it - we'd just gone 4th beating the 4th placed team so it wasn't like there was a paucity of questions or stuff to comment on already. Did anybody ask Guardiola about Real Madrids rumoured interest in Halaand after their draw with Liverpool? Nope.
So, yes absolutely tell them all fuck right off regardless of the fee on offer... if we can. But if they can't, because the player / the players agent wants the move, well then prepare for us to be derailed, first with loads more rumour (it's only fecking November!), and possibly with the loss of yet another key player as we are properly on the ascent. Again!
On the flip side, if this is about a new contract, please Villa, just get on with it and spare us another 2 months of speculation.
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I can remember being as surprised that Dougie had signed a new contract as I was when Grealish did, particularly as we were going nowhere under Gerrard. Makes sense there would be a release clause for him to commit to us, and it may be lower than we think.
My hope is that he recognises the direction we’re heading and wants to be part of it. If he goes, I have 100% confidence the club will already have plans to manage the change positively and Unai will have exactly what he wants. We haven’t seen that before.
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I don't think he's going anywhere for the moment, but to be honest, even if he did, though it would be a sad day because he's brilliant, it still wouldn't be the end of the world.
There's only really one person we absolutely cannot afford to lose, and that's Unai Emery.
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The self-defeatism of our fans is alarming. FFS there are rumours about almost every player out there who is something more than decent. I know we are burdened by experience but we just need to calm down. Trust that our owners will tell whoever comes for any of out key players to fuck off.
Its not 'self defeatism' its being realistic - you cant tell another party to fuck off when you've got a release clause. And chances are he's got one.
And I don't think there's anyone on here who isn't perfectly "calm" about the situation.
Agreed, even my previous post about the media conspiring to unsettle him was largely tongue in cheek. However as Rigadon points out, the Dougie speculation does feel very persistent in comparison to Ollie, SJM, Kamara, Konsa, Emi etc.
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I don't know about the other teams but I don't see why we wouldn't believe that Arsenal want him, given they tired to sign him not that long ago, and despite their summer spending they haven't actually improved this season.
The two questions I'd have are 1) what does Dougie want, and 2) can Arsenal actually afford him in January. There's been several stories about them offering player plus cash, or having to sell someone else before they can bid.
Another thing worth noting is that we've been linked over the past few days with Tierney. Whether there's any truth, who knows, but a player plus cash deal for a player we're actually interested in is more likely than them just throwing their unwanted goods at us.
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I don't know about the other teams but I don't see why we wouldn't believe that Arsenal want him, given they tired to sign him not that long ago, and despite their summer spending they haven't actually improved this season.
Indeed. It would hardly be surprising if other teams want to buy him, given he's really, really good. Why on earth wouldn't they want to sign him?
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I don't know about the other teams but I don't see why we wouldn't believe that Arsenal want him, given they tired to sign him not that long ago, and despite their summer spending they haven't actually improved this season.
Indeed. It would hardly be surprising if other teams want to buy him, given he's really, really good. Why on earth wouldn't they want to sign him?
It wouldn't be surprising if they were all interested, but there's certainly more weight to the Arsenal links given they've actively tried to buy him before. The other ones could simply be the standard rumours that pop up when a "lesser" team has a good spell. Or it could be Man City and Liverpool messing with Arsenal, trying to up the price a bit. Could be any number of things, but as far as I'm concerned the Arsenal one is probably the only one worth keeping half an eye on.
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He won't be going anywhere in January anyway. He probably has a release clause built into his new contract, would have been silly not to let's be honest. Another reason to strengthen our midfield 'roster' this January if we could. If the worse were to happen next summer then we have someone bedded down in the club. I don't think Emery trusts Tielemans in that double pivot yet, Luiz excels there obviously.
I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division. Luiz might well be very settled with us too, back in Brazil squad, European club football for the first time and playing at a very high level with an elite coach.
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My biggest hope is that he seems with feet firm on the ground and has worked hard to get where he is, a top player at a top club, playing every minute. That is not given and it took a while for him.
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Surely even with a release clause it's still the player's decision if/when an offer comes in that matches or betters that clause? I would be amazed if he went in January and i suspect [assuming there is a release clause] a lot will depend on if we are in Europe and what competition we are in if he decides to leave in the Summer.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
There arguably wasn't a Raya sized hole at Arsenal, but they still went out and got him. Not that I think Emi would have gone back there. The good thing now is that we've got the owners who are minted enough to stand up to potential buyers, and a manager ably demonstrating that players can achieve their ambitions here. I hope we absolutely thunder-funeral Arsenal, with a Luiz masterclass. Nothing would say "why would he go there" like finishing the year above them.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
There arguably wasn't a Raya sized hole at Arsenal, but they still went out and got him.
True, but if Brentford had been in a position to demand the £80m+ we'd have asked for Emi then Raya would still be there.
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I guess 40 years of following Villa has made me cynical and pessimistic, but when you ask 'why would he go to X' the answer is that they would probably pay him a shit load more money than we would.
I read Olly is our highest paid player at £150k a week, I'd be surprised if that would get him into the top 30 players in the league.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
Surely he's miles better than Onana for one? Allison and Ederson fair enough aren't going anywhere and going back to Arsenal under Arteta never an option.
Agreed on Luiz, maybe Liverpool not an option as to be fair they seem to have refreshed their midfield successfully in one transfer window. He improves all the others without doubt.
Luiz is a fantastic player but he's not really as critical as Grealish was when he left us. Deano/Purslow made a mess of replacing him but I'd have full confidence that Emery wouldn't make the same mistakes if Luiz went elsewhere next summer.
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I guess 40 years of following Villa has made me cynical and pessimistic, but when you ask 'why would he go to X' the answer is that they would probably pay him a shit load more money than we would.
That, plus we don't know what's going on with him personally. It might be that he thinks that playing for Arsenal might bump him up the international pecking order. He might be great mates with Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus and wants to spend more time hanging out in London with them. He might just think that a 90% chance of qualifying for the Champions League with Arsenal is a better bet than a 50% chance with Villa.
There are also plenty of good reasons why he'd want to stay, but it's not as if there aren't a number of factors that would go into any decision he had to make.
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Probably better churrascarias in London as well.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
Surely he's miles better than Onana for one?
He is, but the Ajax Onana was miles better than the Man Utd Onana and when Ten Hag can sign the guy who was excellent for him before, for half of what we'd ask for Emi for then he's always going to go in that direction.
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Paint a perfect picture
Bring to life a vision in one's mind
The beautiful ones
Always smash the picture
Always, everytime
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
Which I really don't believe we do. We made a small profit in the last set of accounts, and have since sold the likes of Archer and got people like Ings off the books. Plus I imagine Heck is like Scrooge McDuck from the Terrace View takings...
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Dave, stop crushing my dreams.
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
Which I really don't believe we do. We made a small profit in the last set of accounts, and have since sold the likes of Archer and got people like Ings off the books. Plus I imagine Heck is like Scrooge McDuck from the Terrace View takings...
Pretty sure I saw a ballot for Terrace View tickets on the official site the other day. If so it must be really popular but can anyone shed any light on that? Is it packed out? Anyone been in there?
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I’d be stunned if any key player left in January considering we have a legitimate chance to qualify for the CL next season. So I don’t see any deal being sanctioned by the club AKA Unai Emery. I don’t dismiss players might leave for stupid money or more likely in the summer if we have missed out on the CL.
If Arsenal really wanted him they could have got him £80m ago. They didn’t. So unless they think they are a midfielder away for £110m or so, which they’re not (more a top striker) then I think this is entirely media talk headed into the window than anything more concrete.
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
Which I really don't believe we do. We made a small profit in the last set of accounts, and have since sold the likes of Archer and got people like Ings off the books. Plus I imagine Heck is like Scrooge McDuck from the Terrace View takings...
Pretty sure I saw a ballot for Terrace View tickets on the official site the other day. If so it must be really popular but can anyone shed any light on that? Is it packed out? Anyone been in there?
They are balloting because it’s not sold out or packed out. I went West Ham it was not very good and would not do it again unless I was desperate for a ticket and had no other way of getting one.
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
Which I really don't believe we do. We made a small profit in the last set of accounts, and have since sold the likes of Archer and got people like Ings off the books. Plus I imagine Heck is like Scrooge McDuck from the Terrace View takings...
Pretty sure I saw a ballot for Terrace View tickets on the official site the other day. If so it must be really popular but can anyone shed any light on that? Is it packed out? Anyone been in there?
They are balloting because it’s not sold out or packed out. I went West Ham it was not very good and would not do it again unless I was desperate for a ticket and had no other way of getting one.
Do you mean they're balloting to create a sense of false scarcity?
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The only way Luiz goes is if we need a massive FFP lift.
Which I really don't believe we do. We made a small profit in the last set of accounts, and have since sold the likes of Archer and got people like Ings off the books. Plus I imagine Heck is like Scrooge McDuck from the Terrace View takings...
Pretty sure I saw a ballot for Terrace View tickets on the official site the other day. If so it must be really popular but can anyone shed any light on that? Is it packed out? Anyone been in there?
They are balloting because it’s not sold out or packed out. I went West Ham it was not very good and would not do it again unless I was desperate for a ticket and had no other way of getting one.
Do you mean they're balloting to create a sense of false scarcity?
The ballot is free.
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Unai: “Douglas is playing very good. He’s improved a lot, his commitment is amazing. I am very happy with him, and I want to keep him, of course. I think he’s happy with us. He’s coming on with his national team. And his performance like today was amazing, fantastic. I want him.”
That's good enough for me. Good luck to Arsenal selling the injured Thomas Partley who has missed 43 of their last 127 PL games.
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I think he’s likely got a release clause and it’d be painful if he did leave, he’s always had potential but has only really come into his own since SUE arrived. Would he be as effective and influential for someone else as he is for us? I’m thinking along the lines of Benteke and Grealish who have had nowhere near the same level of performance since leaving although they were in the top level of players in their position in the league.
Hopefully he’ll realise he’s into something good and the grass isn’t always greener.
All speculation and lots of ifs and buts. Emery would find or improve someone to take his place and we’d soon forget about him and have a big wad of cash as well.
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Arsenal spent £200m+ in the summer, they'll have to ship out players before making any further major signings I expect and signing Luiz from us, at this point, would cost them a healthy amount of money. Emery's comments seem to indicate an interest from elsewhere, so we'll see what happens I guess. Would be a shame and he's been with us for a while now, 150-plus appearances, but I expect he backs himself to get better.
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I’d be prioritising trying to give him a new deal. I know he signed one last year, but he’s kicked on and if we can improve his terms then we should.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Probably not, but that's because the press couldn't run 'Salah to Arsenal' rumours but they can run 'Luiz to Arsenal''. I think posters are responding within that worldview rather than personally embracing it.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Nope. But I wonder if any other top 4 managers were asked about selling their best players this weekend, or any weekend after a win at another top 4 rival. Nope again. How many top 4 players (fringe aside) are being currently being rumoured constantly with moves to other top 4 teams? Again, none.
I think there is a big link here, between coverage, expectation and an apparent comfort with "flying under the radar", and that is a link we need to break. Every time in the modern era that we've been in this position (on the cusp of breaking the modern glass ceiling), our best player have been picked off, mostly when we didn't need the money. Fly under the radar and you are a flash in the pan, open to being raided by the 'real deal'.
Maybe we fan the flames and invite this type of coverage because of past insecurities - there is some truth in that.
From my perspective, accepting that any kind of deal for Luiz in January would be anything other than completely and utterly shit, is mad. I don't care if it's £150m. Whatever, it's irrelevant. If we sold him to a rival *now* we'd be sending every single wrong signal out.
The maddening thing is that, much like the Grealish transfer, we might not have much of a say.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Liverpool forums have pages and pages about whether Salah was going to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, what terms might be accepted, what the player's motivation might be.
Same for Arsenal when Saliba was linked with PSG. Just because we're doing well doesn't mean that we have some sort of shield against other clubs potentially wanting to sign our players.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
Chelsea and Man Utd would of bought Emi over the keepers they bought, if they could of got him. I don’t believe your point is correct.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Liverpool forums have pages and pages about whether Salah was going to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, what terms might be accepted, what the player's motivation might be.
Same for Arsenal when Saliba was linked with PSG. Just because we're doing well doesn't mean that we have some sort of shield against other clubs potentially wanting to sign our players.
Neither example being a direct rival for a top 4 position. But I get your point - it's not just Villa who lose good players. It is about timing though!
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
Chelsea and Man Utd would of bought Emi over the keepers they bought, if they could of got him. I don’t believe your point is correct.
Release clause or lack there of? His age maybe? Or maybe his desire to stay at Villa. Fuck knows, but any 'noise' has been well off the scale in comparison with Luiz.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Liverpool forums have pages and pages about whether Salah was going to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, what terms might be accepted, what the player's motivation might be.
Same for Arsenal when Saliba was linked with PSG. Just because we're doing well doesn't mean that we have some sort of shield against other clubs potentially wanting to sign our players.
Neither example being a direct rival for a top 4 position. But I get your point - it's not just Villa who lose good players. It is about timing though!
Why aren't they? I imagine they're not aiming to finish outside the top four.
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
Liverpool forums have pages and pages about whether Salah was going to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, what terms might be accepted, what the player's motivation might be.
Same for Arsenal when Saliba was linked with PSG. Just because we're doing well doesn't mean that we have some sort of shield against other clubs potentially wanting to sign our players.
Neither example being a direct rival for a top 4 position. But I get your point - it's not just Villa who lose good players. It is about timing though!
Why aren't they? I imagine they're not aiming to finish outside the top four.
Meant the clubs 'swooping'.
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As long as the saying “every player has a price” remains a true statement, then our players will be linked with a club higher up in the food chain. Just as we do to clubs lower than us when we come looking. It doesn’t mean it’s a nailed on thing they will leave. Many Villa fans are getting carried away with the possibility of our best midfielder leaving, overlooking the environment we have created that would result in the opposite. Not all players want instant gratification.
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Let’s not worry about this - we’ll probably be top of the league in January!
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I wonder if any other top four supporters are talking about selling their best players?
It's Dave's fault!
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The fact you’ve been banging on about this for what seems like months shows what a good season we are having. This sort of anguished soul searching is normally directed at why we haven’t sacked our manager/lynched the chairman etc.
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I'm surprised we kept Martinez last summer but we did, he's the best keeper in the division.
I don't see why. There was no market for him, so even had he wanted to leave there was nowhere for him to go to.
The big difference between the two is that there are plenty of wealthy and potentially attractive teams with a DL-sized hold in their midfield. There weren't any with Emi-sized one in goal.
Chelsea and Man Utd would of bought Emi over the keepers they bought, if they could of got him. I don’t believe your point is correct.
Release clause or lack there of? His age maybe? Or maybe his desire to stay at Villa. Fuck knows, but any 'noise' has been well off the scale in comparison with Luiz.
Theres was loads of the same noise about Martinez early in the summer then it just died. All the ‘noise’ about man city and liverpool has just emerged and lots of it on shite sites. The Arsenal stuff wont go away, but nearly every article Ive read ends with Villa are under no pressure to sell, it will in all likelihood not happen (a sale) or words to that effect.
Even if and it is an if Dougie has had his head turned, January, we’re either in the top four or in touching distance, still in Europe hopefully, it’s just ridiculous to think we’d even contemplate it, or that he couldn’t hold onto the summer, if and i say if (with pure fred elliot gusto) he has had his head turned.
Load of old shite I think and people should stop worrying until something does happen.
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What is Dougie currently getting as his weekly wage? Does anyone have a rough idea?
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What is Dougie currently getting as his weekly wage? Does anyone have a rough idea?
The interwebs suggest around £75,000 per week.
Take that with as big a pinch of salt as you wish, but it probably feels about right.
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What is Dougie currently getting as his weekly wage? Does anyone have a rough idea?
The interwebs suggest around £75,000 per week.
Take that with as big a pinch of salt as you wish, but it probably feels about right.
If that figure is anywhere near accurate you can see why his representatives would be using the Arsenal links, or my other club for that matter, as a bargaining chip to get a better deal with us. If he’s regarded as one of the best midfielders in the league he’s probably outside the top 25 earners in his position.
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Yup. Certainly you'd think that someone is going to be paying him double that by next summer.
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Yup. Certainly you'd think that someone is going to be paying him double that by next summer.
Or by Christmas (hopefully it's us!).
According to some shit websites we are 'eyeing' Stephen Ire...AHEM, Kalvin Phillips as a replacement if the 'big' clubs 'want' Luiz.
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Whilst 75k a week is obviously still a totally ridiculous sum of money for any footballer to be paid, it clearly wouldn't reflect Dougie's ability in comparison to midfielders that he is considerably better than.
If that is indeed the figure that he is on, then hopefully the club would be looking at improving that with a view to removing a release clause from the contract (If indeed there is one)
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This is the price of success everybody wants our top players the Dougie to Arsenal link as been around a while I'm not worried I think he will stay no matter what Arsenal want.
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Whilst 75k a week is obviously still a totally ridiculous sum of money for any footballer to be paid, it clearly wouldn't reflect Dougie's ability in comparison to midfielders that he is considerably better than.
If that is indeed the figure that he is on, then hopefully the club would be looking at improving that with a view to removing a release clause from the contract (If indeed there is one)
Yes, or at least raising the clause to a level that is in keeping with his new found standing
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If he’s ‘only’ on £75k a week I can see why his agent might leaking stories to the press.
It might explain why the story won’t go away as he’d easily get tentative offers from most clubs that they’d pay him more than that.
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If that is indeed the figure that he is on, then hopefully the club would be looking at improving that with a view to removing a release clause from the contract (If indeed there is one)
Fortunately, precedent suggests that the club is more than happy to improve contracts for players when the performances justify it.
If he does go anywhere, I definitely don't think it'll be because someone else is offering him more money than we would.
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If that is indeed the figure that he is on, then hopefully the club would be looking at improving that with a view to removing a release clause from the contract (If indeed there is one)
Fortunately, precedent suggests that the club is more than happy to improve contracts for players when the performances justify it.
If he does go anywhere, I definitely don't think it'll be because someone else is offering him more money than we would.
Agreed. This won't be about wages if he goes anywhere.
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I'd be amazed if he signed a new deal last year for 'only' £75k per week (and it still bugs me that we imagine people on multi-million-pound contracts are getting paid weekly).
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I'd be amazed if he signed a new deal last year for 'only' £75k per week (and it still bugs me that we imagine people on multi-million-pound contracts are getting paid weekly).
Same (on the latter part).
On the former, I think I'm right in saying it was his first "new" contract since he signed for us? In which case, I don't think it would be surprising if he joined us as a 21 year old on say, £30-40k per week (sorry), which was then doubled as he became a more important, although not integral part of the squad.
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I seem to remember that Gerrard wasn't picking him much around the start of last season. I may have that wrong though
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I'd be amazed if he signed a new deal last year for 'only' £75k per week (and it still bugs me that we imagine people on multi-million-pound contracts are getting paid weekly).
Same (on the latter part).
On the former, I think I'm right in saying it was his first "new" contract since he signed for us? In which case, I don't think it would be surprising if he joined us as a 21 year old on say, £30-40k per week (sorry), which was then doubled as he became a more important, although not integral part of the squad.
Fair enough, yeah.
Even the fucking dole comes fortnightly (or it did the last time I got it, which was more than 20 years ago)!
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I seem to remember that Gerrard wasn't picking him much around the start of last season. I may have that wrong though
Played in every game as far as I recall, although didn't start a few, Bournemouth and Arsenal being two.
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I seem to remember that Gerrard wasn't picking him much around the start of last season. I may have that wrong though
Played in every game as far as I recall, although didn't start a few, Bournemouth and Arsenal being two.
Yeah, I meant more along the lines of him not starting.
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Personally, though in the minority on h and v, but I believe that now that we're Euro contenders, we won't be selling our top players to division rivals, regardless of speculation about Premier League clubs.
If we sell it's to another league like was the case with Harry Kane.
PSG would take Douglas Luiz, exactly the sort of player their midfield needs.
I believe he would move there because it suits his style and personality, but I don't want him to leave and believe he can be happy here as long as we are in the Champions League next season.
He and Kamara are borderline formidable in partnership, add McGinn and Tielemans who are all top four Champions League ready midfielders.
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My biggest concern, even greater than potentially losing one of our top performers to a rival, is the signal it sends that the Villa shop is well and truly open and offers will be considered for anyone. Not the message that a club with serious ambitions should be sending out. However, nothing has happened as yet and hopefully won't do so in January or next summer.
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He’s done really well to not be banned since his last yellow card, and I say that as someone who thought he should have purposely picked up a booking to miss the Luton game. Does anyone know when his fourth yellow in the league was?
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He’s done really well to not be banned since his last yellow card, and I say that as someone who thought he should have purposely picked up a booking to miss the Luton game. Does anyone know when his fourth yellow in the league was?
It was in the battering of Brighton so 7 games ago.
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He’s done really well to not be banned since his last yellow card, and I say that as someone who thought he should have purposely picked up a booking to miss the Luton game. Does anyone know when his fourth yellow in the league was?
It was in the battering of Brighton so 7 games ago.
Cheers Paul.
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So now Percy has guaranteed the booking against Man Citeh so Douggie misses the Arsenal match, will we have conspiracy theories that Luiz only did it so he didn't have to play against them as he would be joining them in 4 weeks time?
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So now Percy has guaranteed the booking against Man Citeh so Douggie misses the Arsenal match, will we have conspiracy theories that Luiz only did it so he didn't have to play against them as he would be joining them in 4 weeks time?
Sorry in advance.
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*TRIGGER WARNING*
I'm about to mention the rumors for anyone who has a severe reaction to such things.
Luiz's form has earned him a recall to the Brazil national team. There are also rumours of interest from Liverpool and Arsenal ahead of next month's transfer window. Luiz welcomes the recognition but there seems little danger of distraction.
"I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa," he says. "My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa."
From interview with SkySports https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13018760/douglas-luiz-exclusive-interview-aston-villa-midfielder-flattered-by-interest-but-loving-life-under-incredible-unai-emery
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That, at least to me, reads "I won't rock the boat if it (a move to the mighty Arsenal or Liverpool, both of which are steps up from where I am now) doesn't happen, but I'm really happy to see it it might."
Others will no doubt read it otherwise.
It's rather unsatisfactory to be honest.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
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I'm guessing his agent is still working on a new contract for him so he has to leave a certain amount of ambiguity there to give them some negotiating power. It all sounds very positive to me.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
He's with a big club.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
It's down to if Aston Villa want it to happen, not the "big clubs" - besides which, Villa have more than enough money behind them to rival the "big clubs". This angle of the interview strikes me as being driven by Skybet - they're not opening up a Douglas Luiz winter window market by any chance?
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I can not see anything in that interview.
They are trained to handle this stuff and he handles it well.
It gives no indication either way if he stays or goes.
I think how we do in the next few games and where we are in January will have a lot of bearing on what happens.
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some people are desperate to find something to shit themselves. We all better get used to our players being linked elsewhere as we improve and become a top team again. The opposite is way worse when none of our players are wanted because we are utter shit. We will do the same to other sides where we will want their better and best players.
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I swear if he walked round with a big sign saying, "I WANT TO STAY HERE" someone would say the sign wasn't big enough and that means he's off in January.
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I've lifted most of his quotes from the SkySports article. He's definitely going, he hates it here and the manager too.
"I believe I am in the best moment of my career," he says. "The manager demands a lot from me and I believe he has helped me a lot as well. I am happier than ever to keep working and continue evolving."
"He is a manager who is helping me a lot and who asks a lot from me. He wants me to give more assists, to score goals, to arrive well in the box and to help the team defensively as well.
"He pushes me a lot, but I like that. He is always there to talk with me. Whenever I need something, I just ask him and we talk. Then, when he needs something from me, I can also help him."
"I played different positions when I arrived here compared to now," he says. "I started as a No 6. I still have the No 6 shirt, but I don't actually play as a No 6. Unai's arrival changed my way of playing a bit. That is the evolution I have had and I am very happy with it."
It has a lot to do with his central midfield partner Bouboucar Kamara. "It is two years now that I have been playing with Kamara," says Luiz. "He is an incredible player and he has given me a bit more freedom to get forward and do the things that I like."
"He is a guy who likes to work hard. He teaches you what you have to do in every scenario, and how every set play should go, so I go onto the pitch with my confidence very, very high, knowing I am capable of putting in a good ball in. That helps me a lot."
"I have been here for five years, so I have a big responsibility in our team now," he concludes. "I am one of our captains and that drives me a lot. I know the player I am, and I know the player I can become."
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some people are desperate to find something to shit themselves. We all better get used to our players being linked elsewhere as we improve and become a top team again. The opposite is way worse when none of our players are wanted because we are utter shit. We will do the same to other sides where we will want their better and best players.
I’m not ‘shitting myself’ nor am I desperate to be. Like I said, different people will read stuff differently. I guess we’ll see what happens and I’ll be very glad to be wrong when Luiz leads us to FA cup glory and a top 4 finish!
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
He's with a big club.
Oh, I agree.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
It's down to if Aston Villa want it to happen, not the "big clubs" - besides which, Villa have more than enough money behind them to rival the "big clubs". This angle of the interview strikes me as being driven by Skybet - they're not opening up a Douglas Luiz winter window market by any chance?
[/quotI thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
It's down to if Aston Villa want it to happen, not the "big clubs" - besides which, Villa have more than enough money behind them to rival the "big clubs". This angle of the interview strikes me as being driven by Skybet - they're not opening up a Douglas Luiz winter window market by any chance?
Not if there a release clause it isn’t. You might be right on the betting market front!
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Quote fail - apologies.
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I thought the opposite. If you read the whole interview he talks very positively about Emery, his own growth as a player, his position of responsibility at the club, and the club as a whole. Doesn't sound like someone that's even thinking about other offers.
I think he's off in January if the 'big clubs' want it to happen. I hope your interpretation is the correct one!
It's down to if Aston Villa want it to happen, not the "big clubs" - besides which, Villa have more than enough money behind them to rival the "big clubs". This angle of the interview strikes me as being driven by Skybet - they're not opening up a Douglas Luiz winter window market by any chance?
This is a common myth. The transfer markets are absolute peanuts to SkyBet, totally insignificant to their trading volumes or new customer acquisition.
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I swear if he walked round with a big sign saying, "I WANT TO STAY HERE" someone would say the sign wasn't big enough and that means he's off in January.
😂😂😂
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I try not to worry too much about what any of them say. We've been burned far too many times. If he's staying then great but I wouldn't be surprised if any of them were to go in the next 3-4 years.
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I swear if he walked round with a big sign saying, "I WANT TO STAY HERE" someone would say the sign wasn't big enough and that means he's off in January.
😂😂😂
Made me chuckle too. I’d be quite happy if Douglas Luiz had said that. No signage required.
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Straight from the Sky website…
I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa," he says. "My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa."
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I wonder if this is from the same interview he did with Val Bhardwaj. https://twitter.com/VaiBhardwaj/status/1729885600160141494
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Straight from the Sky website…
I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa," he says. "My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa."
He didn't say the rest of him is.
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Straight from the Sky website…
I am very happy to hear the stories but I am here at Aston Villa," he says. "My focus is totally here. I don't spend a lot of time looking at the stories. I see them, but I don't focus on that and I'm not looking at it every day. My head is here at Aston Villa."
He didn't say the rest of him is.
Fair point Dave. However his footballing brain of worth its weight in gold. Maybe we could graft it on to Callum Chambers and create a hybrid defensive midfielder?
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From BBC Gossip page, we have put a price tag of £110M on Dougie to keep Arsenal away, apparently they want him for around £60M.
In todays market i think our valuation is more accurate than theirs.
They have Declan Rice, i can't see them pursuing this.
This is the right way to put these rumours to bed.
Move on, nothing to see here.
https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2023/12/exclusive-arsenal-transfer-news-douglas-luiz-aston-villa-asking-price-steve-kay
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The papers will continue to speculate. I believe that the only possible way he would leave in Jan would be through a buy-out clause. Even then, I'm not convinced he'd go.
Any articles stating we have put a value on him are absolute bullshit. There's no way we'd encourage speculation by doing so.
With that said, we can list all the reasons why he would want to stay just like we did with Jack. But ultimately if a very big offer comes in for him in the summer then I could see him leaving. Not least because we are still in a difficult position with FFP given our comparatively low revenue compared to the (previously established) top 6 clubs.
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The papers will continue to speculate. I believe that the only possible way he would leave in Jan would be through a buy-out clause. Even then, I'm not convinced he'd go.
Any articles stating we have put a value on him are absolute bullshit. There's no way we'd encourage speculation by doing so.
With that said, we can list all the reasons why he would want to stay just like we did with Jack. But ultimately if a very big offer comes in for him in the summer then I could see him leaving. Not least because we are still in a difficult position with FFP given our comparatively low revenue compared to the (previously established) top 6 clubs.
The one thing that changes the FFP conversation is if we qualify for the Champions League which would probably give a minimum uplift of £50-100m to our revenue.
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Not least because we are still in a difficult position with FFP given our comparatively low revenue compared to the (previously established) top 6 clubs.
While I'm very happy we did, I do wonder whether we managed to shoot ourselves in the foot with the Conference League qualification from an FFP perspective.
FFP rules for UEFA competitions are much stricter than Premier League ones, so maybe being subject to them earlier than we had planned to be ruined our planning for it a bit.
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Not least because we are still in a difficult position with FFP given our comparatively low revenue compared to the (previously established) top 6 clubs.
While I'm very happy we did, I do wonder whether we managed to shoot ourselves in the foot with the Conference League qualification from an FFP perspective.
FFP rules for UEFA competitions are much stricter than Premier League ones, so maybe being subject to them earlier than we had planned to be ruined our planning for it a bit.
This is true as allowable UEfA losses over the 3 year period are only €60m (c£51m). However are they calculated the same way as EPL P&S rules which allow £105m over 3 years?
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Not least because we are still in a difficult position with FFP given our comparatively low revenue compared to the (previously established) top 6 clubs.
While I'm very happy we did, I do wonder whether we managed to shoot ourselves in the foot with the Conference League qualification from an FFP perspective.
FFP rules for UEFA competitions are much stricter than Premier League ones, so maybe being subject to them earlier than we had planned to be ruined our planning for it a bit.
This is true as allowable UEfA losses over the 3 year period are only €60m (c£51m). However are they calculated the same way as EPL P&S rules which allow £105m over 3 years?
I beleive that UEFA rules also say that transfer fees / wages can only be a maximum of 70% of club revenues - and I don't think the Premier League has a (published) equivalent to that.
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Dean Smith:
Smith admits that he cannot take all the credit for Douglas Luiz
“With Dougie, I didn’t know an awful lot about him, but Suso [former Villa sporting director Jesus García Pitarch] sold him to me,” says Smith. “He was the best player in training all the time, but when he first came to Villa, the language was a barrier. He’s from a favela in Brazil, so his education was maybe a bit different from some of the lads.
“Once he started to integrate more and build relationships, then you could see the improvement. He surprised me at the West Ham game when he saw me and he spoke English to me because it would be very rare he would do that when I was in charge.
“Pep [Guardiola] really liked him, but I think City had a big problem because he wouldn’t play enough to get his work permit. I think City moved beyond him in that first season in the Premier League. They had a buy-back clause and it was good for Villa that they didn’t take it up, but you could see him going and playing there now.”
Daily Telegraph.
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Well, he didn’t manage to get himself booked last night. That should keep the conspiracy theorists quite till January at least.
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Well, he didn’t manage to get himself booked last night. That should keep the conspiracy theorists quite till January at least.
Not quite, if he gets booked against the Blades that means he's off to Yanited.
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Been a bystander at best the last 2 matches.
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Been a bystander at best the last 2 matches.
Wonder if his heads been turned
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Draedful tonight, absolutely shocking. I don't know if he was trying to do too much as the Donk wasn't up to doing what Kamara usually does, but he had a really poor game.
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Draedful tonight, absolutely shocking. I don't know if he was trying to do too much as the Donk wasn't up to doing what Kamara usually does, but he had a really poor game.
I think that's part of it, had to up his normal game tonight and ended up wrecking it.
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Draedful tonight, absolutely shocking. I don't know if he was trying to do too much as the Donk wasn't up to doing what Kamara usually does, but he had a really poor game.
I think that's part of it, had to up his normal game tonight and ended up wrecking it.
Didn’t really get on the ball at all tonight, I know we struggled to maintain possession but I didn’t think he did anything really and certainly nowhere near his usual standards. I didn’t see it as trying to do too much to cover someone else, he just wasn’t involved and the game passed him by.
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For a player to 'get on the ball', he needs to have people to pass to and who he can trust in tight areas. Frankly, Donk just isn't that man in the two in midfield.
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I don't remember Luiz touching the ball
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Really poor tonight, not sure what was up.
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Bad couple of games - but absolutely fantastic since Emery came, one of the best in the league. Everyone has dips, and the team is struggling a bit, he’ll come back.
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He's been below his usual high standards for a month now. I'm blaming Alisha Lehmann.
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For a player to 'get on the ball', he needs to have people to pass to and who he can trust in tight areas. Frankly, Donk just isn't that man in the two in midfield.
He didn't show for the ball all night and was bullied in every duel. Up against Eriksen and a kid, I expected him to dominate.
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He was poor last night, but has been fundamental to our growth this season so gets a pass for a game or two to sort himself out.
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Been a bystander at best the last 2 matches.
Wonder if his heads been turned
FFS Cooper's it's Christmas!
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For a player to 'get on the ball', he needs to have people to pass to and who he can trust in tight areas. Frankly, Donk just isn't that man in the two in midfield.
He didn't show for the ball all night and was bullied in every duel. Up against Eriksen and a kid, I expected him to dominate.
a) of course he showed for the ball, it's not a pub league game, he was shadowed by two men, and b) it's very hard to physically best any two men by yourself. The problem was he felt he had to do it alone because they clearly don't instinctively trust the Donk in tight situations, and in trying to be two players he became less than one.
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Horrific distance between him and Dendo last night.
(https://i.ibb.co/ZgrvJtj/95bbc61437e6e1dba0a653d6bd085e2a7205147c.png) (https://ibb.co/ZgrvJtj)
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Not liking these links with citeh and Barcelona. The media are doing their best to try unsettle him
Hopefully a new deals being prepared
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"The media" couldn't care less who Douglas Luiz plays for.
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He's back together with Lehmann it seems.
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Nobody tell the Footys! They'll lose their minds.
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He's back together with Lehmann it seems.
Could explain why his energy levels have dropped.
Edit: Although I thought it was confirmed a few weeks ago on a twitch stream.
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Has she not got a calendar out this year then?
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Has she not got a calendar out this year then?
Of course she has. £50.
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Or 150 if you want her to sign it.....
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Or 150 if you want her to sign it.....
I'd want her to deliver it, cook me dinner and tuck me in at bedtime for that.
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World Class movement and passing from Douglas Luiz setting up second goal.
It was amazing how he passed the ball to Watkins with his outside right foot.
It was also fantastic the build up and his pass and move with a one-two with Kamara.
He's playing his own game out there , so effortlessly and he's a baller.
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He’s definitely a baller. He is top level already yet I reckon there is more to come. It is just do effortless for him. Works hard too.
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Fair play to Redknapp. He did say if De Bryne had made that pass it would of been shown everywhere
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That pass was incredible, and the game was live when he made it too.
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They are analysing that Doug pass , tissues at the ready
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Arsenal fans think they can get him for £50m. That pass was worth £50m.
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Arsenal can fuck off
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That bloke's range of passing is from another planet.
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He is the heartbeat of the team. A lot of what he does is simple passes or receiving from the defence but it makes the whole team tick.
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World class
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We know he’s capable but he’s been below par for a while. After today’s performance hopefully he gets some consistency back as when he plays well, we play well. An on form Dougie makes us such a dangerous team.
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That pass, if it was made for Man City or Liverpool, would be the cover clip for Sky Sports News. Wonderful, wonderful pass.
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played well today but had the freedom to do so. He won't have many easier games in the EPL
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We know he’s capable but he’s been below par for a while. After today’s performance hopefully he gets some consistency back as when he plays well, we play well. An on form Dougie makes us such a dangerous team.
Just about to post almost exactly the same thing. It's not that he's been poor but he has been on cruise control these last few weeks (since early December). I did wonder if he'd been burning the candle too much at both ends. His drop in form certainly coincides with his return to Alisha. Today he was back to controlling the game and driving forward with the ball.
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played well today but had the freedom to do so. He won't have many easier games in the EPL
He’s played just as well against better teams this season.
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That pass,
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Unai Emery on Douglas Luiz: "He didn't feel very well this morning, but he wanted to play and had the power to play and get the performance to help the team. I decided to change him to take care of him and rest after the issues."
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World class
Other than Martinez, he’s definitely this. Some are not far behind.
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Unai Emery on Douglas Luiz: "He didn't feel very well this morning, but he wanted to play and had the power to play and get the performance to help the team. I decided to change him to take care of him and rest after the issues."
Alisha! I knew it!
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played well today but had the freedom to do so. He won't have many easier games in the EPL
He’s played just as well against better teams this season.
yeah, just the last few weeks he'd dropped off , barely featured v NUFC
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played well today but had the freedom to do so. He won't have many easier games in the EPL
He’s played just as well against better teams this season.
yeah, just the last few weeks he'd dropped off , barely featured v NUFC
Wasn't the only one to be fair, as the midfield knitter he needs threads to work with so to speak. Against Man City he was the best player on a field that included Erling Haaland. Nice to see him back to form today - as Chicago mentioned, that pass for the second was utterly filthy.
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Good to see Jamie Rednapp commenting that if Kevin De Byrne had made that pass Sky knew would have it on repeat all week.
Yes we know Jamie!
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Can we get De Bruyne in over the summer as back up?
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Unbelievable tonight and really good for most of the season. When everyone is playing well this guy is a serious operator, when we are not firing on all cylinders, he's tied up trying to force it to get a performance.
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https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1753872507596153030
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Wow, sex.
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Goals apart that’s the best individual moment of our season.
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The pass from behind.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1754129175533978012?s=46
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The pass from behind.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1754129175533978012?s=46
What I really love about that angle (which I'd not seen before), is the way Dougie looks up, sees Ollie's run, but ALSO sees the defender and his body shape open towards Ollie, which means any attempt to play a through ball with the inside of his right-foot would give the defender a reasonable chance of an interception. He could try putting it over their heads, but that then brings a sweeper-keeper into play. So, instead, he used the outside of his foot and puts the ball in EXACTLY the same place as he would with the inside of his foot, but on the defender's blind-side so it goes behind him, wrong-footing him completely. Brilliant improvisation. You can see how close the ball gets to the defender while he's having to turn - it's just inches - but he can't do anything about it because he's having to spin a 180 to cover a ball going nowhere near where he expected it to be.
World-class stuff.
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Watching again, I never realised the pass was his only touch. He lets Kamara's ball from the edge of our 18 yard box run before threading through Watkins.
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Watching again, I never realised the pass was his only touch. He lets Kamara's ball from the edge of our 18 yard box run before threading through Watkins.
Yep, 4 touches from the edge of our box to the back of the net. That's the sort of brutal efficiency we've been missing recently.
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The pass from behind.
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1754129175533978012?s=46
a thing of beauty
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Watching again, I never realised the pass was his only touch. He lets Kamara's ball from the edge of our 18 yard box run before threading through Watkins.
Yep, 4 touches from the edge of our box to the back of the net. That's the sort of brutal efficiency we've been missing recently.
Agreed. We looked to take fewer touches and generally move the ball quicker all over the pitch, which was exactly what was needed. Emery just knows.
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Lovely take and finish from Watkins too.
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Dougie shaking the piss out of Onana. Not literally, he'd be up in court:
(https://i.ibb.co/M1JhJk2/Screenshot-20240212-142413-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/M1JhJk2)
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Dougie shaking the piss out of Onana. Not literally, he'd be up in court:
(https://i.ibb.co/M1JhJk2/Screenshot-20240212-142413-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/M1JhJk2)
Might have been idea to wait until the final whistle!
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Dougie shaking the piss out of Onana. Not literally, he'd be up in court:
(https://i.ibb.co/M1JhJk2/Screenshot-20240212-142413-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/M1JhJk2)
Might have been idea to wait until the final whistle!
yep looks a bit silly now
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Bit silly really, out of all our players you would have expected him to bury that shot with his left too. Onana had last laugh there.
Thought he was back to his best yesterday and best player on view (Neville giving his pal Maguire motm was laughable, they can't play out from back because of him!). Distribution of ball was very good, defensively miles better than his hologram impression v Chelsea and that wasn't an easy finish for the goal either.
Needs to show some leadership now without Kamara next to him.
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Bit silly really, out of all our players you would have expected him to bury that shot with his left too. Onana had last laugh there.
Thought he was back to his best yesterday and best player on view (Neville giving his pal Maguire motm was laughable, they can't play out from back because of him!). Distribution of ball was very good, defensively miles better than his hologram impression v Chelsea and that wasn't an easy finish for the goal either.
Needs to show some leadership now without Kamara next to him.
i didn't think he had one of his better days, at times he slows the game way too much and the tempo dips.
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Yep, how dare a player celebrate scoring when we might end up not winning the game, just get back and get on twith the game like the good little drones you are.
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Yep, how dare a player celebrate scoring when we might end up not winning the game, just get back and get on twith the game like the good little drones you are.
Agreed! Onana was taking the piss out of the Holte, only right for Dougie to return it with both barrels/breasts.
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Bit silly really, out of all our players you would have expected him to bury that shot with his left too. Onana had last laugh there.
Thought he was back to his best yesterday and best player on view (Neville giving his pal Maguire motm was laughable, they can't play out from back because of him!). Distribution of ball was very good, defensively miles better than his hologram impression v Chelsea and that wasn't an easy finish for the goal either.
Needs to show some leadership now without Kamara next to him.
i didn't think he had one of his better days, at times he slows the game way too much and the tempo dips.
Double bollox here.
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Absolute bollocks. He was excellent, although he missed a huge sitter and should have buried it. Probably the pick of the bunch out of our missed opportunities.
We really need him on his best form to get us through to the end, whoever he’s paired with he can really help them with his calmness and his quality on the ball.
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Sadly, we saw against Sheffield United (h) and Man Utd that it took some of his game away when we didn't have Kamara. He didn't have as much license to get forward so unless Tim can come in and do a very good Kamara impression, he might not look quite as good for the rest of the season.
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Sadly, we saw against Sheffield United (h) and Man Utd that it took some of his game away when we didn't have Kamara. He didn't have as much license to get forward so unless Tim can come in and do a very good Kamara impression, he might not look quite as good for the rest of the season.
Very true. He's almost certainly going to have to take a bigger share of defensive duties, whoever plays alongside him.
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I hope we are trying to convince him to extend his contract. Losing him in the summer would be a massive blow.
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I hope we are trying to convince him to extend his contract. Losing him in the summer would be a massive blow.
I honestly can't see Luiz being at the club next season if we're not playing in the CL. Same goes for Martinez actually.
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He'd certainly fit in with any top club, he's a special player. Him and Martinez were fantastic signings, probably our best signings in the last twenty years.
I hope he stays. Along with Bailey he's a joy to watch.
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Not sure there are many clubs that have the FFP head room to offer what we’d want for Doug and Martinez.
Assuming we are not forced to sell to sort out our own FFP issues.
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I think they both have a lot of affection for the club and can see we're going in the right direction. If we don't get CL this year, they may really fancy their chances of doing it next season.
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Radio saying dougie injured? Surely they have their Brazilians mixed up?
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Which other Brazillian?
Edit: The Wolves one?
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Which other Brazillian?
Edit: The Wolves one?
Diego Carlos, who has been reported as injured earlier today.
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Ah, wasn't looking at that thread as most was moaning about his defending so just assumed that was still going on. Checked local news and they were reporting Cunha out.
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Top scoring central midfielders in the Premier League this season:
Douglas Luiz - 9
Scott McTominay - 7
John McGinn - 6
(Doucoure and Rodri also have six, but who cares about them)
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Top scoring central midfielders in the Premier League this season:
Douglas Luiz - 9
Scott McTominay - 7
John McGinn - 6
(Doucoure and Rodri also have six, but who cares about them)
Worth caveating that with the fact that McTominay does very little else.
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Yes, footballing wise McTominay is a donkey.
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Yes, footballing wise McTominay is a donkey.
Manure fans were stating he should be at the CF position today (I'm guessing because of his scoring). Even though he scores the goals because he runs from deep occasionally and is not picked up.
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I thought dougie was superb first half. He started the second like he had been taking drugs at half time. He was awful for 15 mins.
Once he sorted himself out he was back to his brilliant best and was disappointed he didn’t get a decent chance for a hat trick
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I thought dougie was superb first half. He started the second like he had been taking drugs at half time. He was awful for 15 mins.
Once he sorted himself out he was back to his brilliant best and was disappointed he didn’t get a decent chance for a hat trick
As someone who did take drugs at half time, I don't think Dougie was on drugs. He's a blinding player. I hope we keep him. I think we won't.
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I thought dougie was superb first half. He started the second like he had been taking drugs at half time. He was awful for 15 mins.
Once he sorted himself out he was back to his brilliant best and was disappointed he didn’t get a decent chance for a hat trick
Maybe he'd had an onlyfans with Alesha at HT ;)
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I thought dougie was superb first half. He started the second like he had been taking drugs at half time. He was awful for 15 mins.
Once he sorted himself out he was back to his brilliant best and was disappointed he didn’t get a decent chance for a hat trick
Maybe he'd had an onlyfans with Alesha at HT ;)
If so, Ms. Lehmann won't be impressed.
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Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
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Can he tell Alisha the same before every match?
Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
She hopes not being as she in Marbella after a Swiss/Polish match. (and also with Daly apparently).
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Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
*something about arriving late in the box*
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I thought dougie was superb first half. He started the second like he had been taking drugs at half time. He was awful for 15 mins.
Once he sorted himself out he was back to his brilliant best and was disappointed he didn’t get a decent chance for a hat trick
He's a blinding player. I hope we keep him, I think we won't.
We get CL football we will.
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Can he tell Alisha the same before every match?
Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
She hopes not being as she in Marbella after a Swiss/Polish match. (and also with Daly apparently).
My uncle was at the game yesterday (Trinity Road box) and said she was there.
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Her instagram pic with Daly was posted yesterday. Granted she might have taken it another day and posted it whilst bored at home waiting for Dougie. I suppose it would depend on how understanding her manager is to whether she allowed Lehmann to fly back Saturday for a booty call, then fly back out to play on Tuesday.
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I am so behind the times, I thought they had split up ages ago. Something about him not liking her Calendar.
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I am so behind the times, I thought they had split up ages ago. Something about him not liking her Calendar.
They have recently gotten back together. One condition he insisted on was her posing like she’s taking a dump on the cover of her next calendar.
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Probably get her even more money for that.
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Something about him not liking her Calendar.
I’ve never heard it called that before.
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Something about him not liking her Calendar.
I’ve never heard it called that before.
Maybe he typed colander and it autocorrected.
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Can't we just talk football? Footie would be crucified if he talked about all this..
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Can't we just talk football? Footie would be crucified if he talked about all this..
That would make a good picture for March.
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Can he tell Alisha the same before every match?
Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
She hopes not being as she in Marbella after a Swiss/Polish match. (and also with Daly apparently).
My uncle was at the game yesterday (Trinity Road box) and said she was there.
After a few G&T most girls look like Alisha.
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Can he tell Alisha the same before every match?
Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
She hopes not being as she in Marbella after a Swiss/Polish match. (and also with Daly apparently).
My uncle was at the game yesterday (Trinity Road box) and said she was there.
After a few G&T most girls look like Alisha.
I don't care how many she's had, my wife looks nowt like her. 😁
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Can he tell Alisha the same before every match?
Douglas Luiz: "I scored two goals, I'm really happy. I was feeling this before the game. I said to my girlfriend, 'today I will score, 100 per cent'. It is a big result for us. Manchester United lost which is good too."
The question is did he complete his hat trick when he got home?
She hopes not being as she in Marbella after a Swiss/Polish match. (and also with Daly apparently).
My uncle was at the game yesterday (Trinity Road box) and said she was there.
After a few G&T most girls look like Alisha.
I don't care how many she's had, my wife looks nowt like her. 😁
;D both of these made me laugh
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She's a good-looking lass, but I really don't get the massive eyebrow thing that young women go in for these days.
They put me in mind of Denis Healey. And not in a good way.
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She's a good-looking lass, but I really don't get the massive eyebrow thing that young women go in for these days.
They put me in mind of Denis Healey. And not in a good way.
I agree.
I also don't get that stupid duck-face pose they do when they're posing for their (seemingly endless) latest selfie.
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Fair play to her , on new years morning she made the effort to come to my mates house to wish his son happy birthday. He’s had a really tough challenging life and she spent over an hour taking to him and brought him a shirt.
Said she was off to Douggies after that ( and said she’s learning Portuguese )
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Fair play to her , on new years morning she made the effort to come to my mates house to wish his son happy birthday. He’s had a really tough challenging life and she spent over an hour taking to him and brought him a shirt.
Said she was off to Douggies after that ( and said she’s learning Portuguese )
How nice.
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Rudy Can't Fail could probably offer some language lessons.
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Rudy Can't Fail could probably offer some language lessons.
Ahem.
Brazilian Portuguese would probably prove more useful.
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Fair play to her , on new years morning she made the effort to come to my mates house to wish his son happy birthday. He’s had a really tough challenging life and she spent over an hour taking to him and brought him a shirt.
Said she was off to Douggies after that ( and said she’s learning Portuguese )
How nice.
It was. After what she said was a 4 am finish the night before as well ( she came over late morning )
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Rudy Can't Fail could probably offer some language lessons.
Ahem.
Brazilian Portuguese would probably prove more useful.
Genuine question, does it differ much?
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Rudy Can't Fail could probably offer some language lessons.
Ahem.
Brazilian Portuguese would probably prove more useful.
Genuine question, does it differ much?
Yes, far more than UK and US English for example, it's the same with Spanish and South American Spanish speakers. They can generally understand each other but you have to be aware a lot of grammatical differences.
We had this conversation at work last week because we've just added a couple of new data architects who live in Belgium but are from Brazil and Peru to works with our Spanish and Portuguese business.
-
Rudy Can't Fail could probably offer some language lessons.
Ahem.
Brazilian Portuguese would probably prove more useful.
Genuine question, does it differ much?
Yes, far more than UK and US English for example, it's the same with Spanish and South American Spanish speakers. They can generally understand each other but you have to be aware a lot of grammatical differences.
We had this conversation at work last week because we've just added a couple of new data architects who live in Belgium but are from Brazil and Peru to works with our Spanish and Portuguese business.
As far as Spanish goes, Spanish Spanish is impossible to understand. Latin American Spanish is clearer, although Argentinian is also impossible. My poor Spanish notwithstanding.
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She's a good-looking lass, but I really don't get the massive eyebrow thing that young women go in for these days.
They put me in mind of Denis Healey. And not in a good way.
Why did you say that? Now I am thinking about Denis Healey in tight shorts. :-[
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She's a good-looking lass, but I really don't get the massive eyebrow thing that young women go in for these days.
They put me in mind of Denis Healey. And not in a good way.
Why did you say that? Now I am thinking about Denis Healey in tight shorts. :-[
I wouldn’t buy his calendar when it comes out.
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She's a good-looking lass, but I really don't get the massive eyebrow thing that young women go in for these days.
They put me in mind of Denis Healey. And not in a good way.
Why did you say that? Now I am thinking about Denis Healey in tight shorts. :-[
I wouldn’t buy his calendar when it comes out.
Hmmmm....
(https://i.ibb.co/HKPMX8h/3462480576-aea97be655-c.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HKPMX8h)
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All Douglas Luiz goals have been scored at Villa Park this season
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Douglas Luiz has been called up to the Brazil Squad for England and Spain.
-
Dougie starting for Brasil.
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Dougie starting for Brasil.
Someone should let Brazil know.
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Dougie starting for Brasil.
Erm…
-
Brazil or Brasil ? Brazilian or Brasilian ?
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Dougie starting for Brasil.
Erm…
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
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Brazil or Brasil ? Brazilian or Brasilian ?
Brazil if you're American, Brasil if you're British.
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Brazil and Brasil are both correct ways of spelling the country’s name. It only depends on the language used. In English is with Z, while in Portuguese, the proper way is to write with S. However, even in Brazil, people used to spell Brazil with S or Z until the Orthographic Agreement of 1945.
https://whataboutbrazil.com/brazil-or-brasil-whats-the-difference/?utm_content=cmp-true
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I know, it's Brazil in English and Brasil in Portuguese. I was jokingly referring to the differing uses of 'z' and 's' in words like organise etc.
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I know, it's Brazil in English and Brasil in Portuguese. I was jokingly referring to the differing uses of 'z' and 's' in words like organise etc.
You knew Brazilian villain but we (I) didn’t.
Loving this new ammunition to be an annoying bastard correcting people.
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Dougie starting for Brasil.
Erm…
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
Don't be racialist.
Did Ollie and Dougie kiss and cuddle at the end?
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I'm so glad we have this player. Absolute class this season. I hope he stays and recognises the trajectory is only gping up with this coach and owners.
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Did Ollie and Dougie kiss and cuddle at the end?
All 3 felt each others boobs so yes, but it was a bit more dignified than the Real Madrid trio who were practically licking their club team mates.
-
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
I am a little perturbed by your use of are in there, would you like to take this opportunity to revise it?
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I'm so glad we have this player. Absolute class this season. I hope he stays and recognises the trajectory is only gping up with this coach and owners.
Yes indeed Steve. A couple of times when he cleared the ball from inside the area under pressure he did so majestically, totally calm, assured and precise.
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Dougie starting for Brasil.
Erm…
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that is watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening to English Villa fans. >:(
Don't be racialist.
I was merely suggesting that heeding Brazilian Villa fans may have better on this occasion. In fairness to them, apparently the team news from Google Alerts was the culprit.
-
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
I am a little perturbed by your use of are in there, would you like to take this opportunity to revise it?
No. ;)
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Did Ollie and Dougie kiss and cuddle at the end?
All 3 felt each others boobs so yes, but it was a bit more dignified than the Real Madrid trio who were practically licking their club team mates.
Tsk! /BE.
And eeew!
-
Did Ollie and Dougie kiss and cuddle at the end?
All 3 felt each others boobs so yes, but it was a bit more dignified than the Real Madrid trio who were practically licking their club team mates.
Tsk! /BE.
And eeew!
Yes, tsk! It should really be "felt ONE ANOTHER'S boobs" as there are more than two people concerned.
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I think you'll find that as highly tuned athletes that they'd be pectoral muscles. SJM wasn't involved was he?
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Did Ollie and Dougie kiss and cuddle at the end?
All 3 felt each others boobs so yes, but it was a bit more dignified than the Real Madrid trio who were practically licking their club team mates.
Tsk! /BE.
And eeew!
Yes, tsk! It should really be "felt ONE ANOTHER'S boobs" as there are more than two people concerned.
🤦🏾
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Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
I am a little perturbed by your use of are in there, would you like to take this opportunity to revise it?
No. ;)
That’s it, I am done with you. Don’t you dare come knocking on my door when you can’t find a bed to sleep in Athens🙅🏾
-
Posted on a Villa WhatsApp group that are watching it. FFS, that's what I get for listening English Villa fans. >:(
I am a little perturbed by your use of are in there, would you like to take this opportunity to revise it?
No. ;)
That’s it, I am done with you. Don’t you dare come knocking on my door when you can’t find a bed to sleep in Athens🙅🏾
Not even if I'm the Dougie to your Ollie? :(
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Well ok when you put it like that, but be aware Axl Rose may squeeze in there with you🤔
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Dougie got 20+ minutes for Brazil away to Spain in the 3-3 draw tonight.
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Dougie got 20+ minutes for Brazil away to Spain in the 3-3 draw tonight.
How did he do?
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Dougie got 20+ minutes for Brazil away to Spain in the 3-3 draw tonight.
How did he do?
Oozed class as usual:
https://x.com/buendiazboyz/status/1772765986346676668?s=46&t=GdM6cpVxe5IloByNCRheWA
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What more does he need to do? I mean, it doesn't need a move to Madrid or Manchester because a frickin' Spammer started for them and Fulham player came on.
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Dougie got 20+ minutes for Brazil away to Spain in the 3-3 draw tonight.
