Alex Scott

[Sconnie Blue]

Feels inevitable that it will be Scott or Kone in January.

 

[True Blue23]

We're in the position we are in because we sold Gallagher, replaced him with filthy Enzo, signed Lavia who is scared of minutes on the pitch, and other midfielders who couldnt do the job asked of them.

so thats, Lavia (58 million) Chuckwemka (20Million), Ugochukwu (23 million), casadei (12million), Enzo (120 million) - that's nearly 250 million spent, in bigger words quarter of a billion pounds spent on players no longer at the club, none of them good enough to start, Gallagher's sale underpinned the colleciotn of sh*t who replaced him and was pure profit to the vulture capitalist runing and asset stripping the club.

Sorry, I dont get the idea he wasnt good enough, he is, he is a brilliant player doing exactly the sort of thing we need a player to do in midfield, run, be physical, score the odd goal and set the team up.. We signed Henderson to do this job, looked at Xaka. In that terrible spurs side, he actually looks decent this season and is forcing his way into that midifeld.

As for Scott, talented player, yes would be a good purchase, but not at 100 million...

Anderson, choose city in the summer/last year. I cant see City being forced to sell.

I'm no fan of BlueCo and their transfer policy, I was no fan of Enzo and was happy that we managed to sell him on a profit, but I don't agree with this.

I don't think we needed to sell Gallagher, because I see him as a useful player, but I wouldn't decribe him as brilliant and I don't think Xhaka is overly similar to Gallagher. Henderson maybe, but he's just much better technically and at passing. I would have liked to keep Gallagher around as a squad player, but I don't think he's anywhere near good enough to start for us, if we have any ambition to get back to where we once were (neither is a 36 year old Henderson, but he adds something this group sorely needs with his experience of winning things).

I think Gallagher's main strength is his stamina. That's the only aspect he's really outstanding at. On top of that he has a good shot on him and knows how to get himself into goalscoring positions. His passing is pretty average (neither particularly good, nor a liability) and his technique and ball control are below average (when compared to other midfielders we've had).

As for Scott, I agree 100 million are too much for what he has shown so far, especially with him being injured right now and nobody knowing how he returns from injury.

Well, City have just been judged guilty regarding 114 of their 115 charges. They have appealed and the appeal board now has until February 2027 to make a final decision on their punishment (from what I know of the case - I didn't follow it religiously). There is talk of City being forcibly relegated, in which case they would probably lose most of their top players, which is why I brought up Anderson.

 

[bluelightening]

I'm no fan of BlueCo and their transfer policy, I was no fan of Enzo and was happy that we managed to sell him on a profit, but I don't agree with this.

I don't think we needed to sell Gallagher, because I see him as a useful player, but I wouldn't decribe him as brilliant and I don't think Xhaka is overly similar to Gallagher. Henderson maybe, but he's just much better technically and at passing. I would have liked to keep Gallagher around as a squad player, but I don't think he's anywhere near good enough to start for us, if we have any ambition to get back to where we once were (neither is a 36 year old Henderson, but he adds something this group sorely needs with his experience of winning things).

I think Gallagher's main strength is his stamina. That's the only aspect he's really outstanding at. On top of that he has a good shot on him and knows how to get himself into goalscoring positions. His passing is pretty average (neither particularly good, nor a liability) and his technique and ball control are below average (when compared to other midfielders we've had).

As for Scott, I agree 100 million are too much for what he has shown so far, especially with him being injured right now and nobody knowing how he returns from injury.

Well, City have just been judged guilty regarding 114 of their 115 charges. They have appealed and the appeal board now has until February 2027 to make a final decision on their punishment (from what I know of the case - I didn't follow it religiously). There is talk of City being forcibly relegated, in which case they would probably lose most of their top players, which is why I brought up Anderson.

I would have Stamina and harressing, closing down players or pressing as they call it and chasing, his distribution is more than good enough for Prem clubs... its the hard work/ stuff we dont have anyone doing in midfield since we sold him. I doubt the mafia in charge of us would buy a player theyve sold... which is a shame, because he would tick a lot of boxes and doesnt get injured and would cost pennies as opposed to Scott. Feel free to compare the other players we've had, Ive given you his replacements, none of which are good enough. Lavia might have some hope if he can find the effort to play 90 mins without going to hospital.

