Real Madrid C.F. 2009/10

TM wrote:

Super Higuain wrote:Torrente
Fiorentina found out that Vargas couldn't play as a full back and that is why they moved him up as left winger which really suits his quality. Physically he can't be moved around but don't know if he would be the best choice as a full back especially considering the point you make with regards to the tactical problems it would create. It would be better simply to try out Marcos Alonso and see what he can do.

The most logical thing to do would be:

Buy Canella, put Arbeloa at RB and move Ramos to CB.

Canella can't play in the league though as he's already played more than 5 games with Sporting.

Super Higuain wrote:Torrente
Fiorentina found out that Vargas couldn't play as a full back and that is why they moved him up as left winger which really suits his quality. Physically he can't be moved around but don't know if he would be the best choice as a full back especially considering the point you make with regards to the tactical problems it would create. It would be better simply to try out Marcos Alonso and see what he can do.

I don't think he's particularly bad defensively. His main contributions are in attack of course but he's a bit like Zirkoff - great at attacking and decent at defending, which explains why their teams have often used them as wingers. But in Pellegrini's system I think he would do fine as LB. The problem is that he can't play in the CL and Fiorentina will hold out for a lot of money. There is also the player himself - will he go to a team where he knows he won't play in the CL at all? Even if it's Real Madrid, several big teams should be in for him in the summer so from his pov it's best to wait 6 months.

Torrente wrote:

Super Higuain wrote:Torrente
Fiorentina found out that Vargas couldn't play as a full back and that is why they moved him up as left winger which really suits his quality. Physically he can't be moved around but don't know if he would be the best choice as a full back especially considering the point you make with regards to the tactical problems it would create. It would be better simply to try out Marcos Alonso and see what he can do.

I don't think he's particularly bad defensively. His main contributions are in attack of course but he's a bit like Zirkoff - great at attacking and decent at defending, which explains why their teams have often used them as wingers. But in Pellegrini's system I think he would do fine as LB. The problem is that he can't play in the CL and Fiorentina will hold out for a lot of money. There is also the player himself - will he go to a team where he knows he won't play in the CL at all? Even if it's Real Madrid, several big teams should be in for him in the summer so from his pov it's best to wait 6 months.

We have two halfbacks in Lass and Alonso capable of covering in tandem.

Well, and this is the problem. Ok, so there are some decent possibilities (Vargas, Canella, etc.) but none of them are eligible to play both league and CL. I guess this is why I'm opposed to buying anyone.

Messiah wrote:Marcos Alonso

is this the same guy that i saw playing for spain U-19 or something, if so

Marcos Alonso > Maxwell.

True story.

Santi Claus wrote:Well, and this is the problem. Ok, so there are some decent possibilities (Vargas, Canella, etc.) but none of them are eligible to play both league and CL. I guess this is why I'm opposed to buying anyone.

Yes, None on the market who would be a big improvement...

Laudable Laudrup wrote:

Santi Claus wrote:Well, and this is the problem. Ok, so there are some decent possibilities (Vargas, Canella, etc.) but none of them are eligible to play both league and CL. I guess this is why I'm opposed to buying anyone.

Yes, None on the market who would be a big improvement...

Correct, and there is no point to squandering a lot of money in order to buy another Drenthe.

Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

The blatant difference between Kaka and VDV in the current diamond formation is that more often then not Kaka has tended to over complicate matters by constantly trying to take on 3 and 4 defenders in the middle third of the pitch. VDV on the other hand has, surprisingly, been the more patient player and just plays the ball simply keeping possession. Though I think Kaka has been more influential in the final third (goals and assists) our possession game has been better with VDV in there. There is no reason why Kaka can't do the same as VDV and hopefully Pellegrini will encourage him to keep things simple when he returns.

I guess for me, when Kaka goes back in (and he will eventually) I would like to maybe see more of Granero in place of Marcelo because Granero is a more possession oriented player. BUt that said Marcelo has been doing exceptionally well, his work rate has been commendable and he offers pace that Granero doesn't have which is useful in an otherwise slow(er) midfield.

Van der Vaart: "Quiero cumplir mi contrato"

Van der Vaart ha zanjado los rumores que le situaban en la órbita del Arsenal en este mercado invernal, según publicaron varios medios británicos en la jornada de ayer. La revista holandesa 'Sportweek' ha recogido unas declaraciones del futbolista en donde el jugador niega su intención de abandonar el club blanco: "Mi intención es terminar la temporada aquí y cumplir el contrato que tengo con el Real Madrid".