How did he do?
Oozed class as usual:
https://x.com/buendiazboyz/status/1772765986346676668?s=46&t=GdM6cpVxe5IloByNCRheWA
You have to love his attitude when he does enter the pitch as shown in the beginning of that clip. Full of confidence with a bit of swagger or how would you describe it you better with English language than me? Unai s influence good for him also I think though seems Douglas have never been short of confidence. That said its nice to notice that his temper seldom seems to take the better of(f) him.
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Dougie got 20+ minutes for Brazil away to Spain in the 3-3 draw tonight.
How did he do?
Oozed class as usual:
https://x.com/buendiazboyz/status/1772765986346676668?s=46&t=GdM6cpVxe5IloByNCRheWA
You have to love his attitude when he does enter the pitch as shown in the beginning of that clip. Full of confidence with a bit of swagger or how would you describe it you better with English language than me? Unai s influence good for him also I think though seems Douglas have never been short of confidence. That said its nice to notice that his temper seldom seems to take the better of(f) him.
Quality player when he gets turned on the ball. Has a nice turn of speed too to ride tackles and excellent at passing the ball. He's the best midfielder we have had in years.
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What more does he need to do? I mean, it doesn't need a move to Madrid or Manchester because a frickin' Spammer started for them and Fulham player came on.
It's really not ideal for us if players think they'll have far more chance of call-ups if they move to Man U etc. I take the point on Paquetá, but I can't imagine Luiz not starting if he was at Arsenal, Spurs etc. Hopefully, the Emery era will smash that ceiling down for our players.
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Douglas Luiz might be prepared to stay at Aston Villa on the condition that they make it to the Champions League next season.
According to Ben Jacobs on Caught Offside, Douglas Luiz could stick with Aston Villa on the condition that they qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
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Oh how lucky we are! Definitely not irreplaceable.
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Ben Jacobs has been caught offside all his life and can piss off and get a proper job.
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Must be true if it's being reported by THE Ben Jacobs.
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Can we wait to see what, if anything, he's actually said before deciding he's decided he's too good for us?
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Douglas Luiz belongs in Champions League. I'm just glad Emery is here now as Doug had a struggle under Gerrard. Luiz has said he has more freedom to express himself now under Emery.
I think always going to be speculation about any class player who's not in champions league.
No midfielder in the Premier League has scored more since the start of last season.
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Ben Jacobs has been caught offside all his life and can piss off and get a proper job.
Hopefully, it doesn't involve babysitting.
(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/822344_ff46e789f07b4cf7992fc03a716c847f~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_2500,h_2095,al_c/822344_ff46e789f07b4cf7992fc03a716c847f~mv2.jpg)
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Distasteful
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Distasteful
And I was going to say he looks like an Arsenal fan.
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Distasteful
I know, denim shirt and a blazer, wtf?
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Distasteful
I know, denim shirt and a blazer, wtf?
The shirt's collar is different to the rest of it as well, which makes it double denim in my opinion.
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Well done dougie getting yourself booked you only had 60 seconds to go without getting one.
Cheers 🍻 👏
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
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He was unlikely to go the rest of the season without getting another yellow. Bloody inconvenient though.
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He was unlikely to go the rest of the season without getting another yellow. Bloody inconvenient though.
It wouldn't have mattered after todays game. This was the cut off point for ten yellows leading to a suspension
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
That's the only upside. Going arsenal without luiz is going to be very tough now
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He was unlikely to go the rest of the season without getting another yellow. Bloody inconvenient though.
It wouldn't have mattered after todays game. This was the cut off point for ten yellows leading to a suspension
I can never get why they have the cut off. Should run all season long.
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He was unlikely to go the rest of the season without getting another yellow. Bloody inconvenient though.
It wouldn't have mattered after todays game. This was the cut off point for ten yellows leading to a suspension
Brain farts from our two key (or pretty much only) midfielders in recent games. Really idiotic stuff on both occasions.
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
Every cloud...
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
That's the only upside. Going arsenal without luiz is going to be very tough now
TBH, it was going to be tough with him.
He has started in all the prem matches he was available for (he missed Brentford for five cards as well) and has played in every other competition match this season we have had. Plus he didn't even have a rest during the recent International period so hopefully it helps us in the long run.
I just hope we don't miss him for the Bournemouth match.
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Obviously didn't fancy playing against his new team next week......
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Obviously didn't fancy playing against his new team next week......
Or has a romantic weekend away with Alisha planned.
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60 seconds to go. How utterly unprofessional
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60 seconds to go. How utterly unprofessional
Just so brainless its unbelievable. Id understand if it was one of those where you took one for the team but it was a needless foul right in front of the ref.
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97th minute yellow, we will miss him but he makes niggly fouls pretty much every match. Midfield has been decimated these past two months, Kamara out JJ out, McGinn just back from suspension and now Dougie out for a couple.
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60 seconds to go. How utterly unprofessional
Just so brainless its unbelievable. Id understand if it was one of those where you took one for the team but it was a needless foul right in front of the ref.
This ref booked him last season in 32nd game Vs Brentford also.
And now its 4 out of the 5 games officated by Salisbury that he's been booked
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I thought he was unlucky.
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60 seconds to go. How utterly unprofessional
Just so brainless its unbelievable. Id understand if it was one of those where you took one for the team but it was a needless foul right in front of the ref.
This ref booked him last season in 32nd game Vs Brentford also.
And now its 4 out of the 5 games officated by Salisbury that he's been booked
I thought the ref was poor but i cant defend him for that it was a silky decision by dougie and he has to take responsibility for that.
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It was a bit silly considering his yellow card suspension jeopardy.
Frustrating, as personally I’ve never done anything silly in my life.
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I actually think he’s been below par for the last month or so and the mis-control of the ball and subsequent lunge that led to his yellow wasn’t a surprise.
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It was a bit silly considering his yellow card suspension jeopardy.
Frustrating, as personally I’ve never done anything silly in my life.
That's not true, as you left out the apostrophe in your username.
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Is there any chance he did it deliberately? Would be incredibly stupid of him to choose to miss the Arsenal game, but maybe he was thinking get the ban out of the way and not miss any of the last few games? Although as I said, arguably the Arsenal game is now a huge game where a win would be massive.
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Is there any chance he did it deliberately? Would be incredibly stupid of him to choose to miss the Arsenal game, but maybe he was thinking get the ban out of the way and not miss any of the last few games? Although as I said, arguably the Arsenal game is now a huge game where a win would be massive.
Everything would be reset after today’s game. He’d have had no worries about a ban. Just needed to avoid a yellow today (the daft lad)
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Is there any chance he did it deliberately? Would be incredibly stupid of him to choose to miss the Arsenal game, but maybe he was thinking get the ban out of the way and not miss any of the last few games? Although as I said, arguably the Arsenal game is now a huge game where a win would be massive.
Everything would be reset after today’s game. He’d have had no worries about a ban. Just needed to avoid a yellow today (the daft lad)
Oh, well then yeah, just pure f**king stupidity.
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Looked tire, obviously needed the rest.
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Worst midfielder today, then a mind numbingly stupid foul with seconds to go 🙄
*Should have been hooked instead of Tielemans tbh
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
He'll be fresh for the second leg. The home leg against Lille is our next game so it doesn't make a difference to his freshness. He's a fucking imbecile.
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Agree he’s looked a bit flat at times of late, still not ideal to lose him for two games.
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We get McGinn back and now he is out for 2 games.
We just don’t have the squad depth to cover this.
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Really, really stupid foul.
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Recently Emery said on Luiz:
"The most important thing is, tactically, allowing him to play with freedom.
The second most important thing is him
Because now he is very focused on football. When I got here, he was playing, more or less, but he was not playing consistently in the starting eleven. When we arrived, I think progressively with us, he is getting better with his mentality."
Emery wants consistency and Luiz appears to adopt a consistent fouler approach! He's given away the most fouls for Villa. And is ranked joint 3rd for most fouls in the league. Luiz is now a top four player league for fouls!
He has improved in all aspects aside from his discipline . And as a student of the game shown focus and advancement.
No midfielder in the Premier League has scored more in the competition since the start of last season. His number of passes and number of touches are all highest ever been per match and Douglas is our selected penalty taker and scored all 4 taken.
It's just his discipline now that needs improvement.
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Thought he was really poor yesterday and guilty of slowing the tempo down too much. Plus the silly fouls he concedes.
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He’ll be fresh for both the Lille games.
He'll be fresh for the second leg. The home leg against Lille is our next game so it doesn't make a difference to his freshness. He's a fucking imbecile.
Emery has said on Douglas Luiz. "He will face Lille in two matches. He'll rest against Arsenal and Bournemouth. Maintaining emotional control is critical"
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
Both of these posts are absolutely correct.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He did it a lot in season 1 , then seemed to improve , now he's back doing it again .
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He did it a lot in season 1 , then seemed to improve , now he's back doing it again .
Seems to coincide with him playing as more of a 6 then.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He did it a lot in season 1 , then seemed to improve , now he's back doing it again .
Seems to coincide with him playing as more of a 6 then.
Yeah that's it i think , he's not really a DM and belongs higher up the pitch .
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
Both of these posts are absolutely correct.
Agreed.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
Both of these posts are absolutely correct.
Totally agree, this is one of the positions I feel we need to prioritise in the summer. That doesn’t mean I want shot of Douglas it just means we need more cover in that position. Douglas has never been the most physical of players.
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
Both of these posts are absolutely correct.
Totally agree, this is one of the positions I feel we need to prioritise in the summer. That doesn’t mean I want shot of Douglas it just means we need more cover in that position. Douglas has never been the most physical of players.
It didn't feel season defining at the time, but in hindsight letting Dendonker go out on loan to a club who now can't afford him seems a misstep.
Not a player who you'd build a team around, admittedly. But the closest midfielder we have to Kamara.
Played centre back at Wolves and Anderlecht too, on occasion. More of a goal threat than Diego Carlos, who seems a bit rubbish in both penalty areas.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
Two mid table replacements maybe
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It’s not just about the yellow card - he commits stupid fouls in dangerous positions match after match. One led to Foden’s first goal the other night, another to West Ham’s disallowed goal the other week. Emery needs to have words, because while he’s a fine player, this is a fatal flaw.
He is not a defensive player, with Kamara gone he is having to do more of the defensive work and he is not great at that.
Both of these posts are absolutely correct.
Totally agree, this is one of the positions I feel we need to prioritise in the summer. That doesn’t mean I want shot of Douglas it just means we need more cover in that position. Douglas has never been the most physical of players.
Yep, especially as Kamara might miss the start of the season. I definitely think we need a bit more physicality and 'bite' in central midfield.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
We don’t have anyone else that is comfortable taking the ball off the defence like Luis so he’d be hard to replace.
Ideally we need a more genuine 6 so we are less reliant on Kamara. I’d lose Tieleman’s before Luiz but Luiz is likely to attract a bigger fee. I guess it depends how big the FFP hole is.
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It will be a total of 8 games lost to suspension for Kamara, McGinn and Luiz, and they were all very avoidable.
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The Dendoncker move seems pointless all-round. I don't think he's getting a look-in at all at Napoli and wasn't in the latest Belgian squad. He would get a game for us now but instead we're saving at most a couple of hundred grand a month of salary.
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You'd wonder how stretched we are with FFP and all the rest of it if we can't stump up the loan cancellation fee/have his wages back on the books.
We cancelled Bert's loan deal last year when we couldn't bring anyone else in at the back end of the Jan transfer window in 2022/23. And that was intended to be a full season-long loan.
Emery might not rate the Donk as a long term option, but seems a no brainer to get him back in the current circumstances.
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Pretty sure he can't be cancelled even if both clubs wanted it.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
In todays market 60 million would be a pathetic deal for a player of his quality
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It will be a total of 8 games lost to suspension for Kamara, McGinn and Luiz, and they were all very avoidable.
9 as Luiz was also banned for one match for 5 in 19 as well.
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Having watched back Brentfords third goal, before the calamitous defending from Konsa, Torres and Carlos, what on earth was Dougie doing giving them the ball back so quickly and in the perfect position to take the FK quickly?
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I thought the booking was harsh at the time but just watched it back and it was the correct decision. It really was a bit daft from Dougie.
Anyway all this talk of potential transfer fees for him, makes me twitchy, would pretty much hate to lose any of Martinez, Torres, Kamara, Dougie, McGinn, Ramsey, Watkins or Bailey.
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It will be a total of 8 games lost to suspension for Kamara, McGinn and Luiz, and they were all very avoidable.
9 as Luiz was also banned for one match for 5 in 19 as well.
I didn't class that as that happens to players. To avoid this 2 game ban all he had to do was not get booked in both games, but he did including late on, pretty needlessly from what i've read.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
In todays market 60 million would be a pathetic deal for a player of his quality
It would but he may have a release-clause. When he signed his last contract he had lots of leverage with Arsenal trying to buy him twice on deadline day August 2022.
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Thought he was really poor yesterday and guilty of slowing the tempo down too much. Plus the silly fouls he concedes.
There was one point when the crowd got really restless, and Luiz was suggesting we all calm down. It seemed to work because we equalised very shortly after.
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As much as he’s improved us I feel he will get his move in the summer if we get £60 million +. That would be good enough to get two decent replacements.
In todays market 60 million would be a pathetic deal for a player of his quality
It would but he may have a release-clause. When he signed his last contract he had lots of leverage with Arsenal trying to buy him twice on deadline day August 2022.
Based on the release clause in Joe’s contract I’d be very surprised if the owners agreed to put it that low.
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
I do worry if we miss out on CL if arsenal or another CL club come in and bid 100m we can't really stop him in that scenario and i would understand if he left in that situation
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Arsenal may feel that they don't actually need him now, who knows?
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
I do worry...
...a lot.
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
I do worry if we miss out on CL if arsenal or another CL club come in and bid 100m we can't really stop him in that scenario and i would understand if he left in that situation
I could be wrong but I don't think there will be many £100m purchases in the current climate. I think the top-end prices will have to come down with the FFP situation.
But if we do miss out on CL, then yes there will be some painful choices. I would hope Doug won't be part of that but with two years left on his contract he could well come into the conversation.
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
I do worry if we miss out on CL if arsenal or another CL club come in and bid 100m we can't really stop him in that scenario and i would understand if he left in that situation
I could be wrong but I don't think there will be many £100m purchases in the current climate. I think the top-end prices will have to come down with the FFP situation.
But if we do miss out on CL, then yes there will be some painful choices. I would hope Doug won't be part of that but with two years left on his contract he could well come into the conversation.
I'd agree on both counts. We may have to sacrifice one 'Star' name to keep ahead of the money curve.
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Douglas Luiz
"Personally, I’m very happy with it all and I think it’s just the start of a new chapter. As I always say, Aston Villa is a huge club and we’re prepared to write a new chapter.”
Such a poet! Where is this quote from?
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Arsenal may feel that they don't actually need him now, who knows?
Obvious replacement Jorginho, 32.
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They've got Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Havertz, Smith Rowe, Vieira and even Trossard who plays midfield occasionally. I'm not sure they're going to be wanting to spend a huge amount on a midfielder like our Doug, but I could be wrong.
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They've got Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Havertz, Smith Rowe, Vieira and even Trossard who plays midfield occasionally. I'm not sure they're going to be wanting to spend a huge amount on a midfielder like our Doug, but I could be wrong.
Aye, but I could see Smith Rowe being sold (Fulham or somewhere like that), and Partey. Maybe more. They’re more likely to want to buy Watkins I reckon.
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Barcelona looking at Doug. They will pay us across 3 decades in pennies as they find them beneath the settee.
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They've got Rice, Partey, Odegaard, Havertz, Smith Rowe, Vieira and even Trossard who plays midfield occasionally. I'm not sure they're going to be wanting to spend a huge amount on a midfielder like our Doug, but I could be wrong.
They also have Jorginho .
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
You think a foul was deserved, never mind a yellow for Douglas Luiz in that incident?
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
You think a foul was deserved, never mind a yellow for Douglas Luiz in that incident?
It was a bizarre decision given what had gone unpunished before that.
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
You think a foul was deserved, never mind a yellow for Douglas Luiz in that incident?
It was a bizarre decision given what had gone unpunished before that.
Granted the ref letting things go, but Dougie doesn't need to be acting in such a manner which is the whole point
The referee's worst mistake from yesterday was not calling a clear penalty for Watkins' being barged over.
That was a blatant outrage, and VAR must also take a lot of responsibility for that poor choice.
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
You think a foul was deserved, never mind a yellow for Douglas Luiz in that incident?
It was a bizarre decision given what had gone unpunished before that.
Granted the ref letting things go, but Dougie doesn't need to be acting in such a manner which is the whole point
What manner did Douglas Luiz act in?
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Douglas is one of my favourite players but he could not help himself last night and picked up a needless yellow.
He did some silly fouling again and it doesn't seem to register with him not to do these things. Frustrations.
You think a foul was deserved, never mind a yellow for Douglas Luiz in that incident?
It was a bizarre decision given what had gone unpunished before that.
Granted the ref letting things go, but Dougie doesn't need to be acting in such a manner which is the whole point
What manner did Douglas Luiz act in?
The lad next to me thought he'd got the card for his reaction and not the foul (non-foul) itself.
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I think they said it was for the "foul" on comms.
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It was a shirt pull so if refs do their job properly then it's a yellow. The problem is when he doesn't book their player for doing the exact same thing. Just like when you see Fernandes very clearly give dissent but very rarely gets booked for it.
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He's not disciplined enough, regardless of what he's being booked for. Consistently gives away free-kicks in dangerous areas and McGinn clearly knows this as he had a word with him last night.
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He's not disciplined enough, regardless of what he's being booked for. Consistently gives away free-kicks in dangerous areas and McGinn clearly knows this as he had a word with him last night.
There is a pot and a kettle comment in there somewhere.
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It was a shirt pull so if refs do their job properly then it's a yellow. The problem is when he doesn't book their player for doing the exact same thing. Just like when you see Fernandes very clearly give dissent but very rarely gets booked for it.
Especially given how egregious the pull was on Konsa, almost took his shirt off.
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It was a shirt pull so if refs do their job properly then it's a yellow. The problem is when he doesn't book their player for doing the exact same thing. Just like when you see Fernandes very clearly give dissent but very rarely gets booked for it.
I don’t get that. These officials must have to ref Man Utd quite a bit over a season and have to deal with his abuse all match and he always gets away with it. If I was them I’d be ready for his nonsense and book him asap. He’s such a gobshite.
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Ollie Watkins said Dougie is the most relaxed and chilled player before matches. He's basically not even changed till 5 mins before having to go on to the pitch!
Doug does everything at his own pace!
Just like the way he plays the game.
Gonna miss him today and Bournemouth
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Clearly a better team without him and Kamara.
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Yeah, Arsenal look like they need him more than we do. Thanks for your efforts Dougie.
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I doubt at this stage of his career he'd want to take a step down and join Arsenal.
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Hard to really state if we missed him as we might have scored more if we were playing. However sometimes he can slow the game down too much, but I think the bigger difference was McGinn was starting further back in midfield unlike the last couple of matches so we had his energy for the defensive parts of the game. I think if we had the Doug / Luiz partnership in the previous two matches, then we could well be discussing could we snipe third spot after the matches this weekend.
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The biggest problem to me has been asking Tielemans to fill in out wide for some reason. He simply isn't athletic enough to cover endless ground.
Today he played the Luiz role to perfection so there is life after Doug although you'd like to think we can keep both with CL on offer and just rotate more rather than Doug starting every single week as his performances have tailed off in last six weeks.
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One game down one to go
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https://x.com/catrinavfc/status/1780026274615906373?s=46
Questions with Doug
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
Lazy journalism again. It has got 'Drop the Dead Donkey' written all over it.
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
Lazy journalism again. It has got 'Drop the Dead Donkey' written all over it.
I think Arse priority will be-a centre forward and I think they will utilise a lot of their resources to get one.
They are more likely to go for Watkins than Luiz although they probably need both.
I have no idea how much they can spend though.
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
Lazy journalism again. It has got 'Drop the Dead Donkey' written all over it.
I think Arse priority will be-a centre forward and I think they will utilise a lot of their resources to get one.
They are more likely to go for Watkins than Luiz although they probably need both.
I have no idea how much they can spend though.
Probably not enough to purchase one of our better players, thats for sure...
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
Lazy journalism again. It has got 'Drop the Dead Donkey' written all over it.
I think Arse priority will be-a centre forward and I think they will utilise a lot of their resources to get one.
They are more likely to go for Watkins than Luiz although they probably need both.
I have no idea how much they can spend though.
Probably not enough to purchase one of our better players, thats for sure...
Either of those two are in the £100m bracket. Plus agents fees, sign on and wages makes it another £100,. Not cheap
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Footballer Insider pedalling their own brand of Doug to Arsenal propaganda again, see bbc footie pages. I know the words football and insider are poison to the eyes.
Lazy journalism again. It has got 'Drop the Dead Donkey' written all over it.
I think Arse priority will be-a centre forward and I think they will utilise a lot of their resources to get one.
They are more likely to go for Watkins than Luiz although they probably need both.
I have no idea how much they can spend though.
According to BBC Gossip, "Arsenal will make English striker Eddie Nketiah, 24, available for transfer this summer but will ask for £40m", so what price, Watkins or Dougie?
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Straight swap obvs.
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Straight swap obvs.
That would be about as appealing as swapping Emery for Arteta.
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£40m for Nketiah? JFC. The only clubs able to waste that sort of money are going to want significantly better than that. In the past they could have relied on someone Everton or maybe Newcastle throwing the money away, but it's harder for clubs to be complete morons with signings like that nowadays.
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There's not a cats chance in hell that anyone is spending forty million pounds on nketiah.
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There's not a cats chance in hell that anyone is spending forty million pounds on nketiah.
Yep. You could just download the song off Spotify.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
£80m would be my very lowest number. The benchmark has to be that Brighton fella who went to Chelsea (cant be arsed to look him up and he is a nonentity now). Wasn't that £100m plus? But you need two bidders to get that happening. However, I suspect that FFP has depressed prices for the first time in decades.
I wouldn't take a penny for Watkins. They can fuck right off.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
Controversial/insane
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Nketiah and Josh Onomah, imagine what they could do for the Villa.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
I think you need a Doctor.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
I wouldn't be surprised if he went - him and ramsey seem the most replacement with high value. If were selling anyone "big" it will be him.
Emi - we wouldn't get enough for it to be worthwhile
Watkins - so few good strikers if we sold him for 100m we would need to spend 150m to replace him.
Ideally we might be able to sell some squad players like cash. But given our injury lists half the squads value is depressed by the fact they haven't played this season much.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
Controversial/insane
If we do need to sell a "big" asset for PSR reasons, he's probably one of my preferred options too.
In order, I'd say something like Bailey, Douglas Luiz, Konsa, McGinn, Martinez, Watkins.
If we don't, then obviously let's not sell any of them.
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I know it's controversial, but I'd take an offer over £80m for him. He has been a walking yellow card for months now, and it would sort us out for FFP. Tielemans and McGann played well as deep lying midfielders against Arsenal, and I have confidence we would spend the money well.
Controversial/insane
If we do need to sell a "big" asset for PSR reasons, he's probably one of my preferred options too.
In order, I'd say something like Bailey, Douglas Luiz, Konsa, McGinn, Martinez, Watkins.
If we don't, then obviously let's not sell any of them.
It’s more the price tag. Shouldn’t be picking up the phone for anything less than 3 figures.
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I think if we need to offload anyone for FFP reasons you have to look at players who have not had much impact this season for whatever reason (injury for example) and also areas where we're well covered. Likely fee is also a big consideration and also of course whether they're pushing for a move anyway.
Assuming they're not pushing for a move, Martinez and Watkins are the last ones to consider. We're not all that well covered there full stop. I'd be thinking Ramsey and Tielemans are playing for a similar role and Ramsey has hardly figured this season. Both good players. Digne and Moreno, both good players for lest back, Mings and Torres both good players for LCB and obviously Mings hasn't figured this season. Coming back from a long injury might be an issue with that idea of course. I do think there's a cracking player in Diaby but we haven't seen much of it in the last 4/5 months, and with Buendia coming back....
I woudn't like to see Douglas go unless he's seriously pushing.
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Tielemans is the only player worth our while selling of what could be considered part of the first team group.
Hes pure profit, probably on pretty high wages & apart from the odd decent pass has offered little to nothing for the remainder of the season that Buendia is good enough to deliver when he is back fit... And while Buendia isn't the quickest, he is Speedy Gonzales next to Tielemans.
If we get enough for him to cover any potential FFP/PSR/ETC/??? issues, we wont have to sell any of our best players.
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We get CL and win a trophy, we’ll be selling no one.
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Tielemans is the only player worth our while selling of what could be considered part of the first team group.
Hes pure profit, probably on pretty high wages & apart from the odd decent pass has offered little to nothing for the remainder of the season that Buendia is good enough to deliver when he is back fit... And while Buendia isn't the quickest, he is Speedy Gonzales next to Tielemans.
If we get enough for him to cover any potential FFP/PSR/ETC/??? issues, we wont have to sell any of our best players.
I just don’t think that’s true regarding Tielemans’ impact.
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Maybe I am being a little harsh.
Compared to the rest of the regular first team/squad players, I think his impact has been the weakest...
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Tielemans is the only player worth our while selling of what could be considered part of the first team group.
Hes pure profit, probably on pretty high wages & apart from the odd decent pass has offered little to nothing for the remainder of the season that Buendia is good enough to deliver when he is back fit... And while Buendia isn't the quickest, he is Speedy Gonzales next to Tielemans.
If we get enough for him to cover any potential FFP/PSR/ETC/??? issues, we wont have to sell any of our best players.
I just don’t think that’s true regarding Tielemans’ impact.
Agreed. He's been perfectly decent and an important part of the squad, particularly in the current era of one or two other midfielders being missing.
Besides, if he wasn't offering anything worth keeping, why would anyone want to give us "pure profit" and him "pretty high wages"?
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Tielemans is the only player worth our while selling of what could be considered part of the first team group.
Hes pure profit, probably on pretty high wages & apart from the odd decent pass has offered little to nothing for the remainder of the season that Buendia is good enough to deliver when he is back fit... And while Buendia isn't the quickest, he is Speedy Gonzales next to Tielemans.
If we get enough for him to cover any potential FFP/PSR/ETC/??? issues, we wont have to sell any of our best players.
I just don’t think that’s true regarding Tielemans’ impact.
Agreed. He's been perfectly decent and an important part of the squad, particularly in the current era of one or two other midfielders being missing.
Besides, if he wasn't offering anything worth keeping, why would anyone want to give us "pure profit" and him "pretty high wages"?
Because we paid nothing for him so anything we get would be pure profit, FFP wise.
And plenty of teams purchase players with high reputations on high wages who might not have performed incredibly well at their previous club, because they think they could get a tune out of him.
And he's a pretty decent passer of the ball with decent vision, as well as being able to strike the ball well with strong technique.
I personally just don't think that he has the mobility or the energy to perform regularly in our team.
It's nothing personal, he's just the player I would consider selling before any other, IF, we have to sell for FFP reasons.
And I have amended my original post after Olneythelonely questioned it. Maybe I wasn't so clear with what I meant.
Which is my bad.
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Maybe I am being a little harsh.
Compared to the rest of the regular first team/squad players, I think his impact has been the weakest...
I think you are being harsh. He is able to play a number of different roles across midfield which is not something you could say of Buendia but there’s more than enough room for both in the squad.
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Virtually all the players we could consider selling will have had their initial fees written off. People always talk about 'pure profit,' but it's nonsense. There's no difference between selling Tielemans, Luiz, Ramsey, Watkins, Kamara or McGinn FFP wise - their initial fees (if any) have already been amortised.
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Tielemans is the only player worth our while selling of what could be considered part of the first team group.
Hes pure profit, probably on pretty high wages & apart from the odd decent pass has offered little to nothing for the remainder of the season that Buendia is good enough to deliver when he is back fit... And while Buendia isn't the quickest, he is Speedy Gonzales next to Tielemans.
If we get enough for him to cover any potential FFP/PSR/ETC/??? issues, we wont have to sell any of our best players.
I just don’t think that’s true regarding Tielemans’ impact.
Agreed. He's been perfectly decent and an important part of the squad, particularly in the current era of one or two other midfielders being missing.
Besides, if he wasn't offering anything worth keeping, why would anyone want to give us "pure profit" and him "pretty high wages"?
Because we paid nothing for him so anything we get would be pure profit, FFP wise.
And plenty of teams purchase players with high reputations on high wages who might not have performed incredibly well at their previous club, because they think they could get a tune out of him.
And he's a pretty decent passer of the ball with decent vision, as well as being able to strike the ball well with strong technique.
I personally just don't think that he has the mobility or the energy to perform regularly in our team.
It's nothing personal, he's just the player I would consider selling before any other, IF, we have to sell for FFP reasons.
And I have amended my original post after Olneythelonely questioned it. Maybe I wasn't so clear with what I meant.
Which is my bad.
Tielemans was new to the club and took time to settle in and even post xmas has had some quiet games. But overall has made some pretty significant contributions this season and is a quality player. He was completely instrumental to our second half performance on Sunday as well.
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I don't think we'd get enough for Tielemans for it to really make a difference with PSR. His experience in big games will continue to be valuable next season if we make the CL.
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Some of you disagree with me.
Thats fair & I respect your right to do so.
But if we are forced to sell any player for FFP, then I would sell Tielemans.
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Virtually all the players we could consider selling will have had their initial fees written off. People always talk about 'pure profit,' but it's nonsense. There's no difference between selling Tielemans, Luiz, Ramsey, Watkins, Kamara or McGinn FFP wise - their initial fees (if any) have already been amortised.
The difference is that Tielemans has only been here a year.
McGinn cost 57p & a packet of pork scratchings, Kamara is no different to Tielemans as both were free, Ramsey is an academy player therefore has no value on the balance sheet & Watkins & Douglas Luiz has been here several years.
So, yes, they are all similar in terms of profit from sales for FFP, but like I said, I would sell Tielemans ahead of any of those you listed because I think his contribution has been weaker than all of those you listed. Whether that has been him taking time to settle, he's lazy, he doesn't have the mobility, whatever the reason, (I have read all on here at some point), I personally don't rate him as highly as the others listed. Its just my humble opinion.
And as he was free, even after only one year, he is "pure profit", or however you want it labelled, for FFP purposes.
If we don't have to sell, then great. We keep him as a squad player.
I am purely talking if we are being forced to sell any players for that FFP/PSR thing.
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Some of you disagree with me.
Thats fair & I respect your right to do so.
But if we are forced to sell any player for FFP, then I would sell Tielemans.
Me too. He’s a good player but replacing the others would be harder. McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey also seem to be an integral part of the club’s DNA so you’d risk selling a bit of our X factor. I’d sell Tieleman’s and use the money to buy a genuine alternative to Kamara.
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Some of you disagree with me.
Thats fair & I respect your right to do so.
But if we are forced to sell any player for FFP, then I would sell Tielemans.
I'm not sure who you're disagreeing with. Obviously if it's a choice between Tielemans and all the other players mooted, everyone is choosing Tielemans. It's not a niche opinion, you might as well be putting Chambers or Olsen forward.
But that's not how life works. If we decided that we wanted to sell Tielemans, he's a good player on a big contract, so someone would probably give us £25m - £30m for him. But it would also need to be a good enough to team for him to actually want to go there. He joined us due to the handy combination of us being a big team, on the up, offering a big contract and allowing him to keep his young family in the area that they were growing up. There aren't that many teams that can offer him that.
Douglas Luiz would attract interest from pretty much every one of the dozen or so teams who are currently better than us. Tielemans wouldn't. If we decided we wanted to cash in for £80m, he'd probably be fine with that. Tielemans wouldn't for the sort of team that would offer us £30m. As he could have just joined them last summer if he'd wanted to go there.
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I just hope we have to sell nobody. I see threads regarding Digne, Ramsey and Dougie and all have been crucial to us at various times over the last 18 months. They are all top quality players and it would be real shame to lose any of them.
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Luiz is going nowhere
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Some of you disagree with me.
Thats fair & I respect your right to do so.
But if we are forced to sell any player for FFP, then I would sell Tielemans.
I'm not sure who you're disagreeing with. Obviously if it's a choice between Tielemans and all the other players mooted, everyone is choosing Tielemans. It's not a niche opinion, you might as well be putting Chambers or Olsen forward.
But that's not how life works. If we decided that we wanted to sell Tielemans, he's a good player on a big contract, so someone would probably give us £25m - £30m for him. But it would also need to be a good enough to team for him to actually want to go there. He joined us due to the handy combination of us being a big team, on the up, offering a big contract and allowing him to keep his young family in the area that they were growing up. There aren't that many teams that can offer him that.
Douglas Luiz would attract interest from pretty much every one of the dozen or so teams who are currently better than us. Tielemans wouldn't. If we decided we wanted to cash in for £80m, he'd probably be fine with that. Tielemans wouldn't for the sort of team that would offer us £30m. As he could have just joined them last summer if he'd wanted to go there.
I was having a conversation with a few people who disagreed that Tielemans had been the weaker of our players who might be worth something.
But if we all agree, then great.
We can all move on with a wink & a smile.
I wasn't trying to be confrontational btw. I do understand that I can come across as more aggressive or difficult than I intend. And clearly I need to work on my communication skills...
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I think part of the issue when it comes to "who should we sell if we HAVE to sell someone" is that big injuries in the last 12 months to players like Mings, Buendia, Kamara, Moreno and Ramsey mean that players who might have been on the periphery of things have actually played a much more important part in the first 11 - and that makes them 'feel' more important to the squad.
We don't really have many players now who a) have any sort of value in the market, and b) haven't directly contributed to our success this season. Which means if a sale is going to be required for any sort of summer squad building, then it's going to hurt, and some of us will be able to point to them and say they've been an important part of wins against x, y, and z.
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It’s players who decide if they want to be transferred, then someone has to meet, beat or get near to the clubs valuation. Unless the player acts up of course. Which I don’t see happening with the players mentioned.
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No way is Youri leaving, he's just had his garden sorted.
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It’s players who decide if they want to be transferred, then someone has to meet, beat or get near to the clubs valuation. Unless the player acts up of course. Which I don’t see happening with the players mentioned.
An article about Vidagany suggested that each summer he gives the players - or their agents - a number where the club would consider selling.
I can’t remember the specifics but it sounded like standard practice, developed to improve communication/expectations.
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It's taken Douglas is back in the starting 11 but I wonder if Tielemans, Bailey, Diaby or Rogers steps out? Or even McGinn!
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It's taken Douglas is back in the starting 11 but I wonder if Tielemans, Bailey, Diaby or Rogers steps out? Or even McGinn!
Is it taken? Highly doubt Rogers will be dropped from that left side position, so I imagine it will be one of Tielemans, McGinn or Diaby. Would be a tough call on any of those three after Sunday.
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For a while there it looked like Rogers wasn't quite a 90 minute player yet. He wasn't supposed to be on as early against Lille as he was, and then he ended up playing most of that and all of Sunday's game.
Between now and the end of the season, or at least us securing 4th/CL final, I think who starts and who doesn't might come down to managing fitness more than playing the most inform players all the time.
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It's taken Douglas is back in the starting 11 but I wonder if Tielemans, Bailey, Diaby or Rogers steps out? Or even McGinn!
Wey-hey: Footy-Vild has spelled Rogers' name correctly!!
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Great position to be in, discussing whether we should start a 100m player or not!!
Unai always has a game plan and in his mind the finishing X1 is equally as important as the starting X1.
A good way of keeping all players happy and on their toes.
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If Bailey is carrying a knock I’d bring Doug back in and shift the Moose wide, Youri forwards.
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No way Doug doesn’t start. He will replace Bailey who by all accounts is much more injured than he’s showing. We need a very solid CM group and if we need Bailey have come in later in the game. Ideally we don’t need him at all.
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Yeah luiz has to start. He wilm be fresh. I think bailey on bench would be sensible with his injury. W eneed him for olympiakos
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Douglas Luiz is penalty taker and a primary set piece taker
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Pau Torres is left footed and is Spanish.
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Sorry, wrong thread.
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All Douglas goals in the Prem this season have been scored at Villa Park.
Including 4 penalties its 9 goals and that's as many as Watkins at Villa Park
If Douglas can get 10+ goals with two more home games to go, that's the first time in 30+ years for a midfielder to score double figures in a season since David Platt! Gareth Barry and Gary Parker came closest , but there has not been a 10-plus goal-scoring midfielder for some time.
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Pressure on Luiz if he starts . We've been doing well without him. Be interesting if he returns and the sluggish pace returns .
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Luiz is a main stay. Class act.
He has to start as main set piece taker and penalty taker and goal threat!
Offering goals and assists and takes the ball from the defence very well.
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Won last two games convincingly. If ain't broke don't fix it.
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Agree start him at the expense of Diaby .
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Yes it's interesting he's been the best midfielder goalscorer season for us in the last 30 or so years.
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Not his greatest game this evening. Gave away possession for the first goal and was in danger getting himself sent off.
We played better without him. No doubt he’s had a good input this year, but if we do need to raise funds and can get a good fee for him, he’s maybe the one to sacrifice
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I wouldn't have started him tonight. Tielemans and SJM were superb in his absennse
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He seems hellbent on being sent off at the moment. Needs to get his attitude sorted for the next game.
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He seems hellbent on being sent off at the moment. Needs to get his attitude sorted for the next game.
It's killing his game at the moment.
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I think he’s frustrated at his level of performance- definitely not clicking. I think he’s a brilliant player, and has been massive for us this season, but he’s been flat in his last few performances and absolutely terrible tonight. He’ll come out of it, but ideally that’ll start Thursday and continue through to the end of the season, because with Tielemans presumably out for the foreseeable we need him.
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I don’t want us to have to sell any of our best players for PSR reasons this summer, but if we do, I think Dougie would be the one I’d sell. And that’s not a reaction to today’s game, I haven’t seen it.
If Arsenal offered us 90m I’d take it.
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Was poor in the games prior to his suspension. Tonight pretty much mirrored.
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He’s a very good player but that was a 3/10 performance. Emery properly did his nut after the goal, and then when Doug miscontrolled the ball in a good attack that was the final straw and he was off.
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Yeah had a rare stinker tonight
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We look better without him . Mistake recalling him .
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I don’t want us to have to sell any of our best players for PSR reasons this summer, but if we do, I think Dougie would be the one I’d sell. And that’s not a reaction to today’s game, I haven’t seen it.
If Arsenal offered us 90m I’d take it.
I’d sell JJ before him (appreciate we wouldn’t get 90m). When Doug is on he’s elite level, but he does need someone doing more of the defensive work.
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I've been wanting McGinn in the middle but maybe this whole time it was just because Luiz has been playing quite poorly? If Youri were to be fit then I think he deserves a stay out of the team.
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I don’t want us to have to sell any of our best players for PSR reasons this summer, but if we do, I think Dougie would be the one I’d sell. And that’s not a reaction to today’s game, I haven’t seen it.
If Arsenal offered us 90m I’d take it.
I think there are several players across Europe who we could bring in who would replace him, for cheaper. He's been great this season but is replaceable.
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Yeah had a rare stinker tonight
He's been poor for weeks.
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We would be nowhere near where we are without him.
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We would be nowhere near where we are without him.
This is definitely true, but no-one should be undroppable. His ceiling is higher than anyone's, but that's no good if he's in the basement.
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No I agree, but people are jumping to the conclusion he’s replaceable (potentially easily). I don’t think he is. I think he’s an exceptional talent and he’s being asked to cover the Kamara role, which isn’t really his game.
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He's been in second gear since Christmas. I think he's off or at least he thinks he is.
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No I agree, but people are jumping to the conclusion he’s replaceable (potentially easily). I don’t think he is. I think he’s an exceptional talent and he’s being asked to cover the Kamara role, which isn’t really his game.
That's fair, I agree, I think long term we would miss him.
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He looked like he was playing in 3rd gear tonight, which isn’t anywhere near enough.
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He's going to have a bad game now and again. That said, we didn't seem to miss him that much when he was out.
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Well no, but again he’s not Kamara and he’s being asked to play that role. Clearly we know why, but he’s massively less effective in that role. His obvious frustration is clear evidence he was trying but it wasn’t working.
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But if he’s not good at the Kamara role and we’ve already got McGinn and tielemans for more forward roles then maybe that’s further proof he’s the one who might be sacrificed. Not saying he’s a bad player, just what the club needs
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I’d just be very wary of recency bias on this stuff. He has been outstanding for most of this season, if we lose him it would be a colossal hole to fill.
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I’d just be very wary of recency bias on this stuff. He has been outstanding for most of this season, if we lose him it would be a colossal hole to fill.
But then again, how colossal would that hole be compared to the one that would be created were we to sell Watkins or Martinez?
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He was a Rolls Royce midfielder until he got back together with Alisha. I miss that player.
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He was a Rolls Royce midfielder until he got back together with Alisha. I miss that player.
Yes, you're always less of a player when you're in a steady relationship.
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Been totally off it for ages. Tonight was the pinnacle - Trudging around the pitch in a daze, watching the game pass him by.
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I’ve been of the view that Dougie is really at his best when Kamara is alongside him. And when Kamara is missing I don’t think Dougie is as effective.
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He was a Rolls Royce midfielder until he got back together with Alisha. I miss that player.
Yes, you're always less of a player when you're in a steady relationship.
How so?
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I’ve been of the view that Dougie is really at his best when Kamara is alongside him. And when Kamara is missing I don’t think Dougie is as effective.
Absolutely but we shouldn't rule out the Alisha Effect. Close your eyes Footy Vil but he looks shagged out since Christmas. Coincidence? I think not. 😉
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Abysmal tonight, looked as though he didn’t give a shit.
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I’ve been of the view that Dougie is really at his best when Kamara is alongside him. And when Kamara is missing I don’t think Dougie is as effective.
Absolutely but we shouldn't rule out the Alisha Effect. Close your eyes Footy Vil but he looks shagged out since Christmas. Coincidence? I think not. 😉
I mentioned the same in the end of the match thread. He breaks up with her around November 2022 (calendar furore). He is then tremendous for the whole of 2023. Then at the end of 2023 we hear they have made up.......
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The on field discipline has been the biggest issue in his game
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The on field discipline has been the biggest issue in his game
Agreed.
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He likes to get forward, and becomes frustrated when penned back. He was very sloppy for their second goal, probably looking for a killer pass.
How many times did he get in the opposition penalty area tonight? Compare this to when things are going our way.
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I would like the Douglas Luiz of a few months ago back.
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He was a Rolls Royce midfielder until he got back together with Alisha. I miss that player.
Yes, you're always less of a player when you're in a steady relationship.
Yes that’s right. You easily pick up cautions if you keep the same tempo.
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It’s no surprise he isn’t as effective as before Kamara got injured. It seemed pairing him with him played to his strengths which is a number 8. Controlling games, creating chances and scoring himself. Both our midfield and defence has taken serious adjustments at times and it’s been tough. The injuries must take their toll.
He’s been superb this season and prior to December I was thinking he’s up there with the best midfielders I’ve seen play for us. He was a massive reason we went on that brilliant run which propelled us up the league table from the moment Emery arrived.
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He was poor, but when he's poor or doesn't play, I don't think we are quite the team UE wants us to be, we get a little impatient and the ball goes forward too quickly without the supporting players to build overloads. He's the rhythm of the team, and the night.
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He was a Rolls Royce midfielder until he got back together with Alisha. I miss that player.
Yes, you're always less of a player when you're in a steady relationship.
Yes that’s right. You easily pick up cautions if you keep the same tempo.
😂
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Deserves dropping. But with Tielemans out it won't be an option .
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Probably just a coincidence but, hasn’t played very well since Alisha came on the scene. Nowadays, he seems to want to prove what a hard man he is and get booked each match rather than concentrating on his undoubted skills.
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It’s obviously because he’s needing to do a different role because Kamara is out. The frustration is there because he can’t do what he’s best at.
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He does need to focus on his actual game rather than getting all niggly. He was excellent but his form has dropped off a cliff recently.
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It’s obviously because he’s needing to do a different role because Kamara is out. The frustration is there because he can’t do what he’s best at.
He has been niggly all season. He was the only player in the team to get the one match ban for accumulated yellows and followed that up with the only one to get two match ban as well when he only had seconds left.
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He's been booked 14 times this season, 7 with Kamara in the team, 7 without.
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Out of interest how many games has he played with Kamara vs without?
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It’s obviously because he’s needing to do a different role because Kamara is out. The frustration is there because he can’t do what he’s best at.
Top players adapt to circumstances and changes in line ups. He's not in the top category for me . Very disappointing of late when we've needed him to step up .
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Out of interest how many games has he played with Kamara vs without?
Don't they have Google in your house? :P
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It’s obviously because he’s needing to do a different role because Kamara is out. The frustration is there because he can’t do what he’s best at.
Top players adapt to circumstances and changes in line ups. He's not in the top category for me . Very disappointing of late when we've needed him to step up .
You do seem to jump to sweeping, definitive, conclusions on players. He’s been out of form, playing a role that isn’t his natural role, but why is his form now more indicative of the player he is than the exceptional, hugely influential form he’s delivered for a much larger chunk of the season.
He’s been absolutely vital in getting us to where we are, just because he’s not doing great now doesn’t speak to some underlying issue with him.
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
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It did, but it’s an incredibly small sample size so it’s hard to make a definitive judgement.
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But best when we had Luiz and Kamara in there, which is my main issue with us not trying the most similar player to Kamara, Tim.
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Our best football, for the most part, has been with Doug in the side. He’s in a poor patch of form, but I think he deserves a bit of latitude given the level he has performed at for a good chunk of the season. I’m pretty sure if we trawled back every single one of the midfield has been called out for underperforming for a period this season. Doug is one of the best centre mid’s in the league and deserves backing.
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
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Absolute nonsense.
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Luiz has been one of our best players this season. He's driven, wants to win and shows it. I'd rather that than a passive personality.
The pressure is building now, and we're right in the mix. That's new for a lot of our players and definitely new for the squad as a whole and the club.
He's having a tough time, and it's harder still when you have to adapt what you're doing because of the absence of others. Luiz can usually get on with his job without having to worry about what Kamara is doing, when Kamara is out, he's then having to worry about his partner and whether or not they are doing everything that needs doing.
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Assuming Tielemans is out now, we've no choice but to hope he gets back to what he's capable of. Hopefully being subbed against Chelsea will show him that his performance wasn't good enough.
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Luiz only needs to score against Liverpool and he'll prove to be the best midfielder scorer we had in a season for nearly 35 years.
The history says since David Platt no midfielder has scored double figures in the league
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Douglas Luiz has already scored as many goals in a season as Petrov did in his Villa career. 9
And Luiz has more goals in this one season than
Townsend, Hitzselberger, Draper, Houghton, Westwood, Delph, Richardson, Hourihane in their Villa careers in the Prem.
How many of those were penalty takers ?
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I think some people appear to have very short memories and have forgotten just how good Luiz was for us until the last 5-6weeks. Yes he's hit a bit of a wall recently but he has played a huge part in us being where we are in both the league and Europe.
So far this season he has made 48 appearances and delivered 10 goals and 10 assists and in more subjective measures Sofascore have him as the 20th best rated player in the league.
He's an exceptional player who has had an superb season but has lost his way slightly, lets not lose our minds because of a few bookings or a couple of bad performances.
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I want to hear more from the strange folk that want to blame a woman for his drop in form.
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I want to hear more from the strange folk that want to blame a woman for his drop in form.
Watkins is crap when his missus has given birth.
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Assuming Tielemans is out now, we've no choice but to hope he gets back to what he's capable of. Hopefully being subbed against Chelsea will show him that his performance wasn't good enough.
I think he was actually pulled because he was already on a yellow, and had just committed another foul right under the ref's nose. I think Unai was worried about a red for one more mis-timed tackle. No one played that well against Chelsea, so I don't think he was pulled for being particularly bad. Unai could have subbed any of them!
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I'm blaming his streaming fortnite....
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They were trying to get him sent off. Was it Caicdeo who was rolling around, the cheating little ******, feigning a stamp.
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Which is ironic because there's not many dirtier than Caicdeo.
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They were trying to get him sent off. Was it Caicdeo who was rolling around, the cheating little ******, feigning a stamp.
Twas indeed. This is an aspect of the game we must get a lot cuter in. Don't get drawn in or wound up in meaningless spats
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I think some people appear to have very short memories and have forgotten just how good Luiz was for us until the last 5-6weeks. Yes he's hit a bit of a wall recently but he has played a huge part in us being where we are in both the league and Europe.
So far this season he has made 48 appearances and delivered 10 goals and 10 assists and in more subjective measures Sofascore have him as the 20th best rated player in the league.
He's an exceptional player who has had an superb season but has lost his way slightly, lets not lose our minds because of a few bookings or a couple of bad performances.
Fully agree, he carried our midfield for most of the season and was far more consistent than likes of Kamara and McGinn even. Needs to stop getting involved with incidents with other players though, it's very easy for referees just to give out two yellow cards and that nobbled him at the weekend.
Without Kamara he just has to sit in front of the back four and forget about adding to his G&A tally. He was deservedly hooked at the weekend but it might rile him up now for the final few games.
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They were trying to get him sent off. Was it Caicdeo who was rolling around, the cheating little ******, feigning a stamp.
Yep, little prick, worst part was he took a second to think before acting like he'd been stamped on, if the ref had any balls he should've sent him off because it was such blatant cheating.
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I think some people appear to have very short memories and have forgotten just how good Luiz was for us until the last 5-6weeks. Yes he's hit a bit of a wall recently but he has played a huge part in us being where we are in both the league and Europe.
So far this season he has made 48 appearances and delivered 10 goals and 10 assists and in more subjective measures Sofascore have him as the 20th best rated player in the league.
He's an exceptional player who has had an superb season but has lost his way slightly, lets not lose our minds because of a few bookings or a couple of bad performances.
Fully agree, he carried our midfield for most of the season and was far more consistent than likes of Kamara and McGinn even. Needs to stop getting involved with incidents with other players though, it's very easy for referees just to give out two yellow cards and that nobbled him at the weekend.
Without Kamara he just has to sit in front of the back four and forget about adding to his G&A tally. He was deservedly hooked at the weekend but it might rile him up now for the final few games.
It’s no surprise with Dougie’s drop off in form has coincided with the whole teams drop off in form. What we need to do is get him firing again, not sell him.
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I want to hear more from the strange folk that want to blame a woman for his drop in form.
When I got together with my Mrs, my form got better. I think I was getting fitter.
Speaking of which, I'm getting a little unfit again...
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They were trying to get him sent off. Was it Caicdeo who was rolling around, the cheating little ******, feigning a stamp.
Yep, little prick, worst part was he took a second to think before acting like he'd been stamped on, if the ref had any balls he should've sent him off because it was such blatant cheating.
Precisely the same thing happened for McGinn getting his marching orders against Spuds.
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
I think Douglash may have been doing Tim's ex... Didn't know he dated Alisha before
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
I think Douglash may have been doing Tim's ex... Didn't know he dated Alisha before
Must you ! So crude. A better term is to say had relations.
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I think you're looking for a biblical "know". That's how you begat wholesomely.
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The shocked by smutty talk routine is getting a bit dull now, time to think of something else.
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
If he played for Spurs we'd all be slating him and noticing the flaws. He's a very good player, but not elite .
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Must you ! So crude. A better term is to say had relations.
Or...
...hows about we all say whatever the fuck we like, within the rules of the site?
It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
If he played for Spurs we'd all be slating him and noticing the flaws. He's a very good player, but not elite .
We do notice his flaws. He gets criticised when it's applicable.
I used to say quite a bit negative about him & labelled him a "jack of all trades & master of none" not so long ago.
He didn't play for Spurs then though.
But at that time, he was playing in Smith & Gerrards teams, in the wrong position.
When he has been playing in his correct position & Emery has worked with him at improving his game, he has improved more than any player at Villa & is now one of the finest midfielders in the world.
His recent poor form, after an absolutely stellar season up until then, has coincided with Kamara missing through injury & Douglas Luiz having to step back into the position that is not his natural game.
I think that it is a ridiculous thing to say that "if he played for Spurs we would slate him", as we pretty much all slate our own players at times when they are not performing.
Especially as a lot of people recognise that Spurs have several excellent footballers who all get credit on here from time to time.
So, please, don't put negative words into other peoples mouths just because there are so fucking many that are stuck in yours...
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It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
I think Douglash may have been doing Tim's ex... Didn't know he dated Alisha before
Must you ! So crude. A better term is to say had relations.
Hello Bill Clinton.
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Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
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Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
-
Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
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Must you ! So crude. A better term is to say had relations.
Or...
...hows about we all say whatever the fuck we like, within the rules of the site?
It isn't Tielemans role, but the two matches when it was McGinn and Tielemans in there, we looked a whole lot better then the ones where it was McGinn and Luiz or Tielemans and Luiz.
Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels .
That is something that I vehemently disagree with.
And I am someone who used to question his role before Emery improved him ten fold, AND, he was playing in his correct position.
Tielemans is far from Douglas Luiz level at the things that Tielemans is decent at. The rest of his game, there is no comparison.
When playing in his correct position, Douglas Luiz is one of the finest midfielders in the world.
Tielemans is a decent option for our bench.
In my humble opinion of course...
If he played for Spurs we'd all be slating him and noticing the flaws. He's a very good player, but not elite .
We do notice his flaws. He gets criticised when it's applicable.
I used to say quite a bit negative about him & labelled him a "jack of all trades & master of none" not so long ago.
He didn't play for Spurs then though.
But at that time, he was playing in Smith & Gerrards teams, in the wrong position.
When he has been playing in his correct position & Emery has worked with him at improving his game, he has improved more than any player at Villa & is now one of the finest midfielders in the world.
His recent poor form, after an absolutely stellar season up until then, has coincided with Kamara missing through injury & Douglas Luiz having to step back into the position that is not his natural game.
I think that it is a ridiculous thing to say that "if he played for Spurs we would slate him", as we pretty much all slate our own players at times when they are not performing.
Especially as a lot of people recognise that Spurs have several excellent footballers who all get credit on here from time to time.
So, please, don't put negative words into other peoples mouths just because there are so fucking many that are stuck in yours...
If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
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Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
Booty-filth?
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
I know what you said because I have been able to read since I was about 5 years old.
You said, & I will quote you quoting yourself, that he is a "very good player".
You also said, & again, I quote you, that we would be "slating him if he played for Spurs".
You also said that, & again, quoting your comments because I can read, that "Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels ."
The last is so ridiculous that I had to chime in.
So not quite the ringing endorsement you made your comments out to be when you questioned my ability to read words "properly".
I am taking the entirety of your words & understanding that you don't rate him as highly as others do because he doesn't play for Spurs, that he needs slating, & that he isn't as good as Youri Tielemans.
If you had read what I had written properly, you will see that I admit that I have criticised him when he deserved it, even when he didn't play for Spurs, but have changed my opinion on him as a player as his positive performances warranted. Which has been elite level.
I am giving him a little leeway for his current poor form due to his previous excellent form, but more importantly, because he is playing out of position since Kamara got injured. And hasn't he been one of the players who has been a regular more often than not over the whole season, including Europe?
All of the above is the simple reason for his current poorer form than earlier in the season..
But thats the difference between ability & form...
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
I know what you said because I have been able to read since I was about 5 years old.
You said, & I will quote you quoting yourself, that he is a "very good player".
You also said, & again, I quote you, that we would be "slating him if he played for Spurs".
You also said that, & again, quoting your comments because I can read, that "Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels ."
The last is so ridiculous that I had to chime in.
So not quite the ringing endorsement you made your comments out to be when you questioned my ability to read words "properly".
I am taking the entirety of your words & understanding that you don't rate him as highly as others do because he doesn't play for Spurs, that he needs slating, & that he isn't as good as Youri Tielemans.
If you had read what I had written properly, you will see that I admit that I have criticised him when he deserved it, even when he didn't play for Spurs, but have changed my opinion on him as a player as his positive performances warranted. Which has been elite level.
I am giving him a little leeway for his current poor form due to his previous excellent form, but more importantly, because he is playing out of position since Kamara got injured. And hasn't he been one of the players who has been a regular more often than not over the whole season, including Europe?
All of the above is the simple reason for his current poorer form than earlier in the season..
But thats the difference between ability & form...