All top sides have players like Gallagher in the squads. Darren Fletcher was a stalwart in Uniteds midfield for years despite being limited, he just did what other players couldnt and Fergie relied upon him. He won 5 League titles 1 x FA Cup and league cups etc. Liecester had Kante and Drinkwater... we signed both. Drinkwater liked booze over water and both were signed for half the price of Enzo the sunday league pub brawler.

Anderson was brilliant for two seasons and we had our chance with him. If we had a scouting/ recruitment team that was any good, we would have nicked him ahead of Forrest when moving from Newcastle for 15 million. Cant plan on what the FA do with city, there will be a lot of clubs sniffing about for their players if they get relegated. he was perfect two seasons ago, would be now.

 

[DarkMata]

Feels inevitable that it will be Scott or Kone in January.

Scott feels like the one if the reports that Bournemouth are now open to selling are real. Think we have free rein to his signature as most of our competitors have already spent on their midfield, City and Arsenal or blown their budget in other areas like Liverpool. Think we would have got Kone in the summer if we really wanted him and the reported bids in the summer for Scott show he was the priority. The fact that we have the Enzo money floating about means we are most likely in pole position.

 

[Sconnie Blue]

Scott feels like the one if the reports that Bournemouth are now open to selling are real. Think we have free rein to his signature as most of our competitors have already spent on their midfield, City and Arsenal or blown their budget in other areas like Liverpool. Think we would have got Kone in the summer if we really wanted him and the reported bids in the summer for Scott show he was the priority. The fact that we have the Enzo money floating about means we are most likely in pole position.

But £100m for a player that wants to leave, and now the club is ready to sell? AND will have a year left come next summer?

 

[All Barco no bite]

Actually a prime Nacho would be an upgrade on our CB's. Also this works both ways... There's a reason whenever Kovacic was sold, he ended up at a top club. From 2015 onwards up until now he has always played for one of Real, Chelsea and Man City. That's not exactly a bad resume.

Contrast that with Gallagher who was sold by Chelsea after 2 seasons, then binned by Atletico after 1,5 seasons and now plays for a rubbish Spurs side (not even a regular there).

I get that you subjectively don't rate Kovacic and Scott, but if you're trying to build a case for Gallagher over Scott, using Kovacic as a reference point for why Gallagher is superior, is just a bad choice that doesn't hold up. I don't even have to argue my opinion on the players, bring up stats or anything and my case is already built on a way stronger foundation by just bringing up indisputable facts.

Nacho wouldn't start for us. Bang average player that lasted so long at Madrid because he came through the academy.
Sterling always went to big clubs, doesn't mean i'd want him at Chelsea. Even still, we're talking about Alex Scott here.

Gallagher is better than Scott and Kovacic was a limited player. Here's some more indisputable stats, Gallagher already has almost double the career goals of Kovacic. Gallagher is 1 assist away from having the same amount of career assists as Kovacic. Has Kovacic ever been a guaranteed starter at any of his clubs since leaving Inter Milan? But yeah, lets sign someone in midfield who isn't proficient at defender, scoring or assisting. ZZZZZZZ

 

[OTL]

I'd like us to sign Scott and Wharton in January, then bring in Gallagher in the summer.

 

[Zeta]

There's not a whole lot in it so far this season. Gallagher slightly better going forward. Scott slightly better keeping defensively. I don't watch Bournemouth so can't comment much on him, £100 is a hell of a lot for someone with 18 months on his contract, though.

 

[axman2526]

Should only be looking to spend such money on a single player if that player either:

1. Is just too good to miss out on
Or
2. We have a realistic shot at the title and his signing improves those chances a great deal.

Scott is not the former, and the latter depends on where we are in January, but I think it is a scenario unlikely to happen.

Out injured, will have 18 months left in that window, we don't know how bad his muscle injury is, far too much money. No thanks unless Bournemouth come to a reasonable price give the situation.

Personally I believe we were all in for Kone, a difficult deal given their managers position but one very possible as a late deal, but feel Stewart convinced us Camara would be better for cheaper and what happened is a big reason he is leaving.

 

[Zeta]

WHen you add in Caicedo for comparison (And Wharton), Wharton seems the better one to go next to him. Caicedo makes far more interceptions, so you need someone with more ground duel wins I think to balance that out, or they will both be trying to make the same interceptions in the same space.

