Missus has been flying around trying to get stuff done, she walks in, I tell her how dull it’s been and then suddenly it’s 2-0. “No idea what you are on about” she says…
Give her a job turning up to Charlton for 5 mins a game. US investors will give us a fortune with that sort of solid gold winning formula 😁
I would feel really cheated if I’d paid to watch that match. England could have upped their game to at least put on a show for the 84,000 that paid to watch. It sounded like there were plenty of kids there to see their idols stroll around the pitch. Thats not good enough! I know that its about the points and qualifying but nevertheless, these players should also show some respect to the fans attending.
I would feel really cheated if I’d paid to watch that match. England could have upped their game to at least put on a show for the 84,000 that paid to watch. It sounded like there were plenty of kids there to see their idols stroll around the pitch. Thats not good enough! I know that it’s about the points and qualifying but nevertheless, these players should also show some respect to the fans attending.
Is this a joke? I’m actually hoping for a whooosh 🤣
It’s an England international qualifying for a major tournament not the Harlem fucking Globetrotters.
If you can’t enjoy your national team winning a game then I’d suggest giving the next one a miss.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
And yet Foden is still (statistically) the better player. So he might not be "miles ahead" but he's doing rather well for a "bench player."
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
And yet Foden is still (statistically) the better player. So he might not be "miles ahead" but he's doing rather well for a "bench player."
Statistically Saka played left back for the first year of his career, possibly even two. So the fact it's close at all is more praise for Saka's performance over the past two seasons.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
Last season:
Foden played a total of 3,828 minutes for club and country including 11 matches and 630 minutes in the Champions League. He scored 14 goals and had 16 assists Saka played a total of 3,781 minutes with nothing in the Champions League because Arsenal never qualified for Europe. He scored 16 goals (2 of which were pens) and had 8 assists
So Pep might not start Foden as many PL games because City are in the CL but Foden still played 47 more minutes over the course of the season in total and had 6 more goals and assists. I really do not see how you can argue that Pep doesn't play Foden.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
And yet Foden is still (statistically) the better player. So he might not be "miles ahead" but he's doing rather well for a "bench player."
Statistically Saka played left back for the first year of his career, possibly even two. So the fact it's close at all is more praise for Saka's performance over the past two seasons.
See the above stats for last season to disprove that.
I still find it bizarre that we have so many "classy" players nowadays, players with "continental" levels of skill and touch, but are instead weak in the areas where we were traditionally strong like in the centre of defence. Someone like Steve Bruce could play over 400 games for Man U without getting a single England cap because we had so many good players in that position back then.
I still find it bizarre that we have so many "classy" players nowadays, players with "continental" levels of skill and touch, but are instead weak in the areas where we were traditionally strong like in the centre of defence. Someone like Steve Bruce could play over 400 games for Man U without getting a single England cap because we had so many good players in that position back then.
Pallister only made 22 appearances too and they were one of the best CB partnerships we've ever had in this country. It used to be the same with keepers too. We had the likes of Shilton, Clemence, Parkes and Corrigan all vying for the number one spot at one time. Now we're having to call up someone like Fraser Forster at the age of 35!!!
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
And yet Foden is still (statistically) the better player. So he might not be "miles ahead" but he's doing rather well for a "bench player."
Statistically Saka played left back for the first year of his career, possibly even two. So the fact it's close at all is more praise for Saka's performance over the past two seasons.
I don't see the point in comparing club goal/assist stats anyway when up until this season Arsenal have been pretty poor. Clearly Saka plays much more football at Arsenal and I agree we're seeing the benefits of that now. Foden's stats/medals are his benefit of being at Man City and IMO his progression isn't going at the same rate as Saka's.
I don't think there is much argument to be made that Phil Foden has been well-served over the years by playing less.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
Last season:
Foden played a total of 3,828 minutes for club and country including 11 matches and 630 minutes in the Champions League. He scored 14 goals and had 16 assists Saka played a total of 3,781 minutes with nothing in the Champions League because Arsenal never qualified for Europe. He scored 16 goals (2 of which were pens) and had 8 assists
So Pep might not start Foden as many PL games because City are in the CL but Foden still played 47 more minutes over the course of the season in total and had 6 more goals and assists. I really do not see how you can argue that Pep doesn't play Foden.
