Optimal wing balance is built on contrast — one wide creator/magician & one runner or 1v1 demon. At minimum, you need a true isolation threat on one flank. The issue with a Garnacho–Neto pairing is both are runners. That only works if they play narrow, almost as

Great players can do X and Y to a supreme standard but as soon as they can’t do Z to the level people want they get berrated by the masses. The same logic is applied to Rice, Caicedo and Enzo. The great things they do don’t matter in the eyes of the critic.

Ain’t no way

Only 2 players I’m willing to trade Roméo Lavia for. Matheus Fernandes and Ayyoub Bouaddi

People of this generation will call Busquests and overrated recycle merchant.

This Intellectual dishonesty is why people don't "rate" Rice, too Bouaddi wins the ball, almost never loses it, can carry/pass in whatever circumstance, can play a forward pass, and has the stamina to run and maintain this level over 90 minutes

Romeo Lavia is a 1 of 1 talent, most of what Bouaddi did yesterday, the security on the ball, the turning away from pressure & thé physical dominance, Lavia at physical peak has it & is perhaps even more mobile. To replace Lavia you need to sign a talent of the same quality which is why I wanted Bouaddi. But if you can’t get similar level of talent you keep Lavia. Low wages & still a massive massive massive ceiling is a profile we lack in the squad

How do you want to turn one of the best midfielders of this generation into a RB? This alone should make Bouaddi stay away from Arsenal

The most impressive thing about him is how he’s able to comfortably trap even the most difficult balls, turn away from pressure and progress. Immune to contact, calmness in every touch & incredible decision making thé carrying power & ball manipulation in tight spaces. Such an incredibly complete player at just 18

No Endrick? What is Ancelloti doing?

Igor Thiago is the closest thing to a defensive striker if I’ve ever seen 1

Ayyoub Bouaddi is like if you gave De Jong longer limbs with more defensive talent. He has the ball carrying, awareness & pausa of De Jong Camavinga type defending with his tackling & intensity. Galactico talent who’s destined for greatness.

At times you need to watch players at the big stage to remember how good they are. One can only dream now.

The difference in level btw Raphinha and Vinicius has never been clearer

Where is Bruno Guimaraes?

Vinicius JR! WHAT A PLAYER

Bouaddi can carry in big spaces, secure manipulator in tight spaces, strong dueller & eats up space off the ball all while remaining graceful like a groom getting married. Aaaarrrgh what a unicorn

Vinicius first acceleration and he creates a chance. He seems in the mood.

People think West Ham are crazy for their Mateus Fernandes valuation, but I don't. He's one of the better U21 midfielders in Europe, and his engine and defensive game are just as impressive as his passing. Besides, asking prices are there to be negotiated.

The 2nd coming of Paul Pogba

Second strikers are highly valuable when the system is dynamic & fluid. The 2 most dynamic attacking teams in Europe use second strikers (Bayern-Gnabry & Barcelona-Fermin). But the thing is second strikers will always work better with false 9s/associative 9s. People who don’t see the vision will call it redundant but you get the highest level of dynamism and unpredictability in attack when you platform them correctly. People who don’t see the value of a second strikers will never see the value of a false 9 too.