AS Monaco thread [R]

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I doubt much will come of this. The Monaco academy is loaded in terms of defensive midfielders, many of whom, in all fairness, despite being biased for American players, are already better than both Edu/Clark.

[AfrcnHrbMan]

Yea I figured, but I peak my interest nonetheless. I've always thought more Americans should be heading to France to develop their skills on the european stage. Its just recently that some had tried to make the move.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I don't doubt that there are some who could be successful in France, but it appears it's often been the case that they'll head to Germany instead, which isn't a bad thing for American soccer. Although they should stop trying to go to only Fulham (I think they have about 5 internationals there).

[SportBoy333]

There's actually some really interesting rumors going around. Maniche, José Antonio Reyes , Niko Kranjcar, Gaël Givet. I'll believe it when I see it.

[soccer krazy]

Jean jacques Gosso on trial with monaco
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/7498542.stm

[chucknyce21]

You brought in Adu on loan, with an option to buy, and I have heard rumors of another American signing, possibly Bradley. If you get those two I may make you guys the European team I truly follow. Tried to follow the Spurs but there moves just annoy me and when they signed Dos Santos' overrated a** that was the last straw.

[pepinointer]

how is pino playing the pre-season?

[SportBoy333]

You brought in Adu on loan, with an option to buy, and I have heard rumors of another American signing, possibly Bradley. If you get those two I may make you guys the European team I truly follow. Tried to follow the Spurs but there moves just annoy me and when they signed Dos Santos' overrated a** that was the last straw.

I dont think they can meet Bradley's asking price from what Ive read. I think Herenveen are asking for too much money.

[rossgreen]

Piquionne to Lyon. Who will play up top for you as a 9?

[SportBoy333]

That player still is yet to be signed, Milan Baros maybe.

[rossgreen]

Will Nimani get a chance?

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I think the issue with Nimani is that well, let's say if he was actually an NFL player, he is someone who has all the physical tools, though he has no idea how to play the game, or in other words, he's a physical freak in the guise of a footballer. For those who are familiar with the EPL, there is a thought he's going to turn into the Carlton Cole of L1, as they're both tremendous in terms of speed and size, but other than that, have nothing else of considerable value?

[SportBoy333]

Things have really changed over there. De Bontin is really restricted in what he can spend. I read that Ricardo wants to sign Pape Diakhaté of Dynamo Kiev but De Bontin says no too expensive.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Does anyone want to take a shot at what the starting defense will be by Saturday? Diakhaté would have certainly helped a lot.

[SportBoy333]

I read that they instead are looking at some guy who plays in Qatar to fill that position.:eek:

[Solsombra]

Hey, I've just popped in here to see if anybody has heard anything about Gael Givet moving to West Ham United. There have been strong rumours in the English press today and some well connected people at West Ham saying an offer of around 1.75million has been made. I was just wondering what kind of player Givet is (strengths and weaknesses); whether you think he could handle the physicality of the Premiership; and whether he would be comfortable filling in at left fullback where we only have one player and who is currently injured.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Givet is an intelligent defender, though really, he has kinda gone downhill since leaving Monaco. He has good strength and tackling ability, while always giving a good effort. His weaknesses are that he appears very, hmmm, slow these days. His versatility, though, is a plus, as he was aligned as a center back and as a full back at Monaco. I think 1.75 million for him is actually a very good deal if he can bounce back.

[SportBoy333]

They should be keeping Givet because their backline is unsteady and they are selling him for purely finanical reasons I think. He never said he wanted to leave Marseille nor has he requested a transfer but I think the club wants to try to recoup some more money because they spent a lot this offseason so selling a usefull player who will start the season as a backup makes sense. Of course of this was the EPL then its doubtfull a player such as him would be sold under these same circumstances.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

I think l'OM should keep Givet too, though Gerets appears comfortable with this Hilton-Erbate pairing or Hilton-Rodriguez. I definitely would have some doubts over that, though I suppose they also think in the worst case scenario that Cana or Cheyrou can cover in defense, though that didn't always work out, like against Zenit.

[SportBoy333]

Well I think you can agree with me that he doesnt really want to leave and is being sold for finanical reasons. We all know what kind of owner Dreyfuss is. He's looking to save a buck if all possible.