It's more that being a bit-part player like Foden has been, hasn't been as effective to develop him than Saka playing week-in and week-out. Pretty simple.
If Man City play 11 more games (990 minutes) plus cups and Foden only ends up playing 40 minutes more than Saka, it shows he's not consistently playing 90 minutes.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
Last season:
Foden played a total of 3,828 minutes for club and country including 11 matches and 630 minutes in the Champions League. He scored 14 goals and had 16 assists Saka played a total of 3,781 minutes with nothing in the Champions League because Arsenal never qualified for Europe. He scored 16 goals (2 of which were pens) and had 8 assists
So Pep might not start Foden as many PL games because City are in the CL but Foden still played 47 more minutes over the course of the season in total and had 6 more goals and assists. I really do not see how you can argue that Pep doesn't play Foden.
It's more that being a bit-part player like Foden has been, hasn't been as effective to develop him than Saka playing week-in and week-out. Pretty simple.
If Man City play 11 more games (990 minutes) plus cups and Foden only ends up playing 40 minutes more than Saka, it shows he's not consistently playing 90 minutes.
In contrast (and yes its too early to know for sure) then you could quite possibly have a future where Saka burns brightly but briefly, many gifted players peak early but drop off dramatically whereas you have the likes of KDB (as a City example) who play at the highest level into their thirties.
Saka is having a phenomenal season and hopefully more to come but its very premature to be drawing conclusions about how good his career will be or the long-term aspects of his development yet.
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Foden's debut: July 2017 Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
Last season:
Foden played a total of 3,828 minutes for club and country including 11 matches and 630 minutes in the Champions League. He scored 14 goals and had 16 assists Saka played a total of 3,781 minutes with nothing in the Champions League because Arsenal never qualified for Europe. He scored 16 goals (2 of which were pens) and had 8 assists
So Pep might not start Foden as many PL games because City are in the CL but Foden still played 47 more minutes over the course of the season in total and had 6 more goals and assists. I really do not see how you can argue that Pep doesn't play Foden.
It's more that being a bit-part player like Foden has been, hasn't been as effective to develop him than Saka playing week-in and week-out. Pretty simple.
If Man City play 11 more games (990 minutes) plus cups and Foden only ends up playing 40 minutes more than Saka, it shows he's not consistently playing 90 minutes.
Foden was playing week-in, week-out for City - just not always starting in the PL because in the weeks that he didn't start in the PL he started in the CL. Arsenal weren't in Europe so they didn't have that concern which is why Saka started so many in the PL. And because Arsenal don't have a replacement for him.
Foden actually made 55 appearances in total (so 70 minutes average per game) and Saka made 50 appearances (76 minutes per game). 70 minutes a match average really isn't a "bit part player" and 6 more minutes a game doesn't make one more of a contributor than the other especially when Foden's stats, even in the World Cup per minute played, were better.
Equally, Foden walked off with both PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the second year running and that hardly suggests that he hadn't developed does it? Or were the media, fans and his fellow pros all wrong too?
Saka is on target to win both this year and will deserve to if he does. That isn't to say that he will have a better career than Foden will overall though. We won't know that for at least another dozen years or so.
I think Saka was always a decent player but he wasn't the complete player a couple of years ago. But he has developed into that and is a massive asset for us now. If we look at Saka, Kane, Rashford and Foden, they would get into most international sides, if not all of them. That is massive for England.
Ukraine lost yesterday's game the minute we scored. They are well organised but set out to frustrate us. When they went in 2-0 at half time they knew they had lost so didn't try too hard to get back in the game. It is probably wise as a big defeat would not be a great start for them. England should have the Group done and dusted pretty quickly having sucessfully negotiated the toughest game last week.
nice to see Ivan Toney getting a first cap (hope he gets through the betting thing relatively unscathed)
I saw him play a couple of times for Scunthorpe, the raw talent was obvious but he was argumentative, petulant. liked a dive and didn't seem to want to be in Sunny Scunny, and who could really blame him one might ask
Pretty much scored goals wherever he's been and Newcastle must be sick they sold him .. it'll take a Saudi Princes ransom to come close to replacing him
nice to see Ivan Toney getting a first cap (hope he gets through the betting thing relatively unscathed)
I saw him play a couple of times for Scunthorpe, the raw talent was obvious but he was argumentative, petulant. liked a dive and didn't seem to want to be in Sunny Scunny, and who could really blame him one might ask
Pretty much scored goals wherever he's been and Newcastle must be sick they sold him .. it'll take a Saudi Princes ransom to come close to replacing him
also nice that Maddison had a start .. on form he probably brings more to a team than Grealish, though of course, they are different in how they like to play
I think he is a Grealish replacement but is not at the same level. Grealish is a top player.
