The Football / Soccer Banter Thread - Part 4

[Txebe]

Ronaldo-Bale vs. Messi-Neymar

I think Real will sign Bale, and i'm wondering where he fits? He's left footed so he should be a natural threat from the RW but I believe he is a LW (C.Ronaldo's spot). Ancelotti has played Cristiano more central in pre-season, instead of isolating him on the Wing...where I think he is best.
He fits for sure, but this means that Di Maria will leave Real Madrid.
Cristiano with his back to the goal isn't as prolific as he is down the flanks. I hope this doesn't change. I'm sure his output won't drop with Isco + Ozil + Alonso/Modric etc pulling the strings and he can finish like no other (unlike Benz) but I prefer him on LW.
Illarramendi-Modric
Bale-Ozil/Isco-Ronaldo
Benzema
Getting Bale is a pure future play, knowing that Ronaldo might leave next summer. And to offset the Neymar purchase of Barca. But I'm not sure they need him. A pure striker is needed and some help in defence...dont trust Pepe at all even though he shows signs of brilliance (Euro 2012), Ramos is very helter skelter too
I don't think Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid, he is very happy here, he dreamt be there and Spain is very similar to Portugal in lifestyle. It's more about %

Bale won't be going. The 80+ million bid is fabrication. The only offer we've had has been verbal with inclusion of 2-3 players of value < 15M each.

Bale hasn't asked to leave & we're still in talks over a new contract with him and his family still.

Reason he's so valuable? He's a marketing icon & he's actively taking steps to grow his status as one.

image

(Banner in NY)

That's why our president is turning crazy with Bale. It's better pay 100M for Bale than 45M for Alexis, for example.

Now it's official: Roberto Soldado is 'spur'. This summer our league has sold 13 Spanish players to Premier League, curious...