Are you ok .
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Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
Booty-filth?
There are sensibilities that people have so could you lot mind watching your posts unless deemed whole necessary don't need the crudeness I mean this is just trying to get a laugh that isn't at all funny and not even related to Douglas Luiz
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
I know what you said because I have been able to read since I was about 5 years old.
You said, & I will quote you quoting yourself, that he is a "very good player".
You also said, & again, I quote you, that we would be "slating him if he played for Spurs".
You also said that, & again, quoting your comments because I can read, that "Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels ."
The last is so ridiculous that I had to chime in.
So not quite the ringing endorsement you made your comments out to be when you questioned my ability to read words "properly".
I am taking the entirety of your words & understanding that you don't rate him as highly as others do because he doesn't play for Spurs, that he needs slating, & that he isn't as good as Youri Tielemans.
If you had read what I had written properly, you will see that I admit that I have criticised him when he deserved it, even when he didn't play for Spurs, but have changed my opinion on him as a player as his positive performances warranted. Which has been elite level.
I am giving him a little leeway for his current poor form due to his previous excellent form, but more importantly, because he is playing out of position since Kamara got injured. And hasn't he been one of the players who has been a regular more often than not over the whole season, including Europe?
All of the above is the simple reason for his current poorer form than earlier in the season..
But thats the difference between ability & form...
Can I remind you both that Douglas Luiz was voted fans and players player of the year last season
There isn't a player this season from midfield who will match that achievement and Villa team have been better season.
-
Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
Booty-filth?
Fill-yer-boots?
-
Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
Booty-filth?
Fill-yer-boots?
Obviously, this is some people's chosen way.
I'm wondering if I could entice you to be more constructive, as I'm thinking a Villa dream, superstitions, and synchronicity thread could be something that uses your minds for a greater purpose than this low-brow stuff.
Basically, focus energy on talking about superstitions you have or have had, dreams, and that sort of thing.
I think that would help reduce innuendo and lewd language.
I's also quite nice to have a discussion on how connected thoughts are to Villa and the descriptive focus and language geared towards Villa and dreams, not to this bawdy stuff that is supposed humour .
Let's be a bit more insight shall we?
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Basically focus energy about talking about superstitions you have or had, dreams and that sort of thing.
I think that would help and reduce innuendo and lewd language.
Not if I shared the details of some of my dreams.
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Basically focus energy about talking about superstitions you have or had, dreams and that sort of thing.
I think that would help and reduce innuendo and lewd language.
Not, if I shared the details of some of my dreams.
Respectfully of course people can post what they want if they insist and if they feel necessary but the specific thing is regards Aston villa dreams and superstitions not a romantic or erotic fantasy!
Aston Villa fantasy only !
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
Tim
I disagree with you as well. I think he's our best outfield player and with the right players around him simply outstanding.
I've been surprised how many people have under valued Doug's contribution over the years, but now he's one of the most proficient DM / CM's in the league it's really odd that you're still picking faults.
Appreciate not everyone will agree with my analysis and certainly Ollie now looks irreplaceable, but if I could only keep 3 players from the current team he would be one of them.
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
Tim
I disagree with you as well. I think he's our best outfield player and with the right players around him simply outstanding.
I've been surprised how many people have under valued Doug's contribution over the years, but now he's one of the most proficient DM / CM's in the league it's really odd that you're still picking faults.
Appreciate not everyone will agree with my analysis and certainly Ollie now looks irreplaceable, but if I could only keep 3 players from the current team he would be one of them.
I'm not picking faults as such. I said he's a very good player, up there with McGinn. Is an on-form Tielemans better, Yes for me. Is he one of the world's finest, No.
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I think he has the highest ceiling of all our midfielders. Because he can do everything to a “7/10” standard means he’s often shifted to DCM.
DCM is a more specialist position so having an all-rounder there is arguably a waste.
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If you'd read my post properly you'd have seen the words "very good player" . In my opinion some of the fawning over him "one of the finest midfielders in the world" is ridiculously OTT and my point was if he played for Spurs nobody would bracket him with such elite levels.
I know what you said because I have been able to read since I was about 5 years old.
You said, & I will quote you quoting yourself, that he is a "very good player".
You also said, & again, I quote you, that we would be "slating him if he played for Spurs".
You also said that, & again, quoting your comments because I can read, that "Tielemans is on another level to Luiz though . Luiz needs to learn from YT and try and reach his levels ."
The last is so ridiculous that I had to chime in.
So not quite the ringing endorsement you made your comments out to be when you questioned my ability to read words "properly".
I am taking the entirety of your words & understanding that you don't rate him as highly as others do because he doesn't play for Spurs, that he needs slating, & that he isn't as good as Youri Tielemans.
If you had read what I had written properly, you will see that I admit that I have criticised him when he deserved it, even when he didn't play for Spurs, but have changed my opinion on him as a player as his positive performances warranted. Which has been elite level.
I am giving him a little leeway for his current poor form due to his previous excellent form, but more importantly, because he is playing out of position since Kamara got injured. And hasn't he been one of the players who has been a regular more often than not over the whole season, including Europe?
All of the above is the simple reason for his current poorer form than earlier in the season..
But thats the difference between ability & form...
Can I remind you both that Douglas Luiz was voted fans and players player of the year last season
There isn't a player this season from midfield who will match that achievement and Villa team have been better season.
You don't need to remind me of anything.
I have stated my views quite publicly regarding the quality of Douglas Luiz both pre & post-Emery.
What some people fail to realise is that not everybody thinks the way they do & that some of us can think one thing about a player at one point, but when the evidence in front of our eyes changes, we can amend our opinions. Both positive & negative.
And no matter what club the player is contracted to.
But then again, when all some people are interested in is stirring the pot, then ignoring the bulk of responses, so that they can stir the pot again, its no wonder they never learn anything other than negativity.
Respectfully of course people can post what they want if they insist and if they feel necessary but the specific thing is regards Aston villa dreams and superstitions not a romantic or erotic fantasy!
Aston Villa fantasy only !
Thank you for your permission...
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Pre Emery he was a 5/6 out of 10 performer.
Post Emery he has become a 7/8 out of 10 performer with some 9+ Thrown in.
Recently he has regressed probably down to the disruption in our midfield.
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Pre Emery he was a 5/6 out of 10 performer.
Post Emery he has become a 7/8 out of 10 performer with some 9+ Thrown in.
Recently he has regressed probably down to the disruption in our midfield.
Agreed 100% Mr Lion, I posted some months back that 'Luiz and Kamara' were the best midfield combination in the whole league.
Luiz is not as effective without him but still a class player.
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Hello Bill Clinton.
Didn't he stick a cigar up a lady's vagina, as well as getting semen on her dress?
Footy-bill?
Booty-Fill?
Booty-filth?
Fill-yer-boots?
Phil McCafferty
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Pre Emery he was a 5/6 out of 10 performer.
Post Emery he has become a 7/8 out of 10 performer with some 9+ Thrown in.
Recently he has regressed probably down to the disruption in our midfield.
I'm sorry, but that's absolute bollocks.
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Pre Emery he was a 5/6 out of 10 performer.
Post Emery he has become a 7/8 out of 10 performer with some 9+ Thrown in.
Recently he has regressed probably down to the disruption in our midfield.
I'm sorry, but that's absolute bollocks.
Agreed, he was 6-7/10 before, with the odd 8 or 9 performance. Since Emery came in he's mostly 7-8/10 but with the odd performance at 6 or 9-10.
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Depends when pre Emery you're talking about. He was a 6/10 performer in his first season but was definitely a solid 7/10 in the 12 months before Emery. Under Emery he's been 8 or 9/10 most weeks, dipped a bit lately but then for some mad reason people are questioning if 'he's really that good anyway'.
I'd say we're 4th the league and he's been one of our best players so yes, he is that good.
I will admit that it took him a long time to get to that level and i for one didn't think he would. We saw odd purple patches here and there but a lot more meh than wow in his first few years. I seem to recall him being excellent when they came back after covid and for a short time at the start of the season after.
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Can I remind you both that Douglas Luiz was voted fans and players player of the year last season
There isn't a player this season from midfield who will match that achievement and Villa team have been better season.
I don't think that is quite the killer argument you think it is. If it isn't matched this year it is because the whole team has played at another level. It tells us nothing useful about Luiz per se.
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
He's just had the last two league games off, and hadn't played for 9 days before Chelsea.
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked had been shagged shagging his bird for days while suspended against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
FTFY!
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked had been shagged shagging his bird for days while suspended against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
FTFY!
(https://i.ibb.co/Ct2xMxT/IMG-0171.jpg)
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
He's just had the last two league games off, and hadn't played for 9 days before Chelsea.
Still played 48 games this season though and he's pushing on 4000minutes in total, that's a huge amount of playtime at the top level, with only Konsa and Martinez having played more in our squad (Watkins and McGinn are a little behind but I suspect all 5 will break 4000minutes by the end of the season).
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
He's just had the last two league games off, and hadn't played for 9 days before Chelsea.
Still played 48 games this season though and he's pushing on 4000minutes in total, that's a huge amount of playtime at the top level, with only Konsa and Martinez having played more in our squad (Watkins and McGinn are a little behind but I suspect all 5 will break 4000minutes by the end of the season).
Don't forget international minutes as well which probably puts McGinn at the top or joint with Martinez, and although Luiz has not played as many, he has travelled a fair distance to be in the squads.
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
He's just had the last two league games off, and hadn't played for 9 days before Chelsea.
Still played 48 games this season though and he's pushing on 4000minutes in total, that's a huge amount of playtime at the top level, with only Konsa and Martinez having played more in our squad (Watkins and McGinn are a little behind but I suspect all 5 will break 4000minutes by the end of the season).
Don't forget international minutes as well which probably puts McGinn at the top or joint with Martinez, and although Luiz has not played as many, he has travelled a fair distance to be in the squads.
Indeed, and worth remembering that a 42-43 game season has been normal for us for the last few years so for that to jump up to 56-57 games is a big increase for the entire squad and the load was always going to fall on the better players, who as you say are also regular internationals. No break this summer for a lot of them either.
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Pre Emery he was a 5/6 out of 10 performer.
Post Emery he has become a 7/8 out of 10 performer with some 9+ Thrown in.
Recently he has regressed probably down to the disruption in our midfield.
The nail on the head has been firmly hit .
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After being off it for a good few games, as well as his 2 game ban, he needs to get his mojo back now and for the last few games and drive us on.
He looked shagged against Chelsea and was taken off before he was sent off - this is the evidence of a tired player
He's just had the last two league games off, and hadn't played for 9 days before Chelsea.
Still played 48 games this season though and he's pushing on 4000minutes in total, that's a huge amount of playtime at the top level, with only Konsa and Martinez having played more in our squad (Watkins and McGinn are a little behind but I suspect all 5 will break 4000minutes by the end of the season).
Don't forget international minutes as well which probably puts McGinn at the top or joint with Martinez, and although Luiz has not played as many, he has travelled a fair distance to be in the squads.
Indeed, and worth remembering that a 42-43 game season has been normal for us for the last few years so for that to jump up to 56-57 games is a big increase for the entire squad and the load was always going to fall on the better players, who as you say are also regular internationals. No break this summer for a lot of them either.
Appreciate all that but still think he needs to put in a 8 / 10 tomoght and for rest iof season
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Presumably him and Ginny tight in the middle tonight, just like our run in last season. Big game from Dougie tonight!!
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Douglas Luiz has scored all his goals this season at Villa Park.
I think the officials will award a penalty and Douglas will score.
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Cheers doug
Superb tonight 👎
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At least we finally have proof that it is not missing players which has caused his poor performances, just missing desire and application. Because a penalty being given away stupidly, and another not even being placed on target has nothing to do with Kamara being missing. Just being his 200th appearance should have been enough to make a player want to apply themselves.
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Douglas Luiz has scored all his goals this season at Villa Park.
I think the officials will award a penalty and Douglas will score.
Can you please predict Olympiacos to go through next week?
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He was apologising to the crowd after the game, so it's not like he doesn't know how he's playing. I think there's just been so much disruption to the midfield that they're all struggling a bit.
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He was apologising to the crowd after the game, so it's not like he doesn't know how he's playing. I think there's just been so much disruption to the midfield that they're all struggling a bit.
There was disruption after his 10th yellow, but we coped with that admirably in the league, but poorly in the competition he could still play in. Tielemans injury so he can't play instead of Luiz is the killer the next few matches.
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Tonight was just further proof he’s not the right person to help take us to where we need to go. Not a gut reaction. Never really rated him but he did have a great opening half to the season.
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If ever a player looked like he is on his farewell tour.
Hopefully he can muster enough pride to Help us seal a Champions League place as a goodbye gesture.
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He was apologising to the crowd after the game, so it's not like he doesn't know how he's playing. I think there's just been so much disruption to the midfield that they're all struggling a bit.
Yep agreed, he’s clearly struggling. I empathise because he’s not trying to play badly, clearly. Horrible performance tonight though, I hope he can turn it round asap.
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He’s been one of my favourite players in recent years and a massive reason why our form has been unbelievable brilliant under Emery. He’s out of form, that’s all.
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Cheers doug
Superb tonight 👎
Going to try to stay calm but we wouldn't be sitting in a European semi final if he hadn't been magnificent last season for us to get us to 7th and we wouldn't be top 4 if he hadn't been magnificent, as in world class, in the first half of this season when he was King of Villa Park and scoring more goals from midfield than any player since Ian Taylor.
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I honestly think Douglas needs the summer to recuperate. He is not and never has been the most physical of players and I am sure a lot of it is mental tiredness. He's had a fantastic season but it just isn't ending very well for him.
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He seems to be getting quite overemotional lately. Not the smooth operator he used to be - easily riled and lacking focus. Wonder what's going on with him, as it feels like more than just a dip in form. Hopefully that's all it is, though.
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I still think he’s great. I imagine today will hurt him at lot as I genuinely thinks he cares for the club.
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Going to try to stay calm but we wouldn't be sitting in a European semi final if he hadn't been magnificent last season for us to get us to 7th and we wouldn't be top 4 if he hadn't been magnificent, as in world class, in the first half of this season when he was King of Villa Park and scoring more goals from midfield than any player since Ian Taylor.
Agreed, some right nonsense being posted about him tonight.
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Cheers doug
Superb tonight 👎
Going to try to stay calm but we wouldn't be sitting in a European semi final if he hadn't been magnificent last season for us to get us to 7th and we wouldn't be top 4 if he hadn't been magnificent, as in world class, in the first half of this season when he was King of Villa Park and scoring more goals from midfield than any player since Ian Taylor.
Yes, football is brutal.
We never would have got into the premier league had it not been for Hourihane’s contributions/goal involvements. He was a valuable and likable player for where we were at that time. I think Doug falls into the same bracket. He’s good enough to be on the bench next season, but would he want it? Would we? Probably better to take the 80 million and both parties endeavor to write a new chapter in their lives. Either way, massive appreciation for his contribution to help is get to this stage.
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Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty as Douglas Luiz has scored all his goals this season at Villa Park.
I think the officials will award a penalty and Douglas will score.
Can you please predict Olympiacos to go through next week?
Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty!!!
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Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty as Douglas Luiz has scored all his goals this season at Villa Park.
I think the officials will award a penalty and Douglas will score.
Can you please predict Olympiacos to go through next week?
Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty!!!
Let down by your research.
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I honestly think Douglas needs the summer to recuperate. He is not and never has been the most physical of players and I am sure a lot of it is mental tiredness. He's had a fantastic season but it just isn't ending very well for him.
Unless something has changed in the last few weeks he's the player who has covered the most distance for us, has played the most minutes other than Konsa and has spent the last couple of months pushed back into a deeper position where he's never looked as good as he does in his normal role. I think Physical and mental tiredness are both clear to see in his game right now and the break for his suspension has, if anything, made that even worse. It's like taking a minute towards the end of a long run and then realising it was only willpower that was keeping you going and the end being pure agony at every step, the break felt like a good idea but turned out to be the very worst thing that could've happened.
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He seems to be getting quite overemotional lately. Not the smooth operator he used to be - easily riled and lacking focus. Wonder what's going on with him, as it feels like more than just a dip in form. Hopefully that's all it is, though.
Tired player, feeling the pressure I suspect. Been poor recently but is class underneath. Needs his buddy back in the middle with him.
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He seems to be getting quite overemotional lately. Not the smooth operator he used to be - easily riled and lacking focus. Wonder what's going on with him, as it feels like more than just a dip in form. Hopefully that's all it is, though.
Tired player, feeling the pressure I suspect. Been poor recently but is class underneath. Needs his buddy back in the middle with him.
Well he's not going to be back until at least November, so that's not great.
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Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty!!!
We've certainly left ourselves with a Herculean task next week.
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Yes, now you mention it, Luiz has been a lot quieter since Kamara got injured. That defensive mid position needs strengthening in the summer. It only took one injury to chuck a sizeable spanner in the works of how we play.
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Yes, now you mention it, Luiz has been a lot quieter since Kamara got injured. That defensive mid position needs strengthening in the summer. It only took one injury to chuck a sizeable spanner in the works of how we play.
That’s got to be our most important signing this summer.
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He seems to be getting quite overemotional lately. Not the smooth operator he used to be - easily riled and lacking focus. Wonder what's going on with him, as it feels like more than just a dip in form. Hopefully that's all it is, though.
Tired player, feeling the pressure I suspect. Been poor recently but is class underneath. Needs his buddy back in the middle with him.
Well he's not going to be back until at least November, so that's not great.
Yep, the biggest hole to fill in the summer is a DCM so we don’t have to shuffle the pack so much to accommodate Kamara’s injury.
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He seems to be getting quite overemotional lately. Not the smooth operator he used to be - easily riled and lacking focus. Wonder what's going on with him, as it feels like more than just a dip in form. Hopefully that's all it is, though.
Tired player, feeling the pressure I suspect. Been poor recently but is class underneath. Needs his buddy back in the middle with him.
Well he's not going to be back until at least November, so that's not great.
Yep, the biggest hole to fill in the summer is a DCM so we don’t have to shuffle the pack so much to accommodate Kamara’s injury.
Yup, agree with you both. The biggest transfer priority for me.
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Douglas Luiz was the protagonist in tonight's Greek tragedy.
I couldn't believe he missed the penalty!!!
We've certainly left ourselves with a Herculean task next week.
The missed penalty definitely styx in the craw.
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I honestly think Douglas needs the summer to recuperate. He is not and never has been the most physical of players and I am sure a lot of it is mental tiredness. He's had a fantastic season but it just isn't ending very well for him.
Unless something has changed in the last few weeks he's the player who has covered the most distance for us, has played the most minutes other than Konsa and has spent the last couple of months pushed back into a deeper position where he's never looked as good as he does in his normal role. I think Physical and mental tiredness are both clear to see in his game right now and the break for his suspension has, if anything, made that even worse. It's like taking a minute towards the end of a long run and then realising it was only willpower that was keeping you going and the end being pure agony at every step, the break felt like a good idea but turned out to be the very worst thing that could've happened.
He's been below par since Christmas. Remind me again when anybody has mentioned 'Rolls Royce' when describing his performances? He's been on cruise control apart from celebrating out win in Lille.
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I honestly think Douglas needs the summer to recuperate. He is not and never has been the most physical of players and I am sure a lot of it is mental tiredness. He's had a fantastic season but it just isn't ending very well for him.
Unless something has changed in the last few weeks he's the player who has covered the most distance for us, has played the most minutes other than Konsa and has spent the last couple of months pushed back into a deeper position where he's never looked as good as he does in his normal role. I think Physical and mental tiredness are both clear to see in his game right now and the break for his suspension has, if anything, made that even worse. It's like taking a minute towards the end of a long run and then realising it was only willpower that was keeping you going and the end being pure agony at every step, the break felt like a good idea but turned out to be the very worst thing that could've happened.
He's been below par since Christmas. Remind me again when anybody has mentioned 'Rolls Royce' when describing his performances? He's been on cruise control apart from celebrating out win in Lille.
He had a run of 6-7 games in Jan/Feb where he was exceptional, 4 goals and 3 assists in about 10-11 games and regularly controlling play. The last few were after Kamara got injured but when McGinn stepped in and was excellent for a few weeks but from there Doug has been drawn deeper and deeper and has lost that control he was giving us. It was around the first leg against Ajax that the wheels started to come off for him, so about 2months really.
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Keep fooling yourself. He really hasn't. Go back and read the post match comments. He's played in that deep position for the majority of his time at Villa. It's no excuse. He's been a 6 or 7 out of 10 when previously he'd been an 8,9 or 10.
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He really isn't as good as some think . Elite players take games like this by the scruff of the neck . Luiz isn't that sort of player. Really missed Tielemans tonight .
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Don't think McGinn and Diaby messing around at the edge of the box before his penalty helped much either. Quite a long delay there before he took it.
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one of the worlds finest midfielders !!??
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Keep fooling yourself. He really hasn't. Go back and read the post match comments. He's played in that deep position for the majority of his time at Villa. It's no excuse. He's been a 6 or 7 out of 10 when previously he'd been an 8,9 or 10.
I mean it’s as clear as day Kamara getting injured has meant he’s been moved back into a role that he has never really looked comfortable in, and his performance and impact on games has dropped. Throw in fatigue given he basically plays every minute when available, and the dip in performance levels and influence makes total sense.
The entire reason he’d gone up a level under Emery has been because he specifically wasn’t being asked to play the role of being the deepest lying, most defensive midfielder anymore.
Its obviously still on him to try and put decent shifts in from that position, but it’s not an inexplicable loss of form. And he’s still putting in 100%.
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Don't think McGinn and Diaby messing around at the edge of the box before his penalty helped much either. Quite a long delay there before he took it.
I did think that too… what was the point in them continuing the silliness, just pick a different spot to run in from, and let it die down.
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He really isn't as good as some think . Elite players take games like this by the scruff of the neck . Luiz isn't that sort of player. Really missed Tielemans tonight .
As much as Tielemans has improved these last few months, on top of their game, Dougie doesn't need to break breath. He can be that good. Right now I'd prefer Tielemans. As least he looks like he cares.
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He really isn't as good as some think . Elite players take games like this by the scruff of the neck . Luiz isn't that sort of player. Really missed Tielemans tonight .
As much as Tielemans has improved these last few months, on top of their game, Dougie doesn't need to break breath. He can be that good. Right now I'd prefer Tielemans. As least he looks like he cares.
Not for me . Tielemans is by far the classier player backed up by medals etc . I think we signed him to add competition to Luiz and it's done just that .
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Tonight v Olympicao
Emery was giving him quite the talking to during the first half when there was a stoppage.
He was in his face, giving it to him, and actually manhandling him, making his points very animatedly to Luiz.
It was shown clearly on TNT Sports that Emery was not pleased and dissatisfied while giving out those verbal instructions; he was at one point physically grabbing Dougie!
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The unfortunate reality is our best CM two are currently out injured
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The unfortunate reality is our best CM two are currently out injured
Disagree, Vinnie. One looks completely knackered, the other has heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
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The unfortunate reality is our best CM two are currently out injured
Disagree, Vinnie. One looks completely knackered, the other has heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
I can confirm that is not how you look when you have heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
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Kamara makes Luiz. Granted it does seem an odd coincidence that when hes shagging the lemon again he goes awol (dont blame him for being frankly worn out)
But Kamara is the huge miss. Plus only recent we looked better when it was just Mcginn and Tielemens...
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The unfortunate reality is our best CM two are currently out injured
Disagree, Vinnie. One looks completely knackered, the other has heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
I can confirm that is not how you look when you have heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
There's always the exception. ;) I'm not blaming Dougie for drinking too many Caipirinhas and falling asleep on the beach.
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Kamara makes Luiz.
Never thought about it, Vinnie, probably because his form started to drop before Kamara got injured.
Granted it does seem an odd coincidence that when hes shagging the lemon again he goes awol (dont blame him for being frankly worn out)
But Kamara is the huge miss. Plus only recent we looked better when it was just Mcginn and Tielemens...
Agree on both points. Up until then we looked lost in central midfield. What Unai was expecting tonight from our two central midfielders I have no idea but they were stupidly outnumbered.
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The unfortunate reality is our best CM two are currently out injured
Disagree, Vinnie. One looks completely knackered, the other has heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
I can confirm that is not how you look when you have heat stroke from Copacabana Beach.
There's always the exception. ;) I'm not blaming Dougie for drinking too many Caipirinhas and falling asleep on the beach.
I've definitely had a few caipirinhas there but you don't fall asleep on Copacabana Beach. I recall being on the beach when a couple of young kids from a favela were running by me. They stopped, and one exclaimed to the other something to the effect of "Look, it's the crab from the Brahma ad!" and then ran off laughing (there was a popular beer ad at the time featuring a sunburnt crab).
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Haha! Na! Nana! Nana! Na!
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Haha! Na! Nana! Nana! Na!
Yep, and very well found. That's the one. :-[
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Blues again tonight.
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Don't think McGinn and Diaby messing around at the edge of the box before his penalty helped much either. Quite a long delay there before he took it.
I did think that too… what was the point in them continuing the silliness, just pick a different spot to run in from, and let it die down.
If Luiz had belted it in, we could have said, "Good shithousing from McGinn and Diaby, the delay upped the pressure on their keeper and put him off while Luiz was cucumber cool."*
*He wasn't though..He started taking deep breaths and you could visibly see that he was feeling the pressure.
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I wasn't confident about his pen. He only just squeezed in the one he took in Lille and he's not playing that well. Watkins or Mcginn probably would have been a better choice in hindsight.
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Cheers doug
Superb tonight 👎
Going to try to stay calm but we wouldn't be sitting in a European semi final if he hadn't been magnificent last season for us to get us to 7th and we wouldn't be top 4 if he hadn't been magnificent, as in world class, in the first half of this season when he was King of Villa Park and scoring more goals from midfield than any player since Ian Taylor.
Yes stay calm im calm. I love dougie and i dont agree with some of the comments about taking us to where we want to go. But we cant hide the fa t he was absolutely terrible and probably one of the main reasons we lost yesterday.
We get to 2-2 does a needless and foolish hand ball. Then misses a pen. Look as much as i am fucked off about yesterday's performance and the pen miss- thats his first miss for us. He has scored so many pens.
The delay in taking the pen clearly had a impact and the ref lost control. When they had a pen our players did none of that which is a bit annoying but we can't really complain after emis antics against lille.
If dougie wants to make it up for that poor showing do it on the pitch in that 2nd leg. Make it right. We know what a absolute top player he is on his day. I hope unai benches him weekend as his heads not in it and he may be more determined to prove a point.
He has been really stupid recently like that needless booking against arsenal right at the game getting himself a two game ban. He doesnt help himself with ailly things like that
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He’s been way off it for a while, needs to find his mojo again and quickly.
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He’s been way off it for a while, needs to find his mojo again and quickly.
Maybe drop the bubble perm.
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Fuck me, there's some shit being chatted in here.
If we hadn't had Luiz, we wouldn't be 4th in the league and we wouldn't be in the Semi-Final because we wouldn't have finished as high in the league last season.
Every player has ups and downs in form; the issue we have is that due to injuries we can't make substitutions as we'd normally do to give the out of form ones a break and to take them out of focus.
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Fuck me, there's some shit being chatted in here.
If we hadn't had Luiz, we wouldn't be 4th in the league and we wouldn't be in the Semi-Final because we wouldn't have finished as high in the league last season.
Every player has ups and downs in form; the issue we have is that due to injuries we can't make substitutions as we'd normally do to give the out of form ones a break and to take them out of focus.
Exactly Drummond. Luiz is brilliant and has played a huge part in our success. He's not at 100% right now, but I still think he's a top, top player.
We need to build a team around Martinez, Pau, Luiz & Watkins. They are the only non-negotiables for me.
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Luiz is a important integral part of our long term plans so i am all for iver looking a few bad games especially yesterday as he was dreadful.
Id bench him for weekend give him a bit of a break and get on as a sub
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Luiz is a important integral part of our long term plans so i am all for iver looking a few bad games especially yesterday as he was dreadful.
Id bench him for weekend give him a bit of a break and get on as a sub
Needs dropping but we are short on numbers and i'm not sure Irogbunam is ready to start v Brighton . Huge game .
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He’s not been the same since his hair started growing. It’s almost a reverse Samson effect.
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I love Dougie. I do think he’s a bit burnt out though. In an ideal world we’d have a squad where our first choice players are playing about 35/40 games a season, especially centre-mids. I think we’ll have that next season.
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I wasn't confident about his pen. He only just squeezed in the one he took in Lille and he's not playing that well. Watkins or Mcginn probably would have been a better choice in hindsight.
Me either, it was the one against Burnley that seeded the doubt in my mind.
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Granted he was beyond shit last night, (hey look at that, he can be criticised & he doesn't even play for Spurs), but nothing has changed for me.
The situation is still the same as it has been recently which have been causing his poor recent form.
Kamara missing, him dropping deeper to cover Kamara missing, him playing more & running more than most players in the entire squad, etc, etc. So even though the game was important last night & we are all rightfully disappointed, nothing has changed, other than losing more players to injury.
I am not one to blow smoke up a players arse unnecessarily. In fact, I can be down right critical at times, but in Douglas Luiz, we still have one of the finest midfielders in the world at our club.
But he is going through a rough patch of form due to the above.
And that is what some people are finding difficult to grasp.
The difference between ability & form...
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I just think he's been affected more than anyone by the loss of Kamara. They complimented each other's games perfectly at times. I remember a Hibs fan saying something like "Luiz and Kamara could keep the ball off you in a phone box", and that's how it felt at times.
He's still an excellent player, and integral to our side, but he does need to find a way to thrive when he doesn't have Kamara at his side or just behind him.
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He’s not been the same since his hair started growing. It’s almost a reverse Samson effect.
Looks like he's shaping himself for a move to merseyside based on hairstyle .
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At times he came so deep last night that he was in line with the back four…and that’s when we were in possession passing out from the back. There’s no way one of our 2 central midfielders should be dropping so deep to effectively become a 3rd CB…and I’d say that’s part of the insecurity placed on the players of having Olsen and Lenglet in the team.
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At times he came so deep last night that he was in line with the back four…and that’s when we were in possession passing out from the back. There’s no way one of our 2 central midfielders should be dropping so deep to effectively become a 3rd CB…
Kamara was doing that until he was injured. It's fine, but it means the fullbacks should have been pushing up more.
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At times he came so deep last night that he was in line with the back four…and that’s when we were in possession passing out from the back. There’s no way one of our 2 central midfielders should be dropping so deep to effectively become a 3rd CB…and I’d say that’s part of the insecurity placed on the players of having Olsen and Lenglet in the team.
Tbf to Olympiacos, they had their front three work extremely hard covering both the passing lanes as well as closing down the passer.
It was quite impressive how just those three stopped our play out from the back.
When we passed with a bit of speed, we got round them, but for the most part, we played into their hands with slow build up play that generally ended up with us giving it back to Olsen for him to boot it forwards.
I wondered why we didn't do what we did to Newcastle last season where the full backs pushed forward & we chipped balls over the pressing front players to them, which bypassed their whole front line.
And then I remembered who was in goal...
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He looked crushed last night. It wasn’t one of his better nights and I’m sure he feels he let the entire club down. I fully expect him to be very good at the weekend and next week. Douglas Luiz is a superb player. He will bounce back and show it.
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I wondered why we didn't do what we did to Newcastle last season where the full backs pushed forward & we chipped balls over the pressing front players to them, which bypassed their whole front line.
True enough but again we are hampered by our lack of players through injury. With those tactics, Kamara could come across and cover for either of the full backs who are forward, when either of them tired from all the work up and down the flank, we don't have replacements on the bench. And at least part of the success of that game was that we were going long to McGinn to hold up right on their back line, we cant do that either as he's having to fill in in DM.
We are just seeing the inevitable I'm afraid, a lack of tactical options due to injuries. Might we have blooded youngsters to give us more options. I think so.
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He looked crushed last night. It wasn’t one of his better nights and I’m sure he feels he let the entire club down. I fully expect him to be very good at the weekend and next week. Douglas Luiz is a superb player. He will bounce back and show it.
I wouldn't be starting him to be honest. He's been out of form for weeks, and the last two games against Chelsea and Olympiacos he's been very poor. You can't just keep hoping he'll play himself into form. Play Tim, he came on and looked decent enough last night, or put Tielemans next to McGinn if Youri is fit. Luiz is an excellent player and we wouldn't be where we are without him, but he's been costing us results recently, so he needs a game or two out of the side, whether that's to get his fitness or head right, or both.
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I wondered why we didn't do what we did to Newcastle last season where the full backs pushed forward & we chipped balls over the pressing front players to them, which bypassed their whole front line.
True enough but again we are hampered by our lack of players through injury. With those tactics, Kamara could come across and cover for either of the full backs who are forward, when either of them tired from all the work up and down the flank, we don't have replacements on the bench. And at least part of the success of that game was that we were going long to McGinn to hold up right on their back line, we cant do that either as he's having to fill in in DM.
We are just seeing the inevitable I'm afraid, a lack of tactical options to to injuries. Might we have blooded youngsters to give us more options. I think so.
All fair points...
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Needs dropping.
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Needs dropping.
Yeah, because we have a plethora of replacements right now.
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Needs dropping.
Yeah, because we have a plethora of replacements right now.
We played better without him the last few weeks to be fair.
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Needs dropping.
Yeah, because we have a plethora of replacements right now.
We played better without him the last few weeks to be fair.
That was when Tielemans was fit. He may not be for Brighton.
In fairness to Dougie, he was still trying until the end last night, demanding the ball and trying to find forward runs.
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He’s not been the same since his hair started growing. It’s almost a reverse Samson effect.
I knew we should have kept Sanson.
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He looked crushed last night. It wasn’t one of his better nights and I’m sure he feels he let the entire club down. I fully expect him to be very good at the weekend and next week. Douglas Luiz is a superb player. He will bounce back and show it.
I wouldn't be starting him to be honest. He's been out of form for weeks, and the last two games against Chelsea and Olympiacos he's been very poor. You can't just keep hoping he'll play himself into form. Play Tim, he came on and looked decent enough last night, or put Tielemans next to McGinn if Youri is fit. Luiz is an excellent player and we wouldn't be where we are without him, but he's been costing us results recently, so he needs a game or two out of the side, whether that's to get his fitness or head right, or both.
Hopefully last night will be a wake up call for him. During the game I was thinking how can he be even thinking of playing for Brazil again with performances like this. I want my Rolls Royce back.
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It was a pretty public bollocking he got last night from Unai.
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It was a pretty public bollocking he got last night from Unai.
Our midfield was ridiculously outnumbered, not excusing Luiz or McGinn for their poor passing but it was pretty obvious where our problem was.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q949941/Screenshot-20240503-170303-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q949941)
Not sure what on earth dougie was thinking here. Thats a stone wall pen
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q949941/Screenshot-20240503-170303-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q949941)
Not sure what on earth dougie was thinking here.
He was thinking...I'm off to Arsenal in the summer and I don't want to annoy my new teammate Declan Rice, by also having won a Europa Conference League medal. Definitely, 100%!
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q949941/Screenshot-20240503-170303-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q949941)
Not sure what on earth dougie was thinking here. Thats a stone wall pen
Yep pure idiocy there. Completely unnecessary at the worst possible time. Took the wind out our sails when we were starting to get on top
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No, the idiocy was conceding a corner after having ample opportunity to launch the ball into the stand.
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Needs dropping .
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Needs dropping .
For who?
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No, the idiocy was conceding a corner after having ample opportunity to launch the ball into the stand.
Both were bone-headed.
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Needs dropping .
For who?
Tielemans once he's fit . Agree short term we have no options . Get Dendonker back .
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I would bench luiz after that poor performance and bring him back Thursday night as will be eager to make it right
Give tim a star
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The worlds best players thrive on pressure , feed off it almost , stand up and deliver in key moments - semi finals / finals etc . I know our players bar your Martinez / Tielemans / Zaniolo are in uncharted waters but you look and observe which players enjoy the pressure and those who don't .
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I wouldn’t bench him. I’d stick with him, he’s too good and he will want to prove a point. He will really feel this result far more than us I’m sure. He cares.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q949941/Screenshot-20240503-170303-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q949941)
Not sure what on earth dougie was thinking here. Thats a stone wall pen
Yep pure idiocy there. Completely unnecessary at the worst possible time. Took the wind out our sails when we were starting to get on top
Still image is very misleading though. Yes his arm was up and in an "unnatural" position (although I've always argued if the ball was going to hit the body then if not the arm, not a penalty), but the picture looks like he has jumped to punch the ball off the defenders head, not the ball travelling a foot and half into his arm from the defenders header.
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(https://i.ibb.co/Q949941/Screenshot-20240503-170303-Facebook.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Q949941)
Not sure what on earth dougie was thinking here. Thats a stone wall pen
Yep pure idiocy there. Completely unnecessary at the worst possible time. Took the wind out our sails when we were starting to get on top
Still image is very misleading though. Yes his arm was up and in an "unnatural" position (although I've always argued if the ball was going to hit the body then if not the arm, not a penalty), but the picture looks like he has jumped to punch the ball off the defenders head, not the ball travelling a foot and half into his arm from the defenders header.
The handball rule isn't fit for purpose, like you say he was only a foot away and gained no advantage from it - it would have just hit him in the head. Compared to the ones that we didn't get against Sheffield utd its stupid
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There bloke hand balled twice on two different phases of play and he was deemed to not do it on purpose. I have no idea how it’s supposed to be refereed anymore but more worryingly I really don’t think anyone does.
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The handball rule isn't fit for purpose, like you say he was only a foot away and gained no advantage from it - it would have just hit him in the head. Compared to the ones that we didn't get against Sheffield utd its stupid
The trouble is most rules are subjective so will always be to the whim of how the ref saw it at the time. But when they have tried to make it definitive, (attacker handball in build up to a goal), then you can get even worse decisions.
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At times he came so deep last night that he was in line with the back four…and that’s when we were in possession passing out from the back. There’s no way one of our 2 central midfielders should be dropping so deep to effectively become a 3rd CB…and I’d say that’s part of the insecurity placed on the players of having Olsen and Lenglet in the team.
I noticed that too, I know he’s not adverse to doing that but it seemed more prominent last night. I don’t think it helped not having Torres there either as he carries the ball and can pick a pass.
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At times he came so deep last night that he was in line with the back four…and that’s when we were in possession passing out from the back. There’s no way one of our 2 central midfielders should be dropping so deep to effectively become a 3rd CB…and I’d say that’s part of the insecurity placed on the players of having Olsen and Lenglet in the team.
Is that why Emery was giving him a mouthful at one point
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Should be dropped but injuries aren't allowing it, so he starts tomorrow surely .
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We wouldn’t be 4th without him. It’s rough that he’s going through a poor patch, but he’s been brilliant for the majority of the season. He’ll find his form, just hope it starts tomorrow. But he deserves plenty of latitude- also sometimes dropping a player isn’t actually the best answer, depends on the situation and the player.
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Maybe play Irogbunam and McGinn in the deeper roles and push Luiz further up again where he seems to flourish better .
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Needs dropping.
He needs supporting to get over Thursday.
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Needs dropping.
He needs supporting to get over Thursday.
I'll go all Footy now, his other half scored against Brighton so Dougie will too. #Insight 8)
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She has sucked his skill right out of him.
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Cometh the hour, cometh the man!
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He needs his name singing loud and proud by the away fans at Brighton tomorrow.
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Last time I went to this fixture Luiz played a different level cross field pass / assist for Jack to control and strike a wonderful goal in front of us all and earn a great point as it turned out . That was a good day out .
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
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Last time I went to this fixture Luiz played a different level cross field pass / assist for Jack to control and strike a wonderful goal in front of us all and earn a great point as it turned out . That was a good day out .
That was an unbelievable goal. We were absolutely dreadful that play aside, Drinky stinking out our midfield.
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
It’s a reaction to the last few games, but I agree, no way I’d be doing that.
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
Its more taking him out the firing line for me as he has been really poor recently. Id save him for a start in greece hw will have a point to prove
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
Its more taking him out the firing line for me as he has been really poor recently. Id save him for a start in greece hw will have a point to prove
It would look like a slap in the face for giving away a pen and missing a pen. He’s had an iffy few games, but has been largely brilliant this season and is on a different level to Tim.
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
It’s a reaction to the last few games, but I agree, no way I’d be doing that.
We've won one game of the last six where he's played, and that was the home game against Lille when we were shit and lucky to get away with it It's obviously not all his fault, although he's had a major detrimental effect on the last two games. But we managed OK in his absence and actually turned in a very good display without him against Arsenal. He's been poor for weeks, and it shows no sign of stopping.
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He scores this afternoon.
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
Its more taking him out the firing line for me as he has been really poor recently. Id save him for a start in greece hw will have a point to prove
It would look like a slap in the face for giving away a pen and missing a pen. He’s had an iffy few games, but has been largely brilliant this season and is on a different level to Tim.
But when players play poorly they get dropped mate. Salah being a prime example. Emery has to do whats right for the team not one player. Its dougies job to get himself back in the team if he hits a poor run of form
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More likely people are asking for Tim to play ahead of one of the attackers so we have a better shape in midfield and can get the best out of Luiz/SJM. That’s mote logical to me, I’d probably rest Diaby.
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More likely people are asking for Tim to play ahead of one of the attackers so we have a better shape in midfield and can get the best out of Luiz/SJM. That’s mote logical to me, I’d probably rest Diaby.
I was just going to say similar. Rather than drop Luiz, play him and Tim with McGinn and Rogers but yes, it would be dropping one of the wingers.
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Hopefully Tielemans is fit enough to play, so at least Unai has got some sort of choice.
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Hopefully Tielemans is fit enough to play, so at least Unai has got some sort of choice.
I just asked my pet unicorn and he said Tielemans definitely will be fit and definitely won't be out until September with some mystery ailment.
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I honestly can't believe people want to drop Douglas Luiz for Tim Iroegbunam. Like seriously. At a make or break point of the season.
It’s a reaction to the last few games, but I agree, no way I’d be doing that.
We've won one game of the last six where he's played, and that was the home game against Lille when we were shit and lucky to get away with it It's obviously not all his fault, although he's had a major detrimental effect on the last two games. But we managed OK in his absence and actually turned in a very good display without him against Arsenal. He's been poor for weeks, and it shows no sign of stopping.
He has been off it I agree. And the way we played at Arsenal was proof we can brilliant without him. But I wouldn’t be dropping him for Tim.
His class will overcome the form issue. I hope starting from today!
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He’s been largely playing the Kamara role since the injury. He’s not suited to the role really, not physical enough and has been proven since Emery came in, he’s far better than any of our other midfielders in that attacking midfielder role. We did play well without him against Arsenal and was he missing for Bournemouth as well? But he’s been integral to nearly everything good we’ve done this season. Maybe bringing Tim in and pushing Doug further forward might be an answer, although im not sure ive seen anything in Tims cameo’s yet, to suggest he’s ready to step into such an important game.
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He’s been largely playing the Kamara role since the injury. He’s not suited to the role really, not physical enough and has been proven since Emery came in, he’s far better than any of our other midfielders in that attacking midfielder role. We did play well without him against Arsenal and was he missing for Bournemouth as well? But he’s been integral to nearly everything good we’ve done this season. Maybe bringing Tim in and pushing Doug further forward might be an answer, although im not sure ive seen anything in Tims cameo’s yet, to suggest he’s ready to step into such an important game.
Yep, agree. If we could have Tielemans back for the game today it'd be massive, with him and SJM sitting and Luiz hitting those defence splitting through balls to Watkins.
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Poor again .
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Much better than McGinn.
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Much better today, but he and McGinn are outnumbered, and also McGinn had a bona fide shocker.
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Much better today, but he and McGinn are outnumbered, and also McGinn had a bona fide shocker.
Not the ideal central midfield partnership with zero defensive ability from the rest of the midfield players.
Thought SJM was ok.
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We need Youri back asap.
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"We need to get our heads up" - Luiz
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/06/luiz--we-need-to-get-our-heads-up/
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"We need to get our heads up" - Luiz
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/06/luiz--we-need-to-get-our-heads-up/
"We had control of the game"
kinell
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I was wondering about Doug getting his head u... no forget that.
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I see Dougie is in the Brasil squad for the Copa America. Good for him, I guess. He looks like someone who could do with the summer off, but maybe it'll help him get some form back.
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And looking at the midfielders they've picked (him, Guimares, Paqueta, Pereira at Fulham and Gomes at Wolves) you'd think it likely he'd be first choice alongside Guimares.
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
Nice to come in with a good positive message on what must be special for him.
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
Nice to come in with a good positive message on what must be special for him.
He was called up in the last squad so hardly a surprise .
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Whether it was a surprise or not getting selected for a major tournament will be a big deal.
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
Good. He's knackered.
Getting picked is great for him. Him not getting games would be great for us.
So cheers for finding the positive for Villa in this situation.
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
Good. He's knackered.
Getting picked is great for him. Him not getting games would be great for us.
So cheers for finding the positive for Villa in this situation.
Same probably applies to Watkins and Konsa . McGinn will play 3 games then fly home . Playing the games isn't necessarily the tiring part it's the being part of the tournament , training , travelling, no break etc . But all top teams have this issue with players so it's standard .
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Its not so bad when its actually over the summer. They'll still get a break and just miss the start of preseason. Injuries aside, of course.
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Judging him over the course of the season he's been brilliant!
Only downfall is his fouling.
He must be careful tonight as think he can lose discipline and he'll be up against McAllister where there is past rivally.
But Luiz has the most goals by any midfielder in the league at home this season.
9 goals in 17 home matches.
More than Rice, Rodri or McAllister
Can he make it 10 today?
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Hands down winner of tweet of the year.
If I could work out how to share it on my work laptop I would - but ask your kids to find it
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Hands down winner of tweet of the year.
If I could work out how to share it on my work laptop I would - but ask your kids to find it
This one? https://twitter.com/dgoficial/status/1790495519992590706
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The reply from Ferdinand
https://twitter.com/rioferdy5/status/1790501292470575197
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As was known all along, Rio Ferdinand is a scrotum.
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What's the context for that?
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Hands down winner of tweet of the year.
If I could work out how to share it on my work laptop I would - but ask your kids to find it
This one? https://twitter.com/dgoficial/status/1790495519992590706
Thank you
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What's the context for that?
https://twitter.com/ano1_anold/status/1790496626898878472
After the match that Yanited won 2-1, Rio posted a pic of Dougie celebrating his goal.
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She has sucked his skill right out of him.
Drained him I think is the term you're looking for. Dougie has the summer to decide if he wants to be a Rolls Royce or a MG Metro. He's gone from my favourite player in 2023 to one I wouldn't be too arsed to pass on to another club for a small fortune.
We can talk about his position and find thousands of excuses to defend him but he needs to raise his game WHEREVER he is playing. Does he have the capacity? Of course he does! He should be a leader out there not a passenger as he has been for most of 2024.
More teething pains? I hope so as I trust Unai to sort it. That's what he's paid for. Dougie has to do his bit too. He may be sulking about not really breaking into the Brazil team but it's up to him to make his case.
Another club may make him richer but it won't solve his problem. I blame that ball with the outside of his foot. Well that and too much shagging, obviously.
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The reply from Ferdinand
https://twitter.com/rioferdy5/status/1790501292470575197
TBF - your internet is so far ahead that's a tweet from when were 4 down v Palace
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The way he's been playing he won't get a game .
Good. He's knackered.
Getting picked is great for him. Him not getting games would be great for us.
So cheers for finding the positive for Villa in this situation.
I would love it if we could go back to the days where Villa players were not picked as a matter of principle
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I would love it if we could go back to the days where Villa players were not picked as a matter of principle
Indeed, those were the days when leaders of the Labour Party had principles as well.
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She has sucked his skill right out of him.
Drained him I think is the term you're looking for. Dougie has the summer to decide if he wants to be a Rolls Royce or a MG Metro. He's gone from my favourite player in 2023 to one I wouldn't be too arsed to pass on to another club for a small fortune.
We can talk about his position and find thousands of excuses to defend him but he needs to raise his game WHEREVER he is playing. Does he have the capacity? Of course he does! He should be a leader out there not a passenger as he has been for most of 2024.
More teething pains? I hope so as I trust Unai to sort it. That's what he's paid for. Dougie has to do his bit too. He may be sulking about not really breaking into the Brazil team but it's up to him to make his case.
Another club may make him richer but it won't solve his problem. I blame that ball with the outside of his foot. Well that and too much shagging, obviously.
2023 Dougie was world class. He played a lot of football - and i think also adjusting to the expectations of being a leader.
I think hell get there - I dont want any of our players to go - but he is probably our only 70m+ player that is replaceable for less.
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He needs a good DM next to him and it would be good if we were less dependent on him.
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He needs a good DM next to him and it would be good if we were less dependent on him.
Thats Kamara isn't it , though i think we need a quality backup now to cover for Kamara .
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Having 1 quality DM isn't enough, as highlighted by Kamara's injury.
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A controversial opinion it maybe, but if we have to sacrifice anyone this summer I would bite Arsenal's hand off if they bid £65m.
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£65m?! Bloody hell there is so real undervaluing of some of our players at the moment.
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A controversial opinion it maybe, but if we have to sacrifice anyone this summer I would bite Arsenal's hand off if they bid £65m.
Um no.
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Palace want £60m for Eze or Olise. Is he much better than them? I know it is not like for like but even so.
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No chance, that player from August to December is worth way more than that to us. In that form I haven't seen many better midfields in my life time.
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I still think he's our best outfield player. At his age we should keep him at all costs and he should be the player we build the team around for the next 5 years.
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Well Olise has a release clause and I think there’s some recency bias here. Doug has had a tough end to the season, influenced by covering Kamara, but in the first half of the season he was arguably the best midfielder in the league or at the very least in the conversation.
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A controversial opinion it maybe, but if we have to sacrifice anyone this summer I would bite Arsenal's hand off if they bid £65m.
Let me point you towards some markers. Caicedo £116M. And Enzo Fernandez £106M. And Mudryk £88M.
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Luiz is exceptional. Keep. Unless he wants to go, in which case the bidding starts at £100m please.
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Palace want £60m for Eze or Olise. Is he much better than them? I know it is not like for like but even so.
What Crystal Palace value their players at has literally no bearing on how we should value our players.
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There should be no thought, absolutely zero thought about selling him.
Get a decent CDM to help him & his game will flourish.
Again...
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There should be no thought, absolutely zero thought about selling him.
Get a decent CDM to help him & his game will flourish.
Again...
+1
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A controversial opinion it maybe, but if we have to sacrifice anyone this summer I would bite Arsenal's hand off if they bid £65m.
Let me point you towards some markers. Caicedo £116M. And Enzo Fernandez £106M. And Mudryk £88M.
Unfortunately that Drunken Sailor has run out of cash.
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Through fatigue and losing vital teammates at a terrible moment his form has dropped off dramatically, but we really, really have to bear in mind how good he was for the rest of the season up till that point.
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Through fatigue and losing vital teammates at a terrible moment his form has dropped off dramatically, but we really, really have to bear in mind how good he was for the rest of the season up till that point.
Agree.
I still think he is the most likely major outgoing this summer.
Not that I want that of course.
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Unless he has a release clause - and he had major leverage with the Arsenal interest when he renewed, hopefully we won't have to worry about selling him.
Champions League qualification may deactivate release clauses in a few of our players but who knows, I guess.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
I don't think so. Nobody would buy Ramsey after a year out and we would be nuts to sell Luiz. We'll sell fringe players and kids.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
I don't think so. Nobody would buy Ramsey after a year out and we would be nuts to sell Luiz. We'll sell fringe players and kids.
You are right about Ramsey , but it really depends on how much we need to raise.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
Why does somebody have to go this summer?
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
Why does somebody have to go this summer?
Because of repeated reports about our precarious nature with PSR. It's an understandable reaction and no one really knows, hence the 'if' in kippax's post.
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There’s a part of me that wishes the club could be more transparent about our actual PSR position rather than the guesswork we undertake so we could stop this speculation. I realise it’s gossip like this which makes the football world go around but it just seems so utterly pointless and negative when we should be overjoyed at our current position. Sigh.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
Why does somebody have to go this summer?
Because of repeated reports about our precarious nature with PSR. It's an understandable reaction and no one really knows, hence the 'if' in kippax's post.
I don't think any report has said that since we confirmed our Champions League participation though. Having an extra £30-£50m coming our way next season obviously changes those goalposts.
We might still have to, or choose to sell someone important. But the last week has obviously changed things dramatically.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
Why does somebody have to go this summer?
Because of repeated reports about our precarious nature with PSR. It's an understandable reaction and no one really knows, hence the 'if' in kippax's post.
I don't think any report has said that since we confirmed our Champions League participation though. Having an extra £30-£50m coming our way next season obviously changes those goalposts.
We might still have to, or choose to sell someone important. But the last week has obviously changed things dramatically.
Oh I know, I was just explaining why people are discussing it. Nothing would surprise me.
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I would hope we are trying to recruit players rather than sell our best players. Seems strange to think that way after working so hard to get to where we are now. I’m sure the owners will have a better plan than what these so called reporters say.
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Someone has got to go this summer in spite of the CL qualification if you believe most reports. It’s either him or Jacob. I don’t want either to go to be honest. PSR was not designed for this.
Why does somebody have to go this summer?
skint, ay we? ;)
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There’s a part of me that wishes the club could be more transparent about our actual PSR position rather than the guesswork we undertake so we could stop this speculation. I realise it’s gossip like this which makes the football world go around but it just seems so utterly pointless and negative when we should be overjoyed at our current position. Sigh.
If the club (any club) were to give an indication of being at risk of a PSR penalty then that would immediately decrease what they could expect to sell players for.
It would be totally counter-productive. UTV
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There’s a part of me that wishes the club could be more transparent about our actual PSR position rather than the guesswork we undertake so we could stop this speculation. I realise it’s gossip like this which makes the football world go around but it just seems so utterly pointless and negative when we should be overjoyed at our current position. Sigh.
If the club (any club) were to give an indication of being at risk of a PSR penalty then that would immediately decrease what they could expect to sell players for.
It would be totally counter-productive. UTV
Every team must hold their PSR cards close to their chest.
Apart from Man Citeh, who have 666 charges against them and say fock all y'all.
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I think all clubs will pretty much know each others position anyway.
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I did see a report this week albeit it was that Blue nose twonk Moxley.
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I thought he was a Wulf.
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Played 74 mins for Brazil tonight in their 3-2 win against Mexico in Texas. Just the 102k capacity for the college stadium.
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The Mirror reporting we've told Arsenal that they need to stump-up £50m for him. Likely bollocks but I do worry that he has a release clause in his contract.
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The Mirror reporting we've told Arsenal that they need to stump-up £50m for him. Likely bollocks but I do worry that he has a release clause in his contract.
I just saw that and was thinking that sounds a bit low? I know things have changed since last summer but the price players like Caicedo went for makes me think we should be getting more than that for Dougie.
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It could be £50m. His contract was signed when Gerrard was still manager and Arsenal had been offering around the £20m mark in that summer window. So a clause of more than double that is possible. And let's not forget, they were more than a couple that wanted us to sell him at the time.
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Contracts signed in that sort of situation, I just expect to have a release clause in them, I reckon it's probably quite normal now. It's better than them leaving for nowt.
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The Mirror reporting we've told Arsenal that they need to stump-up £50m for him. Likely bollocks but I do worry that he has a release clause in his contract.
Saw the same thing on BBC gossip page just below Broja from Chelsea to Everton for £30m. Not that Everton have got the money but the two valuations are way out considering the players involved.
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The Mirror reporting we've told Arsenal that they need to stump-up £50m for him. Likely bollocks but I do worry that he has a release clause in his contract.
Saw the same thing on BBC gossip page just below Broja from Chelsea to Everton for £30m. Not that Everton have got the money but the two valuations are way out considering the players involved.
Chelsea are slapping stupid price tags on all their players. They'll end up not shifting any of them.
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£50M is still a lot of money .
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£50M is still a lot of money .
Not when players of a similar level to him went for £100m last summer.
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£50M is still a lot of money .
Not when players of a similar level to him went for £100m last summer.
Yeah but the days of Chelsea over-paying appear over.
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As much as i would like Gallagher if i had to take one of theirs it would be a fully fit Reece James.
Would teach Chelsea a lesson if no one bought any of their players - but i doubt the FA would have the minerals to actually punish them under FFP or whatever.
