General Football Thread

[FestiveJack]

51 minutes ago, TCO said:

How many of those goals are from just being amazing in the air at corners though, rather than end product? Ramos in particular has a knack of reading a cross. I don't see how that diminishes their defensive abilities in comparison to Moore. They're just way better than any other centre backs with the ball at their feet. It's not like they're doing Cruyff turns and pulling out of tackles. 

I don't think it diminishes their defensive abilities, but I think it makes them a different style of player, not better or worse, per se, but the Bobbt Moore kind of defender isn't something you tend to see at the top of the game any more. It's not recent - Paolo Maldini made a tiny amount of tackles (something like 0.5 per game) which is less than both Ramos or Pique - but I dunno... I kinda would like to see an 'old school' defender amongst the top teams, if only because John Stones 5 or 6 mistakes a game is getting seriously tiresome.

[TCO]

I think John Stones is an exception. He tries way too hard with the ball at this feet when sometimes its just not on. He's trying to be Rio Ferdinand but sometimes he looks closer to Titus Bramble the way he gets caught napping.

Unless teams play hoofball then defenders have to be able to take it down and play a pass. I think John Terry is the perfect blend of both and arguably the most complete defender in a long time.

[MDK]

7 minutes ago, TCO said:

I think John Stones is an exception. He tries way too hard with the ball at this feet when sometimes its just not on. He's trying to be Rio Ferdinand but sometimes he looks closer to Titus Bramble the way he gets caught napping.

Unless teams play hoofball then defenders have to be able to take it down and play a pass. I think John Terry is the perfect blend of both and arguably the most complete defender in a long time.

He might be the last of the good, old fashioned CB.

[TCO]

Very comfortable with the ball and has two good feet too. Peak John Terry will always be underappreciated.

[MDK]

He might have been underappreciated but he was never underrated. Off the pitch, well, he had a few 'mares.

[Colly]

Indeed. Plus for me as good as he was, that England cap count would've been way smaller had Woodgate and King not been made of glass.

[Lineker]

Alexei Smertin named as Russia’s anti-racism inspector before 2018 World Cup

[FestiveJack]

So the guy who said "there is no racism in Russian football" is in charge of making sure there's no racism at Russia's world cup. Makes sense.

[Moses Julep]

Does he get a badge? Like how is one an anti-racism inspector? You walk in places and ask people if they're racist? Does he bust gangs of neo-nazis? I am fascinated. 

[Gazz]

He has a big white cloak and hood so you can easily recognise him.

[Lineker]

FIFA 17 matches to be broadcast live on TV for first time by BT Sport

[Adam]

1 hour ago, Lineker said:

FIFA 17 matches to be broadcast live on TV for first time by BT Sport

Sorry?

[Lineker]

Why are you apologising @Adam ?

[Adam]

2 minutes ago, Lineker said:

Why are you apologising @Adam ?

I just don't understand the story you've posted. People playing a video game is going to be shown on actual television, I can't get my head round it.

[Baddar]

"Esports" is something that's getting bigger. Massive amounts of money to be made.

[Lineker]

eSports isn't a sport tbf.

[Adam]

I get that it's growing in popularity but what is the need for it to be on TV instead of real sport? Keep it on Youtube or whatever where it belongs, where it's more suited to surely.

[Baddar]

I know Sky Sports had the finals on for last season's Ultimate Team, not sure if any of it was live though. I guess we'll find out if it's worth it when it comes to viewing figures. 

[Gazz]

Yeah, no.

[Baddar]

Is there a "let's not mention fuck ups with the gameplay" agreement or something?