Kant

David Villa in his prime was pretty similar to Aguero: fast, strong, great at creating oportunites (out-assisted a prime Ronaldinho one year) and could create something from nothing. He demonstrated sublime movement and great finishing too. Villa was the best striker in Europe for a while, but Aguero is probably more talented and has surpassed Villa at his best now.
 
As for a current 'poor Aguero' (who as you correctly say would still be of very high quality), nobody immediately stands out. That skillset is pretty unique, although I think much if not all of it applies to Suarez too - but then he's at least as good as Aguero.
 
Very hard to say. Anyone else have any suggestions?
 
Actually, a similar player and 'poor Aguero' could be argued to be his international team-mate Lavezzi. He's sort of similar and clearly not as good as Kun. Not really an out and out striker but they do have an eerily similar skillset and similar physical traits. However, you couldn't buy a player like him, so he's not 'poor' enough.

The main difference being that Lukaku scored 15 goals in 31 games and Anichebe scored 18 in 131 games for us. Anichebe was/is terrible, and while they are the same in physical stature, Anichebe didn't know where the goal was.

He knew where his arse was though. He spent enough time on it.

They are way better than Defour.

Italian football would be the worst fit for Lukaku, I wouldn't accept that if I were him.

There's McCarthy's worth there. I personally thinks he's brilliant. He reminds me of my all time favourite blue Joe Parkinson. In my opinion McCarthy is our most important player and the hardest to replace in our team.

Only 9 Strikers got 15+ goals in the league this season with only 2 20+ so I'd say 15 goals for a striker is somewhat of an achievement and something that is pretty difficult to find.

He really is a huge talent though. If he improves his decision making he's going all the way to the top. The dribbling, pace and - sometimes - shooting all looks great.

Barry staying should be a no brainer with him on a free. We need another in there anyway - with Gibson out already an injury/suspension for Barry or McCarthy will test us.

As good as Barry's been for us I'd probably prefer that anyway because Barry would need to be replaced in a couple of years anyway if he were to stay.

The discussion of who was more valuable this past season is an interesting one. Between Lukaku and Barkley, I would say Lukaku. Even when having a quiet game, he can score. Barkley on an off day doesn't. I realize that scoring goals is only one aspect of the game, but it's a crucial aspect.
 
Barkley has been outstanding sometimes this season, but he's also had some really inconsistent patches. This is, however, his first full season, so he will improve. Over the next ten years, which player has more potential? It's really difficult to say. I'd prefer to keep them both and find out that way.

I enjoy much more watching teams like Everton (or Villarreal, or Dortmund, or Atletico) develop and see how far they can get, instead of watching powerhouses buy their way to the title.
 
With those teams you see projects, players maturing and growing, needs being addressed carefully and youngsters given a fair chance.
 
I hate three things about the rich teams:
 
1) They rarely give opportunities to local lads/young players (Barcelona has been the exception, but now is returning to old habits)
2) They wreck the careers of the promising players. How many promising young players have been bought only to rot in the reserves?
3) They all consider themselves title contenders and if they don't win it's a failure. There can't be more than one winner and most of the times the team need time to gel. Solution? Sack the manager.
 
Plus, they tend to be arrogant. I would say a fair amount to invest, 10 to 20 million should be enough for a team to cover its needs.

Ha ha.... Barcodes also mentioned. SURPRISE!

The thing is, we dont even think Roberto is in for him..

Vellios and Traoré total minutes played: 60 (aprox)
 
I'm not worried about that particular losses if Koné can play.
 
The lack of a starting striker (Lukaku) and a winger (Deulofeu) that featured several minutes are more of a concern to me.
 
I don't hear any rumours about Everton. Is Martinez on holiday?

Vellios and Traoré total minutes played: 60 (aprox)
 
I'm not worried about that particular losses if Koné can play.
 
The lack of a starting striker (Lukaku) and a winger (Deulofeu) that featured several minutes are more of a concern to me.
 
I don't hear any rumours about Everton. Is Martinez on holiday?

I can't see there being any truth in the rumor. I would be absolutely gutted if we got rid of him. Such a workhorse in midfield and gets the team going. You can tell when he isn't in the team thats for sure.

