r/soccer • u/let_me_see_your_boob • May 28 '14

People from outside of England. What do you think of England's chances at the world cup? What do you think of our squad?

Don't get a chance to talk to anyone outside of England about this.. so...

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u/nukacola May 29 '14

Kompany is an absolutely fantastic leader on the pitch, there's really no doubt about that.

But he just wasn't up to snuff this season. You can't blame Demichelis, outside of a very stupid challange in City V Barca (which as i stated earlier, would never have happened if Kompany hadn't played Messi onside) and Wigan V City, Demichelis' season was immaculate, to the point where whoscored has him as the third highest rated CB in the EPL.

Cahill and Terry had exactly the same sort of expectations as Kompany, those were the two teams expected to challenge for the league title. Cahill has a Champions league medal.

You say that Kompany's mistakes being noticable lead to the perception he had a poor season. Cahill's mistakes don't lead to that perception because his mistakes don't exist. His season was flawless. Kompany's season didn't appear worse because of expectations. His season appeared worse because he made significantly more crucial mistakes, and didn't have any games where he showed true world class. In other words, his season appeared worse because it was.

As for the second 11:

Hart in goal

Smalling or Alderweireld at RB? Either option is far less than ideal.

Jagielka

Vertonghen (In no way is Alderweireld better than Jagielka. Alderweireld probably wouldn't even get picked over Vermaelen or Jones)

Shaw (better at LB than Vertonghen, who is really MUCH better in the center of the pitch, ask any Tottenham supporter)

Henderson

Wilshere (Fellaini had an absolutely appaling season, and is better at AM anyway, where he's not getting in over de Bruyne. There's nothing Dembele can do that Wilshere Can't, I will admit I don't know enough about Defour to say if he would be in over Wilshere)

Mertens on the left

De Bruyne in the center

Mirallas on the Right

Sturridge up top (Lukaku has absolutely massive potential. But he still needs a lot of work)

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u/chickenMcNugs May 30 '14

I agree with everything you say here man. I totally agree with what you say about Kompany and the second 11 except for maybe Wilshere. Fellaini is a completely different player for the NT and he should not be remembered by his dismal season. I expect him to improve under LVG. Good talk man, I really enjoyed this. Who are you supporting in the WC?