 

[bluelightening]

WHen you add in Caicedo for comparison (And Wharton), Wharton seems the better one to go next to him. Caicedo makes far more interceptions, so you need someone with more ground duel wins I think to balance that out, or they will both be trying to make the same interceptions in the same space.


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Which is the cheapest out of these lot? which clubs have american ownership? who would want to come to us? three good players.. which means we wont sign any of them and end up with some billy noname from Monaco/ Ligue 1.

 

[DarkMata]

But £100m for a player that wants to leave, and now the club is ready to sell? AND will have a year left come next summer?

Asking and getting £100m are two different things. I'd be surprised if they get £100m for him. How much will they get if they leave it to the Summer? We're desperate for a midfielder which gives them some leverage but his contract coming into its final year gives us a good bargaining chip.

The price doesn't bother me too much. Didn't we make £60 profit from the summer window? We'd still be up on a Enzo Scott swap and be better off on the pitch too. I reckon it will end up around £80m ish all in.

 

[Sconnie Blue]

Asking and getting £100m are two different things. I'd be surprised if they get £100m for him. How much will they get if they leave it to the Summer? We're desperate for a midfielder which gives them some leverage but his contract coming into its final year gives us a good bargaining chip.

The price doesn't bother me too much. Didn't we make £60 profit from the summer window? We'd still be up on a Enzo Scott swap and be better off on the pitch too. I reckon it will end up around £80m ish all in.

My attention shifts to Koné if Bournemouth insist on being stubborn. It’s just a foolish use of funds given the circumstances. There’s no scenario where we should entertain anything north of £60m for Scott.

At this point, the likeliest outcome feels straightforward: Scott ends up at Liverpool, and we move for Koné. Liverpool, I feel, will pay closer to Bournemouth's asking price, and of course they need a player like him. Not to mention the Iraola factor.

 

[True Blue23]

Nacho wouldn't start for us. Bang average player that lasted so long at Madrid because he came through the academy.
Sterling always went to big clubs, doesn't mean i'd want him at Chelsea. Even still, we're talking about Alex Scott here.

Gallagher is better than Scott and Kovacic was a limited player. Here's some more indisputable stats, Gallagher already has almost double the career goals of Kovacic. Gallagher is 1 assist away from having the same amount of career assists as Kovacic. Has Kovacic ever been a guaranteed starter at any of his clubs since leaving Inter Milan? But yeah, lets sign someone in midfield who isn't proficient at defender, scoring or assisting. ZZZZZZZ

You know that rating midfielders on goals and assists alone is stupid, right? Otherwise let's get KDH back, he's the most prolific of the lot... And those Kante and Makelele type midfielders... who even were they? Totally useless.

A midfielder can have multiple roles. Kovacic is rubbish at scoring goals, decent at passing (nothing special, not a liability), decent defensively, world class when it comes to ball control, ball carrying and press resistance, which is why top sides love having him in their team.
As for him not being a starter... He started most of the games in our CL winning run, until he was ruled out through injury. Came back for the final, where he was a substitute. But he definetely played an important part during that run. When has Gallagher done anything comparable? Couldn't hold down a place at average Chelsea and Atletico sides and now isn't even nailed on for a totally useless Spurs side. He played 203 minutes in 4 games, where he was available - averaging 51 minutes per game, which is less than "not a guaranteed starter" Kovacic for a side that won the CL that same year. Just some more indisputable facts. ZZZZZZZ

 

[DarkMata]

My attention shifts to Koné if Bournemouth insist on being stubborn. It’s just a foolish use of funds given the circumstances. There’s no scenario where we should entertain anything north of £60m for Scott.

At this point, the likeliest outcome feels straightforward: Scott ends up at Liverpool, and we move for Koné. Liverpool, I feel, will pay closer to Bournemouth's asking price, and of course they need a player like him. Not to mention the Iraola factor.

Liverpool maybe in the summer but I cant see them having the funds to buy in January after the Barcola transfer. I think Scotts the player Xabi wants and like I said, previous bids show we are very interested in him. While the Kone links are just rumours and we still went for Camera instead in the end which makes me think he's not the priority. If anything if we do go for Kone it would feel like more in desperation rather than the plan.