El centrocampista holandés, que ha jugado los tres últimos partidos como titular, asegura que "trata de aprovechar todas las oportunidades". Van der Vaart comentó en la prensa de su país su situación en el Madrid: "Estoy muy feliz y creo que estoy haciendo buenos partidos". Preguntado también sobre la posible marcha de Van Nistelrooy para jugar jugar el Mundial, el jugador dijo: "Claro que Van Nistelrooy y yo hablamos, pero queda entre nosotros".

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/van-der-vaart-quiero-cumplir/dasftb/20091214dasdasftb_49/Tes

Hmmm...sounds like RVN wants out.

Van Nistelrooy será operado mañana

El jugador Ruud Van Nistelrooy será intervenido quirúrgicamente mañana de forma programada en el Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja de una amigdalectomia por amigdalitis de repetición que no remite con tratamiento médico.

http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/es/1202807340243/noticia/Noticia/Van_Nistelrooy_sera_operado_manana.htm

Guess he won't be going to Liverpool or Blackburn or Tottenham or wherever it was. Poor guy is finished.

stinger wrote:Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

I have seen it described as a 4-4-2 aswell in Cl for example. At times we have played a 4-2-3-1 and in general people just don't quite know what to expect from Pellegrini. I would say that it looks like he has decided on a diamond formation allthough not symmetrical(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/01/england-football-tactics-fabio-capello)
with Marcelo a bit further ahead and Lass a bit more defensive with Ramos attacking.

I agree vis a vis VDV and Kaka. They are different players with Kaka being more suited when there is a higher tempo in the game and VDV is good at keeping the ball and also just more creative. So I have my worries with that. One reason Kaka could get better is that he doesn't seem to have a great understanding with Higuain and Benzema and there is times where it is obvious he wants to release the ball but because they make the wrong movement he stalls and it ruins a good attack. That happened too often against Milan at San Siro. Would like to see VDV start with Kaka as one of the strikers a la Milan 07 with VDV in the Seedorf role.

Thanks for the kind words. The Barca thread I gues is a bit booring in terms of discussion of tactics and such but when you have a settled team and club that isn't as obssesed with buying it is bound to get a bit dry.

Super Higuain wrote:

stinger wrote:Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

I have seen it described as a 4-4-2 aswell in Cl for example. At times we have played a 4-2-3-1 and in general people just don't quite know what to expect from Pellegrini. I would say that it looks like he has decided on a diamond formation allthough not symmetrical(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/01/england-football-tactics-fabio-capello)
with Marcelo a bit further ahead and Lass a bit more defensive with Ramos attacking.

I agree vis a vis VDV and Kaka. They are different players with Kaka being more suited when there is a higher tempo in the game and VDV is good at keeping the ball and also just more creative. So I have my worries with that. One reason Kaka could get better is that he doesn't seem to have a great understanding with Higuain and Benzema and there is times where it is obvious he wants to release the ball but because they make the wrong movement he stalls and it ruins a good attack. That happened too often against Milan at San Siro. Would like to see VDV start with Kaka as one of the strikers a la Milan 07 with VDV in the Seedorf role.

Thanks for the kind words. The Barca thread I gues is a bit booring in terms of discussion of tactics and such but when you have a settled team and club that isn't as obssesed with buying it is bound to get a bit dry.

But this would mean having to drop Higuain which to me is absurd. VDV has been good but there is no reason to 'build' the team around him ffs. Like I said, Kaka's more direct style can be balanced with another possession-oriented player, like Granero, in midfield. Or if Pellegrini can just get him to understand he doesn't have take on multiple defenders every time we will be much better.

Santi Claus wrote:

Super Higuain wrote:

stinger wrote:Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

I have seen it described as a 4-4-2 aswell in Cl for example. At times we have played a 4-2-3-1 and in general people just don't quite know what to expect from Pellegrini. I would say that it looks like he has decided on a diamond formation allthough not symmetrical(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/01/england-football-tactics-fabio-capello)
with Marcelo a bit further ahead and Lass a bit more defensive with Ramos attacking.

