If you remember Ronaldo-the-effective winger(06/07), then that's how I would describe Valencia, just without the left foot and flair, and also half his goalscoring threat at that time. The way he just stop and then explode to get past the defender last night was awesome. His crosses seems pretty good too.. always nearly found their target.

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Added on July 31, 2009, 5:02 pmWe should buy Ruud back. That would solve our goalscoring problem.

This post has been edited by Wan: Jul 31 2009, 05:02 PM

He scored 2 I think for them in 2 seasons there. 4 goals in 3 seasons at West Ham. He was never prolific, and he's more of a DM rather than someone like Gerrard/Lampard/Scholes who bomb forward and get goals.

With Valencia in the side, and judging him on his performances so far, he will create a lot of chances for us. Our CMs, strikers and whoever plays on the left will get plenty of joy attacking the box with Valencia crossing in.

-------------Given----------------
Richards-Toure-Kompany-Bridge
---------Ireland-Barry------------
SWP-------Tevez-------Robinho
-----------Adebayor--------------

They did pretty well this season in the market compared to last season. Bought establish EPL players. Santa Cruz, Tevez, Adebayor, Barry, Toure. Not a bad 1st 11 IMO. If they gel, and play as well as they should(judging by the quality of their players), they should finish in the top 6 easily.

The top 4 shouldn't worry too much yet, but after this season and if they finish strongly in the league, they would pose serious threat to the top 4.

Hughes did quite well at Blackburn. Last season was a bit weird with all the new players, and some not quite good enough and others can't adapt in the team. This time they have EPL proven players. Could well turn out to be good, although I doubt Hughes can get the best out of them, but you never know..

They don't really count though. One is a youngster, and another one won't be here till January next year.

Everyone hibernate lah. Prepare for the long season ahead..

Can't play in a 442.. not a winger, not really a CM. He's an AM.. and we don't play with those around. He can go and play in Germany where he can be a star. Overrated.. good player, but not that good.

Espanyol.. new European super power? Lucky they're not in CL.. heh heh heh

Just wanted some publicity for his club, and Italian football. They're weak now.. will stay that way for a while longer.

I'm kinda worried about Arsenal. I know they've lost some players, but the potential of their players are crazy. Hit the right balance and right kind of timing, they might well be around the top challenging. Can't ignore Chelsea too.. they still have the same players, and who knows how Ancelotti would set them up. Liverpool is Liverpool.. they'll be a threat. Lose Alonso though things will work out differently for them.

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Added on August 3, 2009, 1:32 pmEduardo.. give him a chance, he'll take it. Top scorer next season?

This post has been edited by Wan: Aug 3 2009, 01:32 PM

I feel they're a bit like us in 06/07. Underachieve for a few seasons, then after only one signing, seem to rejuvenate. They have good players all over the side, young ones too. Get a partner for Fabregas, or maybe Denilson matures and the defence do their job, they could well challenge till the end of the season.

I'm confident about the team too. While Ronaldo's goals was a massive contribution to us these last 3 seasons, I feel that we can replace that part of his game comfortably. It's his match winning skills that will be missed. We have Rooney as the other one, but the others need to step up. Ando, Nani, Berba need to really take another step forward in that regard.

stream it.

Don't miss the game. We'll present our new signings on the pitch.
*Hint.. Both David..

No lah. They're saving for tonight.. spam till die when they announce the signing of both Davids.. muahaha.

I'm confused now. The match later on this morning or tomorrow morning?

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Added on August 5, 2009, 12:14 amTomorrow morning lah.. aiya.

This post has been edited by Wan: Aug 5 2009, 12:14 AM

Never knew they were here in those days! No wonder ramai minat them and English football in general. Wonder how many times they, and the other clubs came here and play.

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Added on August 5, 2009, 2:03 amLooks like our rival will lose one of their midfielder.. still got one left who wants to leave. Barry would be a good replacement.. opps.

This post has been edited by Wan: Aug 5 2009, 02:03 AM

Him and Obertan the future of our wings? Let's hope they turn out the way we wanted them to.. good times to be a supporter.

I wouldn't be so sure of that unless you've watched them both regularly. Obertan was similarly highly rated when he first broke through, but things have not yet turn out the way it was predicted for him, and it could happen to Ljajic too. But Obertan is still young, and from the clips of him around, seems like a fantastic young winger with good eyes and brain. People will be surprise by him.. team player, can go past people with ease, good pace, big build.. promising.

Obertan 1.86 m

Ljajic have everything. Shooting from long range, get into the box, good passer, creative..

This post has been edited by Wan: Aug 5 2009, 03:17 AM

He was very good in his first season, and last season showed it in patches and suffered because SAF went with the dependable Park and he just didn't get a run in the side to build his form up. Who knows how this season will pan out, but I'm hoping SAF will give him those games this time out. I just wish he'll be more direct.. would do him good.

I wouldn't say try too hard, but it's annoying seeing him try to be tricky all the time. Stop, tempt the defender then go.. almost usually fail last season, but when he get them right, it does look great. His delivery are usually good too.. but he's so unpredictable even our players don't know what to expect from him. He's just so inconsistent. And that's usually what happens with young wingers.. young players in general. They're frustrating to watch. And Rooney and Ronaldo somewhat change that and people are expecting young players to do it right straight away and maintain that all the time. SAF said Nani is not as mature as Ronaldo was, so I guess from that we should be a bit more patient with him for a few more seasons till he get it right.. if we stick with him that is.

Now with Ronaldo gone, we might be able to play him more rather than get scared it might unbalance the team. Goals, assists.. he'll get lots of them if he get that bit of consistency in his game.