If money isnt an issue (it isnt our money in the end) keeping things realistic which midfielder would be the best option? I personally think it's Scott without knowing all the options. If we want the best team we shouldn't be comprising on a player who's going to have a significant role in the team or we'll just end up like Man Utd with we didn't spend that much on our midfield trophy.

 

[All Barco no bite]

You know that rating midfielders on goals and assists alone is stupid, right? Otherwise let's get KDH back, he's the most prolific of the lot... And those Kante and Makelele type midfielders... who even were they? Totally useless.

A midfielder can have multiple roles. Kovacic is rubbish at scoring goals, decent at passing (nothing special, not a liability), decent defensively, world class when it comes to ball control, ball carrying and press resistance, which is why top sides love having him in their team.
As for him not being a starter... He started most of the games in our CL winning run, until he was ruled out through injury. Came back for the final, where he was a substitute. But he definetely played an important part during that run. When has Gallagher done anything comparable? Couldn't hold down a place at average Chelsea and Atletico sides and now isn't even nailed on for a totally useless Spurs side. He played 203 minutes in 4 games, where he was available - averaging 51 minutes per game, which is less than "not a guaranteed starter" Kovacic for a side that won the CL that same year. Just some more indisputable facts. ZZZZZZZ

Well done on missing the point. Yes, KDB would be great to resign if he was younger. Kante and Makelele were WORLD CLASS in the defensive side of the game. Incredibly insulting to mention them in the same breath as Alex Scott and Kovacic. Kante never played for any big teams outside of Chelsea so by your own admittance he must have been a sh*t player in comparison to Kovacic.

Kovacic played half the available minutes in our CL run. Like i said, he was a solid rotation option throughout his career. Just okay. Just to clarify, by your logic Kovacic only ever playing half the minutes at every club he's been at makes him an integral part of the squad but Gallagher doing it means he's crap because he can't lock down a starting spot apparently? Your own logic makes no sense.

Since 2020 Kocacic has played over 2000 league minutes in a season ONCE. That one single occasion was in 24/25 when Man City managed their lowest ever league finish since 2016. Of the 4 UCL titles to his name, he's played a grand total of 32 minutes across all 4 of those games. Top sides don't love to have him in their team, they love to have him on their bench. Just some more indisputable facts for you to nurse your Kovacic boner over.

 

[True Blue23]

Well done on missing the point. Yes, KDB would be great to resign if he was younger. Kante and Makelele were WORLD CLASS in the defensive side of the game. Incredibly insulting to mention them in the same breath as Alex Scott and Kovacic. Kante never played for any big teams outside of Chelsea so by your own admittance he must have been a sh*t player in comparison to Kovacic.

Kovacic played half the available minutes in our CL run. Like i said, he was a solid rotation option throughout his career. Just okay. Just to clarify, by your logic Kovacic only ever playing half the minutes at every club he's been at makes him an integral part of the squad but Gallagher doing it means he's crap because he can't lock down a starting spot apparently? Your own logic makes no sense.

Since 2020 Kocacic has played over 2000 league minutes in a season ONCE. That one single occasion was in 24/25 when Man City managed their lowest ever league finish since 2016. Of the 4 UCL titles to his name, he's played a grand total of 32 minutes across all 4 of those games. Top sides don't love to have him in their team, they love to have him on their bench. Just some more indisputable facts for you to nurse your Kovacic boner over.

Hahaha this is turning out to be very entertaining. Talk about missing the point...

I was obviously not talking about KDB, who was a world class player, we were foolish to sell. I was talking about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (KDH). I'm aware that Kante and Makelele were world class at the devensive aspect of the game. I just used them as examples that midfielders are used in different roles, because you acted like goals and assists were the be all end all for midfielders. Kovacic also has world class attributes when it comes to ball carrying, ball control and press resistance, but don't worry, I don't consider him as good a player (in his role) as Kante or Makelele (in their respective roles).
Also can you please quote me, where I wrote, that you're a sh*t player when you play as a starter for just one big club in your career? If you can't, I'd suggest you stop trying to "trip me up" using words I never wrote.

He played an average of 60 minutes per game, when he was available (I also used availability as a requirement when calculating Gallagher minutes per game for Spurs this season, otherwise they would be lower), which to me is "an integral part". In any case playing every second minute of a Champions League winning run, is something pretty impressive. I repeat my question: When has Gallagher done anything comparable?
Also, you really need to learn how to differentiate, because it obviously makes a difference if you're not a nailed on starter for a side that won the Champions League or for a side that finished the last two seasons 17th in the PL and currently sits at 19th, or wouldn't you agree?