I agree vis a vis VDV and Kaka. They are different players with Kaka being more suited when there is a higher tempo in the game and VDV is good at keeping the ball and also just more creative. So I have my worries with that. One reason Kaka could get better is that he doesn't seem to have a great understanding with Higuain and Benzema and there is times where it is obvious he wants to release the ball but because they make the wrong movement he stalls and it ruins a good attack. That happened too often against Milan at San Siro. Would like to see VDV start with Kaka as one of the strikers a la Milan 07 with VDV in the Seedorf role.

Thanks for the kind words. The Barca thread I gues is a bit booring in terms of discussion of tactics and such but when you have a settled team and club that isn't as obssesed with buying it is bound to get a bit dry.

But this would mean having to drop Higuain which to me is absurd. VDV has been good but there is no reason to 'build' the team around him ffs. Like I said, Kaka's more direct style can be balanced with another possession-oriented player, like Granero, in midfield. Or if Pellegrini can just get him to understand he doesn't have take on multiple defenders every time we will be much better.

I never said anything about dropping Higuain. In my tactic Kaka would play off Higuain or Benzema. Of course it would be mean dropping Ronaldo however but I was merely saying I would like to see how Kaka would work in that role.

And im not saying that we have to build around VDV merely that we have to be a bit pragmatic. So if we struggle to keep the ball when Kaka is on the top of the pyramid while we do better with VDV then the choice should be for VDV to be used and see where Kaka can play. Another way to balance it out would be to use Granero instead of Marcelo as you say.

It's been surprising that Kaka has been a lot more selfish than Polaroid when on the ball. While Kaka has always portrayed himself as the "good guy" while Polaroid has never cared about showing how much he cares about personal glory, I think sometimes we underestimate Kaka's ambition and vanity. I think Kaka is out for winning the Balon D'or next year and he's not entirely happy that Ronaldo is stealing the spotlight from him. As a matter of fact, Kaka's selfish displays only started after Ronaldo began banging in the goals. The first few games and in pre season Kaka was excellent and didn't look anywhere near as selfish as he does now.

To be fair, Kaka did play a lot of games in the wing where he had to drop back too much and hence had less of the ball in attacking positions. He looked much better in recent games where he played at the tip of the diamond and against Barcelona he was notoriously selfless when he squared the ball to Ronaldo. Hopefully this means that Kaka has relaxed a bit and will not be so anxious to do so much from now on.

Super Higuain wrote:

Santi Claus wrote:

Super Higuain wrote:

stinger wrote:Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

I have seen it described as a 4-4-2 aswell in Cl for example. At times we have played a 4-2-3-1 and in general people just don't quite know what to expect from Pellegrini. I would say that it looks like he has decided on a diamond formation allthough not symmetrical(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/01/england-football-tactics-fabio-capello)
with Marcelo a bit further ahead and Lass a bit more defensive with Ramos attacking.

I agree vis a vis VDV and Kaka. They are different players with Kaka being more suited when there is a higher tempo in the game and VDV is good at keeping the ball and also just more creative. So I have my worries with that. One reason Kaka could get better is that he doesn't seem to have a great understanding with Higuain and Benzema and there is times where it is obvious he wants to release the ball but because they make the wrong movement he stalls and it ruins a good attack. That happened too often against Milan at San Siro. Would like to see VDV start with Kaka as one of the strikers a la Milan 07 with VDV in the Seedorf role.

Thanks for the kind words. The Barca thread I gues is a bit booring in terms of discussion of tactics and such but when you have a settled team and club that isn't as obssesed with buying it is bound to get a bit dry.

But this would mean having to drop Higuain which to me is absurd. VDV has been good but there is no reason to 'build' the team around him ffs. Like I said, Kaka's more direct style can be balanced with another possession-oriented player, like Granero, in midfield. Or if Pellegrini can just get him to understand he doesn't have take on multiple defenders every time we will be much better.

I never said anything about dropping Higuain. In my tactic Kaka would play off Higuain or Benzema. Of course it would be mean dropping Ronaldo however

Super Higuain wrote:

Santi Claus wrote:

Super Higuain wrote:

stinger wrote:Anyone note that when we are posting how well Real is playing in diamond formation (Alonso as DM, Lass as half-rcm, Marcelo as half-lcm, VDV as AM), yet all (or most of) newspapers/TV when they show Real tactical line-up they are showing 4-2-3-1, with Higuain on right wing, which at least at Mestalla wasn't true, because both forwards were dropping out-wide time after time, which is they typical way to play in diamond.

