That's true. Right now they don't have a leader. Neither Schweinsteiger or Lahm really are, not to me at least. They're just the seniority who play for Bayern. The question is, do teams need leaders any more or can the collective step up? Spain and Barcelona certainly have alpha types. Neuer is often expected to become future captain. Khedira for me is the best leader at the moment but he needs to back it up with his play, which means finishing the dozens of chances he gets at the end of. Then there's Lars Bender and Reus who could potential become leaders too but right now, totally lack of an on-field leader. Its' a deceptive argument and one older German football critics used to explain the Italy loss - where are days of "hard" players, etc. But for me that's not the argument we should be having. It's an issue but not "the" issue.
That's a church I'd commit to. Not the bullshit catholic church everyone else seems to love amiright ??1'?/
SirManchester those are two distinct and unrelated arguments slapped together though - leaders need not to be hard players at all, e.g. pirlo. there's always a need for a player that can accept the responsibility of ensuring that the team maintains its shape and stays true to its identity when the game is dificult, and solutions are not readily apparent. it should be özil for germany but he seems to shy away from that responsibility. france was expecting titi to fill the void left by zidane but it never materialized even though his scoring tally was pretty decent, he could never inspire the collective.
Everyone were sleeping because he actually cost 40 mil Euros and only Bayern were willing to pay that.
yeah, kinda miffed that he got pushed out left. victim of his versatility even though he's the best cm in the world.
Agreed. Unfortunately a lot of traditionalists seem to think otherwise. not Oezil. He's a shy personality. Leaders speak out more often than not and are proactive figures. Another theory is the happy lives and sound economic conditions in Germany results in a generation that is generally content and doesn't need to be combative. There's truth to it but having said that, I think with time and experience leaders will emerge.
He took a pay cut compensated the 10 m with his wages, I was asking for him before he got popular or known.
I think 2 new quality CM's would be more than enough with players like Cleverley, Anderson and perhaps some youngsters (Daehli, Januzaj) providing depth.
Nope sorry when Carrick is past his prime ( 2 seasons at max) we will need 3 as only Cleverley will be in rotation for 3 midfield spots, Anderson will be gone, can't say anything about young ones, currently we don't give them chances so can't see any ready in two seasons
at work, not watching the game. soccernet has his avg position on the left tucking in. that's also where i saw him in the barça games i watched this year with cesc and xavi in the middle.
It depends what how many years do you think represent medium term? I'm talking about 3-5 years when Carrick won't be a starter anymore. By that time I can still see United playing 4-4-2 or some kind of 4-2-3-1 with only 2 midfielders. And who says Anderson will be gone because if you play him as a squadie, he has a lot of uses. So 2 quality CM's with Cleverley and Anderson (+Jones?) behind is an OK(ish) depth. Nothing out of this world, but it would do the job.
Who are these off-brand negroes on display for Milan? EDIT: That's terrible but it seems like the black guys are just kicking the ball away./lynne