Ross Barkley

[PeterWithesShin]

I like Doug and his 2023 form was outstanding. However we've seen a lot more of his 2024 form in his time with us than the 2023 version. It's also not the first time his woeful form has been potentially put down down to him wanting out. I reckon his thread in Jan 2022 onwards has plenty of scathing comments about his form and effort for example. While some blame can be put on the Gerrard drag factor we ended up there again this year under Emery,

[pablo_picasso]

One thing if you look back at the teams that Emery has built rather than inherited is that he does seem to like at least one big, tough midfielder to break up play in the way that none of our current midfielders really do. His Sevilla midfield was three 6ft+ brutes and anything creative that they did was of secondary importance.

I wonder if he looks at our current options and thinks that while our passing options in midfield are pretty well set, he wants something bigger and nastier in DL's position and we're happy to sacrifice his playmaking for more strength and solidity.

Guendouzi could be a decent option.

A bit of an all round player, like Douglas Luiz, but bigger, stronger & quicker.

With Emerys guidance, he could become a perfect replacement, in my humble opinion...

He is also Argentinian so is probably hard wired to stick the boot in where necessary.

After watching a few videos of his, I reckon he will earn quite a few yellows for his "committed" tackling, lol...

[Brazilian Villain]

He is also Argentinian so is probably hard wired to stick the boot in where necessary.

After watching a few videos of his, I reckon he will earn quite a few yellows for his "committed" tackling, lol...

I'd prefer if it were for that, rather than kicking the ball away or dissent.

[pablo_picasso]

Don't get me wrong, I loved the full on way he went about his business...

I think it was Romania (?) whose coach was recently complaining about a lack of yellow cards for his players because he saw it as a sign that they were not being aggressive/committed enough.

[Risso]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

You've never really fancied Luiz though Risso, so I suspect you're quicker to see his flaws.  For me, I thought Luiz was exceptional for the first half of the season and a little bit off it after the Kamara injury, whilst still being one of our most important players.

Eh? That's not remotely true, I think he's mostly been a superb player for us. First half of this season he was brilliant and a main factor in us pushing for top spot while we were.

There are times when he goes missing though, and for somebody who started out as a defensive midfielder, he's got absolutely no defensive side to his game, as was shown post injury to Kamara. As I've said numerous times though, I wish we were keeping him, but also understand that if we have to sell a player to balance the books, he's the one to go.

[Ian.]

I’m not so sure Dougie was ever a natural defensive player but Smith trusted him there and that became his role. He’s far better further forward with a player like Kamara behind him. He’s a very intelligent, skillfull player and some of his little touches and passes were phenomenal. That first 12 months or so under Emery established him as a one of the best midfielders around.

I’m going to miss him and I’m sure everyone involved will.

[VillaTim]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

I don't think there are any doubts about this. In terms of pedigree, Tielemans is on another level to Luiz.

[PaulWinch again]

Erm there are plenty of doubts on this. I’d argue the first half of last season (and probably the second half of the preceding season) that Doug delivered is a consistently higher level than Tielemans has ever achieved. I like Youri, and he has some great attributes, but as an all round midfielder I think Doug has shown his level to be higher.

[Mister E]

I've liked Gendouzi's all-action style and hope we bring him in as a MF option.

[john e]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

I don't think there are any doubts about this. In terms of pedigree, Tielemans is on another level to Luiz.

Yep a lower level

[LeeB]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

I don't think there are any doubts about this. In terms of pedigree, Tielemans is on another level to Luiz.

I tend to think so but it's very close and completely subjective, so stop going on like it's the most obvious of things you tedious twat.

[pauliewalnuts]

Dougie was brilliant for the half season when Unai arrived, and half of this season.

I am sure Kamara not being next to him limited him a bit, but his form tailed off markedly the second half of last season.

I would prefer to keep him, but we've been told for a while we'd need to sell a top quality player this summer for PSR, and if that's why he's being sold, they have chosen the right one.

[VillaTim]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

I don't think there are any doubts about this. In terms of pedigree, Tielemans is on another level to Luiz.

I tend to think so but it's very close and completely subjective, so stop going on like it's the most obvious of things you tedious twat.

Thanks for the feedback you odious bellend .

[VillaTim]

Luiz leaves with our thanks but never reached legend status like Petrov for instance. Another player who was in a different higher pedigree to Luiz.

[Rory]

I think Tielemans has a higher ceiling than Luiz. I was extremely disappointed with Doug for most of the season after Christmas, his form seemed to vary between average and terrible.

I don't think there are any doubts about this. In terms of pedigree, Tielemans is on another level to Luiz.

I tend to think so but it's very close and completely subjective, so stop going on like it's the most obvious of things you tedious twat.

Thanks for the feedback you odious bellend .

I wouldn't talk to LeeB like that if I were you. He has caravans...