I am a Maddison 'fan', admire Grealish BUT for me Maddison starts before Grealish .. the thing of course is Maddison (missed a lot of this season) is THE man for Leicester, a role he won't play for England, Grealish is 'just' one of eleven at Citteeeh .. as a left sided 'attacker' it's probably a toss up and would depend on the opposition to an extent
I think he is a Grealish replacement but is not at the same level. Grealish is a top player.
I am a Maddison 'fan', admire Grealish BUT for me Maddison starts before Grealish .. the thing of course is Maddison (missed a lot of this season) is THE man for Leicester, a role he won't play for England, Grealish is 'just' one of eleven at Citteeeh .. as a left sided 'attacker' it's probably a toss up and would depend on the opposition to an extent
We are blessed that both offer different things.
Grealish loves to be one on one in space and wins countless set-pieces which other teams always say is our danger.
Maddison likes receiving the ball in different areas in tight spaces and tends to drop deeper allowing overlaps from Shaw/Chilwell.
Then you have Foden who gets into excellent goal scoring areas and is more of a finisher.
That’s without mentioning the counter attacking might of Rashford.
I think he is a Grealish replacement but is not at the same level. Grealish is a top player.
I am a Maddison 'fan', admire Grealish BUT for me Maddison starts before Grealish .. the thing of course is Maddison (missed a lot of this season) is THE man for Leicester, a role he won't play for England, Grealish is 'just' one of eleven at Citteeeh .. as a left sided 'attacker' it's probably a toss up and would depend on the opposition to an extent
We are blessed that both offer different things.
Grealish loves to be one on one in space and wins countless set-pieces which other teams always say is our danger.
Maddison likes receiving the ball in different areas in tight spaces and tends to drop deeper allowing overlaps from Shaw/Chilwell.
Then you have Foden who gets into excellent goal scoring areas and is more of a finisher.
That’s without mentioning the counter attacking might of Rashford.
Its frightening.
Only if the arm chair managers and keyboard warriors appreciate that you can only pick 1.
The irony that the golden generation away from a great team with a natural left sided winger, what we would give for a Rio, Terry or Campbell now.
I never watch the prem these days so haven't seen much of Maddison outside of highlights - thought he was excellent on Sunday. Constantly showing for the ball between the lines and think that really helped us to break Ukraine down. Exactly what's needed against the tight and compact teams we've traditionally struggled with.
The only toss ups would be between Shaw/Chilwell and Walker/James. Most would probably say Walker is first choice but he will be 34 by Euro 2024.
That then leaves one midfield spot for the likes of Foden, Maddison, Grealish, Mount.
I disagree.
Maguire plays until someone comes along that is worth risking. Walker plays if fit, be it a 3 or a 4.
Then it's about Bellingham, and Rashford. Both play, at the moment IMO, the question is were.
If Kane and Saka are fit Rashford obviously plays wide left, which is his best position, but he is probably "first reserve" for the other 2 roles.
Bellingham is so good, you build your midfield set up around him. Its a waste to play him as part of a double pivot. You either play him in front of one, which means you cant play any of the others or as one of 2 "8"s which rules all of the others out bar Mount. Who probably isn't quite good enough.
Foden and Grealish will both, especially the former, loads of opportunities and caps, but I really fail to see where Mount fits in going forward. Maddison will probably get a dozen or so caps but never really establish himself.
It's an over load in one position/role in the team and that doesn't even include Sancho who was the wunderkind 2 or 3 years ago.
The only toss ups would be between Shaw/Chilwell and Walker/James. Most would probably say Walker is first choice but he will be 34 by Euro 2024.
That then leaves one midfield spot for the likes of Foden, Maddison, Grealish, Mount.
I disagree.
