What's new

Ligue 1 - 2017-18

jonathanhotspur

Loose Cannon
Jun 28, 2009
10,292
8,250
Seriously, I guess we could do a shitload worse for 25m. (And we have.) Moura is kind of the intermediary version of players Poch keeps trying to sign, and he think he’s much better value than Zaha for example, I just question the logic of continually pursuing this “type”.
What do you mean, @Bus-Conductor? Deeply flawed attacking players, is it?
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
What do you mean, @Bus-Conductor? Deeply flawed attacking players, is it?

Moura’s not deeply flawed. I just mean Poch has been constantly chasing pacey attacking players when we don’t often play the way that gets the best out of them any way - ponderous transitioning cm’s etc

Moura's a decent dribbler, much better value than Zaha, IMO who would have cost twice as much.
 
Last edited:

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
I would definitely have preferred a punt on Malcom at 45m than Moura at 30-35m. Would have preferred Fekir to both.
But what about Moura at 23M?

edit: NVM I saw your previous response.
 
Last edited:

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
But what about Moura at 23M?

edit: NVM I saw your previous response.


Yeah, Moura at 25m in this market isn't terrible business, but I'm not getting carried away either, I think he'll get the crowd off their seats sometimes - they love a dribbler - but his end product, like all these pacey dribblers, can be a bit hit and miss. I think Malcom possibly has a higher potential ceiling than Moura, but Moura's a much better value option than the likes of Zaha at 50m.
 

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
Yeah, Moura at 25m in this market isn't terrible business, but I'm not getting carried away either, I think he'll get the crowd off their seats sometimes - they love a dribbler - but his end product, like all these pacey dribblers, can be a bit hit and miss. I think Malcom possibly has a higher potential ceiling than Moura, but Moura's a much better value option than the likes of Zaha at 50m.
Yeah, I understood your feelings about it. It's just that in your post that I responded to had Moura @ 30-35M. At 23M the calculus changes as he not only becomes immediately helpful to the squad in all competitions he retains options going forward. As you intimate in your post Zaha would be lesser value in all aspects (ability, experience, competition level, against the bus, etc) though I do think he would have been decent for us.

I am not on the Malcom train and also do not think his ceiling is all that high; not a particularly nimble dribbler (dribbles to space which sounds good but shows a lack of confidence), not particularly fast (but is quick over 5M which is good), not particularly good at shielding the ball/using his body (like Fekir), no defensive work-rate to speak of, and all coupled with being very 1 footed (can't stand a 1 footed player). So yeah, not that high on him. I struggle to see what his 40-50M value is over Lamela, who I have grown to appreciate.

But now I am less concerned about this area than the CM area where we need to reinforce first and foremost. Without better distribution from this area what we put up front will be worthless.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
Yeah, I understood your feelings about it. It's just that in your post that I responded to had Moura @ 30-35M. At 23M the calculus changes as he not only becomes immediately helpful to the squad in all competitions he retains options going forward. As you intimate in your post Zaha would be lesser value in all aspects (ability, experience, competition level, against the bus, etc) though I do think he would have been decent for us.

I am not on the Malcom train and also do not think his ceiling is all that high; not a particularly nimble dribbler (dribbles to space which sounds good but shows a lack of confidence), not particularly fast (but is quick over 5M which is good), not particularly good at shielding the ball/using his body (like Fekir), no defensive work-rate to speak of, and all coupled with being very 1 footed (can't stand a 1 footed player). So yeah, not that high on him. I struggle to see what his 40-50M value is over Lamela, who I have grown to appreciate.

But now I am less concerned about this area than the CM area where we need to reinforce first and foremost. Without better distribution from this area what we put up front will be worthless.

Yeah, completely agree about CM.

These type of players (pacey/dribblers) rarely blow me away, they are so rarely attached to a good brain and so often they promise so much more than they actually deliver.

I do think Malcom could potentially be a bit more productive than average though. Could be wrong though, like I said elsewhere, he could just be another Boufal, great on YouTube etc
 

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
Lyon are incapable of playing two halves of decent football.
Yeah, they are their own worse enemy. Kind of feels like pre-Poch Spurs where they are just not able to see out games/hold leads. Now they have an all-together different and more serious problem to concern themselves with Fekir.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
You seen much of Monaco this year, BC? Curious to know how Tielemans is getting on.

Funnily enough, I watched him play last weekend. Got to say, I remain somewhat non plussed by Tielemans. I haven’t formed a rock solid opinion. He’s clearly got some ability and he’s had a couple of decent games but he’s not started loads, as Monaco tend to play a cm2 of Moutinho with Fabinho.

He was pretty ineffectual first half on Saturday and was subbed at half time. To be fair, he was being played more as an AM though, which really doesn’t suit him.

I think there’s a decent player there, he’s got a bit of tenacity and is neat and tidy with the ball, just I’ve personally never seen him really impose himself on a game.

