Serie A leading scorer Dusan Vlahovic has spurned Arsenal and joins Juve on a 75m EUR transfer. Juve fans are uniformly ecstatic, even though some analytics types are raising their eyebrows (can he sustain his remarkable shot accuracy in the long run? He is overperforming his xG this year by almost 50%. Of course, that's what elite strikers do, but by that much?)

Other interesting transfer news:

Robin Gosens: Atalanta --> Inter. The TFKATIV have the scudetto race already sewn up, this is a significant reinforcement (even though Gosens is injured and is expected to be back in March -- isn't he cup tied, though?)

Luis Diaz of Porto apparently very close to Liverpool. A bit of a huh? move, not exactly the type of player Liverpool needed.

On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:08:33 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> Serie A leading scorer Dusan Vlahovic has spurned Arsenal and joins Juve on a 75m EUR transfer. Juve fans are uniformly ecstatic, even though some analytics types are raising their eyebrows (can he sustain his remarkable shot accuracy in the long run? He is overperforming his xG this year by almost 50%. Of course, that's what elite strikers do, but by that much?)
>
> Other interesting transfer news:
>
> Robin Gosens: Atalanta --> Inter. The TFKATIV have the scudetto race already sewn up, this is a significant reinforcement (even though Gosens is injured and is expected to be back in March -- isn't he cup tied, though?)

He was all the rage after the Euros, surprised he didn't go anywhere sooner..

>
> Luis Diaz of Porto apparently very close to Liverpool. A bit of a huh? move, not exactly the type of player Liverpool needed.

What type of player do you think they need?

This was the area of least depth. We have 4 forwards for 3 spots, that leaves very little margin for error or rest. Origi and Minamino don't count, they are simply not at the level of a team aspiring to win the EPL and CL. The fans are actually thrilled at this signing, assuming he is all he's cracked up to be. Our scouting has been stellar over the last few years, especially at this position.

On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:27:41 PM UTC-5, alka...wrote:

> This was the area of least depth. We have 4 forwards for 3 spots, that leaves very little margin for error or rest. Origi and
> Minamino don't count, they are simply not at the level of a team aspiring to win the EPL and CL. The fans are actually thrilled
> at this signing, assuming he is all he's cracked up to be. Our scouting has been stellar over the last few years, especially at
> this position.

I think Origi and Minamino are just fine as the 5th and 6th options in attack.

On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5:02:57 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:27:41 PM UTC-5, alka...wrote:
>
> > This was the area of least depth. We have 4 forwards for 3 spots, that leaves very little margin for error or rest. Origi and
> > Minamino don't count, they are simply not at the level of a team aspiring to win the EPL and CL. The fans are actually thrilled
> > at this signing, assuming he is all he's cracked up to be. Our scouting has been stellar over the last few years, especially at
> > this position.
> I think Origi and Minamino are just fine as the 5th and 6th options in attack.

In other moves, La Masia graduate Adama Traore returns home to Barcelona. Xavi has acquired a lot of speed on the wings with him and Torres. If they can get Haaland in the summer they might recover significantly from their current nightmare.

On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5:02:57 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:27:41 PM UTC-5, alka...wrote:
>
> > This was the area of least depth. We have 4 forwards for 3 spots, that leaves very little margin for error or rest. Origi and
> > Minamino don't count, they are simply not at the level of a team aspiring to win the EPL and CL. The fans are actually thrilled
> > at this signing, assuming he is all he's cracked up to be. Our scouting has been stellar over the last few years, especially at
> > this position.
> I think Origi and Minamino are just fine as the 5th and 6th options in attack.

Just as a comparison to our main rivals City, they play a front 3 as well and their 6 are: Foden, B Silva, Sterling, Grealish, Mahrez, Jesus. It's hard to make a pecking order because their lineups are so fluid, but it appears that Mahrez and Jesus are their #5 and #6 based on number of starts. Compare their quality to Origi and Minamino. That's a massive drop-off for LFC in the depth chart compared to them.

