Paul Scholes

[soggy biscuit]

When Ballack got fit, his performances were of a level above Lampards, imo. Its not just goals, its about bringing players into the game, vision, work-rate.

Ballack has simply been so far ahead of Lampard throughout his entire career it is laughable for anyone to think otherwise.

LOL @ anyone that has only taken notice of Ballack since his arrival in this country.

[papereyes]

When Ballack got fit, his performances were of a level above Lampards, imo. Its not just goals, its about bringing players into the game, vision, work-rate.

Ballack has simply been so far ahead of Lampard throughout his entire career it is laughable for anyone to think otherwise.

LOL @ anyone that has only taken notice of Ballack since his arrival in this country.

Indeed.

Sadly Ballack was injured for so much of the two years he's been at Chelsea, it was hard for him to show what he could do. Plus, can you imagine the press praising a german ahead of their blue-eyed boy?

[FiNeRaIn]

but I can't understand not wanting to play for your country.

I can, I wouldn't with our media and spotlight, its like a vicious comedy circus.

[chandog]

but I can't understand not wanting to play for your country.

I can, I wouldn't with our media and spotlight, its like a vicious comedy circus.

agreed
also take into consideration that most of the england players are c*nts

[Big Foot]

Aren't all footballers?

[chandog]

Aren't all footballers?

good point
but the england players (rooney, ferdinand, a.cole etc) bring a whole new meaning to it

[Ginger Ninjas]

Well, that's the basis for my opinion. Has he ever really excelled at a major tournament (Euro 2004?)

I don't remember him playing fantastically well against any opposition of note.

That said ... anyone remember England playing well against any opposition of note ...

We played well enough against Russia at home.
Are they of note?

We won 3-0 against Russia, we did not play well, and were frankly out-passed for most of the evening.

The 5-1 in Germany was our last good result & performance against quality opposition I'd guess.

[papereyes]

Don't.

You'll set him off.

[11.30 from paddington]

When Ballack got fit, his performances were of a level above Lampards, imo. Its not just goals, its about bringing players into the game, vision, work-rate.

Ballack has simply been so far ahead of Lampard throughout his entire career it is laughable for anyone to think otherwise.

LOL @ anyone that has only taken notice of Ballack since his arrival in this country.

Too right! Look at Ballack's influence and performances in an average German side. Fantastic midfield performances, as he drives his country on.

I've never seen Gerrard or Lampard grab a game by the scruff it's neck in the same way at international level. Andorra doesn't count...

[PlasticRoyale]

Utd's talent in Midfield looks very deep as does Chelsea's. Can't see Liverpool or Arsenal being able to compete over the course of a season. A few injuries to key players (Gerrard) and they'd be stuffed

Giggs, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Posebon, Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves, Park, (O'Shea, Fletcher)

[papereyes]

I don't think the German side is that average, tbf. Compare with, for example, England or Scotland.

In Klose, they have a better striker than any of the home nations
In Ballack, they have a better midfielder
I don't think Schweinsteiger or Podolski are that short of England standard and are cleverer players
Their defence may not be individually as good but they seem to have a level of organisation and communication
Both Kahn and Lehmann would walk into all but a few national teams.

[11.30 from paddington]

I don't think the German side is that average, tbf. Compare with, for example, England or Scotland.

In Klose, they have a better striker than any of the home nations
In Ballack, they have a better midfielder
I don't think Schweinsteiger or Podolski are that short of England standard and are cleverer players
Their defence may not be individually as good but they seem to have a level of organisation and communication
Both Kahn and Lehmann would walk into all but a few national teams.

I do agree regarding England, but I think that a lot of German players would struggle to get into Spain, Italy, Holland or Portugal's side. Apart from Ballack and the goalies.

I think the point I was making, was that Ballack is genuinely world class (Podolski and Schweinsteiger on the cusp of being so), yet they still reach semi-finals / finals against teams with a greater number of world-class players. Ballack being the main reason, whereas our superstars fail us.

Back on thread - yes, Scholes is fantastic. Should have become an England all-time great. Truly world class.

[soggy biscuit]

Too right! Look at Ballack's influence and performances in an average German side. Fantastic midfield performances, as he drives his country on.

I've never seen Gerrard or Lampard grab a game by the scruff it's neck in the same way at international level. Andorra doesn't count...

And the amount of times he has done it too for Bayern, Leverkusen & the national team is quite incredible. It seemed that every other week he would take control of the game and end up deciding it himself. He was the one player that I was most excited about seeing at the Madejski when we got promoted.

[Big Foot]

Utd's talent in Midfield looks very deep as does Chelsea's. Can't see Liverpool or Arsenal being able to compete over the course of a season. A few injuries to key players (Gerrard) and they'd be stuffed

Giggs, Ronaldo, Anderson, Nani, Posebon, Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves, Park, (O'Shea, Fletcher)

Was impressed with that Posebon for the 15 minutes he was on, looked like he had so much time on the ball.

[papereyes]

SchoLOLes

[FiNeRaIn]

SchoLOLes

Agreed, can you change your location though, I find it a bit distasteful.

[papereyes]

SchoLOLes

Agreed, can you change your location though, I find it a bit distasteful.

You can be my twirly buddy.

[soggy biscuit]

[The whole year inn]

I pic of Ronaldo would fit in nicely there

[Victor Meldrew]

If ever there was a case for those that think footballers are thick the handball (After the earlier booking)was priceless.
As for Ferguson going over the top to defend him was hilarious-what a great example of sportsmanship (not) by these so-called professionals.