Maverick

Matic and Rajkovic played 90 mins in a home draw against Williem. Delac continues to look for his debut and was on the bench as an unused sub.

I hear most fans coming up with that but what most fail to understand that its a transition between an average league to the best in the world. The game is far slower in Portugal but Ramires still seems to be physically equipped (in terms of pace and willing to grind) to make the transition. The ability to gauge when to carry/ pass the ball will only come through experience. Looks a pretty good signing and boy was he trying hard yesterday.

Since when has back/ side passes been considered as skills ?

Not surprising given that he has failed to make a mark in Serie A or any of the continental competitions. Not being a part of the world cup squad would also have had a part to play I believe.

Haven't seen the picture myself, if thats the case then I guess he has finally found a place which he can call "home".

Add Delac to that, he too has been loaned to Vitesse.

Joined it. Looking for some good competition this time.

Some of the credit should go to Mr.Arnesen and Co for their efforts in bringing some of these youngsters to the academy. Lets give credit where its due.

Its an interesting point and would be validated this weekend against arguably the side which has the quickest wingers and strikers. Johnson, Tevez and SWP could cause a lot of issues, very curious to see how Carlo intends to tackle the pace this time around.

Add to it the fantastic result the team dished out for the "fans" :)

On the first point I believe Bruma is still not ready for first team action. He has been clumsy in all the pres season games and the other opportunities that he has got this season. On the second point I dont think we were beaten for pace last night but the pairing of Alex/JT surely lacks the pace that you are talking about. Alex was poor last night in defence and being the senior partner he should have stepped up to the plate. I dont think he is the sort of defender you can pair a youngster with simply because he is not in the same league as JT/ Riccy.

Its a very tough task to lure a player away from Bayern, I haven't seen them loose many stars to European rivals and Kroos being a hot prospect makes it all the more tough. Even if the player wishes to move out the sum that Bayern quote is ridiculous. Dont see it happening in the near future.

Watched it recently and nothing about the movie excited me. Neither the action was upto the mark nor was Jolie at her gorgeous best, hoping for a better performance in the sequel.

Robinho did pretty well in his first year, infact managed to score 14 goals or so if I am not wrong. Its his head thats the problem, he is sure a world class player with all the ability that he has.

Has to be united though I expect Arsenal to stay in the race for a longer duration.

Is it Monday Blues or are you serious here?

What about him dont you rate very highly? As I see it he seems to have stepped up and is now a more establsihed first team player.

It has to do with the age and Sheva was 29/ 30 when he came here and thats not exactly the ideal time to move to a new league. Malouda, Drogba, Essien came when they were in their mid 20's and have therefore been able to make the transition.

Surely Carvalho was an equally good defender but his leadership qualities put him in the bracket of Maldini/ Beckenbaur etc. Its tough to say whether he is the greatest of all time but he is a class act and there is no doubting about that. The fact that he has lost a yard of pace and still manages to put in stellar performances week in and out is a testimony to the fact that he reads the game well enough and is a complete defender.

Scored a hattrick for Israel in a 3-1 win over Malta in the opening game of the european qualifiers.

You're being polite !!

Finally some much needed reinforcements to our midfield. Haven't seen much of him apart from the part he played in the world cup. Looks like a pretty good deal for a 23 yr old.

A class player with a phenomenal career to go alongwith, I hope he continues to win in Brazil. Adios and thanks for some great memories.

Why not? Our squad is the thinnest we have seen in the last 6 to 7 years and it would only make sense to give the kids a run in the Carling Cup. To your point - its not just Arsene that treats carling cup that way, United too have followed a similar path and so are we if the last season is anything to go by.

I dont think we will send as many players on loan this season like we did last season. Di Santo and Van Aanholt look like the ones who may go out on a loan to a premiership club, whereas Bertrand looks like will stay back to give some cover for Ashley. Apart from this may Sam Walker, Tore, Bruma could be sent out on loans as they are yet some way off first team.