I think he’s better without the ball than Winks for example, and about the same on it. Tidy, efficient, occasionally incisive, but no Modric.
 

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
OM v OL anyone? @Bus-Conductor you watching or are you avoiding good football at the moment? 2 pen claims (Vardy-esque dives) for OM already and a little left in on thauvin withint the first 20 seconds by Mendy. Nice!
 

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
Love that CM3 of Aouar/Tousart/NDombele. Age 19/21/20.
Get your boy Daniel on the blower and make it happen.

Just angry two of my most hated players actually won the game. I guess Mariano had to make up for his earlier selfishness somehow.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
Get your boy Daniel on the blower and make it happen.

Just angry two of my most hated players actually won the game. I guess Mariano had to make up for his earlier selfishness somehow.

Yeah, Diaz and Depay both have talent but can both be really irritatingly stupid/selfish with their choices can’t they.
 

GobbyJJ

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2013
483
1,237
Yeah, Diaz and Depay both have talent but can both be really irritatingly stupid/selfish with their choices can’t they.
I went away for the weekend last year to see Eintract Frankfurt and go to Frankfurt Car Show. Had a really good weekend so am repeating the weekend with 3 mates in 3 weeks time. This time we have decided to spend the weekend in Lyon. Although no car show we hope to be entertained by their gastronomic delights during a long, boozy lunch.

This is where you guys come in. Bus-conductor, heelspurs and others are far more knowledgeable on the delights of French football and in particular Lyon. Am very excited to see Fekir in the flesh. I know we've been linked with NDombele & Aouar looks a standout. My personal take on Spurs is that, as well as a CM, we desperately miss good attacking full backs. Is Mendy good enough defensively to be a solution to our problem.

I know that BC really doesn't like the manager but are there any other players I should look for. I think the game is vs Amiens by the way.
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
I went away for the weekend last year to see Eintract Frankfurt and go to Frankfurt Car Show. Had a really good weekend so am repeating the weekend with 3 mates in 3 weeks time. This time we have decided to spend the weekend in Lyon. Although no car show we hope to be entertained by their gastronomic delights during a long, boozy lunch.

This is where you guys come in. Bus-conductor, heelspurs and others are far more knowledgeable on the delights of French football and in particular Lyon. Am very excited to see Fekir in the flesh. I know we've been linked with NDombele & Aouar looks a standout. My personal take on Spurs is that, as well as a CM, we desperately miss good attacking full backs. Is Mendy good enough defensively to be a solution to our problem.

I know that BC really doesn't like the manager but are there any other players I should look for. I think the game is vs Amiens by the way.

I really like Mendy a lot. I have talked about him in the Summer transfer wish list thread as well as in here. I think he could potentially have the lot, physique, pace and is great going forwards.

Fekir’s should be back from injury by the time you go out there.

The best home fixture they have left is Nice last game.
 

GobbyJJ

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2013
483
1,237
I really like Mendy a lot. I have talked about him in the Summer transfer wish list thread as well as in here. I think he could potentially have the lot, physique, pace and is great going forwards.

Fekir’s should be back from injury by the time you go out there.

The best home fixture they have left is Nice last game.
Thanks for the reply. I really hope Fekir is playing. One of the reasons I wanted to go to Lyon was to watch him play live following you and others waxing lyrical about what a good player he is. I've only caught small snippets of him playing on tv. I think he may already be out of our range sadly. I am really interested in watching Mendy. Could be just what we need?
 

Bus-Conductor

SC Supporter
Oct 19, 2004
39,837
50,713
Thanks for the reply. I really hope Fekir is playing. One of the reasons I wanted to go to Lyon was to watch him play live following you and others waxing lyrical about what a good player he is. I've only caught small snippets of him playing on tv. I think he may already be out of our range sadly. I am really interested in watching Mendy. Could be just what we need?


I would definitely take Mendy, think he's going too be very good.

It's a funny one with Fekir, it depends who's in for him, but I have hunch he may be more affordable than some think. Lacazette went for 46m. Tolisso 35m. I think for the same reasons that Payet never got a move to an uber club, Fekir might find his next move is to a second tier club and as such the fee might not be astronomical.

Love both Ndombele and Aouar. Ndombele has everything, strong, tenacious, dynamic, great technique, the makings of a real uber 6 who can play too. Aouar has the makings of a really good 8, more slight and agile, has good feet and good vision.
 

GobbyJJ

Well-Known Member
Jan 31, 2013
483
1,237
I would definitely take Mendy, think he's going too be very good.

It's a funny one with Fekir, it depends who's in for him, but I have hunch he may be more affordable than some think. Lacazette went for 46m. Tolisso 35m. I think for the same reasons that Payet never got a move to an uber club, Fekir might find his next move is to a second tier club and as such the fee might not be astronomical.