Maguire plays until someone comes along that is worth risking. Walker plays if fit, be it a 3 or a 4.
Then it's about Bellingham, and Rashford. Both play, at the moment IMO, the question is were.
If Kane and Saka are fit Rashford obviously plays wide left, which is his best position, but he is probably "first reserve" for the other 2 roles.
Bellingham is so good, you build your midfield set up around him. Its a waste to play him as part of a double pivot. You either play him in front of one, which means you cant play any of the others or as one of 2 "8"s which rules all of the others out bar Mount. Who probably isn't quite good enough.
Foden and Grealish will both, especially the former, loads of opportunities and caps, but I really fail to see where Mount fits in going forward. Maddison will probably get a dozen or so caps but never really establish himself.
It's an over load in one position/role in the team and that doesn't even include Sancho who was the wunderkind 2 or 3 years ago.
I don’t really see a centre back on the horizon and I know it’s all about ‘team form’ but I don’t mind the mr reliable angle for England. Sometimes familiarity is better than gambling.
The only toss ups would be between Shaw/Chilwell and Walker/James. Most would probably say Walker is first choice but he will be 34 by Euro 2024.
That then leaves one midfield spot for the likes of Foden, Maddison, Grealish, Mount.
I disagree.
Maguire plays until someone comes along that is worth risking. Walker plays if fit, be it a 3 or a 4.
Then it's about Bellingham, and Rashford. Both play, at the moment IMO, the question is were.
If Kane and Saka are fit Rashford obviously plays wide left, which is his best position, but he is probably "first reserve" for the other 2 roles.
Bellingham is so good, you build your midfield set up around him. Its a waste to play him as part of a double pivot. You either play him in front of one, which means you cant play any of the others or as one of 2 "8"s which rules all of the others out bar Mount. Who probably isn't quite good enough.
Foden and Grealish will both, especially the former, loads of opportunities and caps, but I really fail to see where Mount fits in going forward. Maddison will probably get a dozen or so caps but never really establish himself.
It's an over load in one position/role in the team and that doesn't even include Sancho who was the wunderkind 2 or 3 years ago.
I don’t really see a centre back on the horizon and I know it’s all about ‘team form’ but I don’t mind the mr reliable angle for England. Sometimes familiarity is better than gambling.
Agreed.
Whilst many will say that it should be based purely on form, they would then no doubt shit the bed if we went to a tournament with 3-4 players each from Brighton and Brentford.
Southgate treats the England set up like a club set up, which has been shown to be the right way of doing it.
The only toss ups would be between Shaw/Chilwell and Walker/James. Most would probably say Walker is first choice but he will be 34 by Euro 2024.
That then leaves one midfield spot for the likes of Foden, Maddison, Grealish, Mount.
Agreed in terms of Pickford and Maguire, though that's more to do with them having the shirt and the relative lack of alternative options, rather than because of their own qualities.
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If you can’t enjoy your national team winning a game then I’d suggest giving the next one a miss.
Foden - Appearances 219, Minutes 12,302, Goals 58, Assists 38
Saka - Appearances 176, Minutes 14,793 Goals 37, Assists 35
So Foden, who is 15 months older, has made 43 more club appearances but played 1,691 less minutes. However, he has 24 more goals and assists. He has won the PL (4), FA Cup (1) and EFL Cup (4). He has been voted both the PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the last two seasons. He was also included in the Champions League squad of the season in '20-'21.
Saka has won the FA Cup (1) and was voted England's Player of the Year last season.
Overall it could be argued that Foden has not done as much for England as Saka has although there is an argument that he isn't being utilised to the best of his ability for England. Equally, he only played 259 minutes in the World Cup but still manage 1 goal and 2 assists (Saka played 293 minutes and had 3 goals and no assists).
However, at just 22, Foden has those 9 winners medals and 4 awards plus 94 goals and assists for his club at a rate of every 130 minutes (Saka has one every 205 minutes). I really don't think that anyone could realistically say that Pep hasn't played him. It's just that City don't have to flog him as much as Arsenal do because they have become so reliant on him. When that happens those players tend to have to play with niggles and when not one hundred percent fit which, ultimately, can take its toll. Time will tell which career has more longevity or who, ultimately, has the better one. And players do have dips in form. Look at Rashford this season compared to last.