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A fully fit Reece James must be an oxymoron.
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£50m is a joke of a valuation for Luiz. I think prices will come down this summer and there's only a small handful of clubs who can pay the big fees, but even so £50m is an insult.
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£50m is a joke of a valuation for Luiz. I think prices will come down this summer and there's only a small handful of clubs who can pay the big fees, but even so £50m is an insult.
Surely if we do not get a price match for what we think he is worth he goes nowhere?
I doubt the player will throw his toys out as he has already declared his love for how we gave him the chance
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£50m is a joke of a valuation for Luiz. I think prices will come down this summer and there's only a small handful of clubs who can pay the big fees, but even so £50m is an insult.
Surely if we do not get a price match for what we think he is worth he goes nowhere?
Unless the contract that he unexpectedly signed under Gerrard has a release clause in it. And as has been said, given the power he had at the time it would have been weird if he didn't ask for one.
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We could just start a bidding war.
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As much as i would like Gallagher if i had to take one of theirs it would be a fully fit Reece James.
Would teach Chelsea a lesson if no one bought any of their players - but i doubt the FA would have the minerals to actually punish them under FFP or whatever.
They’re fine aren’t they? They sold the hotels.
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We could just start a bidding war.
You need multiple bidders for that.
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We could just start a bidding war.
You need multiple bidders for that.
I'll offer £60m
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We could just start a bidding war.
You need multiple bidders for that.
I'll offer £60m
Done. BACS it over.
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When you see figures like this mentioned for Dougie it just makes you realise how little the media actually pay attention to us, even in a season where we qualified for the Champions League. If Luiz was really available for £50 million then there would be an absolute frenzy of clubs after him - the idea that he only worth that amount simply comes from the imagination of whoever is writing that story, the kind of person whose team of the season would still contain 3 Chelsea players even if they were relegated.
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Exactly Pat. Well, them and the spotty teenagers writing for 'Football Insider' in between playing Destiny and watching Margot Robbie's best scenes on loop.
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When you see figures like this mentioned for Dougie it just makes you realise how little the media actually pay attention to us, even in a season where we qualified for the Champions League. If Luiz was really available for £50 million then there would be an absolute frenzy of clubs after him - the idea that he only worth that amount simply comes from the imagination of whoever is writing that story, the kind of person whose team of the season would still contain 3 Chelsea players even if they were relegated.
Spot on Pat.
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If we had a completely fit team from scratch then i would be more than happy to go with what we have so anyone thinking they can pinch our players can go fuck themselves.
A fully fit Mings, Rogers, Ramsay and Buendia are fabulous additions to our squad.
We are not a push over anymore - we call the shots
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50m short of Dougie value but when you read the speculation nonsense you have to remember it is tailored by a London centric media to excite fans of ‘their’ clubs….meanwhile the adults who run the clubs will be discussing and making any agreements etc.
It’s the same theory as ‘must sell by end of June’ - click bait BS that is never backed up by facts or quotes
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A lot of the talk started from the Juventus end.
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The Skint Lady of Turin can fuck off.
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£50M is still a lot of money .
Not when players of a similar level to him went for £100m last summer.
He’s worth far more than that to us. To replace a player of his quality would cost us far more so I can’t see us selling for as little as this.
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Potentially not but none of us know where we are on the PSR stuff, our appetite to risk a breach, or Doug’s view. It makes it really hard to assess what will actually happen. I hope he stays, but I fear he won’t.
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If we were potentially looking to cash in on Doug, I wonder if the price is potentially lower until next month as it would be better for our books?
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Potentially not but none of us know where we are on the PSR stuff, our appetite to risk a breach, or Doug’s view. It makes it really hard to assess what will actually happen. I hope he stays, but I fear he won’t.
I’d be tempted to take the points deduction if I was NSWE. But then if I was NSWE I’d sell Bodymoor, the inner-city academy, the Holte Hotel and the club shop to myself - like, if I had to.
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Two issues at large here , FFP and a possible release clause. I think we need better if we want to progress in the EPL and ECL, Luiz is a great top 5-8 player but has hit his ceiling inho.
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Two issues at large here , FFP and a possible release clause. I think we need better if we want to progress in the EPL and ECL, Luiz is a great top 5-8 player but has hit his ceiling inho.
I think you’re very wrong in your assessment.
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Two issues at large here , FFP and a possible release clause. I think we need better if we want to progress in the EPL and ECL, Luiz is a great top 5-8 player but has hit his ceiling inho.
I think you’re very wrong in your assessment.
Why ?
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Well there’s a reason he gets linked with the clubs he does. If you think his ceiling is 5-9 you presumably didn’t watch him in the first of the season or the second half of last season. That’s when he was able to play his best role and he was one of the best players in the league.
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Well there’s a reason he gets linked with the clubs he does. If you think his ceiling is 5-9 you presumably didn’t watch him in the first of the season or the second half of last season. That’s when he was able to play his best role and he was one of the best players in the league.
I think he's a really good player I do , but when we got in the pressure cooker those last couple of months he went into his shell. Also too many errors , silly fouls committed , turnovers etc (see wolves away) .
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It's better than months or so ago when he, and the rest of the players, weren't top 10 standard.
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Or his drop in form coincided exactly with Kamara getting injured and him having to take on a role that clearly isn’t his best. The ceiling, if he’s reached it, is what he did in the first half of the season. That is pretty special.
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It's better than months or so ago when he, and the rest of the players, weren't top 10 standard.
Yes but I'm not using that yardstick, for where we want to go , Win the league and European cup I think we need better in this critical role .
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But as demonstrated he can be one of the best midfielders in the league.
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But as demonstrated he can be one of the best midfielders in the league.
Agree, it's a shame we didn't have him and Kamara as a pair for the second half the season , plus Mings Buendia Ramsey . With them we are in the top 2 I think.
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How many of our players weren't blowing out of their assholes in the last six weeks? The Kamara injury effectively left the midfield in a pretty difficult situation.
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I like everyone else don’t know financially exactly where we are and what we may or may not need to do.
But Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara on form playing together are as good a pair of midfield players in the Premier League. They were a big part of why we dominated Manchester City last December among many other teams during last season
To lose one would be a big setback and not easy to replace.
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I like everyone else don’t know financially exactly where we are and what we may or may not need to do.
But Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara on form playing together are as good a pair of midfield players in the Premier League. They were a big part of why we dominated Manchester City last December among many other teams during last season
To lose one would be a big setback and not easy to replace.
Yes, if Doug does go - which I fear he will - it’s a massive loss and very hard to replace.
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Man City don't have to worry about having to selling players eh.
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Tielemans stepped into Luiz role and for a few games we looked infinitely better . Luiz isn't irreplaceable, none of them are and if we are in FFP shite let's trust the gaffer with the churn .
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Nobody is irreplaceable and if they do go, I'm much more comfortable with them disappearing abroad.
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Tielemans stepped into Luiz role and for a few games we looked infinitely better . Luiz isn't irreplaceable, none of them are and if we are in FFP shite let's trust the gaffer with the churn .
We never looked "infinitely better". The best we played, by a mile, was when we had Kamara behind Luiz and pals. That was when we were being talked of not just as Champions League but as actual title contenders. We need a Kamara replacement/cover, not a massive downgrade for one of our star players. Bringing in Eirik Bakke Mark II instead of actual cash or a decent player would be madness.
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The gap is between Kamara and the next cab in the rank, not luiz to tielemans (Barkley).
I’m hoping the Kamara alternative is the big money signing made after the 30 June, as no one linked to date is a DCM of similar quality.
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Tielemans stepped into Luiz role and for a few games we looked infinitely better . Luiz isn't irreplaceable, none of them are and if we are in FFP shite let's trust the gaffer with the churn .
No we didn't.
We looked superb as a team when Luiz was played in his correct position & he had Kamara behind doing the dirty work for at least the first half of the season.
And Luiz looked absolutely every bit world class for that period.
That was when Tielemans was okaying utter shite.
Tielemans looked better by the end of the season than he did when he first arrived & was playing at a decent enough level by the end of the season, albeit by the end of the season everybody looked absolutely fucked because of all the injuries & games played by the majority of the team over the course of the season.
But by the time we lost Kamara &we had no dedicated CDM other than Iroegbunam, who wasn't given many chances (I think he is for the chopping block according Sawiris recent interview, along with many other youngsters), Luiz was forced to drop back into the position that we all know he isn't too comfortable with & his form naturally suffered.
I think you are confusing ability with form tbh.
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Tielemans stepped into Luiz role and for a few games we looked infinitely better . Luiz isn't irreplaceable, none of them are and if we are in FFP shite let's trust the gaffer with the churn .
No we didn't.
We looked superb as a team when Luiz was played in his correct position & he had Kamara behind doing the dirty work for at least the first half of the season.
And Luiz looked absolutely every bit world class for that period.
That was when Tielemans was okaying utter shite.
Tielemans looked better by the end of the season than he did when he first arrived & was playing at a decent enough level by the end of the season, albeit by the end of the season everybody looked absolutely fucked because of all the injuries & games played by the majority of the team over the course of the season.
But by the time we lost Kamara &we had no dedicated CDM other than Iroegbunam, who wasn't given many chances (I think he is for the chopping block according Sawiris recent interview, along with many other youngsters), Luiz was forced to drop back into the position that we all know he isn't too comfortable with & his form naturally suffered.
I think you are confusing ability with form tbh.
Yup - agree.
I always wonder if Tim has a crush on Lehmann and is jealous of Doug
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I don't give a shit about individual games.
Otherwise we are still wanking over the Barkley performance in the 7-2 v Liverpool.
I am looking at consistent performances.
And over the course of the season Tielemans got 3 goals & 7 assists.
Compared to 10 goals & 10 assists for Douglas Luiz.
Both had good parts to their season, both had shit.
Its only opinion that Douglas Luiz best was world class & Tielemans was only decent, but even if we give excuses to both players for their shit periods, it's an indisputable fact that Douglas Luiz had a stronger season overall.
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Agree Pablo.
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Or his drop in form coincided exactly with Kamara getting injured and him having to take on a role that clearly isn’t his best. The ceiling, if he’s reached it, is what he did in the first half of the season. That is pretty special.
100% agree with Paul…that combo was special. Others were very decent alongside Dougie but Dougie/Kamara was comparable with ANYTHING in this division
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I don't give a shit about individual games.
Otherwise we are still wanking over the Barkley performance in the 7-2 v Liverpool.
I am looking at consistent performances.
And over the course of the season Tielemans got 3 goals & 7 assists.
Compared to 10 goals & 10 assists for Douglas Luiz.
Both had good parts to their season, both had shit.
Its only opinion that Douglas Luiz best was world class & Tielemans was only decent, but even if we give excuses to both players for their shit periods, it's an indisputable fact that Douglas Luiz had a stronger season overall.
Yeah but Doug has been here from the start, didn't have to adapt, and takes the penalties.
And I'd say it's only the last 18months anyone would have Doug above Youri, career wise.
For me there were signs once he'd adapted that Tielemans might reach a higher level than Luiz with us.
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I don't give a shit about individual games.
Otherwise we are still wanking over the Barkley performance in the 7-2 v Liverpool.
I am looking at consistent performances.
And over the course of the season Tielemans got 3 goals & 7 assists.
Compared to 10 goals & 10 assists for Douglas Luiz.
Both had good parts to their season, both had shit.
Its only opinion that Douglas Luiz best was world class & Tielemans was only decent, but even if we give excuses to both players for their shit periods, it's an indisputable fact that Douglas Luiz had a stronger season overall.
i don't give a shit about stats that aren't like for like.
Luiz probably played far more games than Tielemans .
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I see "a few games" has now been reduced to one game. Even then, we only played really well for half of it. Not much of a pattern. Even the most basic analysis shows that, on average, we do far better with Luiz and Kamara on the team.
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I don't give a shit about individual games.
Otherwise we are still wanking over the Barkley performance in the 7-2 v Liverpool.
I am looking at consistent performances.
And over the course of the season Tielemans got 3 goals & 7 assists.
Compared to 10 goals & 10 assists for Douglas Luiz.
Both had good parts to their season, both had shit.
Its only opinion that Douglas Luiz best was world class & Tielemans was only decent, but even if we give excuses to both players for their shit periods, it's an indisputable fact that Douglas Luiz had a stronger season overall.
I think Dougie is brilliant, verging on becoming a genuine world-class talent these days, but those stats only make sense if you take into account the fact that he played roughly twice as many minutes as Tielemens last season. (3,000 vs 1,600 minutes in the league, for example). So by all means, argue for goals and assists to be the metric to determine who had a better season, but when you take into account their actual playing time on the pitch, they're actually very similar (and Youri doesn't take penalties).
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i don't give a shit about stats that aren't like for like.
Luiz probably played far more games than Tielemans .
Yes, & that usually happens when one player is better than the other...
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I see "a few games" has now been reduced to one game. Even then, we only played really well for half of it. Not much of a pattern. Even the most basic analysis shows that, on average, we do far better with Luiz and Kamara on the team.
I think the key to that is Kamara though. I think if it was Kamara and Tielemans playing the same number of games, the results would be similar.
I absolutely don't want to lose Luiz, although I can see if selling a player to give us a PSR headroom is necessary, Luiz makes sense.
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Yeah, we need a like for like replacement for Kamara, playing behind Luiz and quite possibly Tielemans too. Luiz was brilliant in front of him last season. If we have to sell, it should be for a fee that reflects how good he can be, not for some Leeds reject and whatever loose change Juventus have left over from their latest bribe.
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For me there were signs once he'd adapted that Tielemans might reach a higher level than Luiz with us.
This is ridiculously subjective but Luiz has an arrogance/swagger that means he can run games whereas tielemans is at his best once the midfield is in control.
Tielemans might lack the pace/energy to be the grafter as well as a playmaker. Doug can do both.
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Anyone recall if there is a "sell on" clause with Ci£eh?
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Our best performance - Arsenal away was without Luiz and Kamara . Arsenal were bang in form and full strength.
The C115y game was fantastic but they were missing the big players - Rodri KDB etc .
I don't give a shit about individual games.
Otherwise we are still wanking over the Barkley performance in the 7-2 v Liverpool.
I am looking at consistent performances.
And over the course of the season Tielemans got 3 goals & 7 assists.
Compared to 10 goals & 10 assists for Douglas Luiz.
Both had good parts to their season, both had shit.
Its only opinion that Douglas Luiz best was world class & Tielemans was only decent, but even if we give excuses to both players for their shit periods, it's an indisputable fact that Douglas Luiz had a stronger season overall.
Yeah but Doug has been here from the start, didn't have to adapt, and takes the penalties.
And I'd say it's only the last 18months anyone would have Doug above Youri, career wise.
For me there were signs once he'd adapted that Tielemans might reach a higher level than Luiz with us.
Mate, I do not disagree with you at all. Before Emery got his hands on Douglas Luiz, I used to call him a "Jack of all trades, master of fuck all" & I wouldn't have been bothered if he had been sold.
My view on Watkins was pretty similar.
But since Emery came in, some players have excelled & Douglas Luiz & Watkins are the main two.
My view on both players have evolved as they have.
I don't agree so much on Tielemans reaching a higher level than when Douglas Luiz was at the top of his game though. When Kamara & Luiz were playing together earlier in the season, those games were magnnificent. We certainly dropped off in the second half of the season as the injuries & squad size caught up with us.
But we still managed to work out results, & I acknowledge & respect that Tielemans was a part of that.
But I don't think anybody, even Tielemans or Douglas Luiz, could really get a string of consistently good performances together.
I think even the Duracell Bunny Watkins started to run out of juice by the end of the season.
Who knows, in a fitter stronger squad, Tielemans might excel to the levels that Douglas Luiz did at the beginning of last season.
And for Villas sake, I certainly hope he does...👍
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I think Dougie is brilliant, verging on becoming a genuine world-class talent these days, but those stats only make sense if you take into account the fact that he played roughly twice as many minutes as Tielemens last season. (3,000 vs 1,600 minutes in the league, for example). So by all means, argue for goals and assists to be the metric to determine who had a better season, but when you take into account their actual playing time on the pitch, they're actually very similar (and Youri doesn't take penalties).
Fair enough point.
His minutes over the season across all competitions is pretty much double. 4352 for Douglas Luiz & 2713 for Tielemans.
I still stand by the fact that he played double the minutes a sign that he is the better player these days, under Emery.
I for one would be gutted to lose him.
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I'm not really sure how it's evolved into a Luiz vs Tielemans argument, anyway, when we can quite clearly play both. Surely nobody is going to make a claim that McKennie or Barkley are a better option than Luiz?
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I'd be gutted to lose any of them, as I want to see them all in the Champions League they've worked so hard to achieve, but
Who else is it going to be if we HAVE to sell a big name player? Selling Watkins or Martinez just isn't an option in my opinion, as I think it'd be nigh on impossible to replace them without really setting us back in the short term at least. Ramsey would be another option, but he's just missed most of the season with a knacked foot, a problem he's still suffering from. Nobody else would bring in the sort of returns it looks like we might need.
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If it has to be Luiz, pick up the phone to Arsenal and get a proper fee. If Juventus want an exchange I'll be interested in Chiesa or Locatelli, not some player they've been desperate to get rid of for about the last eight transfer windows. They're our rivals now, let's not help them out.
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Romano insinuating it’s a done deal.
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What does Iling do?
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How many pens did Luiz score last season? And did he only miss one...y'know, that one?
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If it has to be Luiz, pick up the phone to Arsenal and get a proper fee. If Juventus want an exchange I'll be interested in Chiesa or Locatelli, not some player they've been desperate to get rid of for about the last eight transfer windows. They're our rivals now, let's not help them out.
Maybe Arsenal don't want him now they have Rice, or can't afford him? There certainly doesn't seem to be the rush for anybody to spend £100m+ that there was last year. Maybe Unai has seen something in McKennie he really likes?
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Maybe. It feels to me like we're being taken for a ride. If we are able to get Gallagher in, I'll feel a bit better about the whole thing. Think he'd be brilliant for us.
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Maybe. It feels to me like we're being taken for a ride. If we are able to get Gallagher in, I'll feel a bit better about the whole thing. Think he'd be brilliant for us.
Some sort of deal with Chelsea would make far more sense. Straight swap with both players valued at £70m, job done.
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We don't know how much he wants to leave. He may really want to go Juventus so our hand is weaker.
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Maybe. It feels to me like we're being taken for a ride. If we are able to get Gallagher in, I'll feel a bit better about the whole thing. Think he'd be brilliant for us.
Same here, pretty underwhelmed if I’m honest.
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Illing is a very fast left sided player, wing and full back. Good height too. Think he's the steal in this whole deal.
Re McKennie, I am seeing him as a straight replacement for Dendonker, just more athletic and versatile. Spent a large chunk of his early career as a holding mid and is decent defensively apparently. Judging any player on 6 months of Marsch and Bielsa in the prem is madness, probably akin to judging Doug on Gerrard form.
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Maybe. It feels to me like we're being taken for a ride. If we are able to get Gallagher in, I'll feel a bit better about the whole thing. Think he'd be brilliant for us.
This is how it feels to me too, whilst accepting this may also be a factor.
We don't know how much he wants to leave. He may really want to go Juventus so our hand is weaker.
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If it has to be Luiz, pick up the phone to Arsenal and get a proper fee. If Juventus want an exchange I'll be interested in Chiesa or Locatelli, not some player they've been desperate to get rid of for about the last eight transfer windows. They're our rivals now, let's not help them out.
Locatelli would be excellent for what we need because he'd be great as a DM whilst Kamara is out but he'd also be excellent alongside him to free up the rest of the midfield to be really attacking in games. Highly unlikely though given he signed a new deal last year.
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We don't know how much he wants to leave. He may really want to go Juventus so our hand is weaker.
There is that. I just think it'd be a bit odd that he'd want to leave now when everything is going so well, considering he stayed when they weren't under Gerrard.
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I'm not really sure how it's evolved into a Luiz vs Tielemans argument, anyway, when we can quite clearly play both. Surely nobody is going to make a claim that McKennie or Barkley are a better option than Luiz?
Tim & his "Villa infinitely better" in a couple of games when Tielemans played over Douglas Luiz bullshit...
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There is that. I just think it'd be a bit odd that he'd want to leave now when everything is going so well, considering he stayed when they weren't under Gerrard.
Yeah, don't really understand why he'd want to leave now either.
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What does Iling do?
He's a left sided attacking mid.
Pacy, comfortable on the ball. Lots of potential.
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Perhaps he peaked pre Christmas and just couldn't get his form back? Maybe Unai couldn't get what he wanted from him. We will never know, but maybe his head was turned in Jan and had told the club he wants a new challenge. New Brazilian manager at Juve too.
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We also don't know about his contract, we don't even know for sure how long it never mind what's in it. It's been suggested it's 2026 in some places, so if it is and he wants to leave now is the best time to let him. Is there a release clause. Maybe Man City have a sell on clause, some places say no, others say 20%. If it's the latter then player swaps again benefits us.
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Anyone recall if there is a "sell on" clause with Ci£eh?
I was thinking about this, and with the caveat that the players we are getting in exchange are worth it, then it works better on the books. Let's say we value Luiz at 80, exchange him for 20m + Mckennie (35m) + SIJ (25m), Man City have a sell-on clause of say, 20%, they get 4 million. For the purpose of balancing the books, that is better than selling for a straight 80 and giving Man City 16 mil. I stress again, only better if those players are worth it.
That's unless with sell-on clauses that it is 20% of the overall value and not just the cash exchange bit. No idea.
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There is that. I just think it'd be a bit odd that he'd want to leave now when everything is going so well, considering he stayed when they weren't under Gerrard.
Yeah, don't really understand why he'd want to leave now either.
He's been here 5 years, maybe he just wants something new and feels now is the time.
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We also don't know about his contract, we don't even know for sure how long it never mind what's in it. It's been suggested it's 2026 in some places, so if it is and he wants to leave now is the best time to let him. Is there a release clause. Maybe Man City have a sell on clause, some places say no, others say 20%. If it's the latter then player swaps again benefits us.
Whether it's cash or a player swap wouldn't make any difference. The total value of the deal is the total value of the deal and that's what any sell on fee would be based on. All a player exchange does is change how it's paid for.
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We also don't know about his contract, we don't even know for sure how long it never mind what's in it. It's been suggested it's 2026 in some places, so if it is and he wants to leave now is the best time to let him. Is there a release clause. Maybe Man City have a sell on clause, some places say no, others say 20%. If it's the latter then player swaps again benefits us.
Whether it's cash or a player swap wouldn't make any difference. The total value of the deal is the total value of the deal and that's what any sell on fee would be based on. All a player exchange does is change how it's paid for.
Yep, same for FFP. Whether it's money or players, it's still the transfer of an asset of x value in the books.
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Having a mooch online and came across this from a while ago which I thought was a touch QI. It's still better than baseball though where the majority of players have no say where they are traded to.
In 2017, Jordan Ayew and Neil Taylor swapped clubs, with Swansea City paying Villa about £5 million on top for the Ghana forward. Swansea were still a Premier League club at the time while Villa were down in the Championship, but Taylor welcomed a “fresh start”. Ask the Wales full-back how it all came about, though, and he’s completely in the dark.
“Honestly, I don’t know how it was negotiated, who made the first call to who and who wanted who first,” Taylor tells The Athletic. “I don’t know if (Steve) Bruce (Villa manager at the time) made an approach for me, or if Swansea said (to Villa), ‘Listen, we can’t afford that (for Ayew), pick a player’. You’d think as a player you’d be privy to that kind of information, but you’re not. It’s just a case that you half find out one club doesn’t want me and one does. That’s usually how football works.”
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What does Iling do?
He's a left sided attacking mid.
Pacy, comfortable on the ball. Lots of potential.
Sounds good, like my kind of player.
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We also don't know about his contract, we don't even know for sure how long it never mind what's in it. It's been suggested it's 2026 in some places, so if it is and he wants to leave now is the best time to let him. Is there a release clause. Maybe Man City have a sell on clause, some places say no, others say 20%. If it's the latter then player swaps again benefits us.
Whether it's cash or a player swap wouldn't make any difference. The total value of the deal is the total value of the deal and that's what any sell on fee would be based on. All a player exchange does is change how it's paid for.
Yep, same for FFP. Whether it's money or players, it's still the transfer of an asset of x value in the books.
Ah right, OK. Cheers both. I knew that's how it appeared for FFP but wasn't sure about the sell-on clause side. Should have known as it would be a piss easy get around.
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If the two incomers are players that Monchi/Unai want and think that they can be developed whilst at the same time improving our overall squad strength AND we get some cash too, then I'm reasonably comfortable.
Iling-Junior is English. 21 in October. Quit Chelsea and was courted by PSG, Bayern, Dortmund and Juve - so he should be half decent.
Various t'interwebnet articles about Iling-Junior saying that Toon, Spuds and ManU are after him too.
Transfermarkt
McKennie 28m
Illing-Jnr 13m
Cash 20m
Total 61m
Dougie 70m
Guess we'll try and inflate the "values" of McKennie and Iling-Junior by a few £m as that would help us and Juve in terms of FFP in that it would increase the "amount" we get for Dougie and do the same for Juve in terms of their books.
The only cash involved would be the €20m - the rest is all paper accounting entries.
Quoting Transfermarkt for reference only in terms of comparative player values.
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Flashscore has the values at:
Mckennie 24.8
SIJ 11.6
Cash 26.6
Luiz 67.5
IN EUROS. Who is doing the valuations? The Deal Or No Deal banker?
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Romano insinuating it’s a done deal.
What's Bardell had to say about it all.
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Who?
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The geezer Of SSN4
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What does Iling do?
He's a left sided attacking mid.
Pacy, comfortable on the ball. Lots of potential.
Sounds good, like my kind of player.
Good as a wing back in a back five too...
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What does Iling do?
He's a left sided attacking mid.
Pacy, comfortable on the ball. Lots of potential.
Sounds good, like my kind of player.
Good as a wing back in a back five too...
Mods, this is obvious trolling.
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Rumbled!
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Romano insinuating it’s a done deal.
Ah, FFS.
I do trust Emery and all that. But, (and I've shamelessly nicked this) Monchi sold Salah, Nainggolan, Alisson, Rüdiger, Emerson and Paredes at Roma for relatively cheap. It cost him his job.
I haven't studied his career in depth and I'm certain there's loads of brilliant signings and sales too. But the truth is, I'm just gutted to lose Luiz.
I completely get the background, contract situation, FFP etc.
But, we've got lost of extremely good players but very few elite ones. We've just (seemingly) sold the player I was hoping we'd be building our team around for the next 5 years.
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Luiz out, Barkley in.
Kamara Inj. McKennie in as cover/cup games.
Iling Junior In
FFP PFS etc rules met.
Now, IF we got Gallagher as well, that would be a really great set of deals for our midfield.
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Mail reckons tubs McKennie was Juves best player last season? I don't remember him at Leeds, other than he was unpopular for not playing well. So was Yuri mind when Leicester took the plunge.
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There was an article stating how well he has played at Juve on here a week or so ago. It chilled me out on the deal.
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Mail reckons tubs McKennie was Juves best player last season? I don't remember him at Leeds, other than he was unpopular for not playing well. So was Yuri mind when Leicester took the plunge.
He was more unpopular for not even trying.
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McKennie is more of a defensive midfielder. He doesn't play progressively, but is better at tackling and playing simple and effective passes. My guess is that McKennie will cover Kamara and at times allow us to play with two defensively minded '6's.
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Mail reckons tubs McKennie was Juves best player last season? I don't remember him at Leeds, other than he was unpopular for not playing well. So was Yuri mind when Leicester took the plunge.
He was more unpopular for not even trying.
Well, he was at Leeds.
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McKennie is more of a defensive midfielder. He doesn't play progressively, but is better at tackling and playing simple and effective passes. My guess is that McKennie will cover Kamara and at times allow us to play with two defensively minded '6's.
Sounds a bit like Nakamba.
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Juve to Leeds. That's some comedown.i guess that he started playing well again suggests he wasn't too keen to be in Leeds to begin with.
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There's more than one side to a story
I went there because of Jesse Marsch. And then two weeks after I got there he was sacked," McKennie said on the "American Dream" podcast. "I had four different managers in six months. One of my coaches, honestly I don't think he even knew who I was. If a player is coming in on loan, you should know your squad. He put me outside the box for corner kicks. And in my head I'm like, 'I've scored like 85% of my goals in my career off set pieces and crosses.'"
The 25-year-old admitted he hated his position, wanting to venture forward more than his coaches would allow. He noticed when Leeds fans became "very much against" him as he struggled to adjust to added defensive responsibilities.
"Tyler [Adams] got injured, so it forced me to play the six role," he said. "I don't see myself as a six, because I like to attack and defend and if you're telling me like, 'Just stay here, don't go in the box,' I'm not the best with that because I need to be free to exert my energy. So I think it just didn't pan out the way I thought.
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Why were Juve so keen to get rid of him twice?
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Why were Juve so keen to get rid of him twice?
He's worth something?
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Sounds like competition with McGinn or to play McGinn and him. Along with JJ and Rogers, for the "fucking hell, this lot are a bit physical" side of things.
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There's more than one side to a story
I went there because of Jesse Marsch. And then two weeks after I got there he was sacked," McKennie said on the "American Dream" podcast. "I had four different managers in six months. One of my coaches, honestly I don't think he even knew who I was. If a player is coming in on loan, you should know your squad. He put me outside the box for corner kicks. And in my head I'm like, 'I've scored like 85% of my goals in my career off set pieces and crosses.'"
The 25-year-old admitted he hated his position, wanting to venture forward more than his coaches would allow. He noticed when Leeds fans became "very much against" him as he struggled to adjust to added defensive responsibilities.
"Tyler [Adams] got injured, so it forced me to play the six role," he said. "I don't see myself as a six, because I like to attack and defend and if you're telling me like, 'Just stay here, don't go in the box,' I'm not the best with that because I need to be free to exert my energy. So I think it just didn't pan out the way I thought.
Well, I guess that debunks my rationale for him covering Kamara then!
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There's more than one side to a story
I went there because of Jesse Marsch. And then two weeks after I got there he was sacked," McKennie said on the "American Dream" podcast. "I had four different managers in six months. One of my coaches, honestly I don't think he even knew who I was. If a player is coming in on loan, you should know your squad. He put me outside the box for corner kicks. And in my head I'm like, 'I've scored like 85% of my goals in my career off set pieces and crosses.'"
The 25-year-old admitted he hated his position, wanting to venture forward more than his coaches would allow. He noticed when Leeds fans became "very much against" him as he struggled to adjust to added defensive responsibilities.
"Tyler [Adams] got injured, so it forced me to play the six role," he said. "I don't see myself as a six, because I like to attack and defend and if you're telling me like, 'Just stay here, don't go in the box,' I'm not the best with that because I need to be free to exert my energy. So I think it just didn't pan out the way I thought.
So he's not the DM we need then. I can't see us going for Gallagher then if this goes though.
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Any player that's been good but went to Leeds and didn't try a leg is alright by me.
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It's probably hard for any player to shine in a 4 month loan a shit side in another country that has 4 different managers in that spell.
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That attitude concerns me.
The difference is when Luiz was saddled with playing 6, he just got on with it even though it wasn't his best position. McGinn & Tielemans did the same.
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If McKennie comes I'll back him, like I do all those wearing claret and blue. But at Leeds he just did not look in good physical shape and his game reflected that regardless of the position he was asked to play.
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That attitude concerns me.
The difference is when Luiz was saddled with playing 6, he just got on with it even though it wasn't his best position. McGinn & Tielemans did the same.
Because Unai Emery asked them to do it.
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McKennie is more of a defensive midfielder. He doesn't play progressively, but is better at tackling and playing simple and effective passes. My guess is that McKennie will cover Kamara and at times allow us to play with two defensively minded '6's.
He's the assist King of Italy or something like that.
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Romano insinuating it’s a done deal.
Ah, FFS.
I do trust Emery and all that. But, (and I've shamelessly nicked this) Monchi sold Salah, Nainggolan, Alisson, Rüdiger, Emerson and Paredes at Roma for relatively cheap. It cost him his job.
I haven't studied his career in depth and I'm certain there's loads of brilliant signings and sales too. But the truth is, I'm just gutted to lose Luiz.
I completely get the background, contract situation, FFP etc.
But, we've got lost of extremely good players but very few elite ones. We've just (seemingly) sold the player I was hoping we'd be building our team around for the next 5 years.
I can't speak about all of these, because I don't know them well, but Roma made a £30m profit on Salah in one season, a £60m profit on Allison in two seasons, and £20m profit on Rudiger in one season (all sold to English clubs).
* Just checked the others, Nainggolan was a €30m profit after 3 years with the club, Emerson was a £25m profit after 2 years, Paredes was a €15m profit after two years.
That is a LOT of money to make from players who didn't spend more than a couple of years at the club? It also might be that selling for profit was part of his remit there. I don't know what is classed as "relatively cheap", but given this was in the 2017-2018 timeframe, it feels like these fees were more than decent? Making £20m on a player after a year or two would be decent money TODAY, never mind six or seven seasons ago?
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If McKennie comes I'll back him, like I do all those wearing claret and blue. But at Leeds he just did not look in good physical shape and his game reflected that regardless of the position he was asked to play.
A good read here about Leeds and his return to Juventus. Enjoy, you fat bastard! (https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40016417/usmnt-weston-mckennie-juventus-serie-leeds-schoenfeld)
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I don't think many of them were thought of as cheap at the time. Allison was a world record transfer for example.
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Interesting Luiz could still have a sell-on clause - hadn’t really considered that - which explains favoring a deal loaded with players versus a big fee.
Link:
https://www.manchesterworld.uk/sport/football/manchester-city/douglas-luiz-man-city-sell-on-clause-juventus-transfer-aston-villa-4661651
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Interesting Luiz could still have a sell-on clause - hadn’t really considered that - which explains favoring a deal loaded with players versus a big fee.
As I said before, it won't make the slightest bit of difference.
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That cant be right can it? Wouldn't any sell on fee clause expire when his first contract with us expired?
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There is that. I just think it'd be a bit odd that he'd want to leave now when everything is going so well, considering he stayed when they weren't under Gerrard.
Yeah, don't really understand why he'd want to leave now either.
He's been here 5 years, maybe he just wants something new and feels now is the time.
Marginally connected to this, a player at PSG - cavani? - said working under Emery is hard work and a third year would’ve been too much for him.
He was an old past it pro at this point but there is merit in freshening up the squad to maintain eagerness and willingness to learn.
Just wish Doug wasn’t the one to be sacrificed as I think there will be a big hole in our CM next year, definitely until Christmas unless we can find a DCM.
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That cant be right can it? Wouldn't any sell on fee clause expire when his first contract with us expired?
Because unless stipulated in the contract they don't expire. That's why we spent years trying to do a deal over Ugo's for example.
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That cant be right can it? Wouldn't any sell on fee clause expire when his first contract with us expired?
No, because the clause is in the contract with Man City, not the player.
I don't think there was a sell on fee, just a buy-back. I looked back at the reports of the signing and haven't seen anything about a sell-on clause.
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Interesting Luiz could still have a sell-on clause - hadn’t really considered that - which explains favoring a deal loaded with players versus a big fee.
As I said before, it won't make the slightest bit of difference.
There has to be notional values applied. If they are at the lower end of the range for the Juve players it would suppress the Luiz value (but be counter productive for FFP where we want to do the opposite.)
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Haha, as if by magic;
https://x.com/MichaelPlant82/status/1800534302696092057 (https://x.com/MichaelPlant82/status/1800534302696092057)
This chap says 20% sell-on fee.
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Romano stating it's almost complete.
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What does Iling do?
He's a left sided attacking mid.
Pacy, comfortable on the ball. Lots of potential.
Sounds good, like my kind of player.
Good as a wing back in a back five too...
Why I oughta...
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You realise McKennie has played right wingback too don't you? Writings on the walls CD.
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Aaaaaaaagh
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If McKennie comes I'll back him, like I do all those wearing claret and blue. But at Leeds he just did not look in good physical shape and his game reflected that regardless of the position he was asked to play.
A good read here about Leeds and his return to Juventus. Enjoy, you fat bastard! (https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/40016417/usmnt-weston-mckennie-juventus-serie-leeds-schoenfeld)
Good article. Also shows how well he's played for a top side this season. Before people say the Italian league isn't what it was, they did OK in Europe this season. We might come back and think this was a decent deal all round in the future.
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I'm bitter about him leaving and more that we are being forced to sell him. Absolute bullshit that we finally make it to the CL and we have to sell a top player.
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I'm trying to look at this as pragmatically as possible, because I've always been a big fan of Doug, right from the start really. He's the type of player you just love to watch - making everything seem so simple.
On the face of it, this deal doesn't seem great. We're basically swapping one of our most important players for two players that are unlikely to start every week, plus a bit of cash that won't get us a suitable replacement. So we end up weaker.
But there's a lot more going on here. First of all, there's the financial regulations. I don't know our exact position, but I would doubt that we would be in such a hurry to get this deal through (especially with the players dotted all over the world) unless we had to. So it looks like our hands are tied in that have to sell someone. Why Doug? I guess first off because someone wants to buy him, and he's open to leaving. Apparently he's had a contract offer on the table for 6 months, that remains unsigned. He was probably waiting to see how everything pans out, which is fair enough. I think he's a Champions League player, so it's natural he'd want to keep his options open. I don't think he owes us anything from a loyalty point of view.
Next is that I think of all the players that we could sell, Doug might be the one we miss least. I've tried to be careful with my wording there - I don't think we can replace him easily, as someone as good on the ball as him will probably cost what we're selling him for. But we can patch up the team without him in a way that might mean we don't miss him. For instance, when we have a fully fit squad (which must have happened once), his job is to sit next to Kamara and help us get up the pitch. His passing range is fantastic, so he's very good at this. But maybe there are other ways we could do the same job - maybe with someone like Gallagher driving us forward with a burst of energy? Beat the press by stepping past the first wave and then playing a simple pass into space? Giving Torres more options by moving quickly to receive the ball, or create space for others - not Doug's strong point.
In fact, Doug's physicality is the main thing that holds him back. He's not big, strong or quick, so in the Premier League you need a player next to him that compensates for this - or you get bullied (which has happened to us a lot with Doug in the side). He often makes up for it by being a second or two quicker in the head, but sometimes we just get overrun in the middle. Looking at the players we've bought and been linked to in the last couple of transfer windows, physicality is something we are looking to add to the squad. More power, height and speed. I think Unai is trying to evolve the way we play - or at least, he's trying to reduce the number of weaknesses in our team. Doug, for all his talent, has zero physicality, and team's target that. Doug isn't the only one, of course, but the middle of the pitch is where we desperately need something more.
The players involved in the swap can all have their value written off for FFP/PSR, apparently, so that all helps. The weird way the financial regulations work means that as soon as June is over, we can start spending money again, I think. So this month is just about getting some money in. I would expect we'll see a few more out the door in the next few weeks.
While I am pretty optimistic about this deal, I have to say that it's a fucking outrage that we have to sell someone. Over the last few years we've been around mid-table in terms of net spend. We've just had our best season for decades, out performing teams that have spent much more than us. We've finally arrived in the promised land, without breaking one rule and without going into any debt, but we have to sell off one of our best players to comply with the rules now. Meanwhile, Man City have broken 115 rules without any punishment so far, Chelsea seem to spend as much as they want and Man United have debt that could cripple some small countries.
Can anyone can honestly say that the rules are in place for 'Fair Play'? They are at best woefully outdated, and at worst, a carefully thought out plan to keep the 'Big 6' in place. To be fair, they need all the help they can get at the moment, because since Unai came, we've been much better than half of them. And we will be next year as well.
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I'm bitter about him leaving and more that we are being forced to sell him. Absolute bullshit that we finally make it to the CL and we have to sell a top player.
Yep. Absolutely gutted. Football stinks.
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I really hate swap deals. It's like those couples that have an open marriage. You just know one of them's lying about being fine with it.
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I'm trying to look at this as pragmatically as possible, because I've always been a big fan of Doug, right from the start really. He's the type of player you just love to watch - making everything seem so simple.
On the face of it, this deal doesn't seem great. We're basically swapping one of our most important players for two players that are unlikely to start every week, plus a bit of cash that won't get us a suitable replacement. So we end up weaker.
But there's a lot more going on here. First of all, there's the financial regulations. I don't know our exact position, but I would doubt that we would be in such a hurry to get this deal through (especially with the players dotted all over the world) unless we had to. So it looks like our hands are tied in that have to sell someone. Why Doug? I guess first off because someone wants to buy him, and he's open to leaving. Apparently he's had a contract offer on the table for 6 months, that remains unsigned. He was probably waiting to see how everything pans out, which is fair enough. I think he's a Champions League player, so it's natural he'd want to keep his options open. I don't think he owes us anything from a loyalty point of view.
Next is that I think of all the players that we could sell, Doug might be the one we miss least. I've tried to be careful with my wording there - I don't think we can replace him easily, as someone as good on the ball as him will probably cost what we're selling him for. But we can patch up the team without him in a way that might mean we don't miss him. For instance, when we have a fully fit squad (which must have happened once), his job is to sit next to Kamara and help us get up the pitch. His passing range is fantastic, so he's very good at this. But maybe there are other ways we could do the same job - maybe with someone like Gallagher driving us forward with a burst of energy? Beat the press by stepping past the first wave and then playing a simple pass into space? Giving Torres more options by moving quickly to receive the ball, or create space for others - not Doug's strong point.
In fact, Doug's physicality is the main thing that holds him back. He's not big, strong or quick, so in the Premier League you need a player next to him that compensates for this - or you get bullied (which has happened to us a lot with Doug in the side). He often makes up for it by being a second or two quicker in the head, but sometimes we just get overrun in the middle. Looking at the players we've bought and been linked to in the last couple of transfer windows, physicality is something we are looking to add to the squad. More power, height and speed. I think Unai is trying to evolve the way we play - or at least, he's trying to reduce the number of weaknesses in our team. Doug, for all his talent, has zero physicality, and team's target that. Doug isn't the only one, of course, but the middle of the pitch is where we desperately need something more.
The players involved in the swap can all have their value written off for FFP/PSR, apparently, so that all helps. The weird way the financial regulations work means that as soon as June is over, we can start spending money again, I think. So this month is just about getting some money in. I would expect we'll see a few more out the door in the next few weeks.
While I am pretty optimistic about this deal, I have to say that it's a fucking outrage that we have to sell someone. Over the last few years we've been around mid-table in terms of net spend. We've just had our best season for decades, out performing teams that have spent much more than us. We've finally arrived in the promised land, without breaking one rule and without going into any debt, but we have to sell off one of our best players to comply with the rules now. Meanwhile, Man City have broken 115 rules without any punishment so far, Chelsea seem to spend as much as they want and Man United have debt that could cripple some small countries.
Can anyone can honestly say that the rules are in place for 'Fair Play'? They are at best woefully outdated, and at worst, a carefully thought out plan to keep the 'Big 6' in place. To be fair, they need all the help they can get at the moment, because since Unai came, we've been much better than half of them. And we will be next year as well.
Well said!!
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While it's far from ideal, the sale of him and Cash (plus some of the non-playing members of the squad) could give us a lot of breathing space to bring in 5 or 6 players.
If we end up with Gallagher, Barkley, cover for Kamara, cover for Oli and a new top-drawer right back then it might be worth the upheaval.
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More talk of us and WHAM! being leaders in the race to sign Tammy Abraham.
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Why were Juve so keen to get rid of him twice?
Contract running down this time. He did show good character to turn around his career there last season from flopping at Leeds. However, it does raise questions of his character and professionalism that he wasn't physically fit at Leeds. That's inexcusable really.
Lots of question marks over Barkley too that last season at Luton can't simply gloss over, including a woeful loan spell with us that cost us a 12m fee. He wasn't properly fit for most of his career. Walking around the pitch and sulking coming off is what I remember most from his last spell with us. We will look like some idiots if he bombs again next season.
No such concerns with Luiz. He's top class
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This FFP/PSR stuff is a load of bollocks, isn't it?
Good luck Dougie. I'd have rather we kept you.
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Thankyou for the gooooals.
The penalties, those corner kicks that went in.
:'(
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
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I'm trying to look at this as pragmatically as possible, because I've always been a big fan of Doug, right from the start really. He's the type of player you just love to watch - making everything seem so simple.
On the face of it, this deal doesn't seem great. We're basically swapping one of our most important players for two players that are unlikely to start every week, plus a bit of cash that won't get us a suitable replacement. So we end up weaker.
But there's a lot more going on here. First of all, there's the financial regulations. I don't know our exact position, but I would doubt that we would be in such a hurry to get this deal through (especially with the players dotted all over the world) unless we had to. So it looks like our hands are tied in that have to sell someone. Why Doug? I guess first off because someone wants to buy him, and he's open to leaving. Apparently he's had a contract offer on the table for 6 months, that remains unsigned. He was probably waiting to see how everything pans out, which is fair enough. I think he's a Champions League player, so it's natural he'd want to keep his options open. I don't think he owes us anything from a loyalty point of view.
Next is that I think of all the players that we could sell, Doug might be the one we miss least. I've tried to be careful with my wording there - I don't think we can replace him easily, as someone as good on the ball as him will probably cost what we're selling him for. But we can patch up the team without him in a way that might mean we don't miss him. For instance, when we have a fully fit squad (which must have happened once), his job is to sit next to Kamara and help us get up the pitch. His passing range is fantastic, so he's very good at this. But maybe there are other ways we could do the same job - maybe with someone like Gallagher driving us forward with a burst of energy? Beat the press by stepping past the first wave and then playing a simple pass into space? Giving Torres more options by moving quickly to receive the ball, or create space for others - not Doug's strong point.
In fact, Doug's physicality is the main thing that holds him back. He's not big, strong or quick, so in the Premier League you need a player next to him that compensates for this - or you get bullied (which has happened to us a lot with Doug in the side). He often makes up for it by being a second or two quicker in the head, but sometimes we just get overrun in the middle. Looking at the players we've bought and been linked to in the last couple of transfer windows, physicality is something we are looking to add to the squad. More power, height and speed. I think Unai is trying to evolve the way we play - or at least, he's trying to reduce the number of weaknesses in our team. Doug, for all his talent, has zero physicality, and team's target that. Doug isn't the only one, of course, but the middle of the pitch is where we desperately need something more.
The players involved in the swap can all have their value written off for FFP/PSR, apparently, so that all helps. The weird way the financial regulations work means that as soon as June is over, we can start spending money again, I think. So this month is just about getting some money in. I would expect we'll see a few more out the door in the next few weeks.
While I am pretty optimistic about this deal, I have to say that it's a fucking outrage that we have to sell someone. Over the last few years we've been around mid-table in terms of net spend. We've just had our best season for decades, out performing teams that have spent much more than us. We've finally arrived in the promised land, without breaking one rule and without going into any debt, but we have to sell off one of our best players to comply with the rules now. Meanwhile, Man City have broken 115 rules without any punishment so far, Chelsea seem to spend as much as they want and Man United have debt that could cripple some small countries.
Can anyone can honestly say that the rules are in place for 'Fair Play'? They are at best woefully outdated, and at worst, a carefully thought out plan to keep the 'Big 6' in place. To be fair, they need all the help they can get at the moment, because since Unai came, we've been much better than half of them. And we will be next year as well.
Well said!!
Yes, this is a really good post.
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He may want to leave and would be leaving anyway regardless of finances.
Serve him right when he's stood on the pitch watching us lift the CL trophy.
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I can't lie I am gutted by this. I think he's been a vital cog in Unai's Villa machine and we will definitely miss him. His pass with the outside of his right foot that curled right into Ollies path to score at the Witton End is one of the most sublime I've ever witnessed at Villa Park. But I'm not gonna cry over it. We have still got our amazing manager and Monchi out there doing deals. I'm trusting them to sort it out and make us even stronger after the dust has settled.
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
He's a great player but I'm not sure he will be.
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Sad he's going but you have to make tough decisions to be successful. He sounds as if he's had enough chance to sign a new deal and has opted not to. Villa are trying to box clever and this gets us a couple of interesting players in while balancing the books.
I still expect another centre mid to arrive, possibly Gallagher. It will just happen after 30th June
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
Shit isn't it? That said we've progressed faster than planned and needs must. Plus, we're finally going to see if Monchi really lives up to his reputation. On paper the deal looks like we're getting our trousers pulled down, the Juve fans think we most certainly are but the McKennie valuation could and should be well under. Plus we have young Junior who again seems valued very cheap but has massive potential.
I can't see Unai agreeing to this deal unless he really wanted both players.
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
Shit isn't it? That said we've progressed faster than planned and needs must. Plus, we're finally going to see if Monchi really lives up to his reputation. On paper the deal looks like we're getting our trousers pulled down, the Juve fans think we most certainly are but the McKennie valuation could and should be well under. Plus we have young Junior who again seems valued very cheap but has massive potential.
I can't see Unai agreeing to this deal unless he really wanted both players.
I hope so, but on the face of it we’re losing a top end midfielder and getting in a guy who failed at Leeds and someone who has played very little. Hopefully it’ll work out, but I know which side of the deal I’d rather be on.
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One of my favourite players since promotion. I think he is massively under appreciated for his passing, skills, goals, and set pieces.
The system is broken if you can make top 4 and still have to sell a key player.
Over to Monchi now I guess
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I'm trying to look at this as pragmatically as possible, because I've always been a big fan of Doug, right from the start really. He's the type of player you just love to watch - making everything seem so simple.
On the face of it, this deal doesn't seem great. We're basically swapping one of our most important players for two players that are unlikely to start every week, plus a bit of cash that won't get us a suitable replacement. So we end up weaker.
But there's a lot more going on here. First of all, there's the financial regulations. I don't know our exact position, but I would doubt that we would be in such a hurry to get this deal through (especially with the players dotted all over the world) unless we had to. So it looks like our hands are tied in that have to sell someone. Why Doug? I guess first off because someone wants to buy him, and he's open to leaving. Apparently he's had a contract offer on the table for 6 months, that remains unsigned. He was probably waiting to see how everything pans out, which is fair enough. I think he's a Champions League player, so it's natural he'd want to keep his options open. I don't think he owes us anything from a loyalty point of view.
Next is that I think of all the players that we could sell, Doug might be the one we miss least. I've tried to be careful with my wording there - I don't think we can replace him easily, as someone as good on the ball as him will probably cost what we're selling him for. But we can patch up the team without him in a way that might mean we don't miss him. For instance, when we have a fully fit squad (which must have happened once), his job is to sit next to Kamara and help us get up the pitch. His passing range is fantastic, so he's very good at this. But maybe there are other ways we could do the same job - maybe with someone like Gallagher driving us forward with a burst of energy? Beat the press by stepping past the first wave and then playing a simple pass into space? Giving Torres more options by moving quickly to receive the ball, or create space for others - not Doug's strong point.
In fact, Doug's physicality is the main thing that holds him back. He's not big, strong or quick, so in the Premier League you need a player next to him that compensates for this - or you get bullied (which has happened to us a lot with Doug in the side). He often makes up for it by being a second or two quicker in the head, but sometimes we just get overrun in the middle. Looking at the players we've bought and been linked to in the last couple of transfer windows, physicality is something we are looking to add to the squad. More power, height and speed. I think Unai is trying to evolve the way we play - or at least, he's trying to reduce the number of weaknesses in our team. Doug, for all his talent, has zero physicality, and team's target that. Doug isn't the only one, of course, but the middle of the pitch is where we desperately need something more.
The players involved in the swap can all have their value written off for FFP/PSR, apparently, so that all helps. The weird way the financial regulations work means that as soon as June is over, we can start spending money again, I think. So this month is just about getting some money in. I would expect we'll see a few more out the door in the next few weeks.
While I am pretty optimistic about this deal, I have to say that it's a fucking outrage that we have to sell someone. Over the last few years we've been around mid-table in terms of net spend. We've just had our best season for decades, out performing teams that have spent much more than us. We've finally arrived in the promised land, without breaking one rule and without going into any debt, but we have to sell off one of our best players to comply with the rules now. Meanwhile, Man City have broken 115 rules without any punishment so far, Chelsea seem to spend as much as they want and Man United have debt that could cripple some small countries.
Can anyone can honestly say that the rules are in place for 'Fair Play'? They are at best woefully outdated, and at worst, a carefully thought out plan to keep the 'Big 6' in place. To be fair, they need all the help they can get at the moment, because since Unai came, we've been much better than half of them. And we will be next year as well.
Well said!!
Yes, this is a really good post.
That has actually made me feel optimistic, well done
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
He's a great player but I'm not sure he will be.
I agree.
While I do like him, I’m not exactly devastated that he’s off.
It’s an oh, well feeling.
Of it were Ollie, SJM or Emi leaving, that’s a different story.
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Sad, I'll miss him, and I'll have to endure all kinds of fuckfacery from wanker Juve 'fans' (from famous bits of Turin like Treviso and Bari). I just really, really, really hope noted cigarette makers Weston McKennie and the son of Ilion Snr are amazing, and that this helps us to sign Gallagher. But I'm still sad.
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
He's a great player but I'm not sure he will be.
I agree.
While I do like him, I’m not exactly devastated that he’s off.
It’s an oh, well feeling.
Of it were Ollie, SJM or Emi leaving, that’s a different story.
I thought it was just me, but yeah, exactly that.
I'd also add Bailey to that list now.
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I think people are falling into the trap of recency bias and him performing a different role in the second half of the season. We don’t have that run in the first half of the season without him, he was exceptional. I hope we have some real quality coming in, because McKennie is massively unconvincing.
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play? I'm sure I saw before that Monchi or Emery let's players know if they're surplus to requirements a while before the end of the season so they have time to sort something new out. Maybe that was someone else, but Juve feels like a strange deal to have come out of nowhere.
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This is an FFP quick fire, gotta get it done asap deal.
Hate these part ex deals, as we rarely come up trumps. I have no positive thoughts about this at all.
Gutted
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play? I'm sure I saw before that Monchi or Emery let's players know if they're surplus to requirements a while before the end of the season so they have time to sort something new out. Maybe that was someone else, but Juve feels like a strange deal to have come out of nowhere.
It coincided with Kamara getting injured.
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Properly gutted that he’s going. He’s a massive loss.
He's a great player but I'm not sure he will be.
I agree.
While I do like him, I’m not exactly devastated that he’s off.
It’s an oh, well feeling.
Of it were Ollie, SJM or Emi leaving, that’s a different story.
My sentiments too pretty much.
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Fucking wank.
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It’s hard to accept that that Luiz SJM Kamara midfield base will not be seen again.
We built a hell of a season on it.
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We're bringing in 2 players we've been linked with before, and have a player leaving that may really want leave. I'm confident we'd only bring in players Unai wants, he never strikes me as a type to accept a "well he'll do I suppose" player, to the degree he'd rather be a player short than stick a kid on the bench who he was never going to use.
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Rest of the lads are going to have to practice their penalties over the summer.
Tielemans I'd assume?
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A new midfield of McGinn, McKinnie, Gallagher and Tielemans , with backup from Ramsey and Kamara.
That’s got some energy about it….we will run the legs off every opposition.
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Rest of the lads are going to have to practice their penalties over the summer.
Tielemans I'd assume?
I think McGinn takes them for Scotland so he might be worth a look.
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This is an FFP quick fire, gotta get it done asap deal.
Hate these part ex deals, as we rarely come up trumps. I have no positive thoughts about this at all.
Gutted
Fair point but when you say we rarely come up trumps you're forgetting who's actually running team affairs now. We're on a level we've never witnessed before. I'm confident we will come up trumps in the long run.
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I think people are falling into the trap of recency bias and him performing a different role in the second half of the season. We don’t have that run in the first half of the season without him, he was exceptional. I hope we have some real quality coming in, because McKennie is massively unconvincing.
McKennie isn't the replacement for Luiz though, more likely Dendoncker. Barkley is coming in.
Plus perhaps Gallagher.
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Rest of the lads are going to have to practice their penalties over the summer.
Tielemans I'd assume?
Hs an 84% penalty scoring record. Most of his misses came very early in his career, almost a decade ago. His most recent miss was for Leicester in the FA Cup last Jan.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
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Carew for Baros wasn't a disaster. And while Ireland didn't work out there were loads on here that thought we'd had Man City's pants down with that deal at the time.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
might not be his choice. Chelsea need to shift players or they will have a squad of about 50 come August.
