Sinama-Pongolle

[SportBoy333]

If he comes to a French team(as being rumored) it will help him get on Les Bleus, no ? I know someone here was saying last year he should be on the national team. It would be in his best interest to sign with a French team rather than another Spanish team, no ?

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Hmmm, that person was me, though it was mainly because he had a breakout season in Spain where he was his team's major offensive threat. Although given the depth in attack at the moment, along with the breakthroughs this season of Benzema, for example, it's hard to see him having an impact on the national team level. It's not that SP isn't quality, it's that there is a plethora of attacking guys available. I don't know if a move to France would help, though. He would likely start anywhere except Lyon, though, and if he is moving to Rennes as I think the papers are saying, one would have to think he'd likely be good there with Briand.

[SportBoy333]

I know it was you but I didnt think it was worth mentioning you by name. :D

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

:D Well, to defend my opinion, he did look good on A' duty against Mali, but yeah, 12 months ago we didn't know Benzema would be the best player in France this season.

[SportBoy333]

Well I still think his NT's chances will be better than they are now if he goes to St. Etienne or PSG.

[JediMindTricks]

heck, just make sure he doesn't go to an italian club. :D

[AfrcnHrbMan]

It couldn't hurt his chances to go to a higher profile club. Recre is nice in all, but I don't think its gonna get you the exposure you need to get a call up.

[SportBoy333]

St. Etienne are ready to sell Illan to make way for him. A Gomis-Sinama-Pongolle attack will be lethal should they somehow find a way to make it happen.

[AfrcnHrbMan]

anyone but les verts for godsake, doesn't PSG need a new forward now that Pauleta's gone, they need to dig into their pockets for once and build up a stronger squad.

[SportBoy333]

I havent seen that many forwards being linked with PSG. It's been mostly midfielders and defenders. I'm sure PSG are after him as well.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Adel Taarabt is also close to a loan deal with Saint-Etienne. I don't know what everybody here thinks, and I especially know the OL folks here won't appreciate this, though I am beginning to think Les Verts are turning it around in a big way.

Gomis - Sinama-Pongolle
Dernis - Taarabt - Feindouno
Matuidi
Dabo - Sall - Tavlaridis - Perrin
Janot/Viviani


That lineup looks pretty good in my opinion, and many of those guys I think would make it into the Lyon starting XI, too. Add decent depth and a UEFA Cup challenge is certainly not out of the question.

[Inara]

Add decent depth and a UEFA Cup challenge is certainly not out of the question.


But that's always the problem with French teams - lack of decent depth. :(

[SportBoy333]

Adel Taarabt is also close to a loan deal with Saint-Etienne. I don't know what everybody here thinks, and I especially know the OL folks here won't appreciate this, though I am beginning to think Les Verts are turning it around in a big way.

Gomis - Sinama-Pongolle
Dernis - Taarabt - Feindouno
Matuidi
Dabo - Sall - Tavlaridis - Perrin
Janot/Viviani




Yeah I think that team could finish 3rd. I'm not sure about that back 4 though. Also Matsui has already signed so I'd imagine he'd be in the starting lineup. They signed David Sauget from Nancy as well. I guess you have him on the bench.

[SuperSebGrimaldi]

Oh right, it'll be interesting to see how Dernis and Matsui get on, as Dernis is coming off his best season. However, if he reverts to being mediocre, then Matsui will get the nod on the left. Also, I'm being a bit biased inserting Taarabt immediately into the starting XI, though I think if he develops quickly, he can actually turn into the biggest star on that team (although it's only a loan).

Agreed about the back four, as Perrin is really more a midfielder than a defender, whereas the same can be argued about Sall, although both made big strides this season. I think Perrin isn't that far off getting a national team cap, while with Sall, he has the gargantuan size to emerge as a strong defender. I would not understate their defense, as only 3 teams allowed fewer goals. Matuidi is a regular in Espoirs and could very well soon get a shot with the national team as well.

[SportBoy333]

I read that Olympiakos are after Dernis. His potential departure could clear they way for Matsui.