(29-06-2011 14:43 )groundnpound Wrote: [ -> ]
- Boudebouz - NO.
- Sissoko - NO
- Park Chu-Young - NO
- Nolan Roux - No
- Aly Cissokho - NO
- Dejan Lovren - NO
- Yann M'Vila - NO
Some of the idiots from the French league we've been linked with so far.
I think to call Ligue 1 unproven, and to call these players idiots, is a bit of a reach. France is as proven a market as any other. We've just paid over €50M for two young Enligsh lads who have 3 caps between them. I think Ligue 1 is a physical enough league to prepare for the Prem and their's some good value to be had, some serious young talent coming through. Yoda's gone over
Cissokho (who I always thought was a bit over-rated) and
Roux, I'll have a word on the others I know
Moussa Sissoko is a DM for Toulouse. Massive potential. Only 21, already been capped for France. Plays just in front of the back for breaking up oppostion attacks but has the dribbling and technique to go up the other end and create. Proper box to box midfielder, well capable of getting a few goals as well. Lot of teams looking at him, prob cost £10-15M. Would love if we signed him but with the way our midfield is don't know where he'd go.
M'Vila is young DM at Stade Rennais. Like Sissoko, French international, U-19 captain. Mascherano-esque, small, fast, covers a lot of ground, makes plenty of tackles although he's prob a better passer. I'd reckon he'd be a bit cheaper than Sissoko.
Lovren is a Croatian CB. Lyon paid €10M for him 18 months ago. To spend that on a 20yr old CB shows they must see something in him. Fast, good in the air and a strong tackler I reckon he'd be a great addition at CB, where I think we need to strengthen.
A quick note
Chu-Young, haven't seen alot of him but could be cheap seeing as Monaco were relegated. And if we were looking at anyone from Sochaux,
Boudebouz's club, I'd much prefer
Marvin Martin. Plays behind the strikers, definately one to watch.
Anyway, I think my point was, before getting side-tracked by my European scouting fantasy, that France is a top-class market in terms of ability and value. Fine, you might have your Cheyrou's and Diao's but England has it's Jeffers' and Bentley's. I'd much rather buy Sissoko, M'Vila or Matuidi over Adam. Can't comprehend why we're in for him.