The quality drop-off in our midfield and defense isn't so stark when we go down the depth chart.

On Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 10:35:42 AM UTC-5, Al Kamista wrote:
> On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 5:02:57 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> > On Friday, January 28, 2022 at 4:27:41 PM UTC-5, alka...wrote:
> >
> > > This was the area of least depth. We have 4 forwards for 3 spots, that leaves very little margin for error or rest. Origi and
> > > Minamino don't count, they are simply not at the level of a team aspiring to win the EPL and CL. The fans are actually thrilled
> > > at this signing, assuming he is all he's cracked up to be. Our scouting has been stellar over the last few years, especially at
> > > this position.
> > I think Origi and Minamino are just fine as the 5th and 6th options in attack.
> In other moves, La Masia graduate Adama Traore returns home to Barcelona. Xavi has acquired a lot of speed on the wings with him and Torres. If they can get Haaland in the summer they might recover significantly from their current nightmare.

Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:

> Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?

On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.

Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.

Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...

On Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 1:20:53 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:

> Just as a comparison to our main rivals City, they play a front 3 as well and their 6 are: Foden, B Silva, Sterling, Grealish,
> Mahrez, Jesus. It's hard to make a pecking order because their lineups are so fluid, but it appears that Mahrez and Jesus are
> their #5 and #6 based on number of starts. Compare their quality to Origi and Minamino. That's a massive drop-off for LFC in
> the depth chart compared to them.

Hmm... I think B Silva has started more often than not as one of the middle three, even though I guess he could slot into one of the front three (and so could De Bruyne, which would make your argument even stronger). If not, then the 6th ManCity forward is Cole Palmer, who is probably not at the same level as Origi and Minamino.

Anyway, I don't expect Diaz to get a whole lot of minutes this year.

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:10:46 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:
>
> > Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?
> On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.
>
> Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.
>
> Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...

Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 7:26:10 PM UTC, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:10:46 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> > On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:
> >
> > > Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?
> > On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.
> >
> > Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.
> >
> > Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...
> Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.

Gentlemen,

I give you THE TRANSFER of this window:

Inaki Pena (GK, 22), Barcelona B to Galatasaray (loan until end of the season)

Played 9 games in the Spanish third tier this season.

Presumably a short term replacement for the injured Muslera.

RM

On 2022-01-31 13:57, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 7:26:10 PM UTC, Futbolmetrix wrote:
>> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:10:46 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
>>> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:
>>>
>>>> Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?
>>> On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.
>>>
>>> Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.
>>>
>>> Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...
>> Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.
>
> Gentlemen,
>
> I give you THE TRANSFER of this window:
>
> Inaki Pena (GK, 22), Barcelona B to Galatasaray (loan until end of the season)
>
> Played 9 games in the Spanish third tier this season.
>
> Presumably a short term replacement for the injured Muslera.
>
> RM
>
>
Quite a few Canadians on the move (some of these agreed a while ago but
effective January.

Stephen Eustaquio - Pacos de Ferreira to Porto (Loan)
Alistair Johnson - Nashville (MLS) to Montreal (MLS)
Tajon Buchanan - New England (MLS) to Bruges
Liam Fraser -Columbus MLS to Deinze (Belgium)
Maxime Crepeau - Vanouver (MLS) to LAFC (MLS)
Richie Laryea - Toronto FC to Nottingham Forest
Ike Ugbo - Genk to Troyes (Loan)
Jay Chapman - Inter Miami to Dundee
Theo Bair - HamKam to St. Johnstone

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 8:11:18 p.m. UTC-5, MH wrote:
> On 2022-01-31 13:57, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 7:26:10 PM UTC, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> >> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:10:46 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> >>> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?
> >>> On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.
> >>>
> >>> Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.
> >>>
> >>> Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...
> >> Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.
> >
> > Gentlemen,
> >
> > I give you THE TRANSFER of this window:
> >
> > Inaki Pena (GK, 22), Barcelona B to Galatasaray (loan until end of the season)
> >
> > Played 9 games in the Spanish third tier this season.
> >
> > Presumably a short term replacement for the injured Muslera.
> >
> > RM
> >
> >
> Quite a few Canadians on the move (some of these agreed a while ago but
> effective January.
>
> Stephen Eustaquio - Pacos de Ferreira to Porto (Loan)
> Alistair Johnson - Nashville (MLS) to Montreal (MLS)
> Tajon Buchanan - New England (MLS) to Bruges