For now I think that we should just embrace the fact that we have Saka, Foden, Rashford and Grealish who can play in those wide positions. That is a nightmare for any full back especially when one with fresh legs can replace another.
Saka's debut: November 2018
Foden starts each season: 0, 3, 7, 17, 24, 16. - Only started more than half games in a season once so far.
Saka starts each season: 0, 20, 30, 36, 27.
You can see by the games to minutes, that you yourself posted, that Foden is more of a bench player than being trusted to start and run games himself like Saka is.
Foden played a total of 3,828 minutes for club and country including 11 matches and 630 minutes in the Champions League. He scored 14 goals and had 16 assists
Saka played a total of 3,781 minutes with nothing in the Champions League because Arsenal never qualified for Europe. He scored 16 goals (2 of which were pens) and had 8 assists
So Pep might not start Foden as many PL games because City are in the CL but Foden still played 47 more minutes over the course of the season in total and had 6 more goals and assists. I really do not see how you can argue that Pep doesn't play Foden.
I don't think there is much argument to be made that Phil Foden has been well-served over the years by playing less.
If Man City play 11 more games (990 minutes) plus cups and Foden only ends up playing 40 minutes more than Saka, it shows he's not consistently playing 90 minutes.
Saka is having a phenomenal season and hopefully more to come but its very premature to be drawing conclusions about how good his career will be or the long-term aspects of his development yet.
Foden actually made 55 appearances in total (so 70 minutes average per game) and Saka made 50 appearances (76 minutes per game). 70 minutes a match average really isn't a "bit part player" and 6 more minutes a game doesn't make one more of a contributor than the other especially when Foden's stats, even in the World Cup per minute played, were better.
Equally, Foden walked off with both PL Young Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year for the second year running and that hardly suggests that he hadn't developed does it? Or were the media, fans and his fellow pros all wrong too?
Saka is on target to win both this year and will deserve to if he does. That isn't to say that he will have a better career than Foden will overall though. We won't know that for at least another dozen years or so.
Ukraine lost yesterday's game the minute we scored. They are well organised but set out to frustrate us. When they went in 2-0 at half time they knew they had lost so didn't try too hard to get back in the game. It is probably wise as a big defeat would not be a great start for them. England should have the Group done and dusted pretty quickly having sucessfully negotiated the toughest game last week.
I saw him play a couple of times for Scunthorpe, the raw talent was obvious but he was argumentative, petulant. liked a dive and didn't seem to want to be in Sunny Scunny, and who could really blame him one might ask
Pretty much scored goals wherever he's been and Newcastle must be sick they sold him .. it'll take a Saudi Princes ransom to come close to replacing him
That’s without mentioning the counter attacking might of Rashford.
Its frightening.
Pickford, Maguire, Stones, Rice, Bellingham, Rashford, Saka, Kane.
The only toss ups would be between Shaw/Chilwell and Walker/James. Most would probably say Walker is first choice but he will be 34 by Euro 2024.
That then leaves one midfield spot for the likes of Foden, Maddison, Grealish, Mount.
The irony that the golden generation away from a great team with a natural left sided winger, what we would give for a Rio, Terry or Campbell now.
Maguire plays until someone comes along that is worth risking. Walker plays if fit, be it a 3 or a 4.
Then it's about Bellingham, and Rashford. Both play, at the moment IMO, the question is were.
If Kane and Saka are fit Rashford obviously plays wide left, which is his best position, but he is probably "first reserve" for the other 2 roles.
Bellingham is so good, you build your midfield set up around him. Its a waste to play him as part of a double pivot. You either play him in front of one, which means you cant play any of the others or as one of 2 "8"s which rules all of the others out bar Mount. Who probably isn't quite good enough.
Foden and Grealish will both, especially the former, loads of opportunities and caps, but I really fail to see where Mount fits in going forward. Maddison will probably get a dozen or so caps but never really establish himself.
It's an over load in one position/role in the team and that doesn't even include Sancho who was the wunderkind 2 or 3 years ago.
Whilst many will say that it should be based purely on form, they would then no doubt shit the bed if we went to a tournament with 3-4 players each from Brighton and Brentford.
Southgate treats the England set up like a club set up, which has been shown to be the right way of doing it.