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Disappointed he’s going but if it was out of him Martinez, Watkins or JJ it’s probably for the best especially if it’s true Man City get 20% of any sell on. It’s pretty big boots to fill though as he’s been largely very good this season. I’m also glad he’s not going to an another prem team.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
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Let's see where we are at the end of the TF window.
But in isolation, this looks a poor deal.
At his best, DL plays with a swagger and poise few can equal.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
Still think we are light in midfield. McKinnie for me is more like Kamara. We need a more progressive midfielder that plays and attacks through the middle.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
might not be his choice. Chelsea need to shift players or they will have a squad of about 50 come August.
With a year left on his (currently rubbish) contract, if he decides he's going to have his pick of clubs next summer instead of Spurs or us this summer, it will be his choice.
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Let's see where we are at the end of the TF window.
But in isolation, this looks a poor deal.
At his best, DL plays with a swagger and poise few can equal.
With Kamara behind him and McGinn buzzing around, that Douglas Luiz was a fucking Rolls Royce.
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Rest of the lads are going to have to practice their penalties over the summer.
Tielemans I'd assume?
McGinn said that he was Villa's second choice after scoring one for Scotland a few months ago.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
might not be his choice. Chelsea need to shift players or they will have a squad of about 50 come August.
With a year left on his (currently rubbish) contract, if he decides he's going to have his pick of clubs next summer, it definitely will be his choice.
Possibly. My point being Chelsea will do all they can not to be left in that position by the player. They know he represents a quick 40-50m and easy FPP relief.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
Still think we are light in midfield. McKinnie for me is more like Kamara. We need a more progressive midfielder that plays and attacks through the middle.
I think Weston himself would dispute how you see him.
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One of my favourite players since promotion. I think he is massively under appreciated for his passing, skills, goals, and set pieces.
The system is broken if you can make top 4 and still have to sell a key player.
Over to Monchi now I guess
The system isn’t broken…it’s doing exactly what it was set up to do…protect the so callled big 6 monopoly
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play? I'm sure I saw before that Monchi or Emery let's players know if they're surplus to requirements a while before the end of the season so they have time to sort something new out. Maybe that was someone else, but Juve feels like a strange deal to have come out of nowhere.
I thought they did this at the end of the season, but before the players are off duty.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a ‘sign the new contract or we must sell you’ situation*. If Doug had no intention of signing it anyway then his agent would already know interested clubs.
* I’d prefer this situation than him leaving on a free. I think.
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Fairly relaxed about this . We get players and money and ease the FFP issue. Emery is no fool so overall I'm chilled .
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One of my favourite players since promotion. I think he is massively under appreciated for his passing, skills, goals, and set pieces.
The system is broken if you can make top 4 and still have to sell a key player.
Over to Monchi now I guess
The system isn’t broken…it’s doing exactly what it was set up to do…protect the so callled big 6 monopoly
I hate it too, but it really is the lesser of two evils. Those two literal evils being Man City and Newcastle being twenty points clear at the top of the league like Celtic and Rangers til their horrible owners get bored
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
Still think we are light in midfield. McKinnie for me is more like Kamara. We need a more progressive midfielder that plays and attacks through the middle.
I think Weston himself would dispute how you see him.
Yeah, those comments from him were quite telling, he doesn't want be a DM. I don't think Gallagher will happen if we get McKennie.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
Still think we are light in midfield. McKinnie for me is more like Kamara. We need a more progressive midfielder that plays and attacks through the middle.
He’s specifically said he’s not a defensive midfielder hasn’t he?
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
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I just don’t see the Gallagher one, I think he’ll stay.
I'm wondering if we'll bother with McKennie coming in
Might free us up to go big elsewhere.
Still think we are light in midfield. McKinnie for me is more like Kamara. We need a more progressive midfielder that plays and attacks through the middle.
He’s specifically said he’s not a defensive midfielder hasn’t he?
He can put a better tackle in than Luiz and very much occupies the same space(s), but he's not a traditional 6.
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play? I'm sure I saw before that Monchi or Emery let's players know if they're surplus to requirements a while before the end of the season so they have time to sort something new out. Maybe that was someone else, but Juve feels like a strange deal to have come out of nowhere.
I thought they did this at the end of the season, but before the players are off duty.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a ‘sign the new contract or we must sell you’ situation*. If Doug had no intention of signing it anyway then his agent would already know interested clubs.
* I’d prefer this situation than him leaving on a free. I think.
I'd be amazed if he were told he was in the Exit list before the end of the season: partly because it's not exactly motivating for the player and partly because the full impact of FFP may not have been worked out at the time. He was less effective / had more pressure on him without Kamara.
I always thought he was a really good player and we will miss him. However, I recall how Barkley was the guy to whom the ball was given from deep in the Luton set-up and he seemed to disperse it pretty well; Iling-Junior looks a decent player. I have misgivings about McKennie after looking very ineffectual when at Dirty Leeds.
I'd be surprised if Gallacher elects to come to VP: I just think that he would prefer a London club (perhaps the likely Olise deal will allow CP to buy him - particularly if Guehi and Wharton and / or Eze go as well).
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
Yes the one saving grace is he’s moving abroad.
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play?
After we equalised against the Redscouse in May, it was notable how Dougie, who had been subbed, went absolutely bananas. Didn’t look like his motivation was flagging.
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I wonder if he was told he was going a few months ago and that's what led to the fall off in play? I'm sure I saw before that Monchi or Emery let's players know if they're surplus to requirements a while before the end of the season so they have time to sort something new out. Maybe that was someone else, but Juve feels like a strange deal to have come out of nowhere.
I thought they did this at the end of the season, but before the players are off duty.
I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a ‘sign the new contract or we must sell you’ situation*. If Doug had no intention of signing it anyway then his agent would already know interested clubs.
* I’d prefer this situation than him leaving on a free. I think.
He still leaves for a reasonable fee next summer, if it came to that.
Instead, we get two players Juve were keen to offload and not much money.
I struggle to see this as a win.
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We don't really play pure sixes and eights though, it's more roles, tendencies and abilities. McKennie and Gallagher both like taking the ball off the defence and making runs in the box. McGinn and Tielemans can do both too. The difference is McKennie has a tactical wherewithal in the counterpress and so on that only Kamara also has, so that's useful.
Anyway, I think this has no bearing on whether Gallagher happens.
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
Yes the one saving grace is he’s moving abroad.
Drawing Juve at home in the champions league would be an ideal opportunity to say thank you and take all three points.
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
Yes the one saving grace is he’s moving abroad.
To Juve though. Don't cheer that.
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I’m gutted by it to be honest. We make champions league and now sell one of our best players. None of the 3 above us are so why do we have to sell?? Even teams below us seem immune to it. Makes me wonder why we even bother trying to compete
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It's a real shame - Whilst I always thought this was likely - I kinda expected we would get more for him - but pleased he's gone abroad.
The thing I really don't like about it is the magic beans element - all the accountancy bollocks. The system stinks.
I think he's been a really great player for us - and he goes with my best wishes. It's been a long time since I have said that after losing a star player.
Im not convinced by either player we have signed - though know very little about them, and trust Unai and his team so Im sure it will be fine. To be honest - its the fact that I know very little about them that worries me. Feels a little bit like we're shopping in the middle aisle at Aldi hoping to get a bargain. Not that it's a bad thing - just a shame that it doesn't feel like we have a choice. The PL really, really needs to sort the Man City elephant in the room - as it making a mockery of the league.
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Gutted he’s leaving. But good luck to him he’s been great for us.
Onwards and upwards.
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I'm also gutted he's leaving, but can't wish him good luck if he's signing for those cheating rats.
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If not Gallagher, then how about Youssouf Fofana at Monaco?
French centre midfielder. Would cost £30-40m.
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
Yes the one saving grace is he’s moving abroad.
To Juve though. Don't cheer that.
Better than another English team.
No negativity toward Doug from me. Great player and servant and respected and defended our club. Conducted himself well. Good luck to him.
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I think Luiz is an exceptional layer and will be vrey hard to replace but I also think one of our biggest weaknesses for a couple of years has been a lack of presence in the centre of midfield. Kamara addresses that a little if he plays but without him we get exposed a little too easily.
McKennie wouldn't be my choice to address that because I don't think he's good enough at the basics of rotating possession and keepnig things moving. I'm not completely convinced by Barkley either but I'll trust Emery on it.
Iling-Junior is a good addition though and means we will have quality starters and cover across all 3 of the wide midfield/wing/10 roles, to the point that it's getting tough to pick a starting 11.
With all 3 in and Zaniolo and Luiz out I think the midfield does look stronger as a unit but I will miss Doug.
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That’s my take on this Paul.
I love Dougie, he’s been one of my favourite players ever since we signed him. I’ll miss him, he’s a brilliant talent and it was so good seeing him hit those amazing levels last year. His form dipped which I don’t think it was anything other than playing slightly out of position to accommodate Kamara being missing. For the best part of 2023 that role certainly suits him and he’s been a joy to watch.
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It's a shame to see him go, especially now we're in the Champions League but if we definatley had to let a big name go, I think this is the one departure I can live with. Who know's, he may come back in a few years. He's only 26.
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The team is weaker, the squad is better.
Fewer injuries and there a (small) risk players will get restless however we were basically on the floor for the last ten games so we needed to add some depth.
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I guess it was inevitable, but still unfortunate, that one of our best players who we'd end up selling would be one who has been free of any injury for pretty much the whole time he's been here.
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He is the sort of player that you would expect to excel in the Champions League.
It feels like we are replacing quality with quantity.
His form through 2023 was exceptional and we will find it difficult to replace the class that Doug has.
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I think people are falling into the trap of recency bias and him performing a different role in the second half of the season. We don’t have that run in the first half of the season without him, he was exceptional. I hope we have some real quality coming in, because McKennie is massively unconvincing.
McKennie isn't the replacement for Luiz though, more likely Dendoncker. Barkley is coming in.
Plus perhaps Gallagher.
So we're paying the equivalent of £25m+ for a Dendonker replacement? I don't think so. He's also quoted as saying he hates playing No 6 and wants to be box to box.
I don't think Gallagher will come. If he does it will be with all the enthusiasm of Stephen Ireland. He's a London boy and captain of his hometown club. He'll see us as a step down Champions League or not.
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I think people are falling into the trap of recency bias and him performing a different role in the second half of the season. We don’t have that run in the first half of the season without him, he was exceptional. I hope we have some real quality coming in, because McKennie is massively unconvincing.
McKennie isn't the replacement for Luiz though, more likely Dendoncker. Barkley is coming in.
Plus perhaps Gallagher.
So we're paying the equivalent of £25m+ for a Dendonker replacement? I don't think so. He's also quoted as saying he hates playing No 6 and wants to be box to box.
I don't think Gallagher will come. If he does it will be with all the enthusiasm of Stephen Ireland. He's a London boy and captain of his hometown club. He'll see us as a step down Champions League or not.
I don’t get that perception of Gallagher, I reckon he’s not that sort of character. I’m sure if he signed for us he’d be very good. I’d rather have Dougie though, but now it looks like he’s off, I’d certainly take him.
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Has this actually confirmed officially anywhere yet or is it the usual speculative bollocks at this time of year?
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Has this actually confirmed officially anywhere yet or is it the usual speculative bollocks at this time of year?
When there's this much noise it virtually always happens.
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Has this actually confirmed officially anywhere yet or is it the usual speculative bollocks at this time of year?
It’s not “confirmed” but plenty of pretty reliable sources.
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It's in The Sun so it's happening.
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Fuck me. It's like swapping the Cote d'azur for Weston Super Mare.
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Fuck me. It's like swapping Praia Copacabana for Weston Super Mare.
FTFY.
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Has this actually confirmed officially anywhere yet or is it the usual speculative bollocks at this time of year?
Not yet, but most reliable sources are saying it’ll happen. The only issue might be personal terms for the 3 players.
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Fuck me. It's like swapping Praia Copcabana for Weston Super Mare.
FTFY.
Ah, yes probably :-)
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In all seriousness i know very little about the 2 players but they are young, played for Juve so i suppose how bad can they be and we shouldn't have any issue with 'change of culture' and all that which sometimes effects continental players as one is effectively English and one American. Also, if Doug wants to go and if we get a decent enough deal which helps with the FFP or whatever the issue is then i suppose it could be sensible. I'm not all that against it, cracking player that he is i think we'd struggle more by losing Martinez or Watkins. Quite a lot more in fact.
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I wonder how long in to first match thread of the season will we see the first 'we should never have swapped Dougie for McKennie' comment?
I'm going for 27 mins, after we've just fallen behind away at newly promoted Ipswich.
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Or one of them goes off with a slight knock on 27 mins and misses the following 6 months.
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When Doug signed a new contract, we don't know what promises were made. He could have left for a lot less than £60m.
Emery is still making the squad his own. Apart from Tielemans that centre mid position was very much what he inherited. I imagine in an ideal world, he would have kept Doug but he must have weighed things up and decided that this was the right thing to do.
Over the years, there's been lots of instances of clubs selling one very good player and that club being able to make the sum of the parts stronger than that individual part. Hopefully that happens here.
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I wonder how long in to first match thread of the season will we see the first 'we should never have swapped Dougie for McKennie' comment?
I'm going for 27 mins, after we've just fallen behind away at newly promoted Ipswich.
Is it another set piece we concede from and is Konsa playing RB again. How many times , will Emery ever learn.
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I wonder how long in to first match thread of the season will we see the first 'we should never have swapped Dougie for McKennie' comment?
I'm going for 27 mins, after we've just fallen behind away at newly promoted Ipswich.
Bear in mind we will be 3-0 down heading towards a 5 goal panning. The months following will see us top the table qualify for the CL by winning the title before losing by 5 again. Probably at Leicester or West Ham. Somewhere we rarely ever win.
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He is the sort of player that you would expect to excel in the Champions League.
It feels like we are replacing quality with quantity.
His form through 2023 was exceptional and we will find it difficult to replace the class that Doug has.
yeah 20 goal contributions from midfield is hard to replace and penalty taker too. (Forgetting Olympiakos penalty of course)
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At least I will be able to cheer on an ex-player for a change as he hasn't signed for one of our rivals. It's been a while since that's happened.
until we play Juventus in Champions League
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When Doug signed a new contract, we don't know what promises were made. He could have left for a lot less than £60m.
Emery is still making the squad his own. Apart from Tielemans that centre mid position was very much what he inherited. I imagine in an ideal world, he would have kept Doug but he must have weighed things up and decided that this was the right thing to do.
Over the years, there's been lots of instances of clubs selling one very good player and that club being able to make the sum of the parts stronger than that individual part. Hopefully that happens here.
Its been a long road - but last season bailey was no downgrade on Grealish - plus Emi b. & whatever we got for ings.
A big thing is what will Mings, Beundia, Ramsey and Kamara be like on return. If they get to anywhere near there best that is like 4 x 40m signings
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https://x.com/fabrizioromano/status/1800629145346486491?s=46
Very close now apparently
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If not Gallagher, then how about Youssouf Fofana at Monaco?
French centre midfielder. Would cost £30-40m.
That’s the fella.
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Assuming this goes through we absolutely must get high quality cover/competition for Kamara.
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I wonder how long in to first match thread of the season will we see the first 'we should never have swapped Dougie for McKennie' comment?
I'm going for 27 mins, after we've just fallen behind away at newly promoted Ipswich.
A late equaliser from Dalian and we end-up finishing second. Let's do it.
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Douglas Luiz: ‘Unai Emery is very intense in his work, very passionate’
Thiago Rabelo
Douglas Luiz could have given up many times during his career. The same football that provided him with a way out of a difficult life in Rio de Janeiro also put him in a complicated situation as soon as he left Brazil for Europe at the age of 18. Bought by Manchester City in 2017, he had his work permit rejected and his dream of success in England was stalled.
“I took that blow, that stab, can you understand? I left Vasco where I played every game and was a team’s star. So I went to Man City and Girona [on loan], and didn’t play that year. That was a stab. That’s a moment when you realise how difficult Europe is, how complicated it is to adapt so quickly. You need time to learn the language, to communicate with your teammates. I fell down, but I worked so hard to bounce back [helped by] my parents and my family,” Douglas Luiz tells the Guardian.
Seven years after the problematic transfer to City and the most difficult period in his career, Douglas Luiz is experiencing a very different moment at Aston Villa, the most significant since his move there in 2019. He was a key player in the latest campaign that returned the club to the Champions League after 41 years, when the competition was still called the European Cup.
One of the major reasons for the improvement of Douglas Luiz is the arrival of Unai Emery. Since he joined in late 2022, the Spanish coach has transformed the Brazilian’s game, and it is clearly he is immensely grateful.
“What he did was simple. He organised my game well with Boubacar Kamara. Kamara’s arrival helped me a lot. He’s a young player I’ve always got on well with, who has always understood my game style. With his arrival, I’ve had more freedom,” explained the midfielder.
“Today I see myself more as a second midfielder than a first. The freedom that Unai has given me with Kamara has made my job a lot easier. You can clearly see that. A good example is Kamara’s injury. After that I had to play further back and I didn’t take part in the attack as much, I didn’t score as many goals as before because I had to help more in a defensive way.”
Douglas Luiz scored nine league goals last season for Aston Villa. Photograph: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images/Reuters
Emery, in addition to honing Douglas Luiz’s playing style, has also instilled confidence in the player, who jokes about the intensity of the Villa manager.
“Unai is a little bit crazy,” he laughs. “I say it because of his sense of intensity. He’s very passionate about what he does. Very intense in his work and in the things he wants. Sometimes it’s quite funny. In that last game against Liverpool, he celebrated Jhon Durán’s goal, he got emotional, said a lot of things and then in the dressing room he looked like a completely different person.
“It’s great to work with him and be part of this moment we’re living. But what I like most about him is that he always tries to understand the athlete’s personal side, the human being. He always calls us to talk in person. I see a lot of clarity in that conversation”
At 26 years old, Douglas Luiz is having the best spell of his career. Last season, he scored nine goals in the Premier League, third in the list of Brazilians with the most goals in the competition, behind only the forwards Matheus Cunha and Richarlison. Are we going to eventually see the description Douglas Luiz top scorer? He believes not.
“Wow, I would like to reach it, but that’s to dream so much,” he laughs again.
More than 30 Brazilians played in the last Premier League campaign, the most of any foreign country. The green and yellow invasion is a very recent change, with two main factors at work.
“It’s the best league in the world. Everyone wants to play here and feel the atmosphere on the pitch. The history of the Premier League is very big. We, Brazilians, are smart enough to know that the Premier League is the best league in the world and everyone wants to feel that emotion, to play for a big club. That’s really cool.”
The second difference is the more professional behaviour of the players themselves, as Douglas Luiz explains.
“I can’t say that my generation is smarter or understands more than others. But the time teaches. We have lots of good and bad examples to analyse and not make the same mistakes. In the past, Brazilians were considered lazy, who didn’t want to run, who didn’t want to mark the opponents. But that has certainly changed. Today, we have a generation that isn’t silly. It’s a smart generation. We’ve seen the mistakes of the past and today we’ve managed to change the way many countries and people looked at us.
“In the Premier League, you have to focus 100% on football. You can’t think about anything else. It’s a league that demands a lot from you daily, in training and matches. That’s the only way to succeed. That’s the secret to success here.”.
More things are happening in Douglas Luiz’s life. One of them is the Brazilian national team. After missing the 2022 World Cup, he was back in the squad for the last four matches and will play in the Copa América with a new group.
Mature players such as Casemiro, Neymar, Thiago Silva, Ederson and Richarlison are out for various reasons such as injury, poor performance or age. The renewal was not in the plans of the new coach, Dorival Júnior, but it is seen favourably by Douglas Luiz.
“There is a new generation coming. We know that change is normal in Brazil. You can’t rely on Thiago Silva, Casemiro and Neymar for ever. Thiago is a bit older, Neymar and Casemiro were injured. With the players we have, it’s normal to have these renewals. Brazil has many players of great quality. Whoever Dorival chooses will do their best to serve the Seleção”.
The Brazilian team is undergoing renewal, but the supporters demand results and don’t care about the process. Brazil haven’t won the World Cup since 2002, and lost the 2021 Copa América to Argentina, a competition in which Douglas Luiz played just one game and had to witness Emiliano Martínez win the trophy and then put up with many jokes upon the goalkeeper’s return to Aston Villa.
“We’re still choking on that defeat. Losing to Argentina is never good, especially in a final. It’s even worse for me because I lost to Emi Martínez. That weighs on me even more ... But it was a healthy joke. It’s normal to have banter in the dressing room.”
Martínez became one of the great characters of the last World Cup to the point that Fifa changed their penalty rules due to the goalkeeper’s provocative style, which Douglas Luiz knows well since 2020, when they started playing together at Villa.
“We only see him like that in games. In training he’s more relaxed. It’s his team, it’s our daily life, it’s different, you know? He provokes his opponents on match day. It’s his strategy to [make] problems for his opponents. He really manages to get into the guys’ heads. As people say at the club, that’s one of his specialities. He has to capitalise on it. But he’s very calm with us.”
The defeat to Argentina still hurts Douglas Luiz, but he is trying to look to the future. In the next edition of the Copa América, he will have an opportunity to write a new story, with the “hermanos” as the toughest opponent again.
There are only five players over 30 in the squad that will play the Copa América. Without Neymar and other experienced players, Douglas Luiz sees an open path to assume a leadership position to try to recover the supporters’ self-esteem.
“When we were younger, we always talked about this day and now our moment has come. We have to do our best and try to recapture that passion that the supporters used to have for the Seleção. We’ve always talked about it. We’re very excited, 100% focused on reversing the situation we’re in today to win the Copa América again.”
The same Copa América that kept Douglas Luiz away from a World Cup now can be the beginning of a new era to make his dream come true. “It’s a pleasure to represent my country. I’m going to focus as much as I can, and do my best so that I can keep going and fulfil my dream of playing at a World Cup. That’s what I want.”
Interesting that this is posted at this time.
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You have to assume this interview was weeks ago. Not timed particularly well
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When Doug signed a new contract, we don't know what promises were made. He could have left for a lot less than £60m.
Emery is still making the squad his own. Apart from Tielemans that centre mid position was very much what he inherited. I imagine in an ideal world, he would have kept Doug but he must have weighed things up and decided that this was the right thing to do.
Over the years, there's been lots of instances of clubs selling one very good player and that club being able to make the sum of the parts stronger than that individual part. Hopefully that happens here.
Its been a long road - but last season bailey was no downgrade on Grealish - plus Emi b. & whatever we got for ings.
A big thing is what will Mings, Beundia, Ramsey and Kamara be like on return. If they get to anywhere near there best that is like 4 x 40m signings
I love Leon as much as the next man, more probably. He had a great season, but to say he's no downgrade on Grealish is just silly.
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
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You have to assume this interview was weeks ago. Not timed particularly well
Or timed very well if you want to publish it at the moment when load of people are looking for Doug news!
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
Leon last season wasn't better than Grealish in his last 3 seasons for us. So yes, it's a downgrade.
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
Leon last season wasn't better than Grealish in his last 3 seasons for us. So yes, it's a downgrade.
I disagree, Bailey was my player of the season in a team that was far more successful than any Grealish played in, and he played a lot more too.
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
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You have to assume this interview was weeks ago. Not timed particularly well
Not sure, wasn’t his call up only a week or ago?
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Sad to see him leave if this is happening, but we must look at the bigger picture. Cash and players, and if Duran goes for 40m as is being suggested we have a good platform to go on and really improve our squad as a whole off of the back of these deals. Hoping Alisha Lehmann isn't leaving too...
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
I'm a bit sad he's going, but I also think we've had our money's worth to be honest. He's been a great player for us, especially the first half of last season. And I'm not just saying this because he's on his way, but he's also capable of going missing quite often. After Christmas his form fell to pieces, and he mostly wasn't very good to be honest. Of course that was partly down to Kamara being out, but a truly great player shouldn't be so dependent on another player being in the team.
I'd have liked to see him in the CHampions League with us, but it's not to be, and of the star players we have I think he's in a position where we'll miss him the least out of him, Watkins and Martinez. Money plus two players Emery and Monchi must think will improve us seems a good deal.
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I agree his position is one where we have more cover than for Watkins or Martinez, so yes it makes sense if it HAD to be one of those three. Tielemans and Barkley (assuming he comes) can step directly into that role, so yes arguably we can cover him. I'm not sure we can cover his ability to pick up the emergency DM role though, so we will miss that versatility.
If you want to join the elite you need elite players and I still think he's one of the very few we have in the squad. I'm just a bit sick of selling our best players, particularly when we've just qualified for the Champions League. It's going to take a while to get over this.
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If he’s off then it’ll be a loss for us. He’s been fantastic at this club and has improved season after season, especially under Emery.
He can do almost everything and over the last 2 seasons has added a nasty streak to his game, which I like from a midfielder.
I still hope he doesn’t go but if he does then I’d like to thank him for everything he’s done for us.
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
I'm a bit sad he's going, but I also think we've had our money's worth to be honest. He's been a great player for us, especially the first half of last season. And I'm not just saying this because he's on his way, but he's also capable of going missing quite often. After Christmas his form fell to pieces, and he mostly wasn't very good to be honest. Of course that was partly down to Kamara being out, but a truly great player shouldn't be so dependent on another player being in the team.
I'd have liked to see him in the CHampions League with us, but it's not to be, and of the star players we have I think he's in a position where we'll miss him the least out of him, Watkins and Martinez. Money plus two players Emery and Monchi must think will improve us seems a good deal.
Same. He's been great for us and we've been great for him. If he feels that he'd like to try something new, then fair enough. If we weren't comfortable with that I'm pretty sure we'd just tell him that we weren't selling (hypothetical release clauses notwithstanding). Seems like all sides are comfortable with where things have landed and he'll be leaving with gratitude and best wishes.
It also feels like we're in the sort of position where losing a great player isn't the death-knell that it has been for the last fifteen years (Grealish / Benteke / Milner etc) but something that we can work with and build from.
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It's never great when you lose one of your best players. However how badly it affects us very much depends on the overall recruitment, not just who the direct replacement is, or what players come in this deal.
When Grealish went, he was head and shoulders our most important player, and the team really struggled to replace him. When Platt went Atkinson built a much better team with the money that came in.
Luiz is a good player, but he is by no means our best player, or a player we will struggle to replace. Watkins, Torres, Kamara, and Martinez are all more important to our form (we miss them more when injured or suspended) and would be harder to replace. Of the saleable assets Luiz or Ramsey are the ones we were always most likely to go if we needed to raise money.
As for the purported deal, I don't think it is as terrible as some think. McKennie is a good player, an established International that has been a regular for Juventus. He is a different sort of player to Luiz so can't be seen as a direct replacement. More competition for McGinn. Iling Junior is likely replacing either Digne or Moreno (more likely Moreno if the recent reports are correct about him wanting out). Again he has had significant game time for Juventus and is not a bad player.
The two players coming in are probably worth somewhere between 40 and 50 million between them and will pick up less wages combined than we were paying Doug Add the 20 million fee and it is as good a deal as we could get from a Serie A team, as even Juventus or Milan can't splash 70 odd million on a player these days.
If Moreno goes for a profit then the deal looks even more canny for FFP. Ditto if Barkely comes in for 5m.
Duran out for 40m also makes sense if that allows us to replace Kamara, and we find another back up for Ollie (we already have Archer back in the fold too). Cash going I can live live as well, I think we can find better.
Our biggest issues last season were running out of steam due to injuries and excessive game time for key players. We have plenty of players coming back, and if can bring in strong energetic players to enlarge the squad then it should serve us well in the new season.
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I suspect this is an element of us ducking and diving to work within PSR constraints, so although I'd rather keep him, I am fine with it.
It is WAY better that he go to Italy than stay in the Premier League, that'd be much tougher to take, seeing him at Arsenal or some other hideous Tarquinbowl.
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If Doug was happy to stay but ok with leaving due to the club's financial situation and Juve being interested, I hope we would have done all we can to prevent that happening - i.e sell Duran for £40m if that story is true.
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With the movement on the Duran deal this morning, it may not be done and dusted. We're about to flip Duran for double what we paid for him.
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I don't think the Duran deal impacts it, really. If we thought that was going to put the kibosh on this, then we'd have pushed that first.
The Doug deal makes a much bigger impact on the books than Duran could.
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I don't think the Duran deal impacts it, really. If we thought that was going to put the kibosh on this, then we'd have pushed that first.
The Doug deal makes a much bigger impact on the books than Duran could.
That’s my view too, sadly. If Durán goes as well it’ll give us plenty of headroom.
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Where does this leave Arsenal? They have been linked with Doug forever, strange that they are just dropping out of the chase now. It doesn't look like Doug is in great demand other than Juve who are basically a step down from where we are.
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Where does this leave Arsenal? They have been linked with Doug forever, strange that they are just dropping out of the chase now. It doesn't look like Doug is in great demand other than Juve who are basically a step down from where we are.
The player they need is one to sit deeper than Rice. Rice effectively plays in Doug's role, and that's not a position they need to spend another big wedge on.
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Sounds like we both need the same type of player. Let them do the research and we can swoop last minute.
Their prerogative but I’m not sure why you’d convert Rice when he’s equally adept as the defensive screen. It’s much easier to find the box-to-box player (imo).
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They have the Thomas who brings plenty to the partey. And that double-barrelled, blonde-headed chap that we'll continue to be linked to until the 2030s.
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
Leon last season wasn't better than Grealish in his last 3 seasons for us. So yes, it's a downgrade.
I disagree, Bailey was my player of the season in a team that was far more successful than any Grealish played in, and he played a lot more too.
Yes massively disagree. In a better side that's not built about him specifically (remember Targett has a record of more touches than any other PL Villa player) Bailey was utterly unplayable on many occasions and unlike Jack, actually played with his legs falling off.
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
Leon last season wasn't better than Grealish in his last 3 seasons for us. So yes, it's a downgrade.
I disagree, Bailey was my player of the season in a team that was far more successful than any Grealish played in, and he played a lot more too.
Yes massively disagree. In a better side that's not built about him specifically (remember Targett has a record of more touches than any other PL Villa player) Bailey was utterly unplayable on many occasions and unlike Jack, actually played with his legs falling off.
No idea who has really been the better player for us. But the thing I always think when talking about Grealish's impact for us is that he played in four finals, but I don't think he was our best player in any of them.
Yes, we lost three of them, but still, I never felt he'd properly turned up for them. I saw the same for the England penalty shoot-out where he looked terrified in the huddle. Doug would have been ice cold.
I think if I had to choose one of them for a massive match, I'd have more confidence in Doug.
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His level is miles higher than Grealish right now, it's not silly at all.
Leon last season wasn't better than Grealish in his last 3 seasons for us. So yes, it's a downgrade.
I disagree, Bailey was my player of the season in a team that was far more successful than any Grealish played in, and he played a lot more too.
Yes massively disagree. In a better side that's not built about him specifically (remember Targett has a record of more touches than any other PL Villa player) Bailey was utterly unplayable on many occasions and unlike Jack, actually played with his legs falling off.
The revisionism on Jack is ridiculous. But I realise he hurt people so I'll leave it.
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Someone’s still holding a candle
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Jack's highest level is higher than Bailey's, but if he really wanted to shine as an individual he went to he wrong club to bring it out of him.
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Someone’s still holding a candle
A torch at best.
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Jack's highest level is higher than Bailey's, but if he really wanted to shine as an individual he went to he wrong club to bring it out of him.
Indeed, it's also not contradictory to feel Jack betrayed us and burned his bridges when left, while also recognising he was brilliant for us, and our best player by quite some distance who left a pretty big hole in our side when he left.
The Grealish of today is a shadow of his former self, and best of all, I bet he knows it.
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s utter shite.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
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For all we know Doug wants to leave. It's not like he hasn't wanted to before.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
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He was very good in 2020, dipped a little bit in 2021 and regained his mojo under StevieMe decided he wasn't good enough. Brilliant under Emery. Went off boil badly last 2 months.
I'd say 5 years at a club nowadays is a very long time, his nationality will always give him an elevated level of notice.
May be it is for the best all round if he leaves now, we get the better end of the financials fee and he moves to one of the very few clubs on the continent who are actually bigger than Villa but no threat to us.
I know sacrilidge to some but it is always likely one big name would leave this season due to the financials
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I'd say 5 years at a club nowadays is a very long time, his nationality will always give him an elevated
level of notice.
What does that mean?
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I'd say 5 years at a club nowadays is a very long time, his nationality will always give him an elevated
level of notice.
What does that mean?
Brazilian players to me have always tended to have a higher profile. Although global scouting networks are a bit more sophisticated.
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Ah ok, wasn't sure what you meant originally.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
No, but to suggest Newcastle would've spent 600m, we'd finish 5th and have to sell all our top players is quite an OTT doomsday scenario.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
No, but to suggest Newcastle would've spent 600m, we'd finish 5th and have to sell all our top players is quite an OTT doomsday scenario.
You believe there is a plausible scenario that if the spending rules didn't exist (which is what you're saying is causing us a problem), Newcastle wouldn't be spending hundreds of millions of pounds in an attempt to finish in the Champions League places?
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I do, as I've said before I reckon the amount of money they're willing to throw at Newcastle is a lot lower than people expect because of the impact of Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
No, but to suggest Newcastle would've spent 600m, we'd finish 5th and have to sell all our top players is quite an OTT doomsday scenario.
You believe there is a plausible scenario that if the spending rules didn't exist (which is what you're saying is causing us a problem), Newcastle wouldn't be spending hundreds of millions of pounds in an attempt to finish in the Champions League places?
I'm saying the shit rules that are forcing us to accept a shit offer for one of best players are shit rules. You've said the rest.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
No, but to suggest Newcastle would've spent 600m, we'd finish 5th and have to sell all our top players is quite an OTT doomsday scenario.
You believe there is a plausible scenario that if the spending rules didn't exist (which is what you're saying is causing us a problem), Newcastle wouldn't be spending hundreds of millions of pounds in an attempt to finish in the Champions League places?
I'm saying the shit rules that are forcing us to accept a shit offer for one of best players are shit rules. You've said the rest.
Because you appear to be oblivious of the fact that those rules aren't constraining only us.
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If selling Doug is only about complying with PSR, then why does it appear that we may well also be selling Cash and Duran for around £70m? By all accounts, we're likely on the right side of PSR so the money from selling Cash, let alone all 3 would be enough.
For me, it's an indicator that we intend on using our new status as a Champions League team to spend heavily this summer. After all, if we're raising a book value of £140m (minus the first year of amortisation fees for Illing-Junior and McKennie), then we'll have plenty of room for the first year amortisation fees of other players.
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As Emery thinks we can improve at right back and up front too.
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It is counter intuitive right now, because the situation is so annoying, but the parallel world where the rules don’t exist would probably be worse.
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My point is about the belief that selling Doug is solely about PSR.
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I do, as I've said before I reckon the amount of money they're willing to throw at Newcastle is a lot lower than people expect because of the impact of Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
Who?
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s utter shite.
And me.
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It is counter intuitive right now, because the situation is so annoying, but the parallel world where the rules don’t exist would probably be worse.
Exactly.
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It is counter intuitive right now, because the situation is so annoying, but the parallel world where the rules don’t exist would probably be worse.
Exactly.
Logic and lanyards are killing the game.
It's a fuckin disgrace.
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I do, as I've said before I reckon the amount of money they're willing to throw at Newcastle is a lot lower than people expect because of the impact of Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
Who?
What. It's the Saudi Supercity that they're trying to create which had an initial cost estimate of $500bn but more recent estimates are $1.5tn - the idea is pretty impressive but they're struggling to fund it and there are huge amounts of delays already. https://www.neom.com/en-us (https://www.neom.com/en-us)
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Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
Who?
Its like the Milton Keynes of Saudi
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Desert Telford.
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Desert Telford.
Christ, please, not even in jest.
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Our double player of the year in 2023, best and most consistent player over the first two thirds of last season, penalty taker and clearly an influence in the dressing room. I don't see any positives with this, he leaves a massive hole.
Everyone talks about how he tailed off after January but it was only really the last 6 or 7 weeks of the season when his form really suffered. And he was knackered.
He has been a mainstay of the team for five years, stepped up after lockdown when we needed to stay up and improved year on year after that. He always seems to genuinely love playing for us too. It's rubbish that his leaving and even more so if it is mostly driven by crappy financial rules which do nothing but protect the twatty clubs who already spent their Dosh to grow their revenue sources.
Couldn’t agree more. It’s utter shite.
And me.
Me 3, most talented player at the club. Losing him makes us in no way stronger. It hugely weakens us.
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Is that the big line thing that looks like the setting of a sci-fi film?
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Is that the big line thing that looks like the setting of a sci-fi film?
No that's Redditch.
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Is that the big line thing that looks like the setting of a sci-fi film?
Yeah, that's part of it, there's 5-6 'districts' including that. It will almost certainly never exist to anything like the degree they're suggesting but it's pretty clearly aimed at being the main thing to repalce their oil money.
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I agree with that, people can try to put a positive spin on it, but it's fucking shit. If these rules weren't there we'd be laughing Juve out of town with this offer for one of our best players. It's utter shit.
And if these rules weren't there then Newcastle would have spent £600m last summer, we'd (maybe) have finished fifth and DL, Martinez and Watkins would all be looking for a move this summer.
Counter-factuals work in more than one way.
That's quite a leap from the example of us having to sell a key player to bring us under a set figure decided on by the clubs a while back, which hasn't changed with inflation etc, despite having the season of our lives.
Maybe this, maybe that, maybe the other. The speculation that seems the most likely is that we HAVE to sell to meet these rules, which in their current form are shit.
It's not a leap to suggest that the current shit rules being changed to benefit us, might benefit other rival clubs more.
No, but to suggest Newcastle would've spent 600m, we'd finish 5th and have to sell all our top players is quite an OTT doomsday scenario.
You believe there is a plausible scenario that if the spending rules didn't exist (which is what you're saying is causing us a problem), Newcastle wouldn't be spending hundreds of millions of pounds in an attempt to finish in the Champions League places?
I'm saying the shit rules that are forcing us to accept a shit offer for one of best players are shit rules. You've said the rest.
Because you appear to be oblivious of the fact that those rules aren't constraining only us.
You seem to think that the only options are:
A. Keep PSR in it's current form.
B. Scrap it entirely.
I think there are changes that can be made to it to improve it, that still don't let another Man City happen. But that's for discussion in the FFP thread. As this is the Luiz thread, I kept my comment about him, and how the current rules are forcing us to accept a shit deal for him.
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In Unai we trust.
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Doug at his best is very very good, but in reality in 5 years he we didn't see it enough. Go back in this thread and I bet there's been plenty about how poor he was at times for months at a time. His overall form was closer to post Xmas than 2023.
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I wonder how dependent he was on having Kamara alongside him. His best form was when he had him next to him, so with Kamara out for the first half of the season we might have felt he's not the same player and now is the time when his value will be at it's highest.
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In Unai we trust."
I also tend to hold on to this. After all it need a man who knows what he is doing to make so wholesome changes that seems to be going on when our team and players has been so successful over lat 15 or so months. Exciting times. I will miss Douglas though if he is going.
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My text did end up in the quote - field
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Doug at his best is very very good, but in reality in 5 years he we didn't see it enough. Go back in this thread and I bet there's been plenty about how poor he was at times for months at a time. His overall form was closer to post Xmas than 2023.
This is true.
But I absolutely loved his Emery period best, more than nearly any other player. At one point last season i genuinely thought he was the best midfielder in the country. When he goes as looks likely i will be sad about it, but like you said earlier, maybe he wants to go.
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In Unai we trust.
Unquestionably. It's Monchi I still have doubts about.
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Desert Telford.
Christ, please, not even in jest.
Deserting Telford should surely be at the top of anyone's agenda should they find themselves in Telford? Or at least be behind the idea of covering the whole sorry thing in sand. Sounds ideal to me.
As for Luiz, I've supported Villa for 44 of my 51 years; heartbreak and soulsearching are old friends to us all when good players bugger off. I was neither surprised nor upset when eg Yorke, Benteke, Grealish all waved not especially tearful goodbyes to the club - their departure for more money in their pockets and a gaudy trinket or two was always inevitable.
We gave Luiz his break, he's helped us to get where we are today and, regardless of PSF, perhaps he fancies a few years drinking Chianti in the sunshine. Wouldn't mind a bit of that myself, how can I blame him?
That we will triple our investment in him (wasn't he £15m?) and in return get two well thought of players for Unai to sprinkle with magic demanding dust plus a wedge of cash to boot speaks of the club being well run and savvy, even under the dark cloud of the league not allowing us to consolidate or - God forbid! - build on our success by the simple means of *checks notes* keeping a good player on the books.
tldr: resigned to it yet again because wankers.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
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In which case, you can hardly blame them.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
That makes sense in terms of why we're selling him (along with his relative lack of physicality).
I'm still puzzled as to why he wants to go from the Premier League to Juve in Serie A.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
That makes sense in terms of why we're selling him (along with his relative lack of physicality).
I'm still puzzled as to why he wants to go from the Premier League to Juve in Serie A.
Pizza, lasagne, cannelloni… :P
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It also coincides with his form deterioration.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
Thanks for this.
Means I can say thanks for the service to Dougie, wish him all the best and not get wound up about it.
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Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
Who?
Its like the Milton Keynes of Saudi
Concrete cows!
There was a Burroughs training centre which I was forced to go to in my salad days as a young systems programmer. It was ghastly. Rubber flooring and looked like the deck of Star Trek enterprise.
Fennel featured prominently on the menu. Fucking fennel!!
The horror!
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
Thanks for this Vinnie, it all makes more sense now from Villa’s point of view.
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Neom which I beleive is their real priority.
Who?
Its like the Milton Keynes of Saudi
Concrete cows!
There was a Burroughs training centre which I was forced to go to in my salad days as a young systems programmer. It was ghastly. Rubber flooring and looked like the deck of Star Trek enterprise.
Fennel featured prominently on the menu. Fucking fennel!!
The horror!
The NX-01 sets are my favourite, it actually feels like a spaceship, rather than a luxury spa.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
Confirms my theory he was tapped up around Christmas/New Year. Certainly explains a lot.
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Interesting Luiz could still have a sell-on clause - hadn’t really considered that - which explains favoring a deal loaded with players versus a big fee.
As I said before, it won't make the slightest bit of difference.
I think we should start a bidding war.
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I’m just glad he’s not going to another PL club. That would wind me up.
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I always felt it was more than just the cash for PSR. He was called out previously for going to crap with "he's mentally checked out" style comments on social media after previous transfer talk. Still, seems 3rd time's the charm for him.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
That makes sense in terms of why we're selling him (along with his relative lack of physicality).
I'm still puzzled as to why he wants to go from the Premier League to Juve in Serie A.
Maybe, if it was clear for a while that he wanted to go, we were working on finding a deal that worked best for us, and Juve was it? I don't think Arsenal were coming in for him, and where else would he go in the Prem?
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Certainly explains the reason why he was trying to get himself sent off each game towards the end of the season.
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Fair enough re Vinnie’s post. No hard feelings towards Dougie though. We move on.
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BBC gossip have a story from Spain saying his agent has been in touch with Deco at Barca as he assesses his options this summer.
Be interesting to see if he's misjudged things a bit in refusing to sign a new contract.
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In what way?
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The suggestion being that Doug didn’t sign a new deal as his agent was trying to get him a move to Barcelona that didn’t pan out. He ends up at Juventus instead.
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Ah ok, well it’s all gone pretty quiet so who knows what’s happening.
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I wouldn’t be reliant on Barca for anything. Players understandably still want to play there but I believe they’re struggling to register what they have already.
His agents fucked him over a bit there, Barca was never going to happen and definitely not before 30 June.
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If it’s plain old ‘player wants to leave to go to a bigger club’ stuff, then that’s better as it might indicate that we aren’t in a massive amount of FFP trouble.
I like Luiz but of all the first team midfielders of the last 18 months, he’s the one I’m least bothered about leaving.
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IF Dougie goes to Juventus then he is joining one of the biggest clubs in European football, hopefully we will draw them in the Champions League.
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The suggestion being that Doug didn’t sign a new deal as his agent was trying to get him a move to Barcelona that didn’t pan out. He ends up at Juventus instead.
Yeah, or just another club in general. The Arsenal rumours were still flying around in January. I know we won as much as they did this season, but they're one of the few English teams I could see one of ours thinking was still a bigger team.
I know historically Juve are a big and successful team so it's not like he's shot for Barca and ended up at Milwall. But it still seems like an odd choice of destination when we're on the brink of something big and he played a big part in getting us there. But who knows, maybe he's always wanted to play for them.
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The suggestion being that Doug didn’t sign a new deal as his agent was trying to get him a move to Barcelona that didn’t pan out. He ends up at Juventus instead.
Yeah, or just another club in general. The Arsenal rumours were still flying around in January. I know we won as much as they did this season, but they're one of the few English teams I could see one of ours thinking was still a bigger team.
I know historically Juve are a big and successful team so it's not like he's shot for Barca and ended up at Milwall. But it still seems like an odd choice of destination when we're on the brink of something big and he played a big part in getting us there. But who knows, maybe he's always wanted to play for them.
Juve aren't the scale or prestige they once were for sure. That said they are one of about 10 European continental clubs who are probably bigger and could pay as much/more than Villa in wages.
I just get the feeling this is best move for all parties. He has been a very good player for us overall and helped get us from bottom 4 to top 4 but world doesn't stand still.
He has spent 20% of his life at Villa and probably more than 30% of his playing career. Maybe time for a new adventure.
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He's done 5 good years with us, and at times has been utterly brilliant. Whatever the reason for him going, and wherever he goes, he's been a big part of this club getting back to where we are.
I just don't want him going to another English side. Juventus area arguably the biggest side in Italy, and much like players wanting a Sky 6 here, it makes sense.
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He had a very lucrative contract on his lap for the last 5 months and hasn’t signed it. After season ended he made it clear he wouldn’t be either.
Therefore club has acted to get value
That makes sense in terms of why we're selling him (along with his relative lack of physicality).
I'm still puzzled as to why he wants to go from the Premier League to Juve in Serie A.
Thiago Motta has been appointed new head coach (manager) at Juve.
A fellow Brazilian, although he declared and played for Italy, probably had something to do with it.
https://www.juvefc.com/why-thiago-motta-wants-douglas-luiz-at-juventus/
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I've said to my son numerous times that he was suddenly playing like someone who didn't want to be here anymore - certainly from March-ish onwards, and particularly out in Greece, so that ties up with Vinnie's clarification really.
Like others have said, I understand this and wish him all the best in the future. We move on and excited to see how Unai re-models the midfield.
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He looked crestfallen after the Olympiakos and celebrated our Champions League qualification with as much gusto as anyone. He has also repeatedly proclaimed his love of the club including in that Guardian interview this week. I see nothing to suggest he had stopped trying in anyway, his form just dipped a bit after a long season and the loss of his midfield partner.
If he has refused a contract then I guess that does explain the need to sell. I guess any new deal would take him up to or into his 30s. It is a short career and he might want a new experience.
Still surprised how many fans don't seem to consider it a right old kick in the knackers though, he is hard to replace.
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He's been a great servant to us, but out of all of our midfielders, he's the one who drifts in and out of form the most. You rarely get an average 6/7 out of 10 from him, it's either an 8/9 or a 3 - Nothing in between.
Can't remember which game it was towards the end of the season, but I remember Unai going ballistic at him throughout the match. Great player but blows too hot and cold for my liking. Arsenal away proved to me that we can cope without him - Thank him for his service, take the money to relax any FFP worries and move on.
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He looked crestfallen after the Olympiakos and celebrated our Champions League qualification with as much gusto as anyone. He has also repeatedly proclaimed his love of the club including in that Guardian interview this week. I see nothing to suggest he had stopped trying in anyway, his form just dipped a bit after a long season and the loss of his midfield partner.
If he has refused a contract then I guess that does explain the need to sell. I guess any new deal would take him up to or into his 30s. It is a short career and he might want a new experience.
Still surprised how many fans don't seem to consider it a right old kick in the knackers though, he is hard to replace.
Exactly. Let's not go down the 'Jack was never that good really' route of rewriting history.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
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He looked crestfallen after the Olympiakos and celebrated our Champions League qualification with as much gusto as anyone. He has also repeatedly proclaimed his love of the club including in that Guardian interview this week. I see nothing to suggest he had stopped trying in anyway, his form just dipped a bit after a long season and the loss of his midfield partner.
If he has refused a contract then I guess that does explain the need to sell. I guess any new deal would take him up to or into his 30s. It is a short career and he might want a new experience.
Still surprised how many fans don't seem to consider it a right old kick in the knackers though, he is hard to replace.
Absolutely a kick in the knacker and very hard to replace! But I do look forward to seeing the results of how Unai overcomes it.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
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He looks like hes playing in SoccerAid in that pic.
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There’s a lot of blasé attitude on here to Dougie leaving
He’s going to be a massive miss
I remember seeing him make his debut at Tottenham and thought he looked a class act five years on and I still think he is absolute class, our best midfielder with McGinn over the last five years
I don’t know what our overall transfer targets we will get in the end but anyone thinking we can replace a high performer like Doug with McKinnie and the likes of Berkeley are seriously deluded
Losing Doug weakens are midfield simple as that
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Feel disappointed that Luiz didn't want to be part of a CL campaign with us. And he's always said good things about Unai and the Villa. Really thought he loved it here.
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Likewise, he's been one of my favourite players since promotion and at times hit heights rarely seen, he'll be a massive loss. But if he wants to go, as seems likely, and its not because of the usual reasons we lose quality players, then so be it. We cant really do more it seems.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
FFS. He looks like he's being played by Eddie Murphy in a fat suit.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
That he looks far from fit enough to cut it in the Premier League and be a suitable stand-in for Kamara. We'd be better off with the money, than the scraps out of Juve's pocket.
*And this photo was taken within the last 24 hours.
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Feel disappointed that Luiz didn't want to be part of a CL campaign with us. And he's always said good things about Unai and the Villa. Really thought he loved it here.
His head was turned by Arsenal links and he obviously thinks that making it known that he wants to leave would encourage Arsenal but I don't think that's happening.
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There’s a lot of blasé attitude on here to Dougie leaving
He’s going to be a massive miss
I remember seeing him make his debut at Tottenham and thought he looked a class act five years on and I still think he is absolute class, our best midfielder with McGinn over the last five years
I don’t know what our overall transfer targets we will get in the end but anyone thinking we can replace a high performer like Doug with McKinnie and the likes of Berkeley are seriously deluded
Losing Doug weakens are midfield simple as that
Barkley and McKennie are good players in their own right and would add to the squad but yeah - lose Doug and we're still a top midfielder short.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
That he looks far from fit enough to cut it in the Premier League and be a suitable stand-in for Kamara. We'd be better off with the money, than the scraps out of Juve's pocket.
*And this photo was taken within the last 24 hours.
You're judging that he's not fit enough by one picture?
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I remember seeing him make his debut at Tottenham and thought he looked a class act
His home debut summed him up, dropped a major bollock on the edge of our box to gift Bournemouth a goal.
Scored a lovely consolation goal late on. We really dont miss him as much as some think when hes out, slows the play down far too much . We have a squad that can handle him going.
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There’s a lot of blasé attitude on here to Dougie leaving
He’s going to be a massive miss
I remember seeing him make his debut at Tottenham and thought he looked a class act five years on and I still think he is absolute class, our best midfielder with McGinn over the last five years
I don’t know what our overall transfer targets we will get in the end but anyone thinking we can replace a high performer like Doug with McKinnie and the likes of Berkeley are seriously deluded
Losing Doug weakens are midfield simple as that
Jilted lover vibes are strong over last 10 pages! Might mellow later in the summer. Luiz is a magical footballer at his best that struggled for about 6 weeks at the end of last season. Tielemans was piss poor until well after Xmas but most conveniently forget that. McGinn struggled for a while too, getting moved from position to position, impacted his form. Kamara had a handful of stinkers. Form is temporary, class is permanent. Comparing him to a guy like Barkley who pissed away most of his career at the top level is laughable.
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The suggestion being that Doug didn’t sign a new deal as his agent was trying to get him a move to Barcelona that didn’t pan out. He ends up at Juventus instead.
Yeah, or just another club in general. The Arsenal rumours were still flying around in January. I know we won as much as they did this season, but they're one of the few English teams I could see one of ours mistakingly thinking was still a bigger team.
I know historically Juve are a big and successful team so it's not like he's shot for Barca and ended up at Milwall. But it still seems like an odd choice of destination when we're on the brink of something big and he played a big part in getting us there. But who knows, maybe he's always wanted to play for them.
FTFY
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Wasn't Tubbs McKennie the best and most hardworking midfielder on the pitch?
I was in Flrodia last week and they're having a heatwave. Doing a few outdoor Tabatas and you were sweating absolute cobs, so it's not easy to get up and down the park when it's 95+.
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If he is off then all I can say is "Ah well. Cheers Doug! See ya!"
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
That he looks far from fit enough to cut it in the Premier League and be a suitable stand-in for Kamara. We'd be better off with the money, than the scraps out of Juve's pocket.
*And this photo was taken within the last 24 hours.
Nothing like drawing a ludicrous conclusion from basically no evidence.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
That he looks far from fit enough to cut it in the Premier League and be a suitable stand-in for Kamara. We'd be better off with the money, than the scraps out of Juve's pocket.
*And this photo was taken within the last 24 hours.
Nothing drawing a ludicrous conclusion from basically no evidence.
The irony is that he was miles better than Luiz, who barely got a touch, according to thee North American based folks who actually watched the game.
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
What is it telling you?
That he looks far from fit enough to cut it in the Premier League and be a suitable stand-in for Kamara. We'd be better off with the money, than the scraps out of Juve's pocket.
*And this photo was taken within the last 24 hours.
Nothing drawing a ludicrous conclusion from basically no evidence.
The irony is that he was miles better than Luiz, who barely got a touch, according to thee North American based folks who actually watched the game.
Exactly. Those who watched the game were full of praise for his play and the fact he played the full 90 in a hot and humid Florida. No doubts about his fitness anyway.
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Half 5 and it's 26° in Orlando as well.
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Someone must have promised him an extra burrito if he kept going.
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I stand corrected. Just watched the highlights and McKennie did seem pretty involved - Would still prefer to keep Dougie on the books though.
However, no getting away from the fact that he DOES still need to shed some of that timber.
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Someone must have promised him an extra burrito if he kept going.
I think Bruce recommended the local Greggs and that swung it for us
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I'm going to take some convincing that this guy is worthy of being part of the swap deal. Geezus - If a picture doesn't tell a thousand words! 😯
(https://i.ibb.co/Qk6yC6L/GP8-PM6t-XQAAi-AXK.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qk6yC6L)
It's not very often i feel the need to type 'LOL' but fucking LOL. Hyperbole post of the year!
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My mate over in the states who knows a thing or two about football (played at a decent level) reckons McKennie is currently the best US player. The best US player under the stewardship of Emery might be even better. Having said that I seen some of his performances for Leeds, I was less than impressed.
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I remember seeing him make his debut at Tottenham and thought he looked a class act
His home debut summed him up, dropped a major bollock on the edge of our box to gift Bournemouth a goal.
Scored a lovely consolation goal late on. We really dont miss him as much as some think when hes out, slows the play down far too much . We have a squad that can handle him going.
I was at some point going to jokingly post 'ah, we don't need him he's shit anyway' but it seems you beat me to it only yours is actually serious :-)
I think more to the point, we don't want anyone here who wants to move on so let him go on that basis.
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I stand corrected. Just watched the highlights and McKennie did seem pretty involved - Would still prefer to keep Dougie on the books though.
However, no getting away from the fact that he DOES still need to shed some of that timber.
He’s just got a big face (“a sniper’s dream”). Doesn’t look like an ounce of fat anywhere else.
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I stand corrected. Just watched the highlights and McKennie did seem pretty involved - Would still prefer to keep Dougie on the books though.
However, no getting away from the fact that he DOES still need to shed some of that timber.
He’s just got a big face (“a sniper’s dream”). Doesn’t look like an ounce of fat anywhere else.
You try not having a big face when you're storing three sausage rolls in your cheeks.
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Bearing in mind the amount of noise on this a couple of days ago, it’s gone pretty quiet hasn’t it?
