Tbf even with messi. It seems messi and ronaldo pointed people to stats in football. Saw the birth of salah, haaland and others who are just efficient machines rather than a ronaldinho type.

Lebron being a freak in the nba also has done the same in basketball.

Agree with you completely. The game is now over analysed and "moneyballed".

comment by No Pedro Lima = Relegation (U6489)
posted 4 hours, 10 minutes ago
I don't know what we as supporters would have done without Palmer the last year. Sure we had some other players do good work like Gusto and Gallagher, but without Palmer I think we would finally be a darts thread.
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We'd have easily finished well inside the bottom half of the table last season without Palmer. There's no doubt in my mind.

As someone who used to watch a lot of football in the late 90's and early 00's the players were a lot more skillful and there was significantly more mercurial players around. And not just playing for the top teams they were spread around.

A lot of highly skilled players don't even make it in today's game as they're not considered athletic enough. Makes me wonder how many greats of yesteryear would have been cast aside before they were ever allowed to make it in today's game.

Morning

comment by Superb (U6486)
posted about 2 hours ago
As someone who used to watch a lot of football in the late 90's and early 00's the players were a lot more skillful and there was significantly more mercurial players around. And not just playing for the top teams they were spread around.

A lot of highly skilled players don't even make it in today's game as they're not considered athletic enough. Makes me wonder how many greats of yesteryear would have been cast aside before they were ever allowed to make it in today's game.
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I remember someone saying years ago, can't remember who, that Messi would never have existed in the UK because of how we train kids, and he was 100% correct. Our set up is complete different, we are all about tall athletic players and we are playing "full size" by the time we are 6, South America is all about "Futsal". Go check out some videos of a Brazilian called: Falcão not to be confused with the Columbian.

I do think Ronaldo and Messi are exceptions rather than the normal. Their stats and achievements are unprecedented and their era unique. I do however agree that modern football is not as exciting to watch. In many games it has a robotic feel.

Futsal should be an Olympic sport instead of the nonsense that’s currently in there

comment by CSTP (U1453)
posted 29 minutes ago
Futsal should be an Olympic sport instead of the nonsense that’s currently in there
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Yeah, good shout.

UEFA have charged Rodri and Morata for singing Gibraltar is Spanish.

Only a matter of time for Enzo and friends one would think.

Wonder what they’d make of John Cena apologising to China for calling Taiwan a country

comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 6 hours, 7 minutes ago

I do think Ronaldo and Messi are exceptions rather than the normal. Their stats and achievements are unprecedented and their era unique. I do however agree that modern football is not as exciting to watch. In many games it has a robotic feel.
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Because everything's been done & seen now, there's no new tactical innovation or revolutionary way to acquire talent anymore, it's about pressing home the tinniest possible advantages. Produces better players but it's the death of artistry.

Professional chess has the exact same problem to a tee. The top player in the world today (Magnus Carlsen) is probably the greatest player ever, but he's equally by far the most boring of anyone else in the conversation

Maresca: "I don't think there will be problems with Enzo Fernandez when he returns. There were no bad intentions, I spoke with Enzo. It's all clear now".

"It's all clarified by the player and the club, so that's it".

"Enzo has apologised, there's no problem at all".

Just seen the presser. New manager's very likeable.

Enzo and the rest return from holiday on the 29th.

James and Gusto have been playing as inverted FB's

comment by CSTP (U1453)
posted 10 hours, 33 minutes ago
Futsal should be an Olympic sport instead of the nonsense that’s currently in there
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Im not watching footy tennis or golf

Howdy

comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted about 2 hours ago
comment by CSTP (U1453)
posted 10 hours, 33 minutes ago
Futsal should be an Olympic sport instead of the nonsense that’s currently in there
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Im not watching footy tennis or golf
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Unless a Brit is inthe final

comment by ＴＬＬＬ (U4640)
posted 7 hours, 3 minutes ago
Just seen the presser. New manager's very likeable.

Enzo and the rest return from holiday on the 29th.

James and Gusto have been playing as inverted FB's
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I like the vibe under this new head coach. Seems very positive and all about very hard work and application.

Chelsea are advancing on Filip Jorgensen, agreement in principle with the player. (@MatteMoretto)
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Sanchez backup been found then.

Hopefully Maresca realises quick that Sanchez isn't capable of being first choice and this keeper we're buying is good enough to be a starter

I hope he is being signed as 1st choice and not a back up GK. Need to actually start improving the 1st team.

Ah yes Filip Jorgensen, been wanting to sign him for ages

Fantastic news. Maybe this can help us stave off relegation following Pedro Lima's devastating snub.

comment by ＴＬＬＬ (U4640)
posted about 13 hours ago
Just seen the presser. New manager's very likeable.

Enzo and the rest return from holiday on the 29th.

James and Gusto have been playing as inverted FB's
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Interestingly, he mentioned James and Gusto at right back, and “Marc and Renato” at left back who can all play as inverted full backs. No mention of Chilwell. 🤷

Probably looking to move Chilwell on now. Can't blame him or the club in fairness. His time as an elite player is pretty much over it seems, especially factoring in the constant injuries. Safegate didn't even take him to the Euros even though he didn't have any other fully fit LB's. Speaks volumes.

comment by BlueJ2 (U4630)
posted 17 minutes ago
comment by ＴＬＬＬ (U4640)
posted about 13 hours ago
Just seen the presser. New manager's very likeable.

Enzo and the rest return from holiday on the 29th.

James and Gusto have been playing as inverted FB's
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interestingly, he mentioned James and Gusto at right back, and “Marc and Renato” at left back who can all play as inverted full backs. No mention of Chilwell. 🤷
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Yeah I was thinking that as well. But when he was talking about the CB’s he didn’t mention Colwill. 🤷‍♂️

comment by SWTN - Judas is number 1 (U7916)
posted 6 hours, 54 minutes ago
comment by Sheriff JW Pepper (U1007)
posted about 2 hours ago
comment by CSTP (U1453)
posted 10 hours, 33 minutes ago
Futsal should be an Olympic sport instead of the nonsense that’s currently in there
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Im not watching footy tennis or golf
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Unless a Brit is inthe final
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err....yeeeaahhh...about that...