I never said Kovacic was a world class player, I just said it's a bad comparison to try to take somebody down when comparing him to Gallagher, who hasn't achieved a quarter of what Kovacic has achieved in the game, and who, at 26, has a career trajectory that is pointing downwards...

 

[All Barco no bite]

Hahaha this is turning out to be very entertaining. Talk about missing the point...

I was obviously not talking about KDB, who was a world class player, we were foolish to sell. I was talking about Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (KDH). I'm aware that Kante and Makelele were world class at the devensive aspect of the game. I just used them as examples that midfielders are used in different roles, because you acted like goals and assists were the be all end all for midfielders. Kovacic also has world class attributes when it comes to ball carrying, ball control and press resistance, but don't worry, I don't consider him as good a player (in his role) as Kante or Makelele (in their respective roles).
Also can you please quote me, where I wrote, that you're a sh*t player when you play as a starter for just one big club in your career? If you can't, I'd suggest you stop trying to "trip me up" using words I never wrote.

He played an average of 60 minutes per game, when he was available (I also used availability as a requirement when calculating Gallagher minutes per game for Spurs this season, otherwise they would be lower), which to me is "an integral part". In any case playing every second minute of a Champions League winning run, is something pretty impressive. I repeat my question: When has Gallagher done anything comparable?
Also, you really need to learn how to differentiate, because it obviously makes a difference if you're not a nailed on starter for a side that won the Champions League or for a side that finished the last two seasons 17th in the PL and currently sits at 19th, or wouldn't you agree?

I never said Kovacic was a world class player, I just said it's a bad comparison to try to take somebody down when comparing him to Gallagher, who hasn't achieved a quarter of what Kovacic has achieved in the game, and who, at 26, has a career trajectory that is pointing downwards...

KDH would ironically be a much better pivot partner for Caicedo than Alex Scott.

You tried to claim Kovacic played a huge part in our CL win when he played half the minutes. Just pointing out the contrast how you also say Gallagher can't break into a team for playing half the La Liga minutes. Both squad options yet in your eyes one is crucial and one is a failure. You can't say he's not a starter after 5 league games... Kovacic has never been a starter in his entire career. You keep talking about this CL run, he only played a game and a half more than Kurt Zouma pmsl. Do you see how stupid your argument is? Bang average player and we should stay far away from Alex Scott or be stuck with another midfielder than doesn't really do anything.

 

[True Blue23]

KDH would ironically be a much better pivot partner for Caicedo than Alex Scott.

You tried to claim Kovacic played a huge part in our CL win when he played half the minutes. Just pointing out the contrast how you also say Gallagher can't break into a team for playing half the La Liga minutes. Both squad options yet in your eyes one is crucial and one is a failure. You can't say he's not a starter after 5 league games... Kovacic has never been a starter in his entire career. You keep talking about this CL run, he only played a game and a half more than Kurt Zouma pmsl. Do you see how stupid your argument is? Bang average player and we should stay far away from Alex Scott or be stuck with another midfielder than doesn't really do anything.

Ok this is hopeless, you either don't have the ability to discuss seriously and really engage with what I'm writing or you don't want to. It would just be nice if you stopped misquoting me, but I guess I can't have everything I wish for.

But stupid of me trying to discuss football with somebody who thought Garnacho was the second coming of Jesus (my turn for hyperbole).

 

[True Blue23]

KDH would ironically be a much better pivot partner for Caicedo than Alex Scott.

You tried to claim Kovacic played a huge part in our CL win when he played half the minutes. Just pointing out the contrast how you also say Gallagher can't break into a team for playing half the La Liga minutes. Both squad options yet in your eyes one is crucial and one is a failure. You can't say he's not a starter after 5 league games... Kovacic has never been a starter in his entire career. You keep talking about this CL run, he only played a game and a half more than Kurt Zouma pmsl. Do you see how stupid your argument is? Bang average player and we should stay far away from Alex Scott or be stuck with another midfielder than doesn't really do anything.

Oh and as to Kovacic never being a starter in his entire career... He got voted Chelsea player of the seaon in 2020. Weird that a mere squad player got this award...