I think he is realy good, or m I being sucked into soe kida anafdian narrative

> Liam Fraser -Columbus MLS to Deinze (Belgium)
> Maxime Crepeau - Vanouver (MLS) to LAFC (MLS)
> Richie Laryea - Toronto FC to Nottingham Forest
> Ike Ugbo - Genk to Troyes (Loan)
> Jay Chapman - Inter Miami to Dundee
> Theo Bair - HamKam to St. Johnstone

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 2:10:46 PM UTC-5, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 12:58:58 PM UTC-5, alka... wrote:
>
> > Spurs pick up Bentancur and Kuluveski from Juventus. How do you feel about the departures Futbolmetrix?
> On the whole, both players performed below expectations at Juve, so glad that we were able to get some good $$$ for them.
>
> Bentancur has been around for a while, and while he has been a useful cog, has never been able to take it to the next level. I expect him to be part of the midfield rotation at Spurs for a couple of years, and then move on to some club with lower ambitions.
>
> Kulusevski...meh...had a fantastic season at Parma, but showed only rare flashes of brilliance at Juve. Sure, he joined the team at the wrong time, but the same can be said of Chiesa, and Juve fans would be clamoring for Agnelli's head if we let him go...

He looked really solid against City. Nothing spectacular, just a neat and tidy winger, good defensive work, and a good goal and assist to boot. He could develop into a pretty decent player.

Bentacur OTOH, was a fish completely out of water. Was surprised he wasn't subbed out.

On Monday, February 21, 2022 at 11:20:14 AM UTC-5, alka wrote:

> He looked really solid against City. Nothing spectacular, just a neat and tidy winger, good defensive work, and a good goal
> and assist to boot. He could develop into a pretty decent player.

Happy for him.

> Bentacur OTOH, was a fish completely out of water. Was surprised he wasn't subbed out.

I didn't watch the whole match, but it's his defense splitting path that sets up Kulusevski for the cross leading to Spurs' winning goal. Anyway, just the fact that he didn't pick up a yellow card is in itself a pretty remarkable achievement.

On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 8:26:10 PM UTC+1, Futbolmetrix wrote:
>
> Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers
> will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.

In somewhat related news, Jack Wilshere signed with Jesper's club AGF.

Ciao,
Werner

On Monday, February 21, 2022 at 2:22:34 PM UTC-5, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 8:26:10 PM UTC+1, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> >
> > Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers
> > will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.
> In somewhat related news, Jack Wilshere signed with Jesper's club AGF.

His career nosedived after he was pictured smoking a cigarette in a pool in Vegas.

Call me crazy, but somehow these kind of things seem to be interrelated.

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7:30:48 PM UTC+1, alka...@hotmail.com wrote:
> On Monday, February 21, 2022 at 2:22:34 PM UTC-5, Werner Pichler wrote:
> > On Monday, January 31, 2022 at 8:26:10 PM UTC+1, Futbolmetrix wrote:
> > >
> > > Also, Aaron Ramsey on loan to Rangers. The guy was basically stealing Juve wages for the past 18 months: he was joke, in perfectly good shape for Wales, always with some injury for Juve. At least now Rangers
> > > will be paying some of those wages. Good riddance.
> >
> > In somewhat related news, Jack Wilshere signed with Jesper's club AGF.
>
> His career nosedived after he was pictured smoking a cigarette in a pool in Vegas.
>
> Call me crazy, but somehow these kind of things seem to be interrelated.

Are there any top players left who smoke? Verratti, perhaps?

Ciao,
Werner