Would empty the stadium quicker than Covid.
1 Like
With as late as his season finished, I donât know if heâd have been back in time for these games anyway, certainly the Chelsea one.
The jury is out on every signing until you see him play in the team for a good 15-20 games.
Thatâs fine but itâs absolute rubbish to not say it on every signing if you say it on one and Iâm sure Didi doesnât.
1 Like
I have a rule now that is not to look at the OYV (obligatory youtube video) until an announcement. He hasnât been officially announced but itâs 90% done STM. So Iâve done it and watched and I think I am now on the same level of climax as the rest of you. Wowee that footwork.
I really think he was an opportunity signing. Us being in demand. Him being in demand and the perfect fit for us. But us not really needing a midfielder. I think weâve now got the media trying to fill in the blanks - âoh theyâve got him because hey fab at cb!â. And yes Iâve said that also 
.
But honestly I donât think the club transfer policy is as rigid as it sometimes is made out to be and we took the opportunity to add a world class player, and that we have room for him with some midfielders able to cover at the back or further forward so as to reduce congestion for positions in the middle. Ox and Fab as two examples.
2 Likes
I mentioned that I might take a look at Goldbridges channel for the lamentations, and although I havent watched it all, boy thats a sorrowful song he is singing here ! 
6 Likes
I agree I know, Itâs unfortunate that the fixture list has landed with these fixtures where they are along with the season being squeezed.
perhaps regret is the wrong word, more a case âwhat ifâ
Not hard to find excellent clips of Thiago. Iâm fascinated how JK will use him and the impact he will make.
So many compilations available to watch and this one is no different. Unbelievable on the ball. One clip he sends Harry Winks out for a hot dog and soft drink and in another makes Ross Barkley simply give up chasing him.
3 Likes
10 Likes
Grins. ButnotenoughcharactersinagrinandIthinkthisminimumcharacterstuffissilly.
1 Like
2 Likes
As we are revisiting our original thoughts on signing Thiago from our posts on TIAâŠinitially my exact feeling was at first indifferent, simply bc I thought it was an either/or with Gini and I donât want to lose him. Then I began getting more excited about the possibility, especially after the Community Shield. Then after Leeds, I was all in. Now, itâs pure elation. Absolute world class signing and itâs almost surreal.
Thiago is 100% footballer. No bullshit, no drama, no distractions, consummate professional on and off the pitch. Wants challenged, wants to win, highly decorated, has won everything, will make those around him better and elevate this squad. 100% footballer.
9 Likes
I get the feeling that there are going to be times over the next few weeks that Thiago will do something in training and the other lads will just stop and applause.
He is that much of a baller.
3 Likes
It is a godsend for everyone, but especially for our younger ones like Trent, Curtis etc, there is sure to be a lot to watch and learn.
4 Likes
3 Likes
If youâre going to play with a double pivot, if you want to control games rather than being reactive, it is important you have at least one player who can dictate the play with his ability to get on the ball and pass. For all the varied strengths of our midfielders, I dont think that really applies to any of them. Thiago is possibly the best in the world at doing it.
I suspect we might be moving more to that sort of shape this season in an attempt to better deal with sides who want to just sit in and defend against us, and if weâre going to do that then having someone who can QB that approach makes sense.
12 Likes
Completely agree start to finish. Great post @Limiescouse
Bang onâŠ
Imagine having a 4-2-3-1 where we want to control the game with a double pivot
A midfield double pivot of Henderson/Fabinho & Thiago with Keita further upfront. That could be very very tough for the opposition to handle.
1 Like
What a treat this is going to beâŠplayer is so tough as well, and has this Xavi-esque effortlessness about him. Frees up the midfield for options, keep the opponents guessing, allows Keita to attack from further up the field, its just a brilliant all round move of the ilk of when we acquired Alonso.
3 Likes
Yeah, not sure if itâs a psychological thing or something⊠while being fully aware that he is confirmed world-class, it was for me too one with positives and negatives, and quite a shoulder shrugging one: if he comes, great, if not, doesnât matter.
Now, Iâm absolutely frothing at the mouth to see him play in a proper red shirt. And the realisation that we could very well keep Gini on top of that makes it even sweeter.
If that isnât strengthening from a position of strength, then I donât know what is.
7 Likes
Maybe itâs just me, but I think Wijnaldum and Thiago would be a great pivot.
3 Likes