Men's Soccer (Football) Thread [Archived] Soccer • Page 576

Yeah jury is out on Chelsea's attack imo

 

Ibrahimovic and Lukaku scored 20+ goals last year, were United and Everton's attacks better than Liverpool's?

 

No. But this season, with the purchase of Lukaku, United's is better. I'm not talking of there being huge margins of quality between these attacks either, I just see LFC & CFC's as being the weakest of the 6.

 

Why is United's better? They're replacing one 20+ goal striker with another. Is Lukaku going to score 40?

Why is having one guy who can score 20 better than having 5 guys who can put up 15?

 

I mean, an attack is more than a single player. It's depth around it as well. Is Origi better than Martial (both probably third choice strikers this season)?

That's not to say that I agree or disagree that Liverpool's is the worst attack, just saying.

 

Yes, an attack is more than a single player. That has been my entire point.

 

There's not much difference between Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea's depth. Could have them any way around if everyone was fit.

 

Exactly. You saw how blunted Liverpool were without Mane last season. They have a few quite good players, but the depth that the other teams have is insane. Look at Spurs with Son - a player that couldn't get in their best 11, but posted a huge amount of goals all things considered.

Edit: I think Liverpool's starters are quality, for the most part. So I don't necessarily agree, but just think it's an interesting conversation to have.

 

My point being Liverpool not having someone like Kane, Aguero, Lukaku - a true striker - alongside those like Coutinho & Mane who can get 10-15 each is what makes Liverpool's attack one of the weaker of the 6, along with Chelsea and United as I stated originally.

 

In listing the depth of each team, the only team with more players mentioned than Liverpool was City. And he left out someone like Solanke, who could push for playing time.

 

Just realized Bournemouth scored more goals than United last year.

 

See I'm stupid. I've always thought it was better to score the most goals, but apparently it's better to have the one guy who scores the most goals.

 

Great response buddy. I clearly stated not having someone who scores 20+ ALONGSIDE players that can score 10-15 is what makes them one of the weaker top 6 teams. Liverpool's top 3 goalscorers mustered 39 goals in all competitions last season - Harry Kane scored 35 by himself. Alexis Sanchez scored 30 and now has Lacazette alongside him etc.

This is fucking dumb now & I'm sorry I tried to alleviate my work boredom by bringing something like this up

 

'in all competitions'

which ignores the fact that liverpool weren't in europe last season and those players played more games

'top three scorers'

arbitrary and doesn't account for the fact mane missed basically the second half of the season and phil missed almost two months

this argument is also entirely ignorant of the fact most of these guys take their teams penalties, while liverpool's attackers dont; milner does.

 

I can see what PandaBear was trying to get at. I'd agree with him in regards to Liverpool looking weaker on paper but you never know what can happen in a season (or who comes and goes this month). Plus like JC says Mane was out a lot last season, if he plays all season they'll be much stronger.

I do disagree a bit with a Chelsea looking weak going forward, they proved last season they've got plenty of goalscorers in that squad regardless of strikers. I think Batshuyi will be more prominent this season for them too if he gets game time.

I also agree with everyone that Man Utd look a much stronger propersition this season.

 

I think there's a case to be made that any of the top 6 can finish in any of the top 6 positions. It's quite close and will come down to the managers getting the best out of the players, fatigue after Europe, and general form. Like City have a great attack on paper, no one can doubt that, but some bad form and they could struggle.

 

In other news apparently Lallana is out for four months.

 

Copenhagen, APOEL, Olympiakos, Celtic, HAPOEL, Sevilla, CSKA, Napoli, Sporting CP.

Hoffenheim vs Liverpool is a toss up.

 

Given how weak Liverpool's attack is, I'll go with Hoffenheim.

 

Dunno if I want Liverpool to win or lose. Lose and it's hilarious, win and they'll struggle during the season with their lack of depth up front.

 

Barcelona seems to be buying Inigo Martinez from Sociedad today. Solid defender. A year or two "under-studying" Pique and then partnering Umtiti going forward could be really good. 32m in this market is alright. Really glad the first buy isn't a panic replacement.

 

He's a good player. Like him.

 

Opening day of the season tomorrow/tonight!

Wednesday are away at Preston. Unfortunately I think we'll lose that one. Tough opener on what I'm hoping will be a glorious season for us.

 

6 minutes in and Toulouse are up on Monaco