Also, anyone has a feeling that even if it will be easy for Ronaldo to replace of Higuain or Benzema (preferably the latter), having to play Kaka instead of VDV won't make transition as smooth?

And last thing - I have to mention that I have a tough time to dislike current Real team - I mentioned it before that I've always liked Pellegrini and I somehow wish him success in Madrid (especially after Marca/As started their campaign to get rid of him), Raul and Guti are on the bench/stands, Pepe is injured (even of course I wish it wouldn't be as serious...) and it leaves only one player I dislike (Ramos) being a starter. And on the top of it - Torrente/Super Higuain/Santi Claus are having some really quality insigthful posts written here

I have seen it described as a 4-4-2 aswell in Cl for example. At times we have played a 4-2-3-1 and in general people just don't quite know what to expect from Pellegrini. I would say that it looks like he has decided on a diamond formation allthough not symmetrical(http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/dec/01/england-football-tactics-fabio-capello)
with Marcelo a bit further ahead and Lass a bit more defensive with Ramos attacking.

I agree vis a vis VDV and Kaka. They are different players with Kaka being more suited when there is a higher tempo in the game and VDV is good at keeping the ball and also just more creative. So I have my worries with that. One reason Kaka could get better is that he doesn't seem to have a great understanding with Higuain and Benzema and there is times where it is obvious he wants to release the ball but because they make the wrong movement he stalls and it ruins a good attack. That happened too often against Milan at San Siro. Would like to see VDV start with Kaka as one of the strikers a la Milan 07 with VDV in the Seedorf role.

Thanks for the kind words. The Barca thread I gues is a bit booring in terms of discussion of tactics and such but when you have a settled team and club that isn't as obssesed with buying it is bound to get a bit dry.

But this would mean having to drop Higuain which to me is absurd. VDV has been good but there is no reason to 'build' the team around him ffs. Like I said, Kaka's more direct style can be balanced with another possession-oriented player, like Granero, in midfield. Or if Pellegrini can just get him to understand he doesn't have take on multiple defenders every time we will be much better.

I never said anything about dropping Higuain. In my tactic Kaka would play off Higuain or Benzema. Of course it would be mean dropping Ronaldo however but I was merely saying I would like to see how Kaka would work in that role.

And im not saying that we have to build around VDV merely that we have to be a bit pragmatic. So if we struggle to keep the ball when Kaka is on the top of the pyramid while we do better with VDV then the choice should be for VDV to be used and see where Kaka can play. Another way to balance it out would be to use Granero instead of Marcelo as you say.

But we know this isn't going to happen. So to accomodate Kaka as a forward Higuain would have to go and that is unthinkable imo.

Torrente wrote:It's been surprising that Kaka has been a lot more selfish than Polaroid when on the ball. While Kaka has always portrayed himself as the "good guy" while Polaroid has never cared about showing how much he cares about personal glory, I think sometimes we underestimate Kaka's ambition and vanity. I think Kaka is out for winning the Balon D'or next year and he's not entirely happy that Ronaldo is stealing the spotlight from him. As a matter of fact, Kaka's selfish displays only started after Ronaldo began banging in the goals. The first few games and in pre season Kaka was excellent and didn't look anywhere near as selfish as he does now.

To be fair, Kaka did play a lot of games in the wing where he had to drop back too much and hence had less of the ball in attacking positions. He looked much better in recent games where he played at the tip of the diamond and against Barcelona he was notoriously selfless when he squared the ball to Ronaldo. Hopefully this means that Kaka has relaxed a bit and will not be so anxious to do so much from now on.

And as you say early on there were some really good games from him where he was playing quick wall passes around the edge of the box and more patient in the middle third of the pitch. I guess we'll see how he does when he comes back in January.

Torrente wrote:It's been surprising that Kaka has been a lot more selfish than Polaroid when on the ball. While Kaka has always portrayed himself as the "good guy" while Polaroid has never cared about showing how much he cares about personal glory, I think sometimes we underestimate Kaka's ambition and vanity. I think Kaka is out for winning the Balon D'or next year and he's not entirely happy that Ronaldo is stealing the spotlight from him. As a matter of fact, Kaka's selfish displays only started after Ronaldo began banging in the goals. The first few games and in pre season Kaka was excellent and didn't look anywhere near as selfish as he does now.

