Yep, that's all you can say about Man United, amazing. 7-1 in a Champions League knockout round, against an Italian defense no less, that's some achievement. They tore Roma to absolute pieces almost at will. Even the most hardened of cynics/United haters cannot detract anything from that performance, especially considering the circumstances (Roma are undefeated in 10, Man United had lost their last two AND had four major first team players out). Ronaldo...what a player. He still has many critics who say he has no end product, or is a show pony or whatever, it's all bullshit. He's 20 years old and able to reduce a team like Roma to quivering, terrifyed rabbits, outstanding. Going on form for this season, he's the best player in the world and that game clinched it, f*ck anyone who says otherwise.
And for Giggs to not just be playing, but to still be running defences ragged from the wing at this level, at the age of 33 is amazing. Heinze and Carrick were outstanding also. There's a chance they could slip up against Bayern Munich in the semis (I think they'd destroy Milan if they qualify ahead of Bayern), but I'm fairly confident it'll be them who play (and probably lose against) Liverpool in the final, as I can't see Chelsea ending Liverpool's run of extreme confidence.
Df, why are you so happy about an "all English" final? Considering I could probably count the amount of English players there on one hand.
I just ask this because you did once critique Arsenal for not having enough talent from England, yet English clubs by name only are seemingly worth being proud of.
Originally posted by Deathblow
I can't see Chelsea ending Liverpool's run of extreme confidence.
That is exactly what it is; A run of confidence.
Panic at the Disco! were confident they'd go over well at Reading. That didn't happen either.
-AC
Originally posted by Alpha Centauri
Df, why are you so happy about an "all English" final? Considering I could probably count the amount of English players there on one hand.I just ask this because you did once critique Arsenal for not having enough talent from England, yet English clubs by name only are seemingly worth being proud of.
English final raises the profile of the English league, making it easier for clubs to sign players.
It will also make Platini think twice as he tries to reduce the number of CL entrants to 3.
You're going to say 'but you hate foreign players'... but i love the foreign influence in the EPL, but it should be supported by English talent as well.
Average squad size is about 23-26, i think that the EPL should have rules about what's included in the squad at the start of the season... minimum of 5 English born players for instance, and a minimum of 8 players that have trained in England since before their 18th birthday, or something like that.
plus; 'so happy' is a bit extreme, all i said was it'd be nice 😛
Originally posted by Phat J
i dont know about that minimum of 5 thing.id pick a better quality of foreign players over having more british players any day.
That's exactly the problem... 🙄 English talent should be developed, and this can only be done by providing them with the oppurtunity to play at the top levels, and 5 out of a squad of 30-ish isnt exactly extortionate.
Originally posted by Df02
That's exactly the problem... 🙄 English talent should be developed, and this can only be done by providing them with the oppurtunity to play at the top levels, and 5 out of a squad of 30-ish isnt exactly extortionate.
You can't exactly expect the top flight clubs to risk consistent top flight success just so people will say "Yeah, they're supporting Englishmen.". Hardly worth it.
Foreign players have to prove their worth just like any other player, but it so happens there are better foreign players than English. The very best English players in the world still don't rank up anywhere near the best from certain other countries.
-AC
**** English 'talent'. Sport is a meritocracy, and if they are good enough, they will get in. If not, they shouldn't be catered to because of their nationality.
The English player market is pathetic as well. £18 million for Carrick. Potentially 12 for Bale. You can get a Carrick-quality player from abroad for tuppence.