News: Nah, I think I'll stay on - The Other Teams Thread [R]

Babel is far from being a reliable attacker and at his age he isn't getting any better.

 

No real CF for Germany, no problem for Germany. Gnabry with a superb strike makes it 0-2.

 

The choice always puzzled me to a certain extent as well, but IMO it's not necessarily Holland's biggest issue upfront. Memphis is somewhat useful as a CF for them, but if they had a real one at their disposal, it would be better. And as stated, would probably make it easier for Koeman not to have to play Babel all the time as he does.

 

Bergwijn or Kluivert should get minutes well before Babel.

Back to the game, VVD and De Ligt look all over the place. They can't seem to get on the same page and hold the line. One is always lagging and keeping the German forwards onsides.

 

Would tend to agree with that, but being so young, they are probably still very inconsistent as well, which is probably why Babel is still getting significant game time ahead of them at this stage.

 

Dutch CBs have made the obvious mistakes - De Ligt slip and VvD not stopping Gnabry, poor but also a lot down to Dutch RB Dumfries.

Both goals came down his side, first he didn't track his man who got in the assist.

Second he was too far forward and when he did get back he neither blocked the shot or tackled, but mostly just got in the way of VvD.

 

Great cross Depay, De Ligt gets one back.

 

Dutch mids and right back both MIA. de Ligt slipped, so fair enough on that one.

Dutch score. 1-2.

 

Memphis definitely appears to be at his best when he's allowed freedom. Really should be an emergency 9 at best. Too restrictive a position for him under normal circumstances.

 

Memphis brings Holland level: 2-2. No less than Holland deserves as they clearly made the necessary adjustments at HT.

 

Depay levels it.

Germany looking very flat this half.

What is Memphis buy-back clause .....

 

Is there one?

Was thinking Gini & VVD should maybe start talking to him...

 

There is one for £35mil. He's at 13 goals and 18 assists in all competitions this season. If only he could do it from the right, he'd be a no-brainer for us to bring back.
Although at that price, I'd bring him back anyway (for depth upfront).

 

Brilliant comebac however Germans have been flat since HT..

 

Smash and grab by the looks of it from Germany, who clearly were 2nd best this period: 2-3, Schulz. Huge win probably against the old enemy.

 

Schulz gets the winner.

Assist from sub Reus.

 

My stream is atleast 2min late .. FFS

 

Dutch right-hand side was their weakness whole game - all three goals came down that side.

On the last goal de Roon doesnt track Reus who gets in behind and Dumfries doesnt track Schulz who scores.

With so many teams having their left-side strong in an attacking-sense, having that side weak defensively for the dutch will limit them.

 

He actually has been playing pretty well the last 12-18 months.

 

I get that Sarri is set in his ways and appears to see football being played just one way, but one would hope he is watching Kante play with France. His work and impact in midfield sitting in front of the defense is just extraordinary.
And given our frail Chelsea's defense looks at the moment, it's just dumb to think that Kante playing in his natural holding role for them, would not be a tremendous help to that team.

 

Our ??

 

"how"...autocorrect just acting a fool and did not check it back obviously...

France getting their just reward and some much needed breathing room from Giroud, making the score 2-0. Pavard supplied the cross: he's been fantastic again today. Bayern are getting themselves a heck of a player next season.

France on easy street now: Griezmann for Mbappe and it's game officially over. 3-0.

 

Impressed by Declan Rice, can see why City would be interested in him. Shows a lot of awareness and poise under pressure, is very neat and tidy on the ball and shows intelligent movement. Especially for someone so inexperienced who has just turned 20.

Ross Barkley is also much improved these days.

 

Rice is the real deal and we clearly should be looking at him (among others), if we are actually serious about upgrading the holding midfield spot, going into next season.

Like those vintage kits France are wearing today.