lewdikris said:Adam said:You say constructive - true, a constructive and progressive forward of sideways pass, but his final ball is not what we expect from an ACM of his standard.
I don't believe he controls the flow of possesion as well as Patrick. I believe Vieira does this better than anyone else - why? Because he has learnt to do it in Arsenals mercurial style of play, which is more testing than the discipline of German football. Vieira captures the imagination with his athleticism and instant final balls, and ball winning - at pace.
The difference is that Paddy saves games, but he never wins them - it's a definite fact than when we've needed a driving central midfielder to step up in the way, say, Keane did for Man U at his best, and win a tough game .... Paddy has failed.
Ballack hasn't. He wins games rather than saves them.
To me that makes him the best.
lewdikris said:Adam said:You say constructive - true, a constructive and progressive forward of sideways pass, but his final ball is not what we expect from an ACM of his standard.
I don't believe he controls the flow of possesion as well as Patrick. I believe Vieira does this better than anyone else - why? Because he has learnt to do it in Arsenals mercurial style of play, which is more testing than the discipline of German football. Vieira captures the imagination with his athleticism and instant final balls, and ball winning - at pace.
Ad, Vieira really doesn't play that many final balls. I can't think of more than the one for Reyes against Chelsea this season.
Ballack's controlling of possession of got Leverkusen into the CL final, and almost singlehandedly got Germany into the World Cup final. Which is more than Paddy's ever done with his own play.
The difference is that Paddy saves games, but he never wins them - it's a definite fact than when we've needed a driving central midfielder to step up in the way, say, Keane did for Man U at his best, and win a tough game .... Paddy has failed.
Ballack hasn't. He wins games rather than saves them.
To me that makes him the best.
GoonerGurjit said:Vieira and Ballack would be an absolutely awesome combination. Should Vieira go then the only realistic well known targets are Maniche, Xabi Alonso, Costinha and probably van Bommel.
KingReyes said:Speaking of replacements howabout this guy from Seville I keep hearing about. Baptista?? I've heard he was a hit last season in La Liga and is still very young. Does anybody know more about him? BoobyPires and other members who watch La Liga might like to comment.
Is he a Vieira type player, more of a DM? or a Ballack type player who's more offensive minded. From what I've read he can score a few goals. He's Brazilian so I think a wrok permit would be a problem if he ever had to come.
kel varnsen said:GoonerGurjit said:Gattuso is too one diamensional. We need someone who could defend and attack in equal measure. Alonso and Gerrard stand out in that respect.
The perfect replacement is Michael Ballack. The best midfielder in the world; he score goals, he's strong, great technique. Ballack and Morientes in, Vieira out. I'm droooooling....