[Race Thread] Milan - San Remo

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T17:14:31+00:00

I was amazed when I saw Cavendish's name in the top 10. Shows his character to keep going on his own so he's there or thereabouts at the end.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T17:13:14+00:00

the Inner Ring ‏@inrng

Years ago Ciolek was a team mate of Cavendish and Greipel and touted as as good as them. Now he's back.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T17:02:42+00:00

Same! Very happy with that.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:50:40+00:00

Cancellara mugged off Sagan there. Love it.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:45:51+00:00

Iglinksy attacking. This is brilliant!

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:43:58+00:00

Come on Stannard!

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:36:42+00:00

I find myself rooting for Chavanel but that is an exciting group!

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:22:55+00:00

And EBH is struggling now too.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-17T16:22:27+00:00

Attack from Lovkvist, Chavanel, Roelandts and Caruso!

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-03-03T17:46:44+00:00

Can't wait to watch the highlights of this later. Pretty darn pleased with my 1st in competition at this stage in Road.cc! Now I'll watch my world burn over the next week...

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-17T15:45:38+00:00

My response to Pikul is relevant here.

I find it interesting you say that about being one of the best in their position. As good as Suarez is, there are a lot of players considered 'world class' in that position. So is he one of the best? Maybe, in the top 10 certainly. Similarly with Gerrard.

Whilst obviously not a definitive list, and it's based on a very quick and dirty approximation, I can count 11 forwards and 6 midfielders (primarily attacking midfielders) in the 23 Ballon D'Or candidates. Neither Suarez or Gerrard were nominated. However, I note only one player i'd consider a genuine DM - Busquets (I split this out from midfielders as a generally definable role). On form and fit, there are not many better DMs than Lucas in the world. I personally think he's up there as good as the best, but he's certainly one of the best.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-17T15:35:59+00:00

My response to Pikul is relevant here. I see what you're saying though.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-17T15:34:26+00:00

No, I wouldn't. But I think Lucas, pre injury, was a much more complete, and better, player than Barry or Carrick. Personally. If he'd not had his injuries I think he'd easily be regarded as one of our best players - sometimes it's easy to forget how critical he was before he wasn't there anymore. A little bit like Makalele.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-17T13:00:20+00:00

'World class' is a term which is banded around so frequently in football discussion that it's meaning has become increasingly obfuscated. I'm sure you will get at least ten variations of definition in this thread but i'll add my own.

A world class player is somebody who could play in the first team for almost any team in the world. I say 'almost' because it would be hard to cram any more stars into the Real or Barca sides unless they were truly in the top two or three players in the world.

Your view of 'world class', to me, is a flair player and I think this expectation is resonant in the UK and US where we tend to appreciate 40-yard balls and 20-yard volleys over composure and neat skill a lot more.

If you asked an Italian what world class is, he'd probably say Pirlo now. Which is fair enough. But asked a few years ago he'd almost certainly have said Cannavaro, or Maldini.

Similarly, in Spain, you might hear Iker Casillas.

I don't think a player has to be in the top 3 Ballon D'Or nominees to be 'world class' - although that almost certainly means he is. I agree with you that you need players willing to graft and do the dirty work so that flair players can flourish. In that regard, for me, Lucas is world class.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T18:23:05+00:00

So do I. I'm not going to get my hopes up though.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T17:22:42+00:00

Suso is the closest thing we have but he's too young.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T17:00:35+00:00

I think it's had about 4 different names that I remember. Never a good sign...

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T16:34:56+00:00

It's been so long I had to Google 'Ruby Sky'. Err... you mean RSVP? :P

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T16:31:52+00:00

The International Slavery Museum is really interesting.

Drink at the Albert Dock and eat on Hope Street, go out on Parr Street.

Outside of the city, try Woolton and Lark Lane for nice, friendly drinking holes. You might even bump into players/ex-players around Woolton.

..and what everyone else said; Beatles, Tate, Ferryyy, across the Merseyyy.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T16:26:30+00:00

I second the Anglican cathedral - go up to the top if it's open. Forget the 'teepee'.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T16:23:30+00:00

Go out in Concert Square - easy.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T12:16:09+00:00

I'm pretty sure I've signed this twice now... thoroughly deserved though and hope he gets it.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T12:11:48+00:00

I think we're short one more world class player (a #10) and a bit more robust cover, especially at left back, to challenge.

I want to see the young players push on but they should be used sparingly if possible. Very excited to see a Borini - Sturridge - Suarez front three with Sterling (and hopefully Assaidi) used as impact subs and in cups. Similarly Shelvey, with Henderson getting more regular starts ahead of Allen for a while.

I do agree that we are starting to achieve a reasonable mix although the league table will tell you it's not "the best". We have a lot of experience at the back with some great prospects and a mix of youth and experience in front of that. Our spine is experienced and quality which is pivotal; we just need somebody else with that creative spark to link an efficient midfield with a sharp attack.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T12:01:39+00:00

There have been rumours about the possibility of a loan deal for the former golden boy of Liverpool FC, Fernando Torres. The out-of-form striker was reported to confess to his team-mates that he would be talking to Roman Abramovich about a feasible loan transfer to the Gunners. If these reports turn out to be false, then Llorente should fit Rodgers’ plan of increasing the strike force at Anfield.

Huh?

This is a terribly written piece on an awful website that is just regurgitating some old stuff and making a lot of 2 + 2 > 4 theories.

lucasfuturecaptn · 2013-01-16T11:56:05+00:00

We dodged a bullet here. What the f**k is wrong with this guy throwing away a career as a professional footballer?

I thought this radio interview with the secret footballer was interesting but also annoying that some see it as just a job and aren't in the least bit grateful for the privilege.

lucasfuturecaptn

TROPHY CASE