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Bearing in mind the amount of noise on this a couple of days ago, it’s gone pretty quiet hasn’t it?
Indeed!
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Collective meat sweats.
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I stand corrected. Just watched the highlights and McKennie did seem pretty involved - Would still prefer to keep Dougie on the books though.
However, no getting away from the fact that he DOES still need to shed some of that timber.
He’s just got a big face (“a sniper’s dream”). Doesn’t look like an ounce of fat anywhere else.
You try not having a big face when you're storing three sausage rolls in your cheeks.
Ha, I was going to go with him probably having a huge tooth abscess so his face is swollen like a balloon, or maybe a bad bee sting, but I prefer the sausage roll storage explanation.
(https://i.ibb.co/NsYPtsL/download.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NsYPtsL)
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Bearing in mind the amount of noise on this a couple of days ago, it’s gone pretty quiet hasn’t it?
This happens with almost every transfer, there's loads of noise saying it's pretty much done and then everything goes quiet ahead of an announcement a few days later.
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Bearing in mind the amount of noise on this a couple of days ago, it’s gone pretty quiet hasn’t it?
This happens with almost every transfer, there's loads of noise saying it's pretty much done and then everything goes quiet ahead of an announcement a few days later.
Yeah, it's no longer 'news' now, until the announcement.
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Will the Copa America impact timings?
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He looked crestfallen after the Olympiakos and celebrated our Champions League qualification with as much gusto as anyone. He has also repeatedly proclaimed his love of the club including in that Guardian interview this week. I see nothing to suggest he had stopped trying in anyway, his form just dipped a bit after a long season and the loss of his midfield partner.
If he has refused a contract then I guess that does explain the need to sell. I guess any new deal would take him up to or into his 30s. It is a short career and he might want a new experience.
Still surprised how many fans don't seem to consider it a right old kick in the knackers though, he is hard to replace.
Exactly. Let's not go down the 'Jack was never that good really' route of rewriting history.
Nobody has ever said that about Greasy.
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Will the Copa America impact timings?
USA played Brazil yesterday, neither has any more official games before the tournament. US fist game is Sunday 23rd (23rd/24th our time), Brazil first game is Monday 24th (25th our time).
I'd expect an announcement some time before the tournament starts.
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If its all sewn up then its just a case of waiting until the window opens. I expect to hear nothing more until the shirt stretching tomorrow.
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Will the Copa America impact timings?
USA played Brazil yesterday, neither has any more official games before the tournament. US fist game is Sunday 23rd (23rd/24th our time), Brazil first game is Monday 24th (25th our time).
I'd expect an announcement some time before the tournament starts.
Probably why it's gone quiet the last few days. I'd say this one will be confirmed next week, sounds like they're quite far along and will want to get it over the line before the tournament starts.
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I went to the USA vs Brazil game last night, got tickets a while back so my son could say he’s seen Brazil and Dougie is one of his Villa favorites, so…
Couple of obvious caveats - it’s an international friendly and we’re into Florida summertime here now so minimum 90% humidity. Combination of the two inevitably has an impact.
I was overly focused on him but McKennie was one of the standout players on the field and comfortably the amongst the best in what is admittedly, a pretty average US team at the moment. High energy, used the ball well, bit of physicality - if you were watching and looking to pick out players who might cut it in the Premier League he would definitely have been a pick. Doesn’t look like a holding midfielder to me but could be useful box-to-box and perhaps if Emery is thinking of a change in style where we press more in some instances then he’s looking for more high energy options in the middle (hence Gallagher too). Wasn’t an earth shattering performance but could make some sense of how he might fit in.
I’ve still not broken the news about Luiz’s potential departure to my son. Knew we shouldn’t have got that Brazil shirt…
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If its all sewn up then its just a case of waiting until the window opens. I expect to hear nothing more until the shirt stretching tomorrow.
You can sign players any time (Wolves and West Ham have both announced new signings yesterday and today). People get this mixed up with player registrations.
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I went to the USA vs Brazil game last night, got tickets a while back so my son could say he’s seen Brazil and Dougie is one of his Villa favorites, so…
Couple of obvious caveats - it’s an international friendly and we’re into Florida summertime here now so minimum 90% humidity. Combination of the two inevitably has an impact.
I was overly focused on him but McKennie was one of the standout players on the field and comfortably the amongst the best in what is admittedly, a pretty average US team at the moment. High energy, used the ball well, bit of physicality - if you were watching and looking to pick out players who might cut it in the Premier League he would definitely have been a pick. Doesn’t look like a holding midfielder to me but could be useful box-to-box and perhaps if Emery is thinking of a change in style where we press more in some instances then he’s looking for more high energy options in the middle (hence Gallagher too). Wasn’t an earth shattering performance but could make some sense of how he might fit in.
I’ve still not broken the news about Luiz’s potential departure to my son. Knew we shouldn’t have got that Brazil shirt…
Watched the whole game also Matt and completely agree. McKinnie's energy really surprised me. After a long season, to play at that intensity all game against a side that had much greater talent was very impressive. He's a very different player to Doug. If anyone is expecting to see silky skills and beautiful long range passing, well it's not going to happen. And maybe Emery buys someone else for that role. But in terms of box to box play, tracking back, joining the attack every so often (last night those opportunities were very limited), then McKinnie will give us that. He might not start every game, but that's not because he's not good enough. We will need to rotate and rest players next season.
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If its all sewn up then its just a case of waiting until the window opens. I expect to hear nothing more until the shirt stretching tomorrow.
You can sign players any time (Wolves and West Ham have both announced new signings yesterday and today). People get this mixed up with player registrations.
Ahh good info, thanks. Maybe its like one of those chain things where you buy a house and everyone has to sign on the same day.
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I went to the USA vs Brazil game last night, got tickets a while back so my son could say he’s seen Brazil and Dougie is one of his Villa favorites, so…
Couple of obvious caveats - it’s an international friendly and we’re into Florida summertime here now so minimum 90% humidity. Combination of the two inevitably has an impact.
I was overly focused on him but McKennie was one of the standout players on the field and comfortably the amongst the best in what is admittedly, a pretty average US team at the moment. High energy, used the ball well, bit of physicality - if you were watching and looking to pick out players who might cut it in the Premier League he would definitely have been a pick. Doesn’t look like a holding midfielder to me but could be useful box-to-box and perhaps if Emery is thinking of a change in style where we press more in some instances then he’s looking for more high energy options in the middle (hence Gallagher too). Wasn’t an earth shattering performance but could make some sense of how he might fit in.
I’ve still not broken the news about Luiz’s potential departure to my son. Knew we shouldn’t have got that Brazil shirt…
Watched the whole game also Matt and completely agree. McKinnie's energy really surprised me. After a long season, to play at that intensity all game against a side that had much greater talent was very impressive. He's a very different player to Doug. If anyone is expecting to see silky skills and beautiful long range passing, well it's not going to happen. And maybe Emery buys someone else for that role. But in terms of box to box play, tracking back, joining the attack every so often (last night those opportunities were very limited), then McKinnie will give us that. He might not start every game, but that's not because he's not good enough. We will need to rotate and rest players next season.
Good to hear.
I've also read this analysis too mind
I’ve watched 90 mins of McKennie ghosting. Taking up positions that hide from a pass and generally zonal marking his own players. It’s been a genuinely poor advert of a player.
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My mate over in the states who knows a thing or two about football (played at a decent level) reckons McKennie is currently the best US player. The best US player under the stewardship of Emery might be even better. Having said that I seen some of his performances for Leeds, I was less than impressed.
I don't remember watching him at Leeds but several others have pointed out that in his brief spell there they went through 3 managers, so not 100% comparable to the situation he'd be in here. He could still be shit, who knows, but I'm not sure Leeds is the one to mark him by.
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I can’t/don’t believe Dougie is desperate to leave or even really wants to he loves it at Villa
Probably more to do with PSA or whatever it’s called now
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I can’t/don’t believe Dougie is desperate to leave or even really wants to he loves it at Villa
Probably more to do with PSA or whatever it’s called now
Sounds like he’s rejected a contract offer.
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Ohhh Weston McKennie
Ohhh Weston McKennie
ready made song. Donºt think Luiz ever managed a song.
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He's wanted to leave before, if he doesn't want to be here then fuck him.
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I can’t/don’t believe Dougie is desperate to leave or even really wants to he loves it at Villa
Probably more to do with PSA or whatever it’s called now
Sounds like he’s rejected a contract offer.
He signed a new one not so long back
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I can’t/don’t believe Dougie is desperate to leave or even really wants to he loves it at Villa
Probably more to do with PSA or whatever it’s called now
Sounds like he’s rejected a contract offer.
He signed a new one not so long back
That poster who sometimes seems to know stuff said he's been sitting on a new contract for months and refused to sign.
I can't remember ever seeing why that poster knows stuff but everyone always seems to take what they say as truth.
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That contract he signed was nearly 2 years ago. The length was never disclosed, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's 2026. So if he won't sign a new one then it makes sense to move him on as his value will drop as contract winds down, plus no point keeping him if he doesn't want to be here. If he did, he'd sign the contract.
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That contract he signed was nearly 2 years ago. The length was never disclosed, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's 2026.
You're right that the club have never said, and pretty much everywhere on the interwebs that do give a specific date, they all say 2026.
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
I don't agree and that makes him out to be a bit of a fool, which I don't think is the case, he seems to be a pretty level headed, smart guy to me.
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No one is forcing him to leave. If he wants to go that’s fine, it’s disappointing, but he’s been really good for us. Even if he’s got a proactive agent that’s ultimately Doug who is choosing to go.
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Heck will be double please as his leaving frees up an executive box as well, one that is always packed with his family. If he's supporting all of them no wonder he needs another signing fee.
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Heck will be double please as his leaving frees up an executive box as well, one that is always packed with his family. If he's supporting all of them no wonder he needs another signing fee.
At last, the mystery of how the wage bill went up so much in the last accounts! It’s so the players can pay Heck’s new prices.
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Ohhh Weston McKennie
Ohhh Weston McKennie
ready made song. Donºt think Luiz ever managed a song.
Dougie has/had 2 songs.
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Ohhh Weston McKennie
Ohhh Weston McKennie
ready made song. Donºt think Luiz ever managed a song.
Dougie has/had 2 songs.
Other than the 2 ?
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Ohhh Weston McKennie
Ohhh Weston McKennie
Your imagination appears to be as active as McKennie's thyroid. Not very.
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The suggestion being that Doug didn’t sign a new deal as his agent was trying to get him a move to Barcelona that didn’t pan out. He ends up at Juventus instead.
It wouldn't surprise me if back in December/January Barca got in contact with Dougie's agent about a move. The problem for Barca is they have little money and lots of deadwood. It would also explain Unai and Monchi's visit there late last month. If no swap deal was to Unai's liking alternatives were made and we then spoke with Juve about some of their deadwood. Juventus getting rid of McKennie was a godsend as he had served his purpose there and technically, not best suited to Serie A. Losing Iling Junior was always on the cards as they expected him to go back to England. A deal was hatched.
These last six months Dougie has probably thought he'd be off to Barca this summer and may not be too excited about playing in Turin, giving his agent a bollocking and told to sort things out with Barca. Thus the frantic, last minute begging calls to Deco at Barca unaware that the deal has been fully discussed with Villa and abandoned.
I love a good conspiracy theory, me.
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Douglas Luiz has agreed on personal terms with Juventus!
🔵🟣 Aston Villa are prepared to accept Weston McKennie, Samuel Iling Jr and €20m fee.
↪️ McKennie likes #AVFC destination but still needs to clarify his exit details from Juve, then the deal will be sealed.
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You'd think he would know his way out by now. Surely he doesn't stay there overnight?
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It takes the yanks a long time to get out of anywhere
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He needs to go back to pick up his Ranch sauce before they bin it.
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
He is a grown ass man, so makes his own choices.
Even if he was given poor advice.
Im not saying he has been in this case, but it's ridiculous to take the responsibility away from adult players when they make decisions.
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
He is a grown ass man, so makes his own choices.
Even if he was given poor advice.
Im not saying he has been in this case, but it's ridiculous to take the responsibility away from adult players when they make decisions.
And reports are that he's going to double what we are paying him. I'm guessing that DL isn't exactly upset at the situation where he earns loads more money than he was before.
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I think it's a deal that suits all parties. Obviously we'd have been more than happy to keep a player as good as him, and I assume he'd be happy to finally crack the Champions League with Villa. But the chance for him to play for a genuine European giant in Juventus who always qualify for the Champions League, live in a great city like Turin and earn even more money, while we get a nice big profit for PSR, two new players to strengthen the squad and some cash, in a department that's probably our strongest makes sense all round.
I'm sorry to see him go but I wish him all the very best. Apart from if we meet them in the Champions League obviously, then I hope he's as shit as he's been since Christmas for us!*
*Just a joke, don't write in.
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
He is a grown ass man, so makes his own choices.
Even if he was given poor advice.
Im not saying he has been in this case, but it's ridiculous to take the responsibility away from adult players when they make decisions.
And reports are that he's going to double what we are paying him. I'm guessing that DL isn't exactly upset at the situation where he earns loads more money than he was before.
Saying €5M per year. That is around £80k pr week - surely he isn't much behind that?
I think more that his family will feel better at ease in Italy. Culturally, climate, language
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It takes the yanks a long time to get out of anywhere
Not as long as the Brits.
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I think it's a deal that suits all parties. Obviously we'd have been more than happy to keep a player as good as him, and I assume he'd be happy to finally crack the Champions League with Villa. But the chance for him to play for a genuine European giant in Juventus who always qualify for the Champions League, live in a great city like Turin and earn even more money, while we get a nice big profit for PSR, two new players to strengthen the squad and some cash, in a department that's probably our strongest makes sense all round.
I'm sorry to see him go but I wish him all the very best. Apart from if we meet them in the Champions League obviously, then I hope he's as shit as he's been since Christmas for us!*
*Just a joke, don't write in.
Agreed.
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A lot players sit on contracts I think Watkins did for a bit
Anyway, it doesn’t really matter if he goes he goes but I still don’t believe he really wanted to go I think he would have been happy to stay at Villa
Juventus are the Man United of Italy so he’s not slumming it
I really don’t think it’s Doug who wants to go, but he has a shit of an agent who clearly sees pound signs and no doubt will have been in his ear spouting all kinds of crap of how good it would be for you’ve career (ie my career)
He is a grown ass man, so makes his own choices.
Even if he was given poor advice.
Im not saying he has been in this case, but it's ridiculous to take the responsibility away from adult players when they make decisions.
And reports are that he's going to double what we are paying him. I'm guessing that DL isn't exactly upset at the situation where he earns loads more money than he was before.
Saying €5M per year. That is around £80k pr week - surely he isn't much behind that?
I think more that his family will feel better at ease in Italy. Culturally, climate, language
I saw €3m to €6m per annum, but I think a big part of that is the favourable Italian tax system for foreign footballers.
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Yep I’m sad to see him go. I think he’s a big loss, probably bigger than some seem to think, but if it sorts out our PSR issues and Unai is happy with both additions then in the round hopefully it’ll work out.
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Saying €5M per year. That is around £80k pr week - surely he isn't much behind that?
I think more that his family will feel better at ease in Italy. Culturally, climate, language
The €5m a year may be after tax.
Not sure the climate will be a decision maker unless he loves snow. Turin gets an average annual snowfall of 163cm. It's bloody cold up there. He should have held out for a move to Sporting!
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
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And reports are that he's going to double what we are paying him. I'm guessing that DL isn't exactly upset at the situation where he earns loads more money than he was before.
I would imagine if we really wanted to keep him we could offer him more money than Juventus, so it makes sense that if he is dicking around with a contract & if we need to resolve that fucking PSR thing then the club feel that this is the best move all round, despite interest in other players who should have sorted that problem.
I am incredibly disappointed with the choice from Douglas Luiz to force the situation though.
My positive view on the player is well documented in discussions with Timothy & what I thought we could have done to keep him by move on other players. And it's not like we aren't short of interest in other players.
But if he wants to leave & there is a contract gathering dust, then the club have to do what we have to do.
I am delighted with the Iling-Junior element of the deal. He is just the type of youngster that I want Villa to be interested in going forward. McKennie is a more physical player than what we have in the middle other than Kamara, so hopefully he fits in & helps us progress as a squad.
I was gutted when Grealish left. I was gutted when Chuckwemeka (sp?) left. But we have improved as a first team & as a squad since both left, so one decent player or prospect leaving isn't always the end of the world.
I am trying to force myself to be a bit more positive at the moment...
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Yeah, I think continental wages are quoted as net (which makes sense), whereas in the UK it's gross.
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Yeah, I think continental wages are quoted as net (which makes sense), whereas in the UK it's gross.
Gross? It's hideous!
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I'm with Risso on this.
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Yeah, I think continental wages are quoted as net (which makes sense), whereas in the UK it's gross.
Gross? It's hideous!
Unless you're in Germany, where gross wages are nett.
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Turin is quite close to Switzerland, maybe he wanted to be closer to his in-laws.
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Turin is quite close to Switzerland, maybe he wanted to be closer to his in-laws.
What man wouldn't want to be.
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I think it's a deal that suits all parties. Obviously we'd have been more than happy to keep a player as good as him, and I assume he'd be happy to finally crack the Champions League with Villa. But the chance for him to play for a genuine European giant in Juventus who always qualify for the Champions League, live in a great city like Turin and earn even more money, while we get a nice big profit for PSR, two new players to strengthen the squad and some cash, in a department that's probably our strongest makes sense all round.
I'm sorry to see him go but I wish him all the very best. Apart from if we meet them in the Champions League obviously, then I hope he's as shit as he's been since Christmas for us!*
*Just a joke, don't write in.
Is Turin a nice place to live? I thought it was quite industrial.
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There are the industrial quarters, but in the main it's an incredibly pleasant, mostly baroque city.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
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The two lads coming into the side need time to adjust. I think the fact they are part of a makeweight for a very popular player like Dougie leaving , opens them up for criticism that they wont be/aren't as good as Luiz. I think Doug had a ropy start at Villa , giving the ball away agaisnt Bournemouth first home game which led to a goal ?
Anyway , good luck Douglas and even better luck to Weston McKennie & Samuel Iling Jr.
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Would have preferred Chiesa and money if I'm being honest, but looks like it's a done deal now, so better get behind them. If anyone can shape them into decent players, it's that Unai fella.
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Dougie has been a good signing all round; we brought him cheaply, developed him and gave him opportunities (including allowing the inevitable up and down moments) before he felt ready for a change and we sold him for profit at a good point with 2 years left on his contract. Plus, it’s not to a rival in the same league.
I’m not sure about swap deals generally, but if Emery and Monchi really wanted the two players involved then I’m all in favour of it.
Just on Dougie, as good a player as he is, I’ve always felt that he’s never been the same player when Kamara’s not been next to him. That largely applies to his best performances in a Villa shirt IMO. So I don’t think this is actually the worst sale to have happened and I certainly don’t think it will massively damage us. However, neither Mckennie or Barkley are at the same level as Dougie and I’d much rather have one very good player than two good players. I think we need another talented player to replace what Dougie offered and at the same level or higher.
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My money is on Dougie being sold by Juve to Barca in the next 18 months. I just hope we have a sell-on clause.
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My money is on Dougie being sold by Juve to Barca in the next 18 months. I just hope we have a sell-on clause.
Assuming they can find any significant money whatsoever.
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My money is on Dougie being sold by Juve to Barca in the next 18 months. I just hope we have a sell-on clause.
Assuming they can find any significant money whatsoever.
Probably another deadwood deal. Barca at least have the potential to resolve their financial problems. Juve can't rely on Aston Villa for every deal.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So say Arsenal come in with an offer for Watkins and he says he wants to go, we just let him go because it’s been forced on us do we and like many on here have said there’s no point keeping players that don’t want to stay
I actually agree I don’t think it’s worth keeping players who want to go but it would be interesting to see people’s different takes depending on the player
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I imagine that would depend entirely on the contract situation John...
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
The poor deal is forced on us. If it wasn't for PSR, we could sell him for his proper worth in the new accounting period.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
I took it to mean he wasn’t forced upon us from a financial point of view, but from a Dougie wanting to fuck off point of view.
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Has Chiesa got over his injury problems? He was amazing at Euro 2021. Would have loved him if he had been gettable and fit.
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Has Chiesa got over his injury problems? He was amazing at Euro 2021. Would have loved him if he had been gettable and fit.
I only watched him in the last Euro qualifier (I think?) against Ukraine and he looked amazing. Like a one man team.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
I took it to mean he wasn’t forced upon us from a financial point of view, but from a Dougie wanting to fuck off point of view.
That's exactly what I meant.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
I took it to mean he wasn’t forced upon us from a financial point of view, but from a Dougie wanting to fuck off point of view.
That's exactly what I meant.
So it was forced upon us, but by Dougie.
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So how does this deal work for our FFP/PSR? Are you we able to class it as the full value of Doug even though players are being exchanged, or is it just £20m?
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So how does this deal work for our FFP/PSR? Are you we able to class it as the full value of Doug even though players are being exchanged, or is it just £20m?
Total value of everything incoming, including players.
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I think we will justify a 70 m valuation for Luiz.
20+30+20cash.
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I think we will justify a 70 m valuation for Luiz.
20+30+20cash.
Yeah I’d say that’s about right. Explains why we’d do a part ex I suppose.
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Not sure the climate will be a decision maker unless he loves snow. Turin gets an average annual snowfall of 163cm. It's bloody cold up there. He should have held out for a move to Sporting!
That can't be right, man. Turin in winter is dull and foggy with some rain but not a lot of snow. Pretty nice city though. Though not as nice as Lisbon, I grant you.
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Is there a rule about how quickly we can turn around and sell a player again? Like could we turn around in August and sell one of the exchanged players to get some cash in hand?
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I think we will justify a 70 m valuation for Luiz.
20+30+20cash.
Yeah I’d say that’s about right. Explains why we’d do a part ex I suppose.
Same thoughts. I suppose you’d hope for £80-£90 for him ideally but we don’t know what was written into the last contract and we do know that he wants out if he’s refusing to sign a new one so I don’t suppose £70m is too terrible considering.
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Is there a rule about how quickly we can turn around and sell a player again? Like could we turn around in August and sell one of the exchanged players to get some cash in hand?
David Unsworth?
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So say Arsenal come in with an offer for Watkins and he says he wants to go, we just let him go because it’s been forced on us do we and like many on here have said there’s no point keeping players that don’t want to stay
I actually agree I don’t think it’s worth keeping players who want to go but it would be interesting to see people’s different takes depending on the player
There’s a bit of poker playing in all this. Bluffing when players are for sale and when they’re not. Most would agree that we will need to cash in occasionally in order to grow but yet we can’t be seen as a selling club.
Arguably tielemans was signed last year in anticipation of this happening, we are just cashing in those chips.
With Watkins the plan b is Duran and we are choosing to sell him instead. In a parallel world, where he wasn’t nuts, it could’ve been Watkins being sold.
Succession planning is part of what Monchi became famous for, this is that in action.
So to answer the question, if anyone came in for Watkins this summer I’d expect the answer to be a firm, non negotiable, fuck off.
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Is there a rule about how quickly we can turn around and sell a player again? Like could we turn around in August and sell one of the exchanged players to get some cash in hand?
David Unsworth?
The rules have changed since then but it is still possible. The only restriction is that a player can only be registered with 3 clubs in a season. So in that case 1 would be Juve, 1 would be us and then there'd be 1 left.
It's mostly to stop clubs signing players with the plan for 2 half season loans, or put another it's yet another rule that was changed because Chelsea are fucking scum.
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If a player wants to go, they usually go.
If Arse came in for Watkins and he wanted to go, then subject to Arse being close to our (the clubs) valuation he would go.
My guess is 80 to 90 million.
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Ohhh Weston McKennie
Ohhh Weston McKennie
Your imagination appears to be as active as McKennie's thyroid. Not very.
Can't let this pass without a <laughing face emoji>
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If a player wants to go, they usually go.
If Arse came in for Watkins and he wanted to go, then subject to Arse being close to our (the clubs) valuation he would go.
My guess is 80 to 90 million.
I’d also agree with this, but because the succession plan is not in place, I think we’d demand a premium cost (whereas the luiz numbers seem very reasonable).
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If a player wants to go, they usually go.
If Arse came in for Watkins and he wanted to go, then subject to Arse being close to our (the clubs) valuation he would go.
My guess is 80 to 90 million.
I’d also agree with this, but because the succession plan is not in place, I think we’d demand a premium cost (whereas the luiz numbers seem very reasonable).
This is the problem, there is a shortage of centre forwards, its why £40 is being bandied about for Duran, its also driving the price of Watkins.
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Absolutely no chance we'd even entertain bids for Watkins this summer.
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
I took it to mean he wasn’t forced upon us from a financial point of view, but from a Dougie wanting to fuck off point of view.
That's exactly what I meant.
So it was forced upon us, but by Dougie.
Well I said I didn't think it was forced upon us but I meant on the financial side. Maybe him forcing it on us sounds a bit harsh, but I'd say it's looking plausible that he wanted a change. I guess it depends how much power you think the player has, but 5 years is decent service nowadays. If it was someone after 2 years then maybe we would have been less willing. 🤷♂️
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Unless Iling Junior is a future superstar AND McKennie is better than adequate, this is a terrible deal forced upon us.
Dougie is a massive loss.
I'm increasingly thinking it wasn't forced upon us, he wants a change.
So it was forced upon us? Or wasn’t?
It was probably more likely forced on us because we currently can’t afford to keep a player until the end of their contract and let them go for free because of our PSR situation. Plus Dougie apparently not prepared to sign a new contract.
Just confused what edgy meant, as he appears to say both.
I took it to mean he wasn’t forced upon us from a financial point of view, but from a Dougie wanting to fuck off point of view.
That's exactly what I meant.
So it was forced upon us, but by Dougie.
No, Dougie may or may not have pushed to leave, but without PSR pressure, the club would have been able to extract maximum value and time the sale on it's own terms.
Juventus know we are pressured, and have used this to improve their bargaining position, which is why McKennie and Iling-Junior are somehow worth £20m each, and Dougie "only" £60m.
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Douglas who?
Already i am thinking about the players coming in and the ones that want to be here.
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Douglas who?
Already i am thinking about the players coming in and the ones that want to be here.
Exactly, I said a few weeks ago don’t be surprised if we end up with a major squad overhaul as Monchi will want to earn his money. Wheeling an dealing is his bag and he will be targeting players to fit Unai’s plan rather than the square pegs he has been dealing with
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Douglas who?
Already i am thinking about the players coming in and the ones that want to be here.
Well kind of, but he’s played a big role in the improvement in our fortunes over the last few years so he deserves recognition for that. We don’t have to ignore all players who leave.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
Yep, sums it up perfectly.
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Absolutely no chance we'd even entertain bids for Watkins this summer.
Unless there is a Release clause or an unbelieveably silly bid say £115m
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SE would sell him for half a curly wurly and a packet of love hearts.
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Absolutely no chance we'd even entertain bids for Watkins this summer.
Unless there is a Release clause or an unbelieveably silly bid say £115m
Even then we'd be telling them to do one.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
Spot on, I'd say.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
Spot on, I'd say.
Him going abroad rather than to a rival softens the blow.
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Weird, I think the blokes amazing, yet he goes with my blessings. Whereas I’ve hated players instantly in the past.
Is it because he going abroad and therefore it feels less like he’s cheating on us?
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Weird, I think the blokes amazing, yet he goes with my blessings. Whereas I’ve hated players instantly in the past.
Is it because he going abroad and therefore it feels less like he’s cheating on us?
Yes it is. It's also that he's helped us to achieve something we've been wanting to do for a very very long time and play again at the very top level. He didn't fuck off when we were on the cusp (like others we won't name).
I'd add that it's also because we know that Unai Emery is at the helm and the man's a footballing genius. I am completely confident that Emery will make us better next season.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
Spot on, I'd say.
Ditto - 204 Appearances 22 goals including 17 in the last 2 seasons. He will be remembered as a key part of the rise from relegation favourites to champions league. Just a shame we didn’t win the conference league as that cements the memories of players for fans.
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I guess part of the reason this doesn't sting as much is that we're not relying on him to the same degree that we were with, say, joe or delph. Added to the fact that we have a managerial genius, it doesn't feel like our future success is in peril with him leaving.
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My summation of Doug and his time at Villa - lovely footballer who has created some brilliant moments at the club. He has played a key role in our transition from relegation candidates to Champions League qualifiers. When he joined if you told me he’d stay 5 years and achieve what he has I’d have been delighted. We’re selling him at a profit and he’s going abroad, which is a bonus. I’m sad he’s going, but I’ll have fond memories of his time here. I wish him well.
Spot on, I'd say.
Him going abroad rather than to a rival softens the blow.
It's clearly disappointing, but that is a sign of how good he had become, however, I also agree with Paul.
Good luck to him.
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So why are we doing a part chop and not just cash?
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Why don't we tell those cheating ****** from Turin to fuck off unless they can come up with straight £60M in cash to be delivered in one bundle and no instalments as we can't trust them, and no we don't want a Leeds misfit in part payment either.
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Well Juventus seem to be the only ones wanting to buy now but they haven't got the cash, we don't want to strengthen a rival team by letting him go there, so we are cooking the books a little bit on valuation?
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So why are we doing a part chop and not just cash?
because it makes no difference in terms of FFP and means we get to add a couple of players that we think will improve the squad. Iling-Junior in particular is a great prospect who I suspect will be a very good player in a couple of years.
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There must be a club with the dosh out there somewhere.
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What difference does it make? Any financial issues we might have (and I'm not convinced they are remotely as serious as the press are portraying) are balance sheet related not cashflow issues so I see no reason why an exchange isn't perfectly reasonable.
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What difference does it make? Any financial issues we might have (and I'm not convinced they are remotely as serious as the press are portraying) are balance sheet related not cashflow issues so I see no reason why an exchange isn't perfectly reasonable.
If we had the cash instead would we spend it on Iling-Junior and Mckennie?
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We've been linked with both before so quite possibly.
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Well Juventus seem to be the only ones wanting to buy now but they haven't got the cash, we don't want to strengthen a rival team by letting him go there, so we are cooking the books a little bit on valuation?
I wondered about this myself. I don't know why but Juventus seemed a completely random club to suddenly be so far advanced in talks, but it does make sense if it's a case that he wanted to move on to somewhere new, and we're not going to try to force a player to stay but we're certainly not going to let him go to the likes of Arsenal, who I'm sure we could have swapped a couple of players with.
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Not sure the climate will be a decision maker unless he loves snow. Turin gets an average annual snowfall of 163cm. It's bloody cold up there. He should have held out for a move to Sporting!
That can't be right, man. Turin in winter is dull and foggy with some rain but not a lot of snow. Pretty nice city though. Though not as nice as Lisbon, I grant you.
You're right, I confused snow with rainfall. Turin only gets on average 25cm of snow a year.
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I'd rather have someone that didn't fit at Leeds than someone who did.
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What difference does it make? Any financial issues we might have (and I'm not convinced they are remotely as serious as the press are portraying) are balance sheet related not cashflow issues so I see no reason why an exchange isn't perfectly reasonable.
If we had the cash instead would we spend it on Iling-Junior and Mckennie?
I have no idea and nor does anyone else on here, but to flip that question around do you honestly think a manager as meticulous as Emery would accept them both coming in if he didn't think they were adding something? Pragmatism isn't a bad thing and if it's true that Luiz doesn't want to sign a new deal and that he's asked to be able to talk to Juve (both are very likely) then taking a very good yongster and someone who will make us harder to dominate in midfield doesn't seem like we've been fucked over massively. I'd have liked a little more for him but truthfully there are only a few clubs outside England that could him and I'm much happier for him to go abroad than having to see him in a fucking Arsenal shirt.
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I'd rather have someone that didn't fit at Leeds than someone who did.
Yep, being disliked by Leeds fans is definitely in the positives column.
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What difference does it make? Any financial issues we might have (and I'm not convinced they are remotely as serious as the press are portraying) are balance sheet related not cashflow issues so I see no reason why an exchange isn't perfectly reasonable.
If we had the cash instead would we spend it on Iling-Junior and Mckennie?
I have no idea and nor does anyone else on here, but to flip that question around do you honestly think a manager as meticulous as Emery would accept them both coming in if he didn't think they were adding something? Pragmatism isn't a bad thing and if it's true that Luiz doesn't want to sign a new deal and that he's asked to be able to talk to Juve (both are very likely) then taking a very good yongster and someone who will make us harder to dominate in midfield doesn't seem like we've been fucked over massively. I'd have liked a little more for him but truthfully there are only a few clubs outside England that could him and I'm much happier for him to go abroad than having to see him in a fucking Arsenal shirt.
Yeah maybe but I just don't like it. We had one of the very best midfileds in the league that our success was built on and I can't help but feel we've weakned it by a fair margin.
Monchi and Emery may be great but they aren't infallible. They will make mistakes (Monchi has made plenty of them iat his previous clubs).
Just feels a bit like "yeah they'll do" as no-one else seems interested and Juve can't stump up the cash.
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It felt a bit naive not using the Finn Azaz sale to lever out Rogers. IF we wanted those players, I'm glad we're pushing for it as part of the deal, rather than having to play chicken for them in August.
To me, McKennie seems like a bit of a compromise, prob no better than Sanson, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Emery sees in him.
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It felt a bit naive not using the Finn Azaz sale to lever out Rogers. IF we wanted those players, I'm glad we're pushing for it as part of the deal, rather than having to play chicken for them in August.
To me, McKennie seems like a bit of a compromise, prob no better than Sanson, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Emery sees in him.
I don't completely disagree but I just don't think Emery would give it a thumbs up if he didn't think McKennie was good enough to do a job for him and his physicality does help us wit the biggest weakness. I don't like that we're losing Doug to get it but, to me, it seems like Barkley wil lbe the Luiz replacement and that's a bigger worry for me than McKennie coming in to replace Dendoncker.
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It felt a bit naive not using the Finn Azaz sale to lever out Rogers. IF we wanted those players, I'm glad we're pushing for it as part of the deal, rather than having to play chicken for them in August.
To me, McKennie seems like a bit of a compromise, prob no better than Sanson, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Emery sees in him.
I don't completely disagree but I just don't think Emery would give it a thumbs up if he didn't think McKennie was good enough to do a job for him and his physicality does help us wit the biggest weakness. I don't like that we're losing Doug to get it but, to me, it seems like Barkley wil lbe the Luiz replacement and that's a bigger worry for me than McKennie coming in to replace Dendoncker.
I agree with this 100%.
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On the Azaz and Rogers thing, I very much doubt there is any naivety on the part of the club. I'd think it naive of people to be of the assumption that the Villa wouldn't consider it.
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There must be a club with the dosh out there somewhere.
Birmingham City?
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Some suggestion Villa are essentially selling Doug and Alisha in a double deal to Juventus. Fuck I sound like Eastie.
https://x.com/portalbrasilfut/status/1802032624266842239?s=46
Edit:I see on the women’s thread CD played the Eastie role already.
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I jokingly suggested the other day that he chose Turin to be near his inlaws, but maybe there's some truth in it if she's going too.
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🚨⚫️⚪️ Negotiations between Juventus and Aston Villa for Douglas Luiz swap deal remain at final stages.
Working on final steps after clubs agreement ⤵️
McKennie to complete exit details with Juve, Iling already spoke to Emery and expected to give green light… then, done deal.
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Since McKennie returned to Juve, I don't really know how he has performed, but goalscoring isn't a forte as he hasn't scored a goal in any game since October 2022. It must be his versatility that is the appeal I guess.
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Since McKennie returned to Juve, I don't really know how he has performed, but goalscoring isn't a forte as he hasn't scored a goal in any game since October 2022. It must be his versatility that is the appeal I guess.
7 assists last season in Serie A, which is more than Tielemans or Luiz got for us last season. Not that that's a stat you'd solely buy a player for.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
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I think we'll use as a RWB if Cash goes to Milan.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
And with yanks I don't understand what is a pie or not. Maybe his xP is lower because he's naming them all wrong.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
3.14 wasn't it?
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
3.14 wasn't it?
Very good.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
Unai will force him to say bye bye to his American.pie.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
Although to be fair, compared to the size of your average Florida native, even I'd look in shape.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
Does anywhere in Brum do a decent Key Lime pie?
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
3.14 wasn't it?
That’s a recurring allegation.
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With McKennie, stats aren't the main takeaway.
His xP (expected pie) was nearly 2 per day last season.
3.14 wasn't it?
That’s a recurring allegation.
Which seemingly never ends.
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Some suggestion Villa are essentially selling Doug and Alisha in a double deal to Juventus. Fuck I sound like Eastie.
https://x.com/portalbrasilfut/status/1802032624266842239?s=46
Edit:I see on the women’s thread CD played the Eastie role already.
Not bothered in the slightest about that.
She is an average footballer & it's not like we plaster her everywhere for her marketing value.
And at the very least, articles wont pop up about her changing her top for a night out every five minutes, just so they can post bikini shots of her when talking about her online social media presence...
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You’re not selling her departure to me very well.
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😂
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
Although to be fair, compared to the size of your average Florida native, even I'd look in shape.
Two absolutely enormous fatties got on Popeye at Universal with us (river boat rapids thingy) and their weight caused a head height tidal wave. Absolutely superb fun and I salute them and their diabetes for making a great ride even greater.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
Although to be fair, compared to the size of your average Florida native, even I'd look in shape.
Two absolutely enormous fatties got on Popeye at Universal with us (river boat rapids thingy) and their weight caused a head height tidal wave. Absolutely superb fun and I salute them and their diabetes for making a great ride even greater.
I heard they have a big problem in Florida with njuda abuse.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
It was probably the 5 litres of “soda” he had with his pies that gave him the energy boost.
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I heard they have a big problem in Florida with njuda abuse.
Close, it's nduja. You sound like my nan, who never quite got her head round the fact that the supermarket was called Asda and not Adsa.
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Sounds like my mum getting me a birthday card with a Villa player on it, only for me to open it and Trevor Brooking is on the front. Just like she did the year before.
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I know that people are just weirdly obsessed with the idea he's fat, but if it's pies that made him able to play a full 90 minutes on a sweltering Florida night then give him all the pies he wants.
I'm just going along with the larks that anyone could think a player at this level could really be anywhere near fat. Some people just have a fat face. Daniel Mays could be as thin as Mo Farah but his face will always look podgey.
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Although Luke Shaw. HE'S FAT.
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Rubber dinghy rapids, bro!
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Sounds like my mum getting me a birthday card with a Villa player on it, only for me to open it and Trevor Brooking is on the front. Just like she did the year before.
But Trevor and Dennis Mortimer are big mates.
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Some suggestion Villa are essentially selling Doug and Alisha in a double deal to Juventus. Fuck I sound like Eastie.
https://x.com/portalbrasilfut/status/1802032624266842239?s=46
Edit:I see on the women’s thread CD played the Eastie role already.
Not bothered in the slightest about that.
She is an average footballer & it's not like we plaster her everywhere for her marketing value.
And at the very least, articles wont pop up about her changing her top for a night out every five minutes, just so they can post bikini shots of her when talking about her online social media presence...
The newspapers and social media loving people who do that will still do that, just Aston Villa won't be mentioned as much now.
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There are far better looking women in the ladies team anyway.
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There are far better looking women in the ladies team anyway.
(https://i.ibb.co/74nBX2g/marenghi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/74nBX2g)
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Some suggestion Villa are essentially selling Doug and Alisha in a double deal to Juventus. Fuck I sound like Eastie.
https://x.com/portalbrasilfut/status/1802032624266842239?s=46
Edit:I see on the women’s thread CD played the Eastie role already.
Not bothered in the slightest about that.
She is an average footballer & it's not like we plaster her everywhere for her marketing value.
And at the very least, articles wont pop up about her changing her top for a night out every five minutes, just so they can post bikini shots of her when talking about her online social media presence...
The newspapers and social media loving people who do that will still do that, just Aston Villa won't be mentioned as much now.
Exactly. And I wont have to see several of them every day pop up.
It's not that I don't appreciate beautiful women, but it's just the same article over & over just using a random & vague reason to create the "article".
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Not wishing to point out how it might happen that you get bombarded by particular articles…
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😂
Nope. I look at NewsNow & google type 'aston villa' so that they gather together lots of Villa articles from across the net for me...
I don't get any other "particular" types of articles.
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There are far better looking women in the ladies team anyway.
(https://i.ibb.co/74nBX2g/marenghi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/74nBX2g)
Hahaha. That's exactly what came to my mind. I'm due a re-watch.
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Rubber dinghy rapids, bro!
Yeah! Fuck mini babybel!
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There are far better looking women in the ladies team anyway.
(https://i.ibb.co/74nBX2g/marenghi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/74nBX2g)
Hahaha. That's exactly what came to my mind. I'm due a re-watch.
I need to read TerrorTome.
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There are far better looking women in the ladies team anyway.
(https://i.ibb.co/74nBX2g/marenghi.jpg) (https://ibb.co/74nBX2g)
Hahaha. That's exactly what came to my mind. I'm due a re-watch.
I need to read TerrorTome.
I have it but not got round to it yet.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Would it be the worst thing in the world to have to keep Dougie?
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
I hope so.
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Not necessarily good if it means we end up having to panic-sell three or four players rather than just one.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
Yep, opened on June 14th.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
Yep, opened on June 14th.
Oh thanks, been away . How come Ross Barkley not announced yet.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
Yep, opened on June 14th.
Oh thanks, been away . How come Ross Barkley not announced yet.
We're waiting on Adidas to provide a shirt to stretch.
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
Yep, opened on June 14th.
Oh thanks, been away . How come Ross Barkley not announced yet.
We're waiting on Adidas to provide a shirt to stretch.
Ok thanks . Exciting times lay ahead .
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This deal is dragging on and on and on. Bored now. Knowing our luck it’ll collapse at the last minute
Is the window even open yet.
Yep, opened on June 14th.
Oh thanks, been away . How come Ross Barkley not announced yet.
We probably want that announced in July so it falls into the next accounting period.
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🚨
@FabrizioRomano
: “The problem is not between McKennie & Aston Villa on the contract — the problem is McKennie & Juventus on the exit conditions. All parties keep trying to find solution. The deal is not collapsing — it remains absolutely on..”
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🚨
@FabrizioRomano
: “The problem is not between McKennie & Aston Villa on the contract — the problem is McKennie & Juventus on the exit conditions. All parties keep trying to find solution. The deal is not collapsing — it remains absolutely on..”
Romano explaining it in person here.
https://x.com/whattheforklads/status/1802789814884012515?s=46
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I sympathise with Mckennie on that, if your club wants you to exit your contract early then they need to compensate that accordingly.
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Yeah, if it's in his contract... pay up.
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Yeah, if it's in his contract... pay up.
It’s probably payable in biscuits.
So no surprise, the fat fuck.
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Yeah, if it's in his contract... pay up.
It’s probably payable in biscuits.
So no surprise, the fat fuck.
No need for that.
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I'd accept it in Baci
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I'd accept it in Baci
Sure, but the worry is he would too...
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🚨
@FabrizioRomano
: “The problem is not between McKennie & Aston Villa on the contract — the problem is McKennie & Juventus on the exit conditions. All parties keep trying to find solution. The deal is not collapsing — it remains absolutely on..”
Romano explaining it in person here.
https://x.com/whattheforklads/status/1802789814884012515?s=46
It's disappointing that with the greatest football club in the world ready to welcome him he's quarrelling over a few dozen liras with Italian crooks.
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Not really, I think it’s fair enough if they’re trying to short him.
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Yeah, if it's in his contract... pay up.
It’s probably payable in biscuits.
So no surprise, the fat fuck.
No need for that.
Unless it’s jammie dodgers
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Yeah, if it's in his contract... pay up.
It’s probably payable in biscuits.
So no surprise, the fat fuck.
Doubt it, more likely to be payable in cookies.
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I'd accept it in Baci
Sure, but the worry is he would too...
Kinder Delice per favore. Or the new Ferrero Rocher ice-creams.
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🚨💣 Enzo Barrenechea is replacing Weston McKennie in the Douglas Luiz swap deal! There is an OK from Aston Villa — a definitive agreement is being sought!
🚨 Aston Villa had asked for Matías Soulé — he was their first choice. Juventus, however, did not accept.
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Who?
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Who?
Enzy B
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That makes it sound like we're getting a 3rd choice in a swap deal for one of our best players. I'd hope there's a load more cash coming our way
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I come back to who? McKennie is an established international and I’ve never heard of this bloke. Doesn’t mean he’s not good of course, but seems a bit weird. Unless of course it’s just nonsense.
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I reckon its Juve flexing. Trying to get Chunks to accept their exit offer
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The players involved in a swap deal can be worth more on the books than if it was a pure cash only transaction.
🚨💣 Juventus are confident of signing Douglas Luiz — €25m + Enzo Barrenechea & Samuel Iling-Junior!
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So some bloke who’s only experience really is one season in a team that got relegated?
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So some bloke who’s only experience really is one season in a team that got relegated?
Caicedo didn't have a ton of football behind him. Give Enzo a dozen games and Chelsea can have him for £90 mil in 2025.
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So some bloke who’s only experience really is one season in a team that got relegated?
Brighton were in for him and they have a pretty decent scouting network. If he's willing to put in the work and backup Kamara, I see it as a positive. From his highlights he looks to be calm on the ball and break up play well.
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Why didn’t they sign him?
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Genuinely curious as this does seem from nowhere.
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What sort of player is he? This merry-go-round with Juve sucks!
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What sort of player is he? This merry-go-round with Juve sucks!
Defensive midfielder, looks a much better fit as cover for Kamara than McKennie for me.
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At 8pm Juventus made one last attempt with Weston McKennie — he softened his stance slightly, but still didn’t change his mind.
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What sort of player is he? This merry-go-round with Juve sucks!
We're quid's in - its a Ferrari from the Agnelli families personal collection. Only 6 Enzo Barrenechea were ever made, and this one has a walnut interior, a sun-roof and central locking. Even has fully service history and the original spare tyre (much like Mckennie).
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Genuinely curious as this does seem from nowhere.
Yeah, fuck.knows what Monchi et al have been doing with their time, eh?
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Well no I get that, but had this been a completely unrelated transfer it coming out of the blue wouldn’t be the same. It’d just be something we’d been working on in the background. But this feels a bit like Juventus just mixing and matching who they are happy to kick out of the door. Fingers crossed he’s really good, but seems more of a punt.
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It does feel like Juventus are bullying us a bit here to get what they want out of the deal.
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From Wiki “On 22 May 2021, Barrenechea injured his ACL.[5] On 20 February 2022, Barrenechea returned”
Sounds like a perfect fit to me!
Also “ He is a defensive midfielder who has drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba and Steven Nzonzi” - really?
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From Wiki “On 22 May 2021, Barrenechea injured his ACL.[5] On 20 February 2022, Barrenechea returned”
Sounds like a perfect fit to me!
Also “ He is a defensive midfielder who has drawn comparisons with Paul Pogba and Steven Nzonzi” - really?
didn't Nzonzi okay for Emery at some point?
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Nzonzi played for Sevilla, after Deano tried to sign him iirc.
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Won the Europa League with Emery and Sevilla, and did well enough for him that he got in the France squad that won the World Cup.
Played half the final, so it wasn't a Scott Carson medal either.
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What's happened to him since?
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Roma, back to France, Saudi Arabia.
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What sort of player is he? This merry-go-round with Juve sucks!
We're quid's in - its a Ferrari from the Agnelli families personal collection. Only 6 Enzo Barrenechea were ever made, and this one has a walnut interior, a sun-roof and central locking. Even has fully service history and the original spare tyre (much like Mckennie).
Bravo
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Well no I get that, but had this been a completely unrelated transfer it coming out of the blue wouldn’t be the same. It’d just be something we’d been working on in the background. But this feels a bit like Juventus just mixing and matching who they are happy to kick out of the door. Fingers crossed he’s really good, but seems more of a punt.
Well quite. He's 23 and spent the season on loan at a relegated team. It feels to me like they're getting our best outfield player (in my opinion) and we're getting squad fillers. Imagine if we were signing Rice for £25m + Archer & Kellyman.
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It does feel like Juventus are bullying us a bit here to get what they want out of the deal.
Exactly.
My response now would be to demand Iling-Junior, Barrenechea AND Soule, along with the £20M they can actually afford.
Its pissing me off that we are losing a player of Douglas Luiz calibre to a club that cannot afford a player like Douglas Luiz, & WE are the ones getting pissed around by the other club.
At this point, I would rather take the fucking 4 point deduction & just buy Iling-Junior outright...
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It does feel like Juventus are bullying us a bit here to get what they want out of the deal.
Exactly.
My response now would be to demand Iling-Junior, Barrenechea AND Soule, along with the £20M they can actually afford.
Its pissing me off that we are losing a player of Douglas Luiz calibre to a club that cannot afford a player like Douglas Luiz, & WE are the ones getting pissed around by the other club.
At this point, I would rather take the fucking 4 point deduction & just buy Iling-Junior outright...
That's all well and good but if they're the only ones showing serious interest, the player wants to go there, and we need need the cash quick, the we may have to adjust our expectations a little.
The whole PSR thing is causing problems but also giving opportunity, there's a fair shout that we're taking Chelsea's best left back because of it.
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PSR is shit, but why is it us that has to make all the concessions?!?
Juve want a player of Douglas Luiz calibre but couldn't afford his left toe without PSR.
I would rather take the four point deduction than have those c***s dictate to us when its actually us that are in a strong negotiating position...
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PSR is shit, but why is it us that has to make all the concessions?!?
Juve want a player of Douglas Luiz calibre but couldn't afford his left toe without PSR.
I would rather take the four point deduction than have those c***s dictate to us when its actually us that are in a strong negotiating position...
It isn't just us, it's just we're veiwing everything through the lens of our own interests.
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I read it slightly differently - whilst agreeing that PSR is shit, and a mechanism that allows clubs that have been financially dodgy in the past to try to block the progress of clubs, like the Villa, that will challenge their current dominance.
I think all the noise about different players is coming from Juve and reflects their desperation to sign Luiz. I think Monchi is a better international operator than we have ever had and far less likely to get bullied - by Juve or anyone else.
It's a shame that a quality player, so much a part of what we have achieved in the last two years, looks like he has to move because of PSR, but I trust Monchi, Emery, et al to get the best deal possible for us. UTV.
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Part of this is down to the player though. I'm sure if Luiz 100% wanted to stay then we would have explored other solutions to the FFP nonsense.
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My reading is that we’re negotiating player and cash deals with clubs outside of the Prem because (i) there is possibly more value in that for us than pocketing (say) £75m and then trying to spend the cash, and (ii) those types of deals are the only ones feasible for almost all non-Prem clubs, who have plenty of players but not so much cash. It’s a way of levelling the trading playing field, and thereby expanding the market (and consequently opportunities).
It’s an unconventional approach, but quite interesting.
There seems to be a separate game of poker going on among the alleged FFP challenged clubs, with plenty of noise (but little action) around and between ourselves, Chelsea and Everton. I wonder if we are colluding in trying to make a market? Or maybe it’s just FFP back-scratching? Either way, it looks quite coordinated.
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Will be gutted to see Luiz leave but increasingly wanting to get it over with now so we can move on. Get it done quickly before Weston McDonald's changes his mind.
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Nah, the burger king isn't coming now.
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So McKennie wants his entire contract paid off before leaving? As any new club will be paying him a signing on fee, that's a bit unusual no?
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So McKennie wants his entire contract paid off before leaving? As any new club will be paying him a signing on fee, that's a bit unusual no?
Plus he would be getting a pay rise anyway. Pure greed.
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Sound business by negotiating exchange of players plus cash so long as it's players that Emery wants. If we had a lot of cash to throw around we would be held to ransome. This is a new way.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
What on earth are you basing that on?
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That we will get £25m plus two bit part players with no real pedigree for a player who played an integral part of a top 4 side. If the shoe was on the other foot and we were getting Mac Allister for Iroebugnam, Kellyman and £25M we'd piss ourselves laughing.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
What on earth are you basing that on?
I mean the club he was on loan with literally just alikened him to playing like Rijkaard at AC Milan, in a struggling side in Serie A. So he must be proper shite.
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That we will get £25m plus two bit part players with no real pedigree for a player who played an integral part of a top 4 side. If the shoe was on the other foot and we were getting Mac Allister for Iroebugnam, Kellyman and £25M we'd piss ourselves laughing.
Agree.
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That we will get £25m plus two bit part players with no real pedigree for a player who played an integral part of a top 4 side. If the shoe was on the other foot and we were getting Mac Allister for Iroebugnam, Kellyman and £25M we'd piss ourselves laughing.
I would agree, had the 2 we are getting played as little at top level as the 2 you mention. 1 just played a full season in Serie A and was wanted by Napoli this summer, the other we tried to buy in Jan for similar money as being mentioned in the make weight and has been in and out of the Juve side this season.
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
Premier League is the best in the Wurld m8!
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
Given Emery’s willingness to go without previously rather than getting a body in for the sake of it, you’ve got to presume they’ll only sanction folk they want.
Russ said it all. I’d never condone the alleged Monchi assault on Isco that resulted in him leaving Sevilla, but he does sound like someone who won’t suffer fools gladly.
(Was tempted to leave the autocorrect of “won’t suffer fools Gladys” but no idea what punathon that would KO!)
I read it slightly differently - whilst agreeing that PSR is shit, and a mechanism that allows clubs that have been financially dodgy in the past to try to block the progress of clubs, like the Villa, that will challenge their current dominance.
I think all the noise about different players is coming from Juve and reflects their desperation to sign Luiz. I think Monchi is a better international operator than we have ever had and far less likely to get bullied - by Juve or anyone else.
It's a shame that a quality player, so much a part of what we have achieved in the last two years, looks like he has to move because of PSR, but I trust Monchi, Emery, et al to get the best deal possible for us. UTV.
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
The being a decade older has meant Barkley is proven in the PL and has had a kick up the arse to get his career back on track so we might just be getting him at his peak for a relative pittance.
I'm still not sure about us signing him. But although your comparison is a good soundbyte, it's a bit tabloid.
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I think just reading what scouts, articles etc have said about this kid suggests he's got a bit more about him than I think some are crediting. He's not going to replace Doug, but if he gives an option to rotate Kamara and be anywhere close to filling that hole, we are already better off.
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
The being a decade older has meant Barkley is proven in the PL and has had a kick up the arse to get his career back on track so we might just be getting him at his peak for a relative pittance.
I'm still not sure about us signing him. But although your comparison is a good soundbyte, it's a bit tabloid.
'Proven in the PL' is probably the first phrase an AI trained on The S*n would churn out, to be fair!
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
There's plenty of people moaning about us signing Barkley. Thankfully we've got 2 of the best judges of a player in the game making our decisions.
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To my mind, our best midfield is three out of four of Luiz, Kamara, Mcginn and Tielemans. Tim and Dendoncker are back-ups that Emery doesn't rate. Barkley and Enzo replace Tim and Dendoncker and will (hopefully) do a better job of covering Kamara. That leaves the big issue being who replaces Luiz. I reckon we'll see someone coming in (eg Baena) after 1 July.
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I can't say I followed Frosinone all that closely, but he strikes me as more technically gifted than McKennie, so that's good.
Plus, unclear to me why the best midfielder in a side relegated from the PL is fine, but the best midfielder in a side relegated from Serie A - who happens to be a decade younger - is bad.
The being a decade older has meant Barkley is proven in the PL and has had a kick up the arse to get his career back on track so we might just be getting him at his peak for a relative pittance.
I'm still not sure about us signing him. But although your comparison is a good soundbyte, it's a bit tabloid.
I think what it proves is you can run with whatever narrative you want to make it fit your opinion
Let’s be honest I do it, we all do it
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I think just reading what scouts, articles etc have said about this kid suggests he's got a bit more about him than I think some are crediting. He's not going to replace Doug, but if he gives an option to rotate Kamara and be anywhere close to filling that hole, we are already better off.
Plus there have been plenty of mentions over the last two days that Juve really didn't want to include him in the deal initially, but have done reluctantly now McKennie is playing up.
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I was really just wondering what the difference was between Barkley and young Enzo there. If you don't want either, I mean, fair enough, but to want one and not the other as I'm certain some do (in whichever direction) strikes me as a bit bizarre.
