How about Capoue.
He makes Dawson look quick and mobile. No thanks. In Holland they nicknamed him 'Roncrete' (ie concrete) - most people thought it was because he was tough however the real reason was because when he runs he looks like he running through quick-drying concrete
Really? Never noticed that one.
Tried paying attention to this in particular in the Holland - Argentina game. Two occasions stuck in my mind. One early in the second half where Messi was released, Vlaar had to turn and run whereas Messi was running straight ahead. The situation came to nothing (offside, or the ball was hit too hard), but Vlaar didn't look slow or immobile at all. He obviously wasn't as quick as Messi, but he wasn't left for dead either.
The second is obviously the tackle on Messi as Messi was looking to create space at the edge of the box. Doesn't show pace I suppose, but showed relatively quick feet to get down and make the tackle in a situation where most defenders are left behind.
Was mentioned in the football weekly podcast that Vlaar amongst others had been motivated by Robben and his dedication to improvement and in training. Could it be that some extra training in recent years has made Vlaar a bit more mobile than he was in Holland?
Ahhh yes my man Ron Vlaar. Gathering momentum since we first spoke about him
Yeah, would be a really astute signing I think.
Yes, perhaps there are "better" centre backs around. Perhaps Bruno Martins Indi is all around better and of course has more potential. But to use him as an example, how well do we think Bruno Martins Indi and Dawson/Kaboul/Vlad will work this season as a centre back partnership? For me at least I think Vlaar would work a lot better alongside any of those. Perhaps with a fit and motivated and still present Vertonghen alongside him Martins Indi would be the better option, but then we're more or less back to relying on one centre back to be available for us to have a good centre back partnership.
We already have a young(ish) centre back looking to improve in Vlad, if Kaboul regains fitness he's still "only" 28, Vertonghen has his best years ahead of him. What we need is experience and leadership next to those players, not another player that needs experience and leadership next to him to function.
I like Vlar, had a great world cup, but was he in a three with Holland? This formation might just have played into his strengths but he might be exposed when in a pair. His Villa form hasn't overly impressed me.
http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/488835/Spurs-lead-Chelsea-and-Arsenal-in-battle-for-Everton-s-John-Stones
Would be a great move. I think we need to concentrate on youth, we can't compete with the top 5 just by signing established players as they're invariably buying better quality established players at the same time.
No chance of it happening, though. Everton aren't going to sell one of their jewels now. Especially not to their most direct Premier League rival.
oh. we're going to "resist any offers".
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