To be fair, Kaka did play a lot of games in the wing where he had to drop back too much and hence had less of the ball in attacking positions. He looked much better in recent games where he played at the tip of the diamond and against Barcelona he was notoriously selfless when he squared the ball to Ronaldo. Hopefully this means that Kaka has relaxed a bit and will not be so anxious to do so much from now on.

I too noticed this about Kaka. The amount of times he lost the ball trying to nutmeg two players is countless.

I think people misunderstood me here. I don't think that the tactic I was thinking of VDV-Kaka-Higuain would actually be a possibility or that we should drop Ronaldo. I was just saying that I would like to see it tried to see how Kaka would play since he would play in a similar manner to when he played in 2007 alongside Seedorf. But with Benzema and Raul also waiting in the shadows I doubt it will ever be tried.

Raúl ya no cuenta. Sigamos a Benzema

Benzema jugó bien en Valencia, realmente bien. No marcó, o sí, según se mire, sólo que el árbitro le quitó el gol porque le plugo. Vio algo en el salto previo de Pepe frente a César y se apresuró a pitar peligro, como había hecho un mes antes en Gijón, cuando el balón dio en el pecho de Kaká y él vio mano. Hace bien Teixeira, si se mira el asunto sin aprensiones. Cada uno se gana la vida como puede, y si hay que equivocarse que sea con provecho propio, como hace Iturralde. Equivocarse al buen tun-tún, equivocarse equitativamente, no conduce a ninguna parte. Ya que te equivocas, que te sea para bien.

Pero estaba en Benzema. Ese gol le hubiera venido muy bien, pero aún sin él salió prestigiado del partido. Hasta ahora Benzema ha hecho poco, pero se le espera, y por eso se celebró su buen partido en Mestalla como una revelación. Hay algo en su apariencia que sugiere que lleva dentro de sí un gran delantero, deseoso de asomar, pero que aún no asoma. De momento, las circunstancias han apartado de su vida un obstáculo: Raúl. Se mire por donde se mire, lo rodee Pellegrini de las consideraciones que quiera, Raúl está al fondo de la cola. Ya se han terminado las 'raúltaciones'.

Sigamos, pues, a Benzema. Ahora, le demos las vueltas que le demos, se va a jugar una plaza con Higuaín. El Madrid ha quedado dibujado con tres medios (a ser posible Lass, Xabi y Marcelo), un mediapunta (Kaká o, mientras vuelve, Van der Vaart) y dos delanteros. Uno será Cristiano, sí, o sí o también, porque es el mejor jugador que hay. El otro se lo van a disputar Higuaín y Benzema, dos jóvenes que juegan bien el uno con el otro pero que se ven obligados a competir. Así es el deporte de alta competición: duro y exigente hasta lo despiadado. Ante este desafío sabremos de qué madera está hecho Benzema.

http://www.as.com/opinion/articulo/raul-cuenta-sigamos-benzema/dasopi/20091215dasdaiopi_4/Tes

Good article from Relaño. The last paragraph sums it up. Benzema is going to be fighting with Higuain for a place. Cristiano is going to be one of the forwards. Kaka is the mediapunta. We know that Higuain is up for the competition, nobody has ever handed him his place in the XI he's always had to fight for it. So if Benzema perseveres it will say a lot about whether he has the mentality to triumph in Madrid.

El Everton ofrece 8,5 millones por Gago

Fernando Gago podría estar muy cerca del Everton, según publica el diario argentino Panorama. El club inglés estaría dispuesto a ofrecer 8,5 millones de euros por el mediocentro argentino para llevárselo en el mercado invernal. Este periódico asegura que "la opción de Boca está descartada, tanto por el club como por el entorno del futbolista". El citado medio subraya que a pesar de que Pellegrini le ha mostrado públicamente su apoyo, Gago quiere irse del Madrid para entrar en los planes de Maradona para el Mundial.

http://www.as.com/futbol/articulo/futbol-everton-ofrece-85-millones/dasftb/20091215dasdaiftb_49/Tes

Ok - so would you sell Gago for 8,5m? That would be difficult pill to swallow after we paid 20m for him. But unless he has a great world cup I would find it hard to believe anyone is going to pay more for him after his performances this year. Well, he certainly isn't in Pellegrini's plans any longer and if he wants to go, well, I guess I'd sell him.