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I don't want Barkley for reasons I have stated elsewhere, but the thing that is confusing me is that Iroegbunam isn't rated as good enough by some, although I think he isn't quite fully ready for Emerys CDM role just yet, but this 23 year old with one season with a relegated Serie A side is/will be?
He wasn't considered good enough/ready at the same age as Iroegbunam, but he is now the makeweight in a deal for one of the best midfielders in Europe?
I think we are getting shafted...
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I was really just wondering what the difference was between Barkley and young Enzo there. If you don't want either, I mean, fair enough, but to want one and not the other as I'm certain some do (in whichever direction) strikes me as a bit bizarre.
I'd agree if Barkley hadn't been with us before. For me how things turned out last time make me wary of him because, in my opinion, he downed tools when things weren't going his way. It's not a big enough thing for me to be totally against the signing but I don't like it and, if I'm honest, I don't really see the point, especially with Enzo coming in and most people wanting a 'real' replacement for Luiz as well.
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Emery chose Calum Chambers over Tim at Palace. Our squad isn’t as deep as Juventus so a player going out on loan for them in the same division and having an excellent season, is far better than a player who cannot convince the manager to play him in a dire injury crisis. Emery said very publicly it was Tim’s time to shine when the injuries and games mounted and he didn’t take his chance. He was very average in the games he played. He’s had his chance. Good luck to him.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
What on earth are you basing that on?
Based on the fact that his glass isn't so much half empty, as smashed against a wall.
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I don't want Barkley for reasons I have stated elsewhere, but the thing that is confusing me is that Iroegbunam isn't rated as good enough by some, although I think he isn't quite fully ready for Emerys CDM role just yet, but this 23 year old with one season with a relegated Serie A side is/will be?
He wasn't considered good enough/ready at the same age as Iroegbunam, but he is now the makeweight in a deal for one of the best midfielders in Europe?
I think we are getting shafted...
I think you’ve answered your own question with the Ireogbunam comment, he isn’t good enough, Unai worked with him all of last season and never felt he was ready to step up to the plate. There’s no guarantee this lad from Juve will be any better but until he arrives and contributes we don’t know. IMV we aren’t getting shafted, just moving on a player who isn’t good enough (in Unais view) and replacing him with someone who maybe. Our PSR position is driving this and we need to accept where we’re at.
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I think we are getting shafted...
We obviously don't now how the two make-weights will turn out, but on the face of it, based on current values, I agree.
If we had a 23 y/o who hadn't broken into our squad, we'd all be expecting him to be out the door like Tim, typically for a pretty nominal sum. This lad is two years older than Tim and still not good enough for Juve, yet by any sensible value of Dougie we seem to be paying the equivalent of approx £30m+ for him.
However good they turn out to be under Emery, I just can't see any rationale for the maths behind this deal.
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Thats pretty much where I am, I trust these lads stand a very good chance of being what we might need but the value assigned to them, given the rest of the deal, is far more than is reasonable.
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I was really just wondering what the difference was between Barkley and young Enzo there. If you don't want either, I mean, fair enough, but to want one and not the other as I'm certain some do (in whichever direction) strikes me as a bit bizarre.
Is it really that bizarre? Barkley's just had a great season in the PL so I find it easy to see why many would welcome him. I'm actually on the fence. I have a nagging concern about his attitude and can see him kicking-off again with his big sulky, red face when he gets subbed/doesn't start.
But no one has heard of this other chap and for a 23 year old, doesn't have much of a back-catalogue to go on. Yeah, the Rijkard comparison is exciting, especially if he's skinny with a decent tache but I can understand the reticence from folk in not being overly keen.
There's more assurance in what we'll get with Barkley on the pitch - presence, ability on the ball and confidence against top opposition. None of that is guaranteed with "the Barron" as Ozzjim has brilliantly christened him.
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But no one has heard of this other chap and for a 23 year old, doesn't have much of a back-catalogue to go on.
Best get used to that with Monchi. The same could be said of Nedeljković.
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I don't think not wanting one or the other of Barkley or Enzo is the same at all. Barkley has been a poor player for many years now but was really good last season. I think it's understandable to think that was maybe a one off. This new lad is inexperienced and more of a complete unknown with just a little doubt about how little senior football he has played by the age of 23.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
What on earth are you basing that on?
Based on the fact that his glass isn't so much half empty, as smashed against a wall.
I’ve just choked on my pitta bread
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I was really just wondering what the difference was between Barkley and young Enzo there. If you don't want either, I mean, fair enough, but to want one and not the other as I'm certain some do (in whichever direction) strikes me as a bit bizarre.
Enzo is a defensive midfielder and therefore better than any fit player we have in his position at the minute.
Barkley is an attacking midfielder and, even assuming Luiz leaves, isn't as good as Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Diaby or Bailey. Not that he plays winger but he would still be competing with the latter two for position as we sometimes play two wingers sometimes one.
He doesn't seem to be what we need at all, ie a tough tackling Kamara cover, and may stifle the development of Rogers (and Ramsey when he's back). Plus we have seen him before and know his strengths... and limitations.
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Barkley plays deeper now. He was in the Luiz role all year for Luton.
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But no one has heard of this other chap and for a 23 year old, doesn't have much of a back-catalogue to go on.
Best get used to that with Monchi.
But, but, he was rubbish at Roma (they got to the CL semi-finals) and when he went back to Sevilla (they won the Europa League twice).
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Barkley plays deeper now. He was in the Luiz role all year for Luton.
We have loads of players who can play more or less where Luiz was when he played at his best. None who play where Kamara does.
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Emery has got his first proper chance to really shape the team he wants. And that means that some players people have got used to are going to leave, and that players we might not know much about are going to arrive.
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Barkley plays deeper now. He was in the Luiz role all year for Luton.
We have loads of players who can play more or less where Luiz was when he played at his best. None who play where Kamara does.
We have two who can cover the Luiz role, both of whom we'd really rather see further forwards.
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Regardless of their relative positions, I still don't understand the thought that people should or shouldn't want both as they were both just relegated. They have had completely incomparable careers, it's absolutely understandable to have a difference of opinion on either.
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Regardless of their relative positions, I still don't understand the thought that people should or shouldn't want both as they were both just relegated. They have had completely incomparable careers, it's absolutely understandable to have a difference of opinion on either.
Should say, I really meant on the grounds of where they come from, which seemed to be the biggest objection to young Enzo. But I'm quite hungover and I've got bogged down like I'm playing on yesterday's pitch.
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I don't want Barkley for reasons I have stated elsewhere, but the thing that is confusing me is that Iroegbunam isn't rated as good enough by some, although I think he isn't quite fully ready for Emerys CDM role just yet, but this 23 year old with one season with a relegated Serie A side is/will be?
He wasn't considered good enough/ready at the same age as Iroegbunam, but he is now the makeweight in a deal for one of the best midfielders in Europe?
I think we are getting shafted...
I think you’ve answered your own question with the Ireogbunam comment, he isn’t good enough, Unai worked with him all of last season and never felt he was ready to step up to the plate. There’s no guarantee this lad from Juve will be any better but until he arrives and contributes we don’t know. IMV we aren’t getting shafted, just moving on a player who isn’t good enough (in Unais view) and replacing him with someone who maybe. Our PSR position is driving this and we need to accept where we’re at.
Im not sure I did.
Iroegbunam isn't rated as good enough by some fans, but my view on him is that while he isn't quite ready for the dedicated CDM position that is more complicated by being in Emerys system, I personally think he more than has the potential to be. Especially by the time he reaches the age of Barrenechea.
And when he is, I think he would save us a lot more than £9M (£6M if you take away the Dobbin transfer fee), if we had patience with youngsters any more.
At Iroegbunams age, this Barrenechea kid was playing between the levels of Juventus youth team & the Swiss second division.
But thats not the point about being shafted in the Douglas Luiz transfer with Iling-Junior, Barrenechea & £20M. Villa are taking all the risk, more so with Barrenechea than Iling-Junior (who I am delighted with btw), but all of the risk is on our side for a player that Juventus couldn't even begin to imagine signing a quarter of with their finances, IF, we weren't making such concessions.
And I get that there are reasons we are selling, but if Juve want a world class footballer, they should be making a world class level transfer. Especially after they fucked around with McKennie & had to change their side of the deal.
We should accept no less than Iling-Junior, Barrenechea, £20M AND Soule...
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Regardless of their relative positions, I still don't understand the thought that people should or shouldn't want both as they were both just relegated. They have had completely incomparable careers, it's absolutely understandable to have a difference of opinion on either.
Should say, I really meant on the grounds of where they come from, which seemed to be the biggest objection to young Enzo. But I'm quite hungover and I've got bogged down like I'm playing on yesterday's pitch.
I definitely agree that Enzo shouldn't be dismissed just because he was relegated, we all know good players who have been relegated.
Any decent hangover "cures"?
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Barkley plays deeper now. He was in the Luiz role all year for Luton.
We have loads of players who can play more or less where Luiz was when he played at his best. None who play where Kamara does.
We have two who can cover the Luiz role, both of whom we'd really rather see further forwards.
The Luiz role is attacking midfield, he was only playing deeper because Kamara was injured. Unless you're suggesting we play Barkley, who doesn't tackle, in defensive midfield, he's replacing one of McGinn, Tielemans or Rogers in the starting XI. Plus Ramsey when he's back.
We are sorted for attacking midfielders. We need someone to do the hard work in winning the ball for them. That's never been Barkley's game plan.
Even if you think he is good enough, which is a perfectly reasonable point of view though one I'd disagree with, it seems a bit mad to dismiss anyone who is more keen on Enzo than they are on him when they clearly play in quite different positions.
Edit: just seem your follow-up that you mean why would you object to one player coming from a relegated club and not another. That's fair enough, obviously.
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Regardless of their relative positions, I still don't understand the thought that people should or shouldn't want both as they were both just relegated. They have had completely incomparable careers, it's absolutely understandable to have a difference of opinion on either.
Should say, I really meant on the grounds of where they come from, which seemed to be the biggest objection to young Enzo. But I'm quite hungover and I've got bogged down like I'm playing on yesterday's pitch.
I definitely agree that Enzo shouldn't be dismissed just because he was relegated, we all know good players who have been relegated.
Any decent hangover "cures"?
Sleeping in and praying for death tends to work for me eventually.
The Luiz role is attacking midfield, he was only playing deeper because Kamara was injured. Unless you're suggesting we play Barkley, who doesn't tackle, in defensive midfield, he's replacing one of McGinn, Tielemans or Rogers in the starting XI. Plus Ramsey when he's back.
We are sorted for attacking midfielders. We need someone to do the hard work in winning the ball for them. That's never been Barkley's game plan.
Even if you think he is good enough, which is a perfectly reasonable point of view though one I'd disagree with, it seems a bit mad to dismiss anyone who is more keen on Enzo than they are on him when they clearly play in quite different positions.
The Luiz role is not 'attacking midfield'!
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Regardless of their relative positions, I still don't understand the thought that people should or shouldn't want both as they were both just relegated. They have had completely incomparable careers, it's absolutely understandable to have a difference of opinion on either.
Should say, I really meant on the grounds of where they come from, which seemed to be the biggest objection to young Enzo. But I'm quite hungover and I've got bogged down like I'm playing on yesterday's pitch.
I definitely agree that Enzo shouldn't be dismissed just because he was relegated, we all know good players who have been relegated.
Any decent hangover "cures"?
Sleeping in and praying for death tends to work for me eventually.
The Luiz role is attacking midfield, he was only playing deeper because Kamara was injured. Unless you're suggesting we play Barkley, who doesn't tackle, in defensive midfield, he's replacing one of McGinn, Tielemans or Rogers in the starting XI. Plus Ramsey when he's back.
We are sorted for attacking midfielders. We need someone to do the hard work in winning the ball for them. That's never been Barkley's game plan.
Even if you think he is good enough, which is a perfectly reasonable point of view though one I'd disagree with, it seems a bit mad to dismiss anyone who is more keen on Enzo than they are on him when they clearly play in quite different positions.
The Luiz role is not 'attacking midfield'!
No, because Kamara got injured so he had to play deeper.
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CD. You're nuts here. Douglas Luiz has never played attacking midfield for Aston Villa. McGinn has. Tielemans has. Odegaard plays attacking midfield for Arsenal. Bellingham was (nominally) in attacking midfield for England yesterday. Douglas Luiz is usually the more advanced of a deep central two. I literally don't know what eyes you're using to watch the Villa if you think this is attacking midfield.
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Yeah, I'm with Monty here. Dougie is an 8, who had to play as a 6 due to Kamara's injury, but he's definitely not a 10. It all depends on whether you are calling the "8" here an attacking midfielder.
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Any decent hangover "cures"?
I don't tend to get bad hangovers, but a cold pint bottle of Bulmers normally does the trick if I'm not feeling 100%.
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CD. You're nuts here. Douglas Luiz has never played attacking midfield for Aston Villa. McGinn has. Tielemans has. Odegaard plays attacking midfield for Arsenal. Bellingham was (nominally) in attacking midfield for England yesterday. Douglas Luiz is usually the more advanced of a deep central two. I literally don't know what eyes you're using to watch the Villa if you think this is attacking midfield.
My feeling, and it is that rather than anything scientific, is that Emery had to adjust his plan a little to accommodate Doug and both he and the player made it work for us in his favoured role, but given other players he'd prefer to do things differently.
So the player fancying a move and the other factor of PSR has created a opportunity to get the type and number of players more tuned to the managers liking, and that nobody in particular is going to replace Doug because his favoured role will be a bit redundant.
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CD. You're nuts here. Douglas Luiz has never played attacking midfield for Aston Villa. McGinn has. Tielemans has. Odegaard plays attacking midfield for Arsenal. Bellingham was (nominally) in attacking midfield for England yesterday. Douglas Luiz is usually the more advanced of a deep central two. I literally don't know what eyes you're using to watch the Villa if you think this is attacking midfield.
Whatever. McGinn, Tielemans, Ramsey, Rogers can all largely play in each other's positions. All of them are better in any of them than Ross sodding Barkley. I suspect Kellyman will be, too.
None of them can play defensive midfield. That's what we need.
Not Ross sodding Barkley.
He was just about good enough for us for a few months when we were much less good than we are now. Then he wasn't, for the second half of the season. He's nowhere near good enough for us now.
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CD. You're nuts here. Douglas Luiz has never played attacking midfield for Aston Villa. McGinn has. Tielemans has. Odegaard plays attacking midfield for Arsenal. Bellingham was (nominally) in attacking midfield for England yesterday. Douglas Luiz is usually the more advanced of a deep central two. I literally don't know what eyes you're using to watch the Villa if you think this is attacking midfield.
My feeling, and it is that rather than anything scientific, is that Emery had to adjust his plan a little to accommodate Doug and both he and the player made it work for us in his favoured role, but given other players he'd prefer to do things differently.
So the player fancying a move and the other factor of PSR has created a opportunity to get the type and number of players more tuned to the managers liking, and that nobody in particular is going to replace Doug because his favoured role will be a bit redundant.
I mean, perhaps. But Barkley played a very, very similar position for Luton most of last year, so that tells me Unai's happy at the least with the positional setup.
CD, lord love you, but I literally don't know what you're talking about. Barkley has played deep in midfield, like Luiz, for a year. It's clearly to play in that position - DEEP MIDFIELD - that he's being brought in. Therefore he's not competing with Ramsey or McGinn.
So, I'm sorry, but I actually have no idea what you mean.
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I want a defensive midfielder, someone who does what Kamara does, not Barkley. Someone who tackles, not Barkley. I'm not sure how many other ways I can explain that tbh mate. Not Barkley. Barkley not.
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I want a defensive midfielder, someone who does what Kamara does, not Barkley. Someone who tackles, not Barkley. I'm not sure how many other ways I can explain that tbh mate. Not Barkley. Barkley not.
Well I'm afraid the manager wants someone that can take a pass from the keeper, turn and pick a pass to send us on our way, more.
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I'm not sure why a proper defensive midfielder can't do that. One that can also tackle, unlike Barkley.
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You're going to be 'cdbarkleyfan' by the end of the season you wally.
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I hope so, mate. I just worry that unless we get a proper tackley player to replace Kamara, we are always going to be capable of chucking in a Tottenham at home type performance. Get that player and watch our already better than Barkley midfielders fly. Like they generally did when Kamara was playing.
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But he's not being signed for the Kamara role, he's being signed for the Luiz role, which is obviously not the same as the McGinn or Tielemans role. I don't get why you keep bringing up Kamara.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
Given Emery’s willingness to go without previously rather than getting a body in for the sake of it, you’ve got to presume they’ll only sanction folk they want.
Russ said it all. I’d never condone the alleged Monchi assault on Isco that resulted in him leaving Sevilla, but he does sound like someone who won’t suffer fools gladly.
(Was tempted to leave the autocorrect of “won’t suffer fools Gladys” but no idea what punathon that would KO!)
I read it slightly differently - whilst agreeing that PSR is shit, and a mechanism that allows clubs that have been financially dodgy in the past to try to block the progress of clubs, like the Villa, that will challenge their current dominance.
I think all the noise about different players is coming from Juve and reflects their desperation to sign Luiz. I think Monchi is a better international operator than we have ever had and far less likely to get bullied - by Juve or anyone else.
It's a shame that a quality player, so much a part of what we have achieved in the last two years, looks like he has to move because of PSR, but I trust Monchi, Emery, et al to get the best deal possible for us. UTV.
That sounds about (Ark)right.
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You have to play them somewhere. Unless you play twelve players or without wingers one of the much better midfielders will be missing out. I don't think the Luiz role is as specialised as you do. All our midfielders can play anywhere in midfield. Except defensive midfield, which is what we need.
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I can't be bothered to bring up some average position heat map thing, but every single one of them showed Luiz in a very particular space on the pitch. It's extremely distinct from the further-forward positions.
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It's not defensive midfield, which is what we need. Hence some people want Enzo, who plays there, rather than Barkley, who doesn't.
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It's deep midfield though. Which is where Barkley plays.
I don't know what the argument is here, it's just literally where they play! Mostly further back! Luiz is going, Barkley's coming in! It makes sense whether you like the player or not!
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Barkley is a cheap squad option. If he was our main summer signing it would be a problem, but he isn't. We played 56 games last season and our form dropped a lot March onwards, we saw how gassed the squad was towards the end. We won 3 of the last 11 league games. We're guaranteed 48 games this season, Barkley will be here to hopefully stop there being such a drop off when we do rotate during the season and so stop us dropping off a cliff at the end.
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Plus the defensive role isn't just tackling as such is it? Like Petrov for us, positioning is half the battle, maybe they've seen that Barkley is better at reading the play from that area than Luiz and and would help more to maybe relive the stress on the 'Kamara' role a bit. I don't know, but these are the kind of details you know will be pored over by the manager.
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It's not defensive midfield, which is what we need. Hence some people want Enzo, who plays there, rather than Barkley, who doesn't.
Does it have to be one or the other though? We lost Chambers, Donk, Tim, Doug and Kamara is out for months. We need depth for next season.
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It's literally impossible to play a defensive midfielder AND Barkley AND not drop one of those more talented midfielders.
Any of them can play in any position better than Barkley. Who is shit.
We will end up letting Ramsey or Rogers go, and it'll be the new equivalent of fucking off Gary Cahill to make way for Zat Knight.
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It's not defensive midfield, which is what we need. Hence some people want Enzo, who plays there, rather than Barkley, who doesn't.
Does it have to be one or the other though? We lost Chambers, Donk, Tim, Doug and Kamara is out for months. We need depth for next season.
We are gaining Enzo, Mini Emi and, hopefully, Ramsey at some point.
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It's not defensive midfield, which is what we need. Hence some people want Enzo, who plays there, rather than Barkley, who doesn't.
Does it have to be one or the other though? We lost Chambers, Donk, Tim, Doug and Kamara is out for months. We need depth for next season.
We are gaining Enzo, Mini Emi and, hopefully, Ramsey at some point.
That still doesn't cover the loss of depth in that area though..? Barkley will suffice and be considerably better than Chambers, Donk and Tim.
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It's literally impossible to play a defensive midfielder AND Barkley AND not drop one of those more talented midfielders.
Any of them can play in any position better than Barkley. Who is shit.
We will end up letting Ramsey or Rogers go, and it'll be the new equivalent of fucking off Gary Cahill to make way for Zat Knight.
Ramsey can't play the Luiz role. Rogers can't play the Luiz role. Like, it's mad that you keep insisting they're the same.
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I absolutely hate ‘in Unai we trust’, but you’d imagine he’s got a plan for Barkley. And his plans are generally good.
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They literally can. I can't really argue it any more.
Barkley is nowhere near good enough.
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I absolutely hate ‘in Unai we trust’, but you’d imagine he’s got a plan for Barkley. And his plans are generally good.
Hopefully it involves selling programmes or making the tea and not taking up a position that could be filled by a much better midfielder.
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They literally can. I can't really argue it any more.
Barkley is nowhere near good enough.
Yep, won't argue it anymore, I literally don't understand what game you're watching re Luiz here.
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It's literally impossible to play a defensive midfielder AND Barkley AND not drop one of those more talented midfielders.
Any of them can play in any position better than Barkley. Who is shit.
We will end up letting Ramsey or Rogers go, and it'll be the new equivalent of fucking off Gary Cahill to make way for Zat Knight.
With respect, all that is nonsense. The majority of people on here have said Barkley played a deeper role last season and now your suggesting we're going to sell a player we only bought in January to accomodate him. If you don't rate him fine but why make stuff up to suit your argument?
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Barkley will be more use to us this season than Tim would have been imo. The Tim sale covers the cost of signing Barkley.
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I get the aprehension on Barkley, I do. I just think doing what he did last season, where he did, it looks like a man that's finally worked it out and is on a mission. He's always been extremely gifted, and it's finally come together.
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Barkley is cover for Luiz. I assume we'll be replacing Luiz with a heftier spend later in the summer.
Kamara doesn't have an alternative, Luiz was a make do. The Argentine lad who plays for Juve fits the physical profile, but who knows. Tielemans is that continuity player who cab be 6, 8 or 10 too, but is much better in an advanced role where his passing is more devastating.
McGinn, Ramsey, Rogers, Emi are all players capable of playing wide or at 10 in our system. We then have two genuine wide players or wide forwards with Bailey and Diaby, but another would almost certainly help.
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I hope you're all right. It just seems like when we signed Heskey under a (then) popular manager and everyone was performing mental gymnastics trying to convince themselves it was a good idea signing a player that literally nobody would have wanted to sign two months earlier.
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You're going to be 'cdbarkleyfan' by the end of the season you wally.
And putting Irish butter on his bacon sandwiches.
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I hope you're all right. It just seems like when we signed Heskey under a (then) popular manager and everyone was performing mental gymnastics trying to convince themselves it was a good idea signing a player that literally nobody would have wanted to sign two months earlier.
One manager though was a man that got angry with James Milner for suggesting they don't train enough, and the other is Unai Emery.
It's like backing Terry the window clearner's view on election polling over John Curtice.
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I hope you're all right. It just seems like when we signed Heskey under a (then) popular manager and everyone was performing mental gymnastics trying to convince themselves it was a good idea signing a player that literally nobody would have wanted to sign two months earlier.
One manager though was a man that got angry with James Milner for suggesting they don't train enough, and the other is Unai Emery.
It's like backing Terry the window clearner's view on election polling over John Curtice.
Sure, it's more similarity in fan reactions than manager I'm seeing. Was anybody on here suggesting Ross Barkley two months ago? If so, do they still post or were they virtually tarred and feathered for such a suggestion?
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Barkley plays deeper now. He was in the Luiz role all year for Luton.
We have loads of players who can play more or less where Luiz was when he played at his best. None who play where Kamara does.
We have two who can cover the Luiz role, both of whom we'd really rather see further forwards.
I actually think Tielemans and Barkley are both pretty ideal for the Luiz role and I think they'll share it next season. I think Luiz is better, but we've been screwed by FFP.
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I hope you're all right. It just seems like when we signed Heskey under a (then) popular manager and everyone was performing mental gymnastics trying to convince themselves it was a good idea signing a player that literally nobody would have wanted to sign two months earlier.
One manager though was a man that got angry with James Milner for suggesting they don't train enough, and the other is Unai Emery.
It's like backing Terry the window clearner's view on election polling over John Curtice.
Sure, it's more similarity in fan reactions than manager I'm seeing. Was anybody on here suggesting Ross Barkley two months ago? If so, do they post or were they virtually tarred and feathered for such a suggestion?
Well that's depends on who suggested it, obviously. But none that I can remember, no.
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We couldn't even name a full bench last season. With the signings we're making, we'll have plenty of choice, opportunities to rest players, and the chance to ask the players to play with more intensity as a result.
We're letting defensive and creative midfielders go (and raising the money we need to stay within the rules), and bringing in more experienced ones, who give us a better level overall. There is then the argument about which players coming in are better than which players are going out.
Luiz is a great player who will be missed, the question is, how much?
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I'm not sure why a proper defensive midfielder can't do that. One that can also tackle, unlike Barkley.
I'm not quite sure why you are referencing Barkley to Kamara. He's almost certainly been brought in to be an option for the more advanced of the two pivots, ie Luiz's role. We haven't signed anyone to fill the Kamara role yet, but it seems like this Juve lad will be one of the options for that. I'm sure we'll sign someone else before the season starts, or it will be McGinn starting there again.
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Monty said he couldn't understand why people wanted Enzo but not Barkley. That's how I got onto talking about Kamara as Enzo would seem to be cover for him whereas Barkley isn't.
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We then moved on to your opinion that Morgan Rogers can cover Douglas Luiz's position of attacking midfield...
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We moved on, I was answering the question of why Kamara was getting brought up.
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Shrug.
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To sum it up this is what I think our team will look like
Martinez
New RB/ Konsa Pau Maatsen/
(Cash) (Carlos) (Mings) (Digne)
new DM/ Tielemans
(Barrenechea) (Barkley)
McGinn / Ramsey/
Bailey Rogers/
(Iling Jr)
Diaby/ Watkins
Buendia
But certain players can play in a number of positions, McGinn can fill in at DM, 10 and on the left, Rogers could play 10, Buendia could play left, both Tielemans and Barkley could do a job further forward etc. But this is how I see the likely broad structure of the team.
I think Bailey will probably start ahead of Diaby or Ramsey with other players shuffling about, but I wanted to put players in what I see as their main position.
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I suppose transfers depend on a few factors. 1. How competitive are we looking to be, 2. what will FFP allow us to do, 3. how much, actually, does qualifying for CL do to our ability to sign better players than we currently have.
I really hope the answers are 1. very, 2. lots and 3. more than we think. But my expectation is more 1. quite, 2. some and 3. not as much as we hoped. Might be overly pessimistic, but it's not suppose to be - we have Emery and that's worth a massive amount.
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I wouldn't touch this Argentinian player with a barge pole. Sounds like a plan D and we'll get ripped off.
What on earth are you basing that on?
Based on the fact that his glass isn't so much half empty, as smashed against a wall.
Because I don't want to lose one of our best players for the 2 nobodies and the price of a Wesley when other midfielders have gone for significantly more? Ok. We'll see how it pans out. We'd be extremely happy if we were the other side of this transfer.
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Because I don't want to lose one of our best players for the 2 nobodies and the price of a Wesley when other midfielders have gone for significantly more? Ok. We'll see how it pans out. We'd be extremely happy if we were the other side of this transfer.
Whatever you say (just like your prescient analysis of Tim).
We'd get peanuts for him. Nothing of note this season and didn't stand out on loan last season. £2m tops.
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Yes, the way I'm thinking of it is imagining a hypothetical week next season where we play mid-range premier league opposition (say, Bournemouth at home), then a good Champions league team midweek (eg. Inter away).
Ideally we won't want to play Kamara and [Big Money Luiz Replacement] in both so Barrenechea & Barkley play vs Bournemouth, while Kamara & [Big Money Luiz Replacement] play vs Inter.
Emery & co will have a range of 'slots' they want to fill - and any combination of swap players they can get in June will leave one or two 'big' signings later in the summer once they are in a new financial year and know how much they can actually spend from the Luiz deals etc.
new DM/ Tielemans
(Barrenechea) (Barkley)
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I realise it's early in the summer.
But most of these deals - the young Dutch LB apart - look like the kind of deals we'd have made had we missed out on CL football.
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I also didn't feel we needed a total rebuild.
But the two players for Luiz, plus Dobbin, Maatsen and Barkley point to that.
Five prospective incoming early July with (hopefully) more quality to come.
That will most likely be 7-8 new faces through the door minimum, and all the fun of turning that into a cohesive unit in our debut CL season.
2-3 big purchases and perhaps the loss of Duran only (of the active playing squad) seemed the better route to go.
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Brazil v Costa Rica Monday night (2 am Tuesday morning our time). We expecting anything to happen before then?
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It depends as well when the club are expecting players back. We have no idea when Ty, Emi, JJ and Kamara will be back ready for 1st team games, and sadly, if they all ever will be. If none of them are close then that changes things.
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Italian media reckon that Juventus have a 60%-70% sell on clause for Iling-Junior & Barrenechea.
If that is true, then I just have no words...
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It's only June 21, but may as well file this transfer window under 'Disastrous' like the previous three. :(
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Italian media reckon that Juventus have a 60%-70% sell on clause.
If that is true, then I just have no words...
You can't believe a word the Italian media say, especially regarding Juventus. Making a demand like that would blow the deal.
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Italian media reckon that Juventus have a 60%-70% sell on clause.
If that is true, then I just have no words...
You can't believe a word the Italian media say, especially regarding Juventus. Making a demand like that would blow the deal.
Probably bullshit to placate their fans
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(https://media.tenor.com/images/299b8ad2b60ec4887bd957bb2c0e769f/tenor.gif)
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I think it offers evidence that they also rate the player and are not that pleased to lose him.
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There are ways of looking at that sort of sell-in clause, though. It could be that 60% of the "profit" above what we pay is much more palatable. Still not great, but basically means they only profit if we sell THEM at a profit.
Either way, I hope that 60-70% figure is BS, and I strongly suspect it is.
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If you have that sort of arrangement and the player enters the last 1-2 years of the contract, you're more likely to let it run down if he's doing well but refusing to sign a new deal.
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I've never heard of a sell-on that high.
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I'm surprised Juventus haven't said we need to throw in Martinez as well. Cheeky skint pricks.
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I've never heard of a sell-on that high.
It’s got to be nonsense. They’re driving this because they want Doug, there’s no chance we’d accept a clause of that nature.
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A clause that high seems totally unrealistic. It's practically a loan rather than a purchase.
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It’s got to be nonsense. They’re driving this because they want Doug, there’s no chance we’d accept a clause of that nature.
Italian media also reporting that Elizabeth Olsen asked CDBF out on a date, but he said "no, not unless she pays for the meal."
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Well it’s counter productive for the player too, they essentially know they’re going the full term of the contract even if they want to leave.
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Italian media reckon that Juventus have a 60%-70% sell on clause for Iling-Junior & Barrenechea.
If that is true, then I just have no words...
Fingers crossed then
*wink*
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Seen it suggested its £30m in cash. Guess the two other lads equate to £30m-ish still.
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Tap in man says deal imminent. Here we go.
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I just realised that this thread will be moved to another part of the site soon, and it made me a bit sad.
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Luiz was neither here nor there til Emery arrived and last few months reverted to poor. I suspect he will continue treading water once he leaves and go backwards.
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Italian media reckon that Juventus have a 60%-70% sell on clause for Iling-Junior & Barrenechea.
If that is true, then I just have no words...
Quite obviously that is not accurate.
Romano: "Juventus will have 10% sell-on clause, it was never considered any other clause higher than this one."
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Im not sure I trust Romano on the details any more than I do the Italian media, as his details on some recent deals have been way off, but on this bit I have more faith in his information.
60%-70% did seem to be incredibly excessive.
Although nothing shocks me in football anymore.
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
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It's 10% not 70%. The journalist who said 70% corrected himself later.
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Literally done, £23.6 mill.
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Literally done, £23.6 mill.
You don't discount the player values for PSR. We'll pop £60m gross on, then knock off £6.4m for a £53.6m net. Add on the £9m for Tim and that's us right with PSR with £5m to spare in a day.
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Literally done, £23.6 mill.
You don't discount the player values for PSR. We'll pop £60m gross on, then knock off £6.4m for a £53.6m net. Add on the £9m for Tim and that's us right with PSR with £5m to spare in a day.
Yeah I know that, just posting the cash transaction amount.
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Literally done, £23.6 mill.
Is this official, with agreements in place for the other players?
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Why is it always cash? Why not doubloons, or cheese.
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Literally done, £23.6 mill.
Is this official, with agreements in place for the other players?
Fabrizio just posted it and reposted it with a "here we go" so yeah, its all tied up, doubloons and curds.
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Luiz was neither here nor there til Emery arrived and last few months reverted to poor. I suspect he will continue treading water once he leaves and go backwards.
Dougie was integral to us staying up after lockdown. He treaded water under stevie g, but so did everyone. Virtually all the players have excelled under Emery.
For me up till Kamara got injured he was the best midfielder in the country.
He’s going, he’s given us five years, I wish him well and move on with a bit of sadness, but lets not make out he’s not that good.
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Indeed, but Tim has a tendency to get an idea in his head at times and irrespective of whether it’s wrong he just ploughs ahead. Doug was an integral part of our progress in the past 5 years, and for a good chunk of the last 18 months he’s been sensational. He goes with my best wishes, I’ll miss him playing for us and he is a big loss. Hopefully we’ll cover his odd adequately, and I hope he returns one day.
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You’ve hit the nail on the head there Rambo. One of the classiest players I’ve seen at Villa. We will struggle to replace him in one player but if the squad has more depth then it might work out. And he’s seemingly got us out of an accountancy hole.
Weird, I usually feel pissed off and angry at this point but strangely calm with Luiz.
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
He's saying €28m cash plus Enzo Barrenechea and Iling Jr which is £49m if you value the two players at €15m each which apparently is generous.
[Romano] Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa — here we go! Verbal agreement reached between Juve and Villa for the swap deal. Douglas Luiz to Juve. Samuel Iling Jr to Villa. Enzo Barrenechea to Villa. €28m fee to #AVFC.
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Luiz was neither here nor there til Emery arrived and last few months reverted to poor. I suspect he will continue treading water once he leaves and go backwards.
Dougie was integral to us staying up after lockdown. He treaded water under stevie g, but so did everyone. Virtually all the players have excelled under Emery.
For me up till Kamara got injured he was the best midfielder in the country.
He’s going, he’s given us five years, I wish him well and move on with a bit of sadness, but lets not make out he’s not that good.
Very good player no doubt. He wasn't the best midfielder in the country though. Emery has allowed him to leave. That says enough for me. I think we will improve in this area and start moving the ball quicker through the middle - which is badly needed as we progress to top 3 and ECL football.
(plus if he was the best midfielder in the country he wouldn't be moving to Juventus).
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
He's saying €28m cash plus Enzo Barrenechea and Iling Jr which is £49m if you value the two players at €15m each which apparently is generous.
[Romano] Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa — here we go! Verbal agreement reached between Juve and Villa for the swap deal. Douglas Luiz to Juve. Samuel Iling Jr to Villa. Enzo Barrenechea to Villa. €28m fee to #AVFC.
I think those 2 players will go down on the books for more than 15 million euros. Heard Kieran Maguire talk about player swaps/ inclusions and with "clever accounting" increasing their values on the accounts.
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Illing-Junior will be more than €15m.
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Illing-Junior will be more than €15m.
I think both will go down as more if Kellyman is £19 million. I could see minimum £20 million each and why not.
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
He's saying €28m cash plus Enzo Barrenechea and Iling Jr which is £49m if you value the two players at €15m each which apparently is generous.
[Romano] Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa — here we go! Verbal agreement reached between Juve and Villa for the swap deal. Douglas Luiz to Juve. Samuel Iling Jr to Villa. Enzo Barrenechea to Villa. €28m fee to #AVFC.
I think those 2 players will go down on the books for more than 15 million euros. Heard Kieran Maguire talk about player swaps/ inclusions and with "clever accounting" increasing their values on the accounts.
I would certainly expect some creativity. It's a shit we've had to sell Dougie but both the new lads have great potential.
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
He's saying €28m cash plus Enzo Barrenechea and Iling Jr which is £49m if you value the two players at €15m each which apparently is generous.
[Romano] Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa — here we go! Verbal agreement reached between Juve and Villa for the swap deal. Douglas Luiz to Juve. Samuel Iling Jr to Villa. Enzo Barrenechea to Villa. €28m fee to #AVFC.
I don’t think 15m euros is generous. Recent England U21 players have traded for way more and often without the juve and CL experience. Similarly Barrenechea playing a whole season in Serie A.
15m euro feels an underestimate to me.
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I think both will go down as more if Kellyman is £19 million. I could see minimum £20 million each and why not.
Thanks Barry!
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I think both will go down as more if Kellyman is £19 million. I could see minimum £20 million each and why not.
Thanks Barry!
Fry?
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I think both will go down as more if Kellyman is £19 million. I could see minimum £20 million each and why not.
Thanks Barry!
Fry?
Norman.
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Good luck, Dougie!
Can't say that he was a player i particularly wanted to go. I can only assume it's us trying to navigate our way around FFP.
It's a gamble on our part. A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush and all that. I'm optimistic about the two lads coming in - Iling-Junior especially. Fingers crossed we end up on the better side of this deal.
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I think both will go down as more if Kellyman is £19 million. I could see minimum £20 million each and why not.
Thanks Barry!
Fry?
Norman.
Ha, of course and why not.
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😢 Sad times
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🚨 Juventus agree deal with Aston Villa to sign Douglas Luiz for €50m. #Juve pair Samuel Iling-Junior & Enzo Barrenechea moving opposite way for €22m in separate transaction - expected to do medicals next week + join #AVFC on 5yr contracts
@TheAthleticFC
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So they did chuck us £42 million separately. £18 million for the other 2 lads combined.
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Both clubs have exchanged paperwork apparently and Doug is having his medical done in the US.
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Romano's better than most Italian media where Juve are concerned, he's not just a cheerleader.
He's saying €28m cash plus Enzo Barrenechea and Iling Jr which is £49m if you value the two players at €15m each which apparently is generous.
[Romano] Douglas Luiz to Juventus, Iling Jr and Enzo Barrenechea to Aston Villa — here we go! Verbal agreement reached between Juve and Villa for the swap deal. Douglas Luiz to Juve. Samuel Iling Jr to Villa. Enzo Barrenechea to Villa. €28m fee to #AVFC.
I don’t think 15m euros is generous. Recent England U21 players have traded for way more and often without the juve and CL experience. Similarly Barrenechea playing a whole season in Serie A.
15m euro feels an underestimate to me.
England U21 players bought by English clubs. From what I've read nobody in Italy would have considered paying that much for either. Not that it matters, it's what they do for Villa that counts, I don't remember anybody complaining when we signed Rogers for £8m, a player who was struggling to get in the Boro side.
Young and hungry CAN work, you just need the right manager to develop them. Lambert should never be the benchmark unless that benchmark is looking like a tramp who slept on a park bench last night. I'm excited we're bringing in young talent at cheap prices.
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Rogers wasn't struggling to get into the side at the time we bought him, it was earlier in the season.
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AVFC have agreed a deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42m.
In a separate transaction, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are set to move to Villa for £18m.
Story by
@David_Ornstein
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Now That's What I Call Creative Vol.1
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Plenty questioned signing Rogers at the time.
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Feels like some creative accounting there, but I'm optimistic we end up with the better half of the deal. I'm just glad he's gone to another country and not Arsenal. All the best, Dougie.
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It would be funny if McKennie keeps him out the team.
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AVFC have agreed a deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42m.
In a separate transaction, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are set to move to Villa for £18m.
Story by
@David_Ornstein
£42m in, £3.6m/year for 5 years going out.
Net gain £38.4m.
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It would be funny if McKennie keeps him out the team.
...and a vid goes viral of him ploughing Lehmann.
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AVFC have agreed a deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42m.
In a separate transaction, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are set to move to Villa for £18m.
Story by
@David_Ornstein
I’d hope it’s not that low. Although that sounds like the monetary figure involved when McKennie was included.
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AVFC have agreed a deal to sell Douglas Luiz to Juventus for £42m.
In a separate transaction, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea are set to move to Villa for £18m.
Story by
@David_Ornstein
Smart by Juve as it any sell on clause is usually on the profit, so 10% on players valued at ~9m each gives quite a lot of potential future income.
…and in a way I hope they make loads as it will the player has been a success.
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I prefer this deal than £60m from an English club. And i'm classing the incoming players as part of it also being lower than market value due to the Luiz deal.
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£42 million is an absolute steal (unless there is a release clause we don't know about). Sounds like they might have undervalued the players coming the other way so not all bad.
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Rogers wasn't struggling to get into the side at the time we bought him, it was earlier in the season.
True but a few weeks before we signed him he started to show some potential but he was dropped in October and only came back in December. This probably sums up his short stay at Boro:
'In the first 21 game weeks of the Championship, he got 1 goal and 1 assist. But from early December onwards he really stepped up and improved his game, and come mid-to-late December his numbers reflected that, as he contributed a goal and 4 assists in 7 games before getting sold'.
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I don't think it's too bad in todays PSR shitty climate. Plus Arsenal were offering twigs for him 18 months ago.
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It would be funny if McKennie keeps him out the team.
Rumours of interest in McKennie from the MSL. I really think we dodged a bullet/bucket of KFC with Ranch Sauce.
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£42 million is an absolute steal (unless there is a release clause we don't know about). Sounds like they might have undervalued the players coming the other way so not all bad.
Seems that way, £42m puts Iling-Junior and Enzo at the same value as Tim. Or the two of them together as potentially worth less than Kellyman.
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Did Luiz have one year left on his deal or two?
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Did Luiz have one year left on his deal or two?
2
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Did Luiz have one year left on his deal or two?
Two, I believe.
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Contract length was never announced, just that it was an extension.
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Expires 2026 according to Transfermarkt. Not sure if accurate.
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They're guesstimating. For some reason the club have never stated the length.
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Win win deal for us this . Good business.
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If PSR wasn't a thing, this would be shit. As it is, we seem to have made a good fist of the situation.
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I think we've low balled the whole deal to get us over PSR, and not put them into PSR issues. The 2 coming in then sit as half the money on our books, so much bigger profit if sold on too, also benefiting Juve with the 10%. It's almost a very very sensibly constructed and orchestrated deal to suit all parties.
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Aston Villa Women and Switzerland striker Alisha Lehmann will also move to Juventus.
Are Doug and Lehmann still an item? I thought that was over.
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They got back together again.
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They got back together again.
It’s all very well you being back, but it’s Eastie we really need for matters such as this ;) :)
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Eastie WhatsApped me the news from up a ladder outside Luiz's bedroom window.
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They got back together again.
That’s when his form went AWOL…….
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
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The amount of agents and hangers on involved in this one, must have been an absolute nightmare to finalize.
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They got back together again.
Yeah, they broke up after Doug brought all his old undies on holiday to got rid of them after one last wear. They got back together after she had a word in his ear, and he bought himself some Vedoneire boxers.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
I’m still non the wiser!
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VillaTim is weird. Mystery solved.
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Package movements are more complex.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
So as he is moving with his partner (and fair play if you can and they're both happy with deal), this insinuates that they have been a problem? I'd say it hasn't happened before because of the statistical improbability of a couple both playing in the top echelons of the game, particularly with the women's game only really beginning to take off in the last decade or so over here. So yeah, odd.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
Bruce and Neil Rioch joined us in 1970. I think they were a couple.
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Package movements are more complex.
Not when you're single though, eh?
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www.eatsleepshitfootball.com
Sources close to the player confirm that Mckennie was not willing to move until Juventus had honoured the 50 free KFC buckets bonus exit clause.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
Bruce and Neil Rioch joined us in 1970. I think they were a couple.
Brian Little signed with his brother Alan as well I seem to remember.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
Bruce and Neil Rioch joined us in 1970. I think they were a couple.
Brian Little signed with his brother Alan as well I seem to remember.
The Chucky brothers, lived long in the memory those two.
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Good luck to them both , bye bye . Juve's problem now.
In what way has he/they been a problem to Villa?
Has moving as a couple happened before. Not our problem now . Bye.
Bruce and Neil Rioch joined us in 1970. I think they were a couple.
Brian Little signed with his brother Alan as well I seem to remember.
I meant more romantic partnerships.
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What happened to the young Chucky?
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Went to Cowdonbeath then not sure after that.
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They’ve both been great servants to the club, both on and off the field, so I’m sad to see them go but I wish them success (unless we come up against Juve in Europe some day).
Stay beautiful!
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Went to Cowdonbeath then not sure after that.
After Cowdenbeath, I don't think there is anywhere else left to go.
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Does the Proclaimers' tatoo come before or after Cowdenbeath ?
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Do you mean Caleb Chukwuemeka? If so, he's the older brother. Wasn't immeditately picked up by any club after leaving Villa last year. Had a trial at Bristol City but they didn't offer him a contract. In February, he signed for Tabor Sežana. They were relegated to the Slovenian third tier at the end of the season. He managed two goals in eight games.
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Got Schrodinger's Villa Calendar going on here. Will he be the first player on the calendar to have left before the end of the month on which he appears, won't he...
(https://i.ibb.co/JrM3jHz/20240626-103718.jpg) (https://ibb.co/JrM3jHz)
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Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
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Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
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Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
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Yep. They play each other in friendlies pretty regularly.
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Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
I'd have thought so. A slightly more obscure fact might be that Brazil's first ever game was against Exeter City.
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Went to Cowdonbeath then not sure after that.
After Cowdenbeath, I don't think there is anywhere else left to go.
Poetic. Love it!
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Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
I'd have thought so. A slightly more obscure fact might be that Brazil's first ever game was against Exeter City.
Not the trickiest of trick questions for such footballingly learned company.
Was the game at St James Park?...
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Went to Cowdonbeath then not sure after that.
After Cowdenbeath, I don't think there is anywhere else left to go.
Wasn't that Morrissey's third studio album.
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What happened to the young Chucky?
Went to Cowdonbeath then not sure after that.
After Cowdenbeath, I don't think there is anywhere else left to go.
They'll be dancing in the streets of Raith.
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i went back to Page 1 of this thread , was feeling nostalgic, nearly 5 years of Doug 🤔
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Only 3 days to go, cutting it a bit fine.
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This seems to have been going on for months! But it’s probably weeks.
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Deadline day for Doug. Super star to sign and complete sensational sale shortly.
https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863 (https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863)
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Deadline day for Doug. Super star to sign and complete sensational sale shortly.
https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863 (https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863)
Watching back those videos reminded me just how good he was at times. I just hope the club know what they're doing and we somehow come out of this better off.
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I am so sad to see Doug leave - feels like a divorce forced on us.
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Deadline day for Doug. Super star to sign and complete sensational sale shortly.
https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863 (https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1806220928050925863)
Watching back those videos reminded me just how good he was at times. I just hope the club know what they're doing and we somehow come out of this better off.
Indeed, he’s a top player and will be very hard to replace.
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I understand it, i'm just gutted about it. We will be worse off without him for sure.
-
Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
Ok, is the Pope a catholic?
-
Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
Ok, is the Pope a catholic?
Corbyn a…
-
Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
Ok, is the Pope a catholic?
Corbyn a…
Tremendous wasted opportunity by this country to for the first time in 40 years install a Prime Minister who was not thatcher continuity and would have actually changed this country for the better, is I think the completion of that sentence that you were looking for. But that's for another thread...
Most people would, of course, have said Newcastle Utd. [QI Klaxon]
-
*shudders*
-
Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
Ok, is the Pope a catholic?
Corbyn a…
Tremendous wasted opportunity by this country to for the first time in 40 years install a Prime Minister who was not thatcher continuity and would have actually changed this country for the better, is I think the completion of that sentence that you were looking for. But that's for another thread...
Most people would, of course, have said Newcastle Utd. [QI Klaxon]
Most people with historical knowledge of football wouldn’t.
-
Most people would, of course, have said Newcastle Utd. [QI Klaxon]
Most people with historical knowledge of football wouldn’t.
Although I iike the way he worked in the second Newcastle red herring, when he knew it was played in Laranjeiras.
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I understand it, i'm just gutted about it. We will be worse off without him for sure.
It's not for sure though. We are all gutted to be losing him but we have some of the best in the business at recruitment. We can come out of this better off.
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When he first arrived I found it hard to see what the fuss was all about. He settled and grew into his role to the point he became integral. Will miss his assured penalty taking apart from his last one. Won't miss his fouling some of which was unnecessary. Always had the feeling he wasn't a stayer and not surprised he's going. I will remember him fondly.
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5 years is a decent shift though. Atleast he’s going abroad.
-
Could easily draw some black stripes on that shirt.
Which English club, whose name begins with N, inspired Juventus to copy their black and white striped shirts?
Notts County. Everybody knows that one, surely?
Ok, is the Pope a catholic?
Corbyn a…
Tremendous wasted opportunity by this country to for the first time in 40 years install a Prime Minister who was not thatcher continuity and would have actually changed this country for the better, is I think the completion of that sentence that you were looking for. But that's for another thread...
Most people would, of course, have said Newcastle Utd. [QI Klaxon]
More or less what I was thinking Martyn.
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I thought the announcement would arrive this morning?
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Off to Juventus apparently.
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Off to Juventus apparently.
I'd heard that rumour.
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But what about his
bird partner?
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Off to Juventus apparently.
Wow that's come out of the blue!
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Off to Juventus apparently.
Wow that's come out of the blue!
Out of the Blue to the Stripeyfilth? Crikey.
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Off to Juventus apparently.
Wow that's come out of the blue!
You will be telling us next that their shirts were inspired by Notts County.
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
Depends on the quality of the pull, although usually I find they are crying.
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
Depends on the quality of the pull, although usually I find they are crying.
Yeah but we're talking about Dogtanian here. From the sounds of it, most of his would be on the poppers and out of the door within 5 minutes of waking up 😉
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He's just a f-ing animal!
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Dougie can’t even get in the Brazil team ahead of Gomes of Wolves. Get rid.
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
Depends on the quality of the pull, although usually I find they are crying.
Yeah but we're talking about Dogtanian here. From the sounds of it, most of his would be on the poppers and out of the door within 5 minutes of waking up 😉
;D
So you can imagine how I feel if they hang about!
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
Depends on the quality of the pull, although usually I find they are crying.
Yeah but we're talking about Dogtanian here. From the sounds of it, most of his would be on the poppers and out of the door within 5 minutes of waking up 😉
;D
So you can imagine how I feel if they hang about!
Haha!
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Maybe those Rolex in the kitbag merchants are about to Guzzunder.
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
I usually find that’s because they’re waiting for their payment 😀
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
I usually find that’s because they’re waiting for their payment 😀
;D You must be flush if you’re going for the overnight fee!
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If the 30 June deadline was missed do you think they’d cancel the whole deal?
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It hasn’t been missed. All paperwork filed. Medicals completed. We met the PSR requirements by the deadline.
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It hasn’t been missed. All paperwork filed. Medicals completed. We met the PSR requirements by the deadline.
Doesn’t Jim Radcliffe have to ratify it though
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Hopefully tomorrow will be the announcement and we can all move on.
At the minute it’s like a Saturday morning waiting for your Friday-night shag to sod off home.
Ha ha that made me lol
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At least somebody is happy with the sale (of the century):
From MEN: 'City inserted a sell-on clause in the deal, believed to be 20 per cent of any future profit Villa make. So if the £42m figure is correct, 20 per cent of Villa's £27m profit would total £5.4m to boost City's budget.'
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It hasn’t been missed. All paperwork filed. Medicals completed. We met the PSR requirements by the deadline.
Doesn’t Jim Radcliffe have to ratify it though
You may have a point there Mr Beard.
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At least somebody is happy with the sale (of the century):
From MEN: 'City inserted a sell-on clause in the deal, believed to be 20 per cent of any future profit Villa make. So if the £42m figure is correct, 20 per cent of Villa's £27m profit would total £5.4m to boost City's budget.'
This also explains why we are doing this as a separate deal not an exchange. Manchester City have far more reason to be aggrieved than Man United, do.
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Fuck them both...
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Well, sure. Can't disagree with that.
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At least somebody is happy with the sale (of the century):
From MEN: 'City inserted a sell-on clause in the deal, believed to be 20 per cent of any future profit Villa make. So if the £42m figure is correct, 20 per cent of Villa's £27m profit would total £5.4m to boost City's budget.'
This also explains why we are doing this as a separate deal not an exchange. Manchester City have far more reason to be aggrieved than Man United, do.
I'm not sure how it works. Someone told me that it's 20% of his book value.
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Ah okay, ta. I did wonder why nonody was making a fuss about that.
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20% of the profit? He signed for £15m and is selling for £25m, that's a profit of £10m and a £2m payout, isn't it? This maths stuff is all beyond me.
If there's still PSR concerns this should be done and dusted today, it's been an actual transfer "saga" and one of the more reported upon pieces of our dealings in recent times, it shows how Juve like to do there work as I'm sure not much would have leaked from our end.
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Still not done then.
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Not announced at any rate. I wonder if the paperwork is complete but as he's at the Copa, they are waiting.
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20% of the profit? He signed for £15m and is selling for £25m, that's a profit of £10m and a £2m payout, isn't it? This maths stuff is all beyond me.
If there's still PSR concerns this should be done and dusted today, it's been an actual transfer "saga" and one of the more reported upon pieces of our dealings in recent times, it shows how Juve like to do there work as I'm sure not much would have leaked from our end.
£42m, depending on the exchange rate. €50m.
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https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1807372131971350798?t=VI7J2JQgSnAlehpN4_2l_A&s=19
Should go through today as expected, apparently.
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Still gutted about this, we would have laughed Juve out of town if it wasn't for PSR. Excited to see what the new guys bring though.
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Enzo and Sammy look pleased.
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Touch of Jason DeRulo about Sammy, I think?
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Juventus have been making hints about the announcement on their social media.
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Still gutted about this, we would have laughed Juve out of town if it wasn't for PSR. Excited to see what the new guys bring though.
Yeah, agreed to both.
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Bye Doug. Official
https://x.com/avfcofficial/status/1807391300196397560?s=46
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Crazy. Genuinely strange that he'll never play for us again, just like that.
All the best Dougie.
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Players come and players go.
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Bye DG6, genuinely wish him the best. Been outstanding, shame we weren’t allowed to keep him.
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Players come and players go.
Obviously. This one just feels weird somehow. Not devastating, just a bit odd.
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It’s a sad day that we were forced to do this. He helped us go from being relegation candidates to CL participants. At times just sublime. Gave us some superb moments to remember him by. Best of luck Doug, except when we play you in the CL final.
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Aston Villa can confirm that Douglas Luiz has joined Juventus.
After starting his career with Vasco da Gama in his native Brazil, the midfielder signed for Villa in the summer of 2019.
He went on to spend five seasons in claret and blue, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League and UEFA Champions League in consecutive seasons.
At the end of the 2022/23 campaign, he was also voted the club’s Players’ Player and Supporters’ Player of the Season.
Luiz made his senior international debut for Brazil during his time at Villa Park, winning a gold medal with his country at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
He departs Villa having racked up over 150 appearances for the club.
(https://img.gc.avfcservices.co.uk/fit-in/1400x1400/1c5be070-33c2-11ef-b855-a76e1774b7da.jpg)
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Last season when Emi and Tyrone sustained season long injuries we rightly could have thought that's it our season is done but Unai didn't let that pull us off track. We could easily lose Dougie in a similar way if he had stayed however he's leaving in a way that helps the club and on the pitch we'll be fine.
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I'm in a glass case of emotion.
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I thought the club might have been able to say a few more words of praise in its official statement, perhaps a bit of a thank you, and a few good wishes.
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I thought the club might have been able to say a few more words of praise in its official statement, perhaps a bit of a thank you, and a few good wishes.
There will probably be a follow up Tweet with highlights. I'm not referring to any of his hairstyles.
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Fucking FFP...
I wish him good luck though. Pleased he wont be playing against us...
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His going isn't just FPP related though, is it? Didn't someone say on here that he wanted to go? He was offered a new contract which he made clear he wasn't going to sign.
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I thought the club might have been able to say a few more words of praise in its official statement, perhaps a bit of a thank you, and a few good wishes.
There is, on the OS.
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Fucking FFP...
