Douglas Luiz - back home on loan

[Smithy]

I think the thing to look at with Dougie, is to try and forget his first spell, and ask yourself if he was just a Brazilian midfielder we'd loaned from Juve for the rest of the season, with an option to buy him for £20-ish million in the summer - would we be saying "buy him" based on what we've seen so far?

I think we would. And we know he has another level, too.  I don't think he gets in our best 11 when everyone is fit, but that's okay.  We need 20 good options, and he provides one.

It will obviously come down to whether Unai thinks he can do more with the money (as we've seen with Elliott), so we'll see - but I certainly wouldn't have any problem with us making his loan permanent in the summer.

[brontebilly]

At a minimum he's 5 years younger than Barkley so as Tielemans back up he's a strong squad option. He hits a real good set piece so not sure why the tactic seems to be to play nearly every one of them short to Maatsen. I think it's been a very solid return for him so far, far more question marks about the man playing next to him.

[Drummond]

I think he needs to start regularly, alongside Kamara, to flourish. That won't happen unless we start playing Tielemans as a 10 but that would weaken us.

I like him but we're better with Tielemans. If Barkley could stay fit I'd rather him too.

For me it's Kamara first choice and Tielemans second. It's then how we fit everyone else in the side.

[Duncan Shaw]

I think he needs to start regularly, alongside Kamara, to flourish. That won't happen unless we start playing Tielemans as a 10 but that would weaken us.

I like him but we're better with Tielemans. If Barkley could stay fit I'd rather him too.

For me it's Kamara first choice and Tielemans second. It's then how we fit everyone else in the side.

I'm finished with Barkley now after the last two games, to concede in both seconds after he come on, straight through his space in the middle was it for me.  Much rather have Dougie taking that space in the squad.

[Drummond]

I know what you mean. I just don't think he can get properly macth-fit. I suspect he'll end up at Sheffield United if they don't keep Phillips.

[brontebilly]

I think he needs to start regularly, alongside Kamara, to flourish. That won't happen unless we start playing Tielemans as a 10 but that would weaken us.

I like him but we're better with Tielemans. If Barkley could stay fit I'd rather him too.

For me it's Kamara first choice and Tielemans second. It's then how we fit everyone else in the side.

I'm finished with Barkley now after the last two games, to concede in both seconds after he come on, straight through his space in the middle was it for me.  Much rather have Dougie taking that space in the squad.

To be fair he's an option at 10 only these days. Does some nice work around the box like that cross for Tammy. But he's absolutely not a 6 for PL football, mindless sub by Emery in last two games.

[LeeS]

I like Doug. There’s something about his demeanour. He’s a good egg.

[Percy McCarthy]

Kamara, Tielemans, Onana & Dougie, with SJM as an emergency option, is pretty good depth for the midfield 2. Let Barkley & Bogarde go, then get to work on the rest of the team.

Then again, it’s probably worth keeping Bogarde. His wages aren’t a problem and he has potential to develop further. There are 25 squad places and right now I can only come up with 18/19 players I’d definitely keep.

[Dave]

Then again, it’s probably worth keeping Bogarde. His wages aren’t a problem and he has potential to develop further.

Always work keeping an emergency sacrifice to please the SCR gods around the place as well.

[aj2k77]

If our losses aren't a concern anymore keep Bogarde, if they are then sell, he's an easy sacrifice.

[Sexual Ealing]

Then again, it’s probably worth keeping Bogarde. His wages aren’t a problem and he has potential to develop further.

Always work keeping an emergency sacrifice to please the SCR gods around the place as well.

There's a meeting coming up, Dave. Nothing high-pressure or scary, just some like-minded folks sitting around, discussing a few of the important questions over some three litre bottles of Frosty Jacks cider. I'll be there, as will cd. It's not an organised thing at all, but we do trade under the name THE OLD TESTAMENT IS TOO FUCKING GOOD FOR YOU JINXING TWATS. I think you'd enjoy the chilled out vibe.

[Neil Hawkes]

Who was it that said 'Bouba and Doug would be able to keep the ball away from you in a telephone box'?

[Percy McCarthy]

Who was it that said 'Bouba and Doug would be able to keep the ball away from you in a telephone box'?

They were brilliant at times.