The only thing that even made this a question was his injuries. When healthy no one comes close to him. I hated and don’t think I’ll warm up to the Merino singing btw. We didn’t need his profile at all
I’m not mad at this, but my view of the midfield required another ball carrier in that role, not a Xhaka. Xhaka’s last season was highly overrated and coincided with a lucky run of form for several players IMO. Not saying he was bad but I think his role is being overrated nowadays.Merino is there for UCL knock outs and teams can actually play around and against us. Partey is better for breaking lines against low blocks. Also, Merino is more dominant in the air and is a better man to man, open field defender and transition player. He made perfect sense to replace Xhaka on the left of the midfield. I won't judge till I see him in a fully fit squad.
We aren't going to see the best of ANY of the midfield without Odegaard. Not only is he the creative metronome, he organizes the press, so without him we're seeing a crippled Arsenal midfield. He and Saka are arguably the only "irreplaceable" players in the squad. No one has their profiles and skill sets. Perhaps, Saliba as well.
The treble does not count for this BDor. City only won PL last year. Plus city undefeated without Rodri and he didn’t even play the full final and Spain won. If he wins it’s due to good ole fashion racism. Rodri is prob top 5 player in the world but he wasn’t the best last yearRodri was always a candidate this year after winning the treble AND the euros. Him and Vini are the only logical choices. Jude is up there, but game over game...it's between Vini and Rodri. Remember, this season has no bearing on Balon d'Or.
I personally think it will be Rodri (even though I prefer Vini) because for as clutch as Vini is. City without Rodri is gimped, Madrid without Vini still finds a way sometimes.
Curtis not starting some bullshytwhy is szoboszlai starting?? give that man a rest,,,he aint exactly lighten it up atm.....