Dude thats 5 mill more than hes worth. Everton are fucking nuts.

Roberto Carlos I'd be more comfortable bringing back Hierro

Regarding Gago, I think the club should try to negotiate a bit more and try to get 10-12 million and sell him. But then again, we do owe Everton for the mighty Gravesen and all those fun moments he provided us with so I'd be inclined to just take the 8.5

Gago would be dumb to go to the Premiership though. He's too much of a light weight and he really struggles when he doesn't get time on the ball. Seria A would be perfect for him since it's a lot slower like the Argentinian league. Inter, Roma, and Milan have been buying our garbage in recent years so we should see if one of them is interested

I would like Gago to go on a loan first and see how he does before we sell. Don't want to make another Cambiasso here. Problem is that Gago is still involved with the argentine national team so his value is high which it might not be if he goes on a loan next season for example.

Super Higuain wrote:I would like Gago to go on a loan first and see how he does before we sell. Don't want to make another Cambiasso here. Problem is that Gago is still involved with the argentine national team so his value is high which it might not be if he goes on a loan next season for example.

Well, I'm not convinced Cambiasso would do so well in Real Madrid either. I certainly would have preferred to have him over the likes of Pablo Garcia and co. over the years, but currently we have 2 great DMs in Lass and Alonso who are both in their mid 20s. We also have Granero and then Parejo is coming back next season (who may not be DMs but are much better Alonso replacements than Gago due to their characteristics) so I don't see the need for Gago.

I think Gago can do well in Seria A, but even if he becomes a success there it doesn't mean that he would in Real Madrid. The white shirt is simply too heavy for a lot of players, and Gago seems to be one of them. If everton have already offered 8.5 million, that means they are likely to reach a price of 10-12 million with a bit of negotiations. Gago will not be worth much more than that in the near future so the club might as well sell him now.

Apparently Juve are also interested in Gago. Not that they need another DM but if both they and Everton want him we may well be able to get the fee of 10-12m that Torrente mentioned.


La Juve irá a por Gago en el mercado de invierno

La Juventus ya mueve ficha para reforzarse de cara al mercado de invierno. Según publica este martes 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' en su edidión de papel, el club italiano quiere fichar a Gago para reforzar el centro del campo del equipo. Sin embargo, y pese al gran interés del club de Turín, el Real Madrid ha asegurado que no quiere deshacerse del argentino.

El diario italiano ya especula con la llegada de Fernando Gago a la Juventus, que compartiría el centro del campo junto a Felipe Melo, Marchisio y Diego de media punta. Marcelo Lombilla, agente del argentino, aseguró hace unas semanas que Gago no se siente a gusto en Madrid y que desea dejar el club blanco para tener minutos y poder así disputar el próximo Mundial de Sudáfrica.

El representante pasó por varios medios de comunicación de su país, dejando muy clara su postura. "A mí no me sirve tener un jugador que no es feliz en su club, que no juega. Gago, cuando no juega, se queda llorando en casa". Además, el diario MARCA publicó el pasado viernes que el Real Madrid ha dejado claro a Gago que no está en venta. Mahamadou Diarra se marchará en el mes de enero a la Copa de África, por lo que el centrocampista argentino se convertirá más imprescindible que nunca.

http://www.marca.com/2009/12/15/futbol/equipos/real_madrid/1260874186.html

Don't really want Gago - we either should get an experienced player (or at least more readt than Gago), or just wait to fully develop Rodwell (unless we won't sell him before of course).

Also - wondering what was the first: article in english press (tabloid "The People") or in As? Would trust this rumour more if it would be first in "As".

stinger wrote:Don't really want Gago - we either should get an experienced player (or at least more readt than Gago), or just wait to fully develop Rodwell (unless we won't sell him before of course).

Also - wondering what was the first: article in english press (tabloid "The People") or in As? Would trust this rumour more if it would be first in "As".

The story that AS ran apparently originated from a Argentine newspaper so who knows if that is more or less credible.

Everton would be making a mistake of epic proportions if they would be counting Gago as a replacement for Arteta (how long until he is back?). If they want him as a DM perhaps with playing he can get his confidence back and do a decent job.