I have seen quality from them both and I have seen shite from them both and I wouldnt really rate one above the other based on last season. The Deulo from the Christmas period was better than anything I have seen from McGeady but the end of season Deulo was worse than McGeady.

There would be plenty of soft tissue injuries for Bob to update us on after training sessions with that yard dog.

I enjoy much more watching teams like Everton (or Villarreal, or Dortmund, or Atletico) develop and see how far they can get, instead of watching powerhouses buy their way to the title.
 
With those teams you see projects, players maturing and growing, needs being addressed carefully and youngsters given a fair chance.
 
I hate three things about the rich teams:
 
1) They rarely give opportunities to local lads/young players (Barcelona has been the exception, but now is returning to old habits)
2) They wreck the careers of the promising players. How many promising young players have been bought only to rot in the reserves?
3) They all consider themselves title contenders and if they don't win it's a failure. There can't be more than one winner and most of the times the team need time to gel. Solution? Sack the manager.
 
Plus, they tend to be arrogant. I would say a fair amount to invest, 10 to 20 million should be enough for a team to cover its needs.

In my opinion, teams should not need to pay anyone crazy wages. Or spend silly money to sign one player.
Instead of short term solutions (spend 20M on one player), I would say the expenses should be focused on player development and the academies, the great forgotten in this modern era of football.
Teams should spot talent, train it and let if flourish, i.e.: Seamus Coleman was acquired for 60,000, Raheem Sterling for 4M.
 
Nevertheless, I can understand that managers require short term results or they get fired, and if they have money they go for the quick fix. Maybe if the Boards of Directors were patient, Managers could develop long term strategies instead of going to the market and spend money foolishly.

I enjoy much more watching teams like Everton (or Villarreal, or Dortmund, or Atletico) develop and see how far they can get, instead of watching powerhouses buy their way to the title.
 
With those teams you see projects, players maturing and growing, needs being addressed carefully and youngsters given a fair chance.
 
I hate three things about the rich teams:
 
1) They rarely give opportunities to local lads/young players (Barcelona has been the exception, but now is returning to old habits)
2) They wreck the careers of the promising players. How many promising young players have been bought only to rot in the reserves?
3) They all consider themselves title contenders and if they don't win it's a failure. There can't be more than one winner and most of the times the team need time to gel. Solution? Sack the manager.
 
Plus, they tend to be arrogant. I would say a fair amount to invest, 10 to 20 million should be enough for a team to cover its needs.

I enjoy much more watching teams like Everton (or Villarreal, or Dortmund, or Atletico) develop and see how far they can get, instead of watching powerhouses buy their way to the title.
 
With those teams you see projects, players maturing and growing, needs being addressed carefully and youngsters given a fair chance.
 
I hate three things about the rich teams:
 
1) They rarely give opportunities to local lads/young players (Barcelona has been the exception, but now is returning to old habits)
2) They wreck the careers of the promising players. How many promising young players have been bought only to rot in the reserves?
3) They all consider themselves title contenders and if they don't win it's a failure. There can't be more than one winner and most of the times the team need time to gel. Solution? Sack the manager.
 
Plus, they tend to be arrogant. I would say a fair amount to invest, 10 to 20 million should be enough for a team to cover its needs.

I enjoy much more watching teams like Everton (or Villarreal, or Dortmund, or Atletico) develop and see how far they can get, instead of watching powerhouses buy their way to the title.
 
With those teams you see projects, players maturing and growing, needs being addressed carefully and youngsters given a fair chance.
 
I hate three things about the rich teams:
 
1) They rarely give opportunities to local lads/young players (Barcelona has been the exception, but now is returning to old habits)
2) They wreck the careers of the promising players. How many promising young players have been bought only to rot in the reserves?
3) They all consider themselves title contenders and if they don't win it's a failure. There can't be more than one winner and most of the times the team need time to gel. Solution? Sack the manager.
 
Plus, they tend to be arrogant. I would say a fair amount to invest, 10 to 20 million should be enough for a team to cover its needs.