I wish him good luck though. Pleased he wont be playing against us...
One of our 8 games in the Champions League will be against them, you can bet on it.
Good luck Doug. Helped us through the Covid years and helped establish us back in the top flight, then into Europe, then into the Champions League. All while signing a new contract when everyone thought he was off.
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Good luck Douglas, played well for the most part but I have to say, other than the first part of this season, I thought he was a bit too lacking in physicality for us, that said, not his game and he played in a role that really didn't suit his style. Needs replacing with a similarly classed midfielder, not Barkley or Enzo to be fair. Excited to see what Villa do. Played better for Villa under Unai.
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Good luck Dougie, but I just have this horrible feeling he'll be back over here within 2 years playing for Spurs, Chelsea or someone equally horrific.
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I thought the club might have been able to say a few more words of praise in its official statement, perhaps a bit of a thank you, and a few good wishes.
There will probably be a follow up Tweet with highlights. I'm not referring to any of his hairstyles.
And here it is....
https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/1807393648537108879?t=vsJGjz_7scfU7HfROFpM8Q&s=19
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That’s bought a tear to my eye.
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A player who has grown in Premier League status along with the club and who has come on leaps-and-bounds under Emery.
Whilst sad to see him go, I'd like to think that this departure has been long planned for. Even if FFP wasn't a factor, there's often been paper talk about other clubs sniffing around. It'll be interesting to see the first choice midfield line-up come August.
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Good player for us and would rather he was staying, but his mind did seem to be elsewhere towards the end of the season and he clearly wasn’t playing well. Shame really that a player wants to go when we are in the best place we’ve been as a club for donkeys years.
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Crazy. Genuinely strange that he'll never play for us again, just like that.
All the best Dougie.
I remember someone having a real go at me around January time whenever I'd post the rumours of Dougie to Arsenal or whoever, like I was doom posting or shitting my pants at the mere mention of a "bigger" club coming in for him. Not what I was doing, for the record, but I really didn't think he'd leave. Especially not after the second half of the season when we kept up with the rest of them and got that CL place. It's a weird one alright, feels both out of the blue and in hindsight something that's been coming for a while.
Still, wish him all the best. I hope we batter them in the CL when we inevitably draw them.
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Good luck to him. He's been great. It feels so much better that he's going abroad than to an Arsenal etc.
Thanks for the memories
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Good luck to him. He's been great. It feels so much better that he's going abroad than to an Arsenal etc.
Thanks for the memories
My thoughts too. I’d of hated seeing him in another shirt here.
You’ve been great Dougie, bloody ace. All the best.
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A really good player who was sensational for us at times. It's a shame he's gone, but I'm hopeful we won't feel it too much (and his drop off in standard at the back end of last season makes this all feel less painful).
5 years, of improvement in him, and in us. It's a good deal.
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His going isn't just FPP related though, is it? Didn't someone say on here that he wanted to go? He was offered a new contract which he made clear he wasn't going to sign.
Yes, i also think based on the timing, if it had not have been Luiz it would have been someone else.
I think the club might also be ok with losing the girlfriend drama.
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A good player and seemingly a nice lad. Sorry to see him go.
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All the best dougie - thanks for everything. Has been a pleasure watching him and the team grow over the last 5 years.
Much as it seems to suit all parties, sad to see him go but have nothing but good words for him, particularly as it has been forced on us. The fact he is going abroad softens the blow somewhat.
In the first half of last season, his levels were phenomenal. I think he has more to grow and Juve are getting a great player.
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Players come and players go.
I’ve got nothing but good words to say about Luiz, he’s been great for us but we move on. I’ve no doubt we’ll be signing a replacement in the coming weeks.
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Good luck Dougie....a class act. Stupid PSR rules have forced our hand.
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A really good player who was sensational for us at times. It's a shame he's gone, but I'm hopeful we won't feel it too much (and his drop off in standard at the back end of last season makes this all feel less painful).
5 years, of improvement in him, and in us. It's a good deal.
That sums it up for me. Very best of luck to him, other than if/when he plays us.
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One of our most important players since he joined five years ago. Dont think we will miss him much as we seems to build strong and that says much of us pt that we not are dependent on a one player with world class ability. Thanks for all Dougie as brilliant player you have been for us and good luck in Italy - the "catch the eye - fashion" culture should also suit you.
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So of our current starters, who's on penalty duty?
Watkins is always likely to be on the pitch, but he never seems convincing to me.
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See ya!
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Thank you Doug. We've loved watching you.
All the best.
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So of our current starters, who's on penalty duty?
McGinn.
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So any news on Illing-J and the Argentinian or are we not bothering with them now?
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They will all sign July 1st. As early as tomorrow, but certainly this week those two players plus Barkley will be confirmed.
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Good luck Dougie and thanks for the five years at Villa.
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Best Wishes to Luiz & Lehman .
Next .
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This felt like a shitty deal when it was first mooted.
And still feels like a shitty deal.
PSR yada yada yada.
But it should hurt Juve (or any other side) if they want to aquire one of our best players.
Instead, they've ponied up two reserves and not much money. Well just about enough to cover a Chuck or Kellyman.
Doesn't feel right at all.
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Fucking FFP...
I wish him good luck though. Pleased he wont be playing against us...
There is a chance that we could play them in CL.
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He'll be missed. On his day there are few better. Thanks Dougie.
I'm expecting him to start shooting again and regularly score goals like his first one for us.
What a man!
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
It feels like a strange time to want to leave though, Villa having just qualified for the CL. Perhaps he just fancied a change. What I can’t shake though is the feeling that we’ve been rewarded for qualifying for CL by essentially being coerced into selling a key player and our main penalty kick taker to meet some arbitrary financial target, at a time when really we should be strengthening. We’ve even been moaned at for making the best of it in terms of transfers elsewhere.
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
Yep it made the decision to meet PSR needs a lot easier.
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
Yep it made the decision to meet PSR needs a lot easier.
Yeah, I'd assume we'd have tried to offload some others before Dougie if he hadn't actually wanted to go.
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Good luck , played a role for us but 5 years in modern football is an age and I always felt he would move to the continent.
Not the first good player we have ever lost, at least this time you can feel confidant that a replacement or two will come in and hopefully hit the ground running.
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Good luck Dougie and thanks
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Good luck Dougie and thanks for the memories.
Let’s see how we replace a player with his proven quality
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Good luck Dougie and thanks for the memories.
Let’s see how we replace a player with his proven quality
Big test for Monchi. If both Illing and Enzo turn out to be first teamers than we will have done very well. If not, £20mish is robbery for a player of Luiz’s quality.
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Gutted to see him go. One of my favourite players, hope to see him back one day.
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Thanks for everything, Doug. All the best!
🫡
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Douglas Luiz on Instagram:
“The time has come to say see you soon, Villa Park. I want to start by thanking everyone (club, players, fans & staff). This was a place where I felt at home — you fans made an impact on my career & you will never be forgotten by me. I will miss you! I hope I made you very proud. You can be sure that I always tried to give my best version — as a player & as a human being. It was 5 years of many joys, celebrations, struggles, learning, games, fun & many other things. Now I will continue my life at another club, but my fans & passion for you will never fade. Thank you for everything Aston Villa.”
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Thanks for everything, Doug. All the best!
🫡
Same here.
Good luck
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Douglas Luiz on Instagram:
“The time has come to say see you soon, Villa Park. I want to start by thanking everyone (club, players, fans & staff). This was a place where I felt at home — you fans made an impact on my career & you will never be forgotten by me. I will miss you! I hope I made you very proud. You can be sure that I always tried to give my best version — as a player & as a human being. It was 5 years of many joys, celebrations, struggles, learning, games, fun & many other things. Now I will continue my life at another club, but my fans & passion for you will never fade. Thank you for everything Aston Villa.”
It’s a nice message but with most players doing this sort of message when they leave I do wonder how much is planned PR by agent/club and how much is from the heart (not saying it isn’t, just seems everyone does a message about how special it was nowadays)
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At his 3rd attempt he got his move away, of course it's just PR bollocks. I wish him well as a person but we move on with players that actually want to be here.
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Good luck Dougie and thanks for the memories.
Let’s see how we replace a player with his proven quality
Big test for Monchi. If both Illing and Enzo turn out to be first teamers than we will have done very well. If not, £20mish is robbery for a player of Luiz’s quality.
I agree. We’ll see in time. I trust both Emery and Monchi. We’ll get some wrong (and this could be one of them) but as long as we get more right than wrong, that’s ok.
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Douglas Luiz on Instagram:
“The time has come to say see you soon, Villa Park. I want to start by thanking everyone (club, players, fans & staff). This was a place where I felt at home — you fans made an impact on my career & you will never be forgotten by me. I will miss you! I hope I made you very proud. You can be sure that I always tried to give my best version — as a player & as a human being. It was 5 years of many joys, celebrations, struggles, learning, games, fun & many other things. Now I will continue my life at another club, but my fans & passion for you will never fade. Thank you for everything Aston Villa.”
It’s a nice message but with most players doing this sort of message when they leave I do wonder how much is planned PR by agent/club and how much is from the heart (not saying it isn’t, just seems everyone does a message about how special it was nowadays)
At least he didn’t say this was his club etc, etc and then p**s off not long after.
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Wishing him all the best but apart from the last year or so ( under the auspices of an exceptional manager) he’s been adequate and nothing more prior to that.
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Wishing him all the best but apart from the last year or so ( under the auspices of an exceptional manager) he’s been adequate and nothing more prior to that.
Yep. Hence the fee and why Emery allowed him to go.
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At his 3rd attempt he got his move away, of course it's just PR bollocks. I wish him well as a person but we move on with players that actually want to be here.
It’s not necessarily PR bollocks. I don’t know the first time you’re referring to, but the second one the circumstances were different. I think the sentiment is perfectly plausible.
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If he doesn't want to be here (and her) fuck them off (as we have).
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Yawn.
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I think Luiz may have gone irrespective of PSR, but the significance of the date indicates it was certainly in our interests to sell before the end of the month. A few people on here were confident we didn't have to sell before July 1st but that looks well wide of the mark.
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I think Luiz may have gone irrespective of PSR, but the significance of the date indicates it was certainly in our interests to sell before the end of the month. A few people on here were confident we didn't have to sell before July 1st but that looks well wide of the mark.
You have to also allow for our deal with Chelsea which was a net spend of say £18.5m
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If he doesn't want to be here (and her) fuck them off (as we have).
Has there been any confirmation that she's going too or is it all just speculation because they're a couple?
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If he doesn't want to be here (and her) fuck them off (as we have).
Has there been any confirmation that she's going too or is it all just speculation because they're a couple?
Apologies I thought I read on here they were both going .
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^I've seen it other places too, but it all seems to be based purely on the fact they're a couple. I've seen nothing that comes from either club or player.
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If he doesn't want to be here (and her) fuck them off (as we have).
Has there been any confirmation that she's going too or is it all just speculation because they're a couple?
A few Tweets saying she's signed for Juve along with an Everton player, but no real massive accounts.
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shame he's gone but lets be truthful, half a season of good consistent football really.
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Not really. For 12 months of Unai’s time he was exceptional - as in one of the very best in the league. His form definitely dropped for 6 months, but he was covering a position that isn’t his best. Before that there were plenty of good times and he was key to our improvement.
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Not really. For 12 months of Unai’s time he was exceptional - as in one of the very best in the league. His form definitely dropped for 6 months, but he was covering a position that isn’t his best. Before that there were plenty of good times and he was key to our improvement.
Yep, before Emery came in there were flashes of brilliance but it needed better coaching and the right player alongside him to bring it out but even with that said he was with us for 5 seasons and was consistently improving all the time which is exactly what you'd want and expect of a guy who was 21 and had never played in England before.
In the same time we've gone from the 4th worst team in the league to the 4th best and he along with 2-3 others has been at the heart of that improvement and I find it really strange that so many people can't or won't see that.
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shame he's gone but lets be truthful, half a season of good consistent football really.
Agreed. I think as he's Brazilian people get a bit carried away.
He had 12 months with Emery that were really good then it fell away again . Sounds like he wanted out so maybe that was a contributing factor. He was good but will quickly be forgotten. All the best though.
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I repeat, yawn.
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I’m definitely in the camp of, he’ll be a huge miss. I’ve always really rated him and think he was absolutely superb for 12 months when UE came in. Having said that, I think we’re in a better position to both cope and replace him so we will move on and survive but anything other than thinking it’s a real blow, seems off the mark to me.
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Have the signings the other way been confirmed?
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
I'm not sure that's right.
He might not have jumped on the last renewal offer for a variety of reasons. He might have wanted parity (or better) than Phil and Lucas Digne , for example. Not totally unreasonable, considering he was more important to our progression and style of play than they were.
He might have wanted a lowish release clause, in the event that we did a Villa and followed up a very good season with a season of drift.
It's never the full story, true. But all the interviews given over the last six months or so indicate he relished the increased responsibility and leadership role he had in the side. Rather than a player ripping to get away at the first opportunity.
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Good luck and best wishes to him. Wish he could have stayed with us as I really rate him.
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Have the signings the other way been confirmed?
Nope.
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Thanks for the memories Dougie.
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His performances in the games after lockdown were key to our survival that season. As key as any player, including Grealish & Trez. After that he went back to being hit & miss for 18 months. But for 12 months, alongside Kamara he was exceptional.
We got him relatively cheap, he's served us well & now wants to try a new environment. I hope he does well, unless it's against us.
I expect Emery to bring in an upgrade.
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Didn't somebody post recently that he's been sat on a new contract offer for months, but wanted out. PSR or not he would likely have always been going.
I'm not sure that's right.
He might not have jumped on the last renewal offer for a variety of reasons. He might have wanted parity (or better) than Phil and Lucas Digne , for example. Not totally unreasonable, considering he was more important to our progression and style of play than they were.
He might have wanted a lowish release clause, in the event that we did a Villa and followed up a very good season with a season of drift.
It's never the full story, true. But all the interviews given over the last six months or so indicate he relished the increased responsibility and leadership role he had in the side. Rather than a player ripping to get away at the first opportunity.
Yes it was Vinnie Chase.
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I think Luiz may have gone irrespective of PSR, but the significance of the date indicates it was certainly in our interests to sell before the end of the month. A few people on here were confident we didn't have to sell before July 1st but that looks well wide of the mark.
You have to also allow for our deal with Chelsea which was a net spend of say £18.5m
Maatsen can be amortised over 5 or 6 years. Luiz's proceeds can be booked all in one go for the financial year just ended (minus Citeh's sell-on).
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I think Luiz may have gone irrespective of PSR, but the significance of the date indicates it was certainly in our interests to sell before the end of the month. A few people on here were confident we didn't have to sell before July 1st but that looks well wide of the mark.
I think some journos got a lot of criticism on here, but when there is that much smoke, most of the time there is some sort of fire.
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Best of luck to him unless we play them in the Champions League.
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Yeah, watch us go and get drawn against them now.
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The fact we asked for the 3 years losses to be increased by £30m was evidence that was the size of the gap we needed to fill. We may have been much closer to the target had we not needed to bring in Lenglet & Zaniolo as emergency cover.
We'll never know, but I suspect Luiz was going to leave this summer regardless.
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When you see Elliott Anderson going to Forest for £35m it does make you look at this deal a bit. Hope Enzo and Illing-Junior are good!
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When you see Elliott Anderson going to Forest for £35m it does make you look at this deal a bit. Hope Enzo and Illing-Junior are good!
It's a worry, if so we've really messed up with Dougie's valuation.
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Good luck to the lad - I liked him for most of the time and felt that he became integral to our playing style.
We move on.
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When you see Elliott Anderson going to Forest for £35m it does make you look at this deal a bit. Hope Enzo and Illing-Junior are good!
It's a worry, if so we've really messed up with Dougie's valuation.
Not really. Arbitrary figures that mean low valuations on the two players incoming, meaning lower amortisation costs on our books going forward, and (possibly) less money for Man City, if that clause really exists.
Basically, swings and roundabouts engineered to suit our accounts.
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Yeah, watch us go and get drawn against them now.
At least we should get a plethora of free kicks on the edge of their box ;)
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When you see Elliott Anderson going to Forest for £35m it does make you look at this deal a bit. Hope Enzo and Illing-Junior are good!
Or that the fundamentals of the player valuation structure are evolving in response to FFP.
Last year it was all about €100m midfielders. Not this year, it would seem.
Thanks and all the best Dougie, I enjoyed watching you in a Villa shirt.
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Crikey! The Pravda announcements (Twitter, website) are perfunctory. Was it want-away Luiz rather than financial obligation?
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Crikey! The Pravda announcements (Twitter, website) are perfunctory. Was it want-away Luiz rather than financial obligation?
Six of one half a dozen of the other in my view. If VinnieC is to be believed he was stalling on a contract offer but we maybe needed to fill a small PSR hole so all tings being equal it suited all parties. I think he’s a loss but I’m totally over getting upset about players leaving these days so we move on.
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The only one i'd regret losing now is Martinez. Possibly McGinn too.
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Crikey! The Pravda announcements (Twitter, website) are perfunctory. Was it want-away Luiz rather than financial obligation?
There was a later video uploaded with all his "best bits" with Pravda kissing him goodbye.
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I'll miss him, we'll miss him, but we'll be fine in the long run. I thank him for everything, I've loved watching him grow with us. He should have been nearer £80m for me, but guess circumstances and all that!
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I enjoyed watching him, a fine player on his day. He hit some of the best passes I've seen since Sid Cowans, I can pay him no higher compliment. Good luck.
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I'll miss him, we'll miss him, but we'll be fine in the long run. I thank him for everything, I've loved watching him grow with us. He should have been nearer £80m for me, but guess circumstances and all that!
It shows what an utter crock of shit PSR is when you have to sell a key player and asset for far lower than market value. That sounds like the total opposite of anything to do with profit or sustainability.
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I'll miss him, we'll miss him, but we'll be fine in the long run. I thank him for everything, I've loved watching him grow with us. He should have been nearer £80m for me, but guess circumstances and all that!
It shows what an utter crock of shit PSR is when you have to sell a key player and asset for far lower than market value. That sounds like the total opposite of anything to do with profit or sustainability.
How is it below market value ? A lump of cash plus 2 decent players ? Sounds about right .
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I will miss Doug, he brought class, awareness, excitement and cracking penalties to our steady improvement under Emery. I’m really glad he’s not elsewhere in the Premier League! Good luck to him.
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He was a bit too good-looking though.
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He was a bit too good-looking though.
I think he knew this, so he tried hampering himself with his hair by the end.
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Will miss his smile...
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He was a bit too good-looking though.
I think he knew this, so he tried hampering himself with his hair by the end.
Been there myself. 8)
In the end, I had to thin my hair out, develop crows feet, and live off takeaways in order to give the other fellas a chance.
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I tried that but it didn't seem to work.
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I'll miss him, we'll miss him, but we'll be fine in the long run. I thank him for everything, I've loved watching him grow with us. He should have been nearer £80m for me, but guess circumstances and all that!
It shows what an utter crock of shit PSR is when you have to sell a key player and asset for far lower than market value. That sounds like the total opposite of anything to do with profit or sustainability.
How is it below market value ? A lump of cash plus 2 decent players ? Sounds about right .
Indeed. From the FFP thread:
Interesting that the fees involved seem on the low side.
£42M for Luiz, Iling Jr £12M, Berrenchea £7M, when all the talk was around £60M for Luiz, and £20M each for the 2 players coming in.
I'm no accounting expert, but i reckon some deal was done to keep the figures relatively low between the 2 clubs.
Same as the deal with Everton for Tim and Dobbin.
As the saying goes, turnover is vanity, profit is sanity (and Matty Cash is reality).
Keeping the Dougie fee low would minimise any slice of the pie to Man City.
Ignoring add ons presumably, that reads £23m profit, keeps the spending down across the contract period lengths.
Presuming we got enough in to balance part years books, then it’s about keeping spending low on the years ahead, so better sell for £42m and buy for £12m & £7m, than sell £62m and buy £22m and £17m which if their potential is good might have been more realistic prices.
Rather than feeling Dougie undervalued, it seems we might be playing a blinder within the rules here, deals suiting Villa, Juve, Chelsea, Everton, clearly a lot of work gone in to get this right.
Wrong thread really, but my only worry is filing the UEFA quota for 4 club developed players https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homegrown_Player_Rule_(UEFA) and whether/how much Philogene would have cost to bring back, but presumably not an area we needed to sadly.
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We have Archer back now don't we ?
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Archer- I doubt for long, but be interesting what Unai does.
Also obviously the Dougie deal was cooked up well in advance, and we didn’t strengthen a domestic rival with him, but worked cooperatively with a non-domestic rival. Finally I’m prepared to read it that we might have done better to get the Baron who wasn’t their first choice to release, especially as the DM was the position in need.
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The brilliant thing about this is that now we're back among the big boys where we belong, we can sell a really cracking player without everybody wanting to jump out of a window.
We've got loads of 'em.
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Douglas Luiz on Instagram:
“The time has come to say see you soon, Villa Park. I want to start by thanking everyone (club, players, fans & staff). This was a place where I felt at home — you fans made an impact on my career & you will never be forgotten by me. I will miss you! I hope I made you very proud. You can be sure that I always tried to give my best version — as a player & as a human being. It was 5 years of many joys, celebrations, struggles, learning, games, fun & many other things. Now I will continue my life at another club, but my fans & passion for you will never fade. Thank you for everything Aston Villa.”
This means nothing. He wanted to get away and was hoping for Arsenal but that didn't happen so he is happy to join a shite club. They are all same. Once they have left Villa fuck em.
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The brilliant thing about this is that now we're back among the big boys where we belong, we can sell a really cracking player without everybody wanting to jump out of a window.
We've got loads of 'em.
This is actually a really good point. It's never good losing one of your better players, and it will never be something we can simply shrug off, but our squad is about as strong as it's ever been, to the extent that losing someone as good as Dougie is (hopefully) not going to affect us too much at all.
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Douglas Luiz on Instagram:
“The time has come to say see you soon, Villa Park. I want to start by thanking everyone (club, players, fans & staff). This was a place where I felt at home — you fans made an impact on my career & you will never be forgotten by me. I will miss you! I hope I made you very proud. You can be sure that I always tried to give my best version — as a player & as a human being. It was 5 years of many joys, celebrations, struggles, learning, games, fun & many other things. Now I will continue my life at another club, but my fans & passion for you will never fade. Thank you for everything Aston Villa.”
This means nothing. He wanted to get away and was hoping for Arsenal but that didn't happen so he is happy to join a shite club. They are all same. Once they have left Villa fuck em.
He has to say something and what he’s said is what you’d expect where there is no animosity. He’s been good for us, we’ve been good for him and his development. He doesn’t know it yet but he will look back at some point in the future and realise that his time at Villa was the best part of his career.
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The brilliant thing about this is that now we're back among the big boys where we belong, we can sell a really cracking player without everybody wanting to jump out of a window.
We've got loads of 'em.
Yes, and lots of them are the much parroted ‘pure profit’. It’s what annoyed about everybody mindlessly repeating the press narrative that it had to be JJ.
Tielemans, Kamara, McGinn, Martinez, Watkins, Konsa, Cash and of course Luiz have been here long enough to fall into that category now, and they will be joined/replaced by the current intake as long as they do well and stay for a few years.
As long as we buy good players at the right age we’ve got nothing to worry about.
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^^ Sorted.
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One of my favourite Luiz moments and it will stick with me was his work in the goal at Brighton (1-1) in the great escape season. Brilliant pass to set the goal up , cue bedlem behind the the goal.
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Really improved after Covid and played a big part in us staying up.
Deano's failure to bring in a CDM meant Doug was often played out of position.
His form dipped under Gerrard (whose didn't?) but for almost a year under Unai, played in the right place, his form was like a dream.
It seems pretty clear that his failure to sign the new contract made it easy for the owners to decide which major player would depart this summer to balance the books.
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Missed his last two important penalties now.
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Dougie benched again.
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Apparently they’ve taken him off corners because he keeps shooting from them.
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The deal seems abit strange as we loaned both our ones out and dougie cant get a start there. I know it was needed for FFP but so far hasnt benefitted either club for the players coming in
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I think it was a straightforward enough deal as far as Juventus were concerned. It just seems that so far, he hasn't played well enough to get much of a run for them. I don't know much about their other options, eg if it's like Tielemans for us last year where he had an established pairing in front of him, or if it's just that Doug has continued his most recent Villa form with them, ie shite.
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I think it was a straightforward enough deal as far as Juventus were concerned. It just seems that so far, he hasn't played well enough to get much of a run for them. I don't know much about their other options, eg if it's like Tielemans for us last year where he had an established pairing in front of him, or if it's just that Doug has continued his most recent Villa form with them, ie shite.
They also bought Thuram and Koopmeiners in the summer, Thuram is better at the defensive bit than DL and Koopmeiners is better at the attacking bit. And they have Locatelli who does the bit-of-both stuff that DL used to do for us, so there's no really much of a role for him. All three of those are easily DL's equal in terms of how good they are.
The slightly odd one is how McKennie is still getting games for them ahead of him - given they were so keen to give him to us in order to sign DL.
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I think it was a straightforward enough deal as far as Juventus were concerned. It just seems that so far, he hasn't played well enough to get much of a run for them. I don't know much about their other options, eg if it's like Tielemans for us last year where he had an established pairing in front of him, or if it's just that Doug has continued his most recent Villa form with them, ie shite.
I thiught mckennie was the player keeping dougie out ( i might be wrong) but if thats the case abit if a worry for doug as mckennie is shite
Youri has really stepped up though aince doug left
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Perhaps he needs a Kamara next to him.
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Also, he was apparently really bad against Empoli the other week, and has been hung out to dry by Motta in the Italian press this week for his performance.
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Also, he was apparently really bad against Empoli the other week, and has been hung out to dry by Motta in the Italian press this week for his performance.
Thats pretty poor if true. I do wonder if dougie wishes he stayed here.
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Also, he was apparently really bad against Empoli the other week, and has been hung out to dry by Motta in the Italian press this week for his performance.
Thats pretty poor if true.
Maybe, maybe not. Different people react differently to different things.
I can easily believe that the thing that will make DL better is "pull your socks up and be better" over "keep going champ, you got this".
On his record so far, Motta appears to have the knack of judging this stuff pretty well.
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Going by Vidagany's comments Dougie was going to be sold this summer whatever happened.
They were just a bit miffed at the price they had to settle for.
I don't take the fact that he wasn't prepared to sign a new contract earlier in the year as proof positive he wanted out. And it's not as if had we waited until next summer when he only had one year left on his existing agreement that we'd have been a whole lot worse off - going by the deal we eventually did complete.
But Villa stopped listening to me on financial matters a long time ago.
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Watch him have his one good game of the season against us.
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He won’t even start against us.
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He won’t even start against us.
Alot can change by then
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We’ll get him back for next to nothing next summer, and train him up to be the Tielemans replacement for the season after, when we’ll sell Youri for £30m just before his legs go.
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I hope he does well for his sake, he's a good lad and he was good for us, but before Emery arrived he was talented but inconsistent and a bit of a curate's egg as a defensive midfielder not really very good at defending.
I think we did very well out of the deal despite not getting what we'd hoped for due to FFP.
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Surprisingly we don't seem to have missed him.
I had concerns, but what a transformation our midfield has had this summer - stronger without Luiz & Kamara, did not think I'd see that for a long time.
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Ì think with Emerys coaching he could make me look like a £50m midfielder, and I am 62yrs old.
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I hope he does well for his sake, he's a good lad and he was good for us, but before Emery arrived he was talented but inconsistent and a bit of a curate's egg as a defensive midfielder not really very good at defending.
I think we did very well out of the deal despite not getting what we'd hoped for due to FFP.
I do too. I love dougie and thank him for everything
Id take him back in a heart beat if Juventus put him up for sale in summer
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Genuinely think he would have difficulty taking Tielemans place atm
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I hope he does well for his sake, he's a good lad and he was good for us, but before Emery arrived he was talented but inconsistent and a bit of a curate's egg as a defensive midfielder not really very good at defending.
I think we did very well out of the deal despite not getting what we'd hoped for due to FFP.
Yeah I wish him well. He’s been a big favourite of mine since we signed him. It’s a shame he had to play out of position for most of the time he was here. He was a very capable six and was fantastic at times in that role, but watching him play further up the pitch the last season and a half was a joy.
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Genuinely think he would have difficulty taking Tielemans place atm
For sure he wouldnt be automatic starter but rotation/competition would be great foe everyone
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Ì think with Emerys coaching he could make me look like a £50m midfielder, and I am 62yrs old.
The optimism of youth!
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Much as I love Doug, Tielemans' current level is very clearly higher.
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Ì think with Emerys coaching he could make me look like a £50m midfielder, and I am 62yrs old.
Absolutely , just needs t help me up first 💪👀
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I hope he does well for his sake, he's a good lad and he was good for us, but before Emery arrived he was talented but inconsistent and a bit of a curate's egg as a defensive midfielder not really very good at defending.
I think we did very well out of the deal despite not getting what we'd hoped for due to FFP.
I do too. I love dougie and thank him for everything
Id take him back in a heart beat if Juventus put him up for sale in summer
Me too, and I think they could be tempted by a relatively modest offer, given the way it’s going.
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But then we would have to get Lehman back as well....
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I watched him in action against Cagliari. He was the deepest lying CM. The game was played at near walking pace and his job seemed to be recycling the ball and ticking everything over. He did this well but was rarely troubled defensively. He brought a good save out of the keeper and generally looked decent in a very bland game.
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I watched him in action against Cagliari. He was the deepest lying CM. The game was played at near walking pace and his job seemed to be recycling the ball and ticking everything over. He did this well but was rarely troubled defensively. He brought a good save out of the keeper and generally looked decent in a very bland game.
It seems like they're to push him into that deeper role, it's almost like they didn't watch him for the last 18months and notice he's far better when he has a bit of a license to find space.
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I don't care. I don't pine for him, I don't dislike him, nor begrudge him a move there. We upgraded, I think, and saved ourselves financially in doing so.
We miss some of his passing and set pieces, but not his petulance, and whilst his price seemed cheap, I don't think it matters.
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But then we would have to get Lehman back as well....
We dont know for sure about that.
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https://www.astonvilla.news/analysis/incredible-insight-into-aston-villa-hero-douglas-luiz-at-juventus-how-he-trains-badly-isnt-wanted/
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"...if it were true that Douglas Luiz is a player who has little desire to train and to commit, Juventus should have known about it in time, not discovered it once he arrived in Turin”.
Well I very much doubt they would have seen it as I can't see Emery accepting it. Although I guess alternatively it is maybe why Emery would have been more willing to let him go? Pure conjecture. I'm spitballing.
Edit: Sorry, forgot, OR they don't know shit and the article is bollocks.
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I still think he was told he was moving and I think that linked to his drop in form.
I dont think he wanted to move - particularly as his gf was here. To all intense and purposes it does look like it was part of a firesale for FFP, like Tim and Omar(?) to raise the money needed
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He was offered a contract extension towards the end of 2023 IIRC.
When they couldn't agree/ DL declined we decided to cash in.
There was a lot of chat about Monchi going to Barcelona towards the end of last season to negotiate for their centre half Ronald Araujo. The cost of doing just a straight deal there would've been prohibitive, so it's likely DL was part of the conversation.
I still maintain the eventual deal we did was a poor one, even allowing for the circumstances. He was our best outfield player last year.
He's a good player. If Juventus can't get the best out of him some other side will. Just hope it's not the likes of West Ham, Tottingham or that sort.
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Even with not signing the contract extension then I'm not sure he *definitely* wanted out.
Most players and their agents won't agree to the first deal offered.
He would've known as well he was in a stronger position the longer he left it - and if we had a poor year this season and he decided to move this summer - it would be easier.
From everything the player himself said he sounded like he was looking forward to taking the next step in the CL with us.
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Nah, I don't buy it sorry. He wanted to move on and I don't blame him, but I think he'll continue to struggle to hit the heights he only did here under Emery.
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Especially with out big Boub next to him. Old Best Western McKennie isn't in the same quality.
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I did wonder if his streaming antics might have upset Emery slightly. In one stream he had all the players around his house including some climbing through the window, and also stated on stream some team news about injuries etc.
I'm sure sometime towards the end of last season Unai also about some players not as committed as they should be. The obvious thought was for Duran but I also thought it might have been Luiz then due to the massive drop in form.
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I imagine that he wasn't desperate to leave and we weren't desperate to force him out. But at the same time, he didn't mind moving on and we had obvious PSR benefits if he was open to it.
I think most footballers these days accept that they're a job where they get very well paid, and being shunted around from club to club is fine as long as the clubs involved make it worth their financial (and to some extent, sporting) while.
He's probably fine with it all. We're definitely fine with it - for all the discussion in the summer about whether Onana is an upgrade or a downgrade, I'm 100% certain that Emery sees him as an upgrade. If it turns out that Juventus want to move him on at a loss in a year or two, I'm pretty sure we'd be interested.
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I did wonder if his streaming antics might have upset Emery slightly. In one stream he had all the players around his house including some climbing through the window, and also stated on stream some team news about injuries etc.
Might have been a factor, it was only because of Dougie that I discovered there was such a thing as Twitch.
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I eould take him back in a heartbeat. Luiz and onana in same midfield would be filth
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I imagine that he wasn't desperate to leave and we weren't desperate to force him out. But at the same time, he didn't mind moving on and we had obvious PSR benefits if he was open to it.
I think most footballers these days accept that they're a job where they get very well paid, and being shunted around from club to club is fine as long as the clubs involved make it worth their financial (and to some extent, sporting) while.
He's probably fine with it all. We're definitely fine with it - for all the discussion in the summer about whether Onana is an upgrade or a downgrade, I'm 100% certain that Emery sees him as an upgrade. If it turns out that Juventus want to move him on at a loss in a year or two, I'm pretty sure we'd be interested.
I doubt Emery looks at it as a direct comparison but rather how the midfield as a group looks and, for me at least, the midfield this season looks better setup to cope with teams playing against us in different ways. I suspect Onana will get a lot of criticism at times because of how he's playing but his work off the ball is immense and he's useful in both boxes.
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Poor dougie he really is having some rotten luck there. Has had £416,000 worth of watches stolen and lehmanns had some necklaces stolen during a burglary
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And some underwear. (I imagine anyway).
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And some underwear. (I imagine anyway).
Why would anyone steal Dougie’s underwear?
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Rumours he wants to come back.
Sauce: Ketchup. And Twitter 8)
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Rumours he wants to come back.
Sauce: Ketchup. And Twitter 8)
Take him back in a heart beat
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Rumours he wants to come back.
Sauce: Ketchup. And Twitter 8)
Probably sign for Birmingham City,a club going places
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Apparently he is signing for citeh on loan
I think i just threw up abit in my mouth
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I don't think Alisha is good enough to get in their women's team, so not sure where that would leave her.
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Apparently he is signing for citeh on loan
I think i just threw up abit in my mouth
Is he what they need, hardly an adequate replacement for Rodri.
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On his Villa form I'd take him over Lewis, Gundogan or Nunes though - which is what they're currently making do with.
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On his Villa form I'd take him over Lewis, Gundogan or Nunes though - which is what they're currently making do with.
Juve signed him based on his Villa form obviously but then didn't persevere with him? Having said that, his form did tail off towards the end of the season. Maybe he's one of those players who needs more time than most to settle into a team. We afforded him that and got the best out of him.
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FFS - they all end up and Man City dont they.
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On his Villa form I'd take him over Lewis, Gundogan or Nunes though - which is what they're currently making do with.
Juve signed him based on his Villa form obviously but then didn't persevere with him? Having said that, his form did tail off towards the end of the season. Maybe he's one of those players who needs more time than most to settle into a team. We afforded him that and got the best out of him.
He might be, and Juventus do have other very good midfielders as well.
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FFS - they all end up and Man City dont they.
He did start there.
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Aye. You could argue he has unfinished business there.
Cat Gladioli didn't want to sell him back in 2019. It was a work permit issue then: His relative inexperience counted against him compared to the Citeh midfield of that era. Whereas with us he was obv going to see far more game time.
I'd much prefer him going back there rather than to Forest or West Ham etc.
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I don't think Alisha is good enough to get in their women's team, so not sure where that would leave her.
Turin.
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It would be a bit galling to see him anywhere else in English football.
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Cat Gladioli didn't want to sell him back in 2019.
Watched that over Christmas, very good wasn't it?
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Cat Gladioli didn't want to sell him back in 2019.
Watched that over Christmas, very good wasn't it?
Is it a sequel to Cat Ballou?
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As he has been so poor in Turin - whoever signs him it will take a few months for him to get up to the pace of the Premier League.
Don't think it will be us as we have no need for another central midfield player.
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He could play Right Back.
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Largely irrational but I’d bring him back. Give me that over seeing him playing for some no marks like Spuds.
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I’d love Doug back. He’s still a relatively young quality footballer with many excellent years in front of him. And Emery/Monchi like him too. Wasted right now not playing.
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I’d love Doug back. He’s still a relatively young quality footballer with many excellent years in front of him. And Emery/Monchi like him too. Wasted right now not playing.
Me too. He’s been probably my favourite player here since Milner.
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Nah, he wanted out. He discovered out wasn't as good as in. He can live with it, we've moved on.
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He’s what we are missing in midfield. A player who can hold on to the ball and dictate tempo. Our ball possession stats are way worse without him.
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Nah, he wanted out. He discovered out wasn't as good as in. He can live with it, we've moved on.
Did he though? I'm not sure he did deep down. He was our easiest saleable asset when we had to sell, I don't recall him actively wanting out.
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Nah, he wanted out. He discovered out wasn't as good as in. He can live with it, we've moved on.
Did he though? I'm not sure he did deep down. He was our easiest saleable asset when we had to sell, I don't recall him actively wanting out.
He wasn't interested in a new contract, so I guess so. I love him as a player, but we can't be pining after everyone who fucks off.
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Did he though? I'm not sure he did deep down. He was our easiest saleable asset when we had to sell, I don't recall him actively wanting out.
He wanted to join Arsenal and threatened to leave if we didn’t pay him what Coutinho was earning. At least that’s what I was told by someone ITK
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Did he though? I'm not sure he did deep down. He was our easiest saleable asset when we had to sell, I don't recall him actively wanting out.
He wanted to join Arsenal and threatened to leave if we didn’t pay him what Coutinho was earning. At least that’s what I was told by someone ITK
I heard also that months before he left he had a very nice contract offered but did not want to sign it.
Never go back - it rarely works out
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Probably time for this to go back in the right place.
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Do we need to move this back to the main board 😉
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I need the opinion of a third Dave before I can decide.
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Let's wait a bit.
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Phew.
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oh bloody hell have put his name on my shirt now 😳😃
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oh bloody hell have put his name on my shirt now 😳😃
Get them to add "CLARET AND B" before it and people will think it's deliberate and you were just using down with the kids spelling.
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Being reported as an option to buy him at the end of the loan.
Let's hope we end up buying him then.
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Let's hope the "option" isn't based on minimum number of games and we don't end up refusing to play him.
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Tap in confirms it.
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Welcome back Douglas Luiz.
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Let's hope the "option" isn't based on minimum number of games and we don't end up refusing to play him.
I guess they'd probably frame that as a form of 'obligation'? How did they describe the Elliot deal?
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He might not be the best available midfielder but he's the best available who knows Unai's style. In our current situation we can't afford to have someone who spends the rest of the season getting used to us, we need a player who could step in on Sunday if necessary.
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Indeed. Fingers crossed he can stay fit for a few months and is (Gerrard alert) the best version of himself.
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If we sign him for £15 million then Juventus have basically given us £35 million plus Iling Junior and Barrenechea for a 1½ year loan deal.
I'd happily throw in an extra £5 million or so if they loan us their referees until the end of the season.
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Indeed. Fingers crossed he can stay fit for a few months and is (Gerrard alert) the best version of himself.
in the eyes not around the eyes
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If we sign him for £15 million then Juventus have basically given us £35 million plus Iling Junior and Barrenechea for a 1½ year loan deal.
I'd happily throw in an extra £5 million or so if they loan us their referees until the end of the season.
Ha!
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Let's hope the "option" isn't based on minimum number of games and we don't end up refusing to play him.
If it's an option, we choose to sign him. We don't have an option to sign Elliott, we have a commitment to sign Elliott dependent on number of matches played.
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I only said signing him a little tongue in cheek last week and then did it even think it was
A possibility. I was gutted to lose him. I’ve often said he’s been one of my favourite midfielders to where the shirt. He’s a class act and I can’t wait to see him play for us again.
What a wonderful surprise this is.
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I’ve only just seen the injury to Tielemans is far more serious than first thought. It’s terrible news, making this signing of Dougie so important. I hope he’s looked after himself and he can hit the ground running. He’s got superb vision and created some wonderful assists.
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Doug can do both what Bouba and Tielemans can do ,maybe not as well , but he can be effective
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Doug can do both what Bouba and Tielemans can do ,maybe not as well , but he can be effective
He can do something both of them can’t do that well and that’s, penalties!
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Doug is the Youri fill in I think, I’m pretty sure Unai wouldn’t see him in anyway a replacement for Bouba.
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Woodhall went really early on this thread, I hope he hasn't jinxed it.
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Welcome back old friend.
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Can we at least change the thread title please.
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Doug can do both what Bouba and Tielemans can do ,maybe not as well , but he can be effective
He can do something both of them can’t do that well and that’s, penalties!
We just need a few
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If we play Forest in the Europa League Final, does he get to collect both medals, regardless of who wins?
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I was against getting him back because he hasn't shown anything since he left us. However with the current crisis, the fact he knows most of our players, manager and systems then welcome back, be good and don't get injured.
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Welcome back, Dougie :)
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He also seems to have turned Chelsea down to sign for us, so fair play. Plenty of players would have just taken the easy London playboy option.
*cough* Conor Gallagher.
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cql4pyq3462o
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Happy with this signing. A total no brainer.
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He also seems to have turned Chelsea down to sign for us, so fair play. Plenty of players would have just taken the easy London playboy option.
*cough* Conor Gallagher.
He's desperate to come back, I think. There was a video knocking around where he was on a stream talking to fans and said "I miss Villa, guys. I miss Villa Park", or something along those lines. He looked truly gutted about it. Wanted to give him a hug.
Great to have him back. Needs to find his level immediately as how he settles is now absolutely vital.
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Would have preferred Doug over Gallagher anyway so we've ended up better off here.
Can't wait to see his beautiful face, his silky skills and his fishing rod at Villa Park again!
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World record for goals outside of the box in a season incoming.
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More of this please Dougie.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1460553821477258 (https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1460553821477258)
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Absolutely made my Tuesday.
We're getting the band back together!
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Absolutely delighted
Welcome home dougie
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Let's hope this works out, he has been in the wilderness career wise since we sold him and I think we are expecting the 2023 version of him.
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World record for goals outside of the box in a season incoming.
I think we broke the PL record in December.
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Can he take a pen, can't recall? That's assuming we get one this season.
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World record for goals outside of the box in a season incoming.
I think we broke the PL record in December.
No, we're on track to do it. Chelsea got 23 in 06/07, we're currently on 13.
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Meh.
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Meh.
There is always one.
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Meh.
Same
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Fingers crossed the old Dougie is still in there, and all he needs is a place in Unai's side to show it - because blimey, do we need him fit and firing from the get go.
A midfield two of Onana plus Luis/Barkley should be good enough to avoid a significant drop off in standards, IF we can keep them all fit. I'm guessing we can use Bogarde/Hemmings/Lindelhof to rotate and provide rest when we can - but if we aren't likely to see seeing McGinn and Youri until the last 7 or 8 games, it's now essential those three stay fit.
Welcome back Dougie!
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Meh.
Same
Come on, he's so sexy!
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He's coming home
He's coming home
Dougie's coming home.
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Meh.
Same
Come on, he's so sexy!
Too sexy for the shirt?
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I bloody love Doug, so if he’s back great. But I’ll caveat that as at his best he’s an 8, doing an all round midfield role. I don’t really like him as a 6, so we really need Onana to stay fit.
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I bloody love Doug, so if he’s back great. But I’ll caveat that as at his best he’s an 8, doing an all round midfield role. I don’t really like him as a 6, so we really need Onana to stay fit.
This is it for me. He just isn't good enough in the Kamara position but alongside Onana I don't see why this wouldn't work. Just need Onana to stay fit as you said...
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Meh.
Same
Come on, he's so sexy!
Too sexy for the shirt?
Mr Shin is a lover who has been burned and can't forgive or forget.
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I bloody love Doug, so if he’s back great. But I’ll caveat that as at his best he’s an 8, doing an all round midfield role. I don’t really like him as a 6, so we really need Onana to stay fit.
You ask too much. I guarantee we’ll lose him again before the season’s out.
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It’s a verbal agreement at the moment.
I’m sure he’s not a flaky as that twat who agreed to come and then went to Spuds.
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Meh.
Same
Me too, although there’s a chance we get Dougy version 1. He’ll be chuffed to be back and surely he’ll be up for it!
What a weird window this is. I’m sure Unai would have loved to strengthen other areas, but now we are plugging holes I guess.
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It’s a verbal agreement at the moment.
I’m sure he’s not a flaky as that twat who agreed to come and then went to Spuds.
Id be willing to bet by seasons end that Luiz will have had a much bigger impact with us than Gallagher at Spurs. By all accounts he's been rubbish so far.
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This signing is a no brainer. Can't see how anyone can be unhappy with it.
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This signing is a no brainer. Can't see how anyone can be unhappy with it.
and at 27 quite a few quality years in front of him.
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Claret and Blues Brothers
(https://i.ibb.co/8DkBVX72/Screenshot-20260127-173654-Chrome.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8DkBVX72)
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
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Who else do you want, Jack, Jacob or Tommy Elphick ?
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Milner, so that he can break the Premier League appearance record in a Villa shirt
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Only if it’s Ramsey and not ratboy.
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As that goal that was posted above reminded me, Doug had a good understanding with Ollie. If we can get both Ollie and Tammy firing, we're laughing.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Grant Holt
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Ross McCormack
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Man City have inserted an option to buy out our option.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Chris Herd.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Chris Herd.
Tough one to get him home from the nightclubs.
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Eric Lichaj next, please.
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Ok, then I suggest Nobhead Solano for the right wing.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Chris Herd.
Tough one to get him home from the nightclubs.
Why go for one when you can two Djemba-Djemba?
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Man City have inserted an option to buy out our option.
will it trigger a bidding war?
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
It's not inconceivable we could have 9 Dean Smith players on the pitch at the same time.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
It's not inconceivable we could have 9 Dean Smith players on the pitch at the same time.
Tammy was a Steve Bruce signing I think.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Uncle Albert. We've never managed to successfully replace him.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Dwight Yorke has been waiting in his car at BMH gate for 8 hours.
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Uncle Albert. We've never managed to successfully replace him.
Still playing at Walsall I think ?
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Who else do you want, Jack, Jacob or Tommy Elphick ?
Diaby.
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Who else do you want, Jack, Jacob or Tommy Elphick ?
Diaby.
is he in Saudi still ?
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In talks with Neil Taylor ive heard.
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There is only one to bring home …
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Actually the last old boy returning in this set piece will be Gareth Barry, he was spotted at The Belfrey muttering something about “taking the f’in penalty…”?!
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
...living the life of Riley after selling his Maradona shirt for over £7M....the numpty
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
...living the life of Riley after selling his Maradona shirt for over £7M....the numpty
would he pay tax on that ?
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Tammy's back, Dougie's back...surely we couldn't bring just one more lad home?
Uncle Albert. We've never managed to successfully replace him.
Still playing at Walsall I think ?
Yes.
On the bench tonight against Crawley.
I might watch it for his inevitable cameo appearance.
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
******
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
******
There aren't enough asterisks to communicate how I feel about that particular player.
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
******
I agree, he really is a ******************** cunt.
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(https://i.ibb.co/XfBq4t87/steve-hodge-aston-villa-photo-call-198687-1500w-3039024a.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XfBq4t87)
...living the life of Riley after selling his Maradona shirt for over £7M....the numpty
would he pay tax on that ?
...tbh I've never been lucky enough to be given something for nothing, then sell it for over £7M, so wouldn't know lol. Maradona gave his Hodge shirt to the shit house cleaner after the game who used it as a mop for 20 years.
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Tielemans injury necessitates this but no doubt it's a big downgrade.
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Let’s be positive.
That season before he left and up until January of the year he left, he was superb.
Goals, assists, tackles and some great passing.
Of course it’s a massive blow to lose a Rolls Royce like Youri, but I remember us calling Dougie the same when he was really on it.
If he comes back, he knows what to expect from Unai and his demands. He knows what’s expected of him, and if he really did miss the club like he said, he has had his dreams answered, probably unexpectedly.
I want to believe he will be a massive success and I’m looking forward to seeing him purring in our midfield again.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
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Fucks sake, the nonce website again. Any copy paste available?
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Fucks sake, the nonce website again. Any copy paste available?
Exactly.
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You don't have to look at it. Just move on. But most of the journalists that you rely on for updates use it. And you can't copy and paste a video from there. So if it's not something you like ignore it.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He never seemed happy while over there and certainly not at Forest. Maybe there was also a bit of him that has matured. That he knows through his own experiences what is best. We all go through that. Both him and Tammy will love the current Villa. Emery has created an incredible culture.
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He obviously has great affection for the club and if he can find his best he’s an excellent player - hope he does.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He never seemed happy while over there and certainly not at Forest. Maybe there was also a bit of him that has matured you know through experiences what is best. We all go through that. Both him and Tammy will love the current Villa. Emery has created an incredible culture.
Yeah that maturity thing is always very underrated when it comes to footballers. We expect them to have the vigour of athletes and the wisdom of archbishops, and that's obviously quite unfair.
Notwithstanding, of course, all the archbishops who are morons.
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Mings, McGinn and Rogers exchanging messages about the captain’s armband is great. illustrates Monty’s point perfectly (and funny too).
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https://www.tiktok.com/@kurtis_yt/video/7502577251821604118
Link to that video from Douglas saying he missed Villa. He posted on TikTok
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When was that posted?
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You don't have to look at it. Just move on. But most of the journalists that you rely on for updates use it. And you can't copy and paste a video from there. So if it's not something you like ignore it.
I’d like the Villa content, it’s just that it’s posted on a child porn website.
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When was that posted?
When he was at Juve, I think.
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Bluesky football content is improving, a fair few big hitters are on it already, including ornstein (admittedly I dont see video linked to above)
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He did turn down a new deal though, didn't he, this time two years ago while we we were battling for 4th?
Juve may have already turned his head by then. But it's clear he has retained affection for us. Just hope he has the fitness levels to make an impact cos he's such a cultured player on the ball.
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When was that posted?
When he was at Juve, I think.
That’s quite telling and quite sad really, I guess he didn’t want to leave. So pleased he’s back.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He did turn down a new deal though, didn't he, this time two years ago while we we were battling for 4th?
Juve may have already turned his head by then. But it's clear he has retained affection for us.
Yeah, I think that's it. Perhaps we'd already told him he was a possible PSR fall-guy, and he thought at that stage 'well, why not Juve as much as another'. You can see the glamour of it. But yes, he clearly has a lot of fondness for us, and who are we not to reciprocate it if that'll help him get back to his best?
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Bluesky football content is improving, a fair few big hitters are on it already, including ornstein (admittedly I dont see video linked to above)
Idk if they make money off the tens of thousands of bot interactions on x or what but I just wouldn’t want my name associated with that place for personal and professional reasons. I find it bizarre the UK government makes you do MFA to have a wank yet doesn’t vacate x totally because the Nazi owner lets people make AI child porn and non-consensual AI adult porn (for people who give him money).
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
Maybe I do want the sexy bastard.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He did turn down a new deal though, didn't he, this time two years ago while we we were battling for 4th?
Juve may have already turned his head by then. But it's clear he has retained affection for us.
Yeah, I think that's it. Perhaps we'd already told him he was a possible PSR fall-guy, and he thought at that stage 'well, why not Juve as much as another'. You can see the glamour of it. But yes, he clearly has a lot of fondness for us, and who are we not to reciprocate it if that'll help him get back to his best?
I actually think Emi might have had the same or similar conversation and you could see him visibly upset at the end of last season. My guess is his agent was informed early on and they likely connected with other clubs including Man U who at the time had that clown in goal. So he probably expected to leave and it never happened.
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Yeah I suspect that's pretty much what happened in both cases.
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Same with Bailey.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
It's so interesting, because I think the Juventus thing did have an allure for him as well, but it was clear that he loved his time with us (I think there was some Twitch or Instagram or Distopion or Hellbook video he did where he made it clear he thought of us as his real club). I never quite believed all that stuff about him wanting to go - it struck me as after the fact justification for the PSR stuff that meant he was forced to.
I really hope it works out for him, as we're always moaning that players in the modern age don't have the connections to their clubs that they used to, and one thing I love about this Villa team - from Digne to Onana, from Cash to Mings via Konsa and Buendia - is that they really seem like they love being here, and Doug was always one of them in this regard.
He did turn down a new deal though, didn't he, this time two years ago while we we were battling for 4th?
Juve may have already turned his head by then. But it's clear he has retained affection for us.
Yeah, I think that's it. Perhaps we'd already told him he was a possible PSR fall-guy, and he thought at that stage 'well, why not Juve as much as another'. You can see the glamour of it. But yes, he clearly has a lot of fondness for us, and who are we not to reciprocate it if that'll help him get back to his best?
I actually think Emi might have had the same or similar conversation and you could see him visibly upset at the end of last season. My guess is his agent was informed early on and they likely connected with other clubs including Man U who at the time had that clown in goal. So he probably expected to leave and it never happened.
I think we as fans tend to see it as very black and white, which is totally fair enough and our prerogative as irrational consumers, and obviously the thought of Emi as the favourite son of the Auditorium of Sleep Paralysis is pretty fecking galling. But you're right - from his point of view, you might feel already a bit rejected if the club comes to you and says 'listen, we're x million in the red and we've decided you're probably going to make that difference'. I'm sure it affects your feelings of loyalty.
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You don't have to look at it. Just move on. But most of the journalists that you rely on for updates use it. And you can't copy and paste a video from there. So if it's not something you like ignore it.
I’d like the Villa content, it’s just that it’s posted on a child porn website.
Agreed.
I also have ann annoyance with news outlets posting videos of interviews rather than the words.
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With you on that. Quite often I see an interesting sounding headline, so click on it and it's a link to an hour long video. Er, nah. I wasn't that interested.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
Great to hear, thanks for posting.
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Speaking with absolutely zero authority on such things, but I think having Doug and Tammy back is going to be brilliant for the dressing room.
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Interview here with David Ornstein on Doug being fixated on coming back to us.
https://x.com/skysportspl/status/2016224693951275413?s=46
Great to hear, thanks for posting.
Dougie wants to come home, love it
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What a day, so great to see two former players so keen to come back
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We can't be choosy in our SCR and injury position. What we've got is a player seemingly desperate to come back, he was clearly a big part of the dressing room and family that Unai has fostered, and we're here to get close to his best he's clearly as good a player as we could hope for. I'm praying we see his best, if we do, Onana will have stayed fit too, as that's how we'll see the best of Doug. Let's hope Unai re-ignites that fire. He does, we're going to do ok.
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His highlights reel with us is pretty spectacular. Set piece delivery, weight of pass, excellent finisher. Ideal for the Brentford game if they sit in deep like Everton did.
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We can't be choosy in our SCR and injury position. What we've got is a player seemingly desperate to come back, he was clearly a big part of the dressing room and family that Unai has fostered, and we're here to get close to his best he's clearly as good a player as we could hope for. I'm praying we see his best, if we do, Onana will have stayed fit too, as that's how we'll see the best of Doug. Let's hope Unai re-ignites that fire. He does, we're going to do ok.
It's easy to forget that the way he played in Emery's first six months was enough to get him Supporter's Player of the Season and Player's Player of the Season that year.
If we get even 80% of that, we're laughing. And not being amazing for Sean Dyche's 17th placed Nottingham Forest is not enough to make me think that we won't be laughing.
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He will be playing to get that long term contract and not to had to leave again. I think he will motivated from the off. Not just because of Emery, but because of the great characters all around him at the club. This is a title and trophy chasing Villa now.
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Trying to recall any midfield player ever excelling under Dyche.
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Hopefully he sets a fantastic precedent for JJ to return