Love both Ndombele and Aouar. Ndombele has everything, strong, tenacious, dynamic, great technique, the makings of a real uber 6 who can play too. Aouar has the makings of a really good 8, more slight and agile, has good feet and good vision.
I'll let you know what the whole Lyon experience was like. Football, food and whatever happens.
 

heelspurs

Le filet mignon est un bastion de rosbif
Jul 25, 2012
4,270
5,105
I went away for the weekend last year to see Eintract Frankfurt and go to Frankfurt Car Show. Had a really good weekend so am repeating the weekend with 3 mates in 3 weeks time. This time we have decided to spend the weekend in Lyon. Although no car show we hope to be entertained by their gastronomic delights during a long, boozy lunch.

This is where you guys come in. Bus-conductor, heelspurs and others are far more knowledgeable on the delights of French football and in particular Lyon. Am very excited to see Fekir in the flesh. I know we've been linked with NDombele & Aouar looks a standout. My personal take on Spurs is that, as well as a CM, we desperately miss good attacking full backs. Is Mendy good enough defensively to be a solution to our problem.

I know that BC really doesn't like the manager but are there any other players I should look for. I think the game is vs Amiens by the way.

Jeez, this is like a BC batsignal you just sent up here and I see our 'Gallic' superhero has already answered your call.:D If you guys threw in a foray slightly south to pick up a tactical Serie B nil-nil between Novara and Pro Vercelli he would self-combust.

To his credit his knowledge of Ligue 1 is far more comprehensive than mine. I mainly follow 1 team (actually 1.5 teams now and all the big/interesting matchups) and it happens to be the team of that particular gastronomic hotspot. So jealous of your trip.

To the players, yes, Fekir is a very good player. For me he is levels above our proposed transfer target Malcom, whose play as of late is less than inspiring (anonymous vs Rennes the other day and left out of the team in a contest previous). Fekir was on fire before his ACL and seems to have returned to that form if not better now.

Tanguy NDombele: Tough because of our history with 'N-type' French players but he is a 'Dembele' so that's a plus.:) Interesting that you will see the Amiens game as that is NDombele's parent club. He is on loan this season with an option that most definitely will be picked up...unless Daniel can finagle a 'Toby-Atleti-Soton'-type situation.:sneaky: He has been played throughout the midfield and shone in all positions. Although he has ability (strength, decent left foot, very decent recovery pace and defensive desire) he would definitely have to learn to play more conservatively with the ball in the PL were he to make a move. He can definitely beat a man in the MF. Maybe not to our Dembele's level but it is impressive. He also knows how to both position his body and use his strength/leverage to protect the ball ie he shows very decent press resistance. I like him a lot and he is a more rounded player than any of our midfielders. I saw BC make the comment in reference to Doucoure that these types of players are dime a dozen in Ligue 1 and I would tend to agree with him but NDombele's footballing ability is beyond this.

Aouar: Just might be special. He knows what is going on around him. This sounds a simple statement but so many present day MFs don't. The 360* game is hard and with the prevalence of the 4231 it is less a necessity but this kid seems to have it. He is only 19 FFS and he showed me something this weekend that was beyond impressive. Drawing to what is effectively their Chelsea (assuming ASSE still counts as their Arsenal...which they do considering the Fekir-inspired pitch invasion that occurred earlier this year) at HT and having a so-so game he comes out in the second half, ups his game and begins to dictate the proceedings. Yeah, I speaking about a 19 year old. His composure and presence was impressive. He was rewarded for his efforts with a nice goal taken first time from just outside the box. Unfortunately, he had to leave the game for a knock/cramp. This kid has promise. He's no shrimp but he could stand to eat a meal or two but he is only 19.

Mendy: Not really sure what BC has said in the transfer thread but I agree with his sentiments here. He is another that is in his first year at Lyon. He comes from the same academy at City's Mendy (Benjamin) but don't believe they are related. What is related between these feckers is a powerful thick-legged run that will surprise you when you realize just how fast they are.

Lyon's Mendy (Ferland) does not have the superior delivery like Benjamin. I have seen decent crosses but Lyon's play is less reliant than our's on this. What he does have is the ability to run/dribble with the ball, beat a man, and pass it. He is a good player that I could definitely see and would love to see at Spurs. He has it all to be a good LB but he would need the Poch treatment. I do see more in him at LB or LWB than I do Sessegnon but he does have him by 4 years (but very similar first team experience). But I'm talking defensive instincts here.

Gastronomy: Pretty sure you will enjoy this. It was some of the best eats I've ever had as it was both objectively good and 'expensed'. Not much better than good, free food that is prepared for you.:) BC would disagree here as I probably didn't show the requisite 'effort'. But then again I heard he didn't rate the recently deceased Paul Bocuse because of his knife skills or something. What I'm saying is BC's a stickler. :D

EDIT: By the length you can tell I started this a while ago. Only saw the first reply. slow tot he party again. What can you expect though when you mention French footie in general, Lyon in particular, and food...BC gonna BC and I would expect nothing less.
 
Last edited:
Top