A'Villan

Barcelona paid more money than many African countries can allocate their military defence budget, that's less significant perhaps than the agreed understanding that Coutinho was brought in to be given the role that Iniesta had. It just so turned out that Barcelona changed the script and expected of Coutinho to be the replacement for the outgoing Neymar. I'd say he qualifies as world class. I mean it's plain to see.

If he plays to his potential we have one of the best to grace the game of football. Before we turn to Coutinho not being at that level as reason to call him out for not being what we want from him, consider the possibility that he is not entirely responsible for the way we setup and approach each fixture. While managers and coaches can only offer a strategy and plan for getting optimal outcomes from their men, and it's the men out there that must deliver on that or try and find a way themselves in the moment, at some stage we have to discern who is responsible. At this stage I don't think it's fair at all to lay fault on Coutinho. Wanting him to be more is one thing, making it out like the guy is anything less than a wizard that can and will craft nothing into moments of gold with a single flick, among other displays of mastery. Unfortunately the conversation so quickly becomes one of sourcing quantifiable justification for how a player has influenced the game, and overlooks the impact a player has had or can have that won't be recorded. In my view it's actually those moments of involvement that give you the real measure of a player. Not measuring them solely through data. If you are observing what's going on it's there for anyone to notice should they want to acknowledge. Look at the goal Coutinho scored against Manchester City as an example that is obvious to anyone, unless they are denying Coutinho's abilities at present for the sake of it. The man is a genius and executioner of skill that leaves opposition left for dead. If anyone says that's just one instance, remember what we've just established that data limits so much of what actually happens during 90 minutes and only portrays a fragment. So there's a reason why the number may be so small, it represents just a fragment. Main comment here is to say Coutinho is still far more influential operating below his best than most of the guys who make up the contest. That's what I see when I watch him for us. A gifted player I am glad we have. I like many of our current squad but there's not a player among our ranks that is considerably above Coutinho on a regular basis.

Don't understand the view that Coutinho is somehow lacking in influence and impact. I don't want to assume or deny the reasons behind why some of VT are focused on what Coutinho doesn't offer. The way I understand it that would be suggestive to say that what he does offer, is inadequate and an issue. I am drawn to Coutinho and see him as possessing skill above and beyond the competition around him. Whats equally impressive is he is one of the few reliable sources for creating for us to make things happen. If he's not directly gaining territory for us, then he's usually always doing something to better our position. He may not pick up the ball from deep and go solo all the way to the final third like Grealish could, but Coutinho's deft touch and precision in possession rarely ends up going astray. When his idea wasn't as good as he'd hoped, like any player, it's costly, but I see that as an issue our team is having and less so one Coutinho should be assigned responsibility for.

Does anyone who's followed Carney's time at youth level want to share on what this kid does well and why he's apparently top five for his age in Europe? Why hasn't he been integrated sooner? That's not a criticism of the player. I'm curious to know why Villa don't think he's ready, or what the reasoning behind him moving is from our pov.

I'm amazed to see Coutinho hasn't impressed VT. I think he has been our best asset despite some lovely play from both Carlos and Bailey who would be right up there.

Rennes aren't a bad side. For the moments i tuned in we were the dominant team. That was while things were 1-1, and I see we went on to win.

The chants from our English contingency were unreal.

Forgot this one existed. American History X. Shocking.

Horrible form from me. Sorry all.

Would you like an Australian kiss? It's like a French one but down under..

Highlight of Man Uniteds tour down under thus far..

@paul514 the facepalm was just to say that I mistakenly spoke for someone else like I had some insight to offer, when I didn't.

Initial thoughts, that's a bit harsh. First two seasons Bent had a strike rate of nearly one goal for every two games played. He, Ashley Young and Downing were all England internationals, even being explored as potential starters together if memory serves. Not really sure I see the parallels. One is a 24 year old prospect making moves in the Eredevisie, the other was a well established striker who proved himself at Tottenham and Sunderland before getting a big money move.

Good question. I've never seen him play over 90 minutes.

@JAMAICAN-VILLAN When you realise the conversation started with.. That's my bad.

I think the essence of the message is less to do with points tally and more what our ceiling is and what would qualify as a successful campaign.

"Tastes like a tub of piss somebody farted in" - Samuel L Jackson

@leighavfc Fortune favours the brave, and I think what you've done by writing about your situation here, is brave. At a guess, correct me if I'm wrong, you have shared here because you had hope that it might be of benefit to someone. I thank you for that. I hope that someone may include you. For me, and I say this with sincerity. It also shows your intelligence. I am glad to see that you've been met with messages of support on here. I am hesitant to offer guidance or advice on what is in your best interests, as I don't know you personally, but one thing I will say with confidence is I think you should continue to exercise that intelligence discerning which avenues and people are going to, at the very least, work with you in bringing about the changes you wish to see. Find your allies in this. There's a quote I like and it's actually become a philosophy of mine. "The ties of goodwill run thin like thread, whereas the ties of mutual interest are like chains of steel" Lastly I think @KentVillan has given some solid counsel here.

I guess the issue with our midfield three currently for me, isn't first eleven quality, it's how they complement each other and work as a unit, mostly from a ball retention POV. I mean that for in possession and out of it. Maybe with Kamara that changes, I'm sure it will. However from what we've seen to date, I think we are going to want better competition, and reliable competition, than Nakamba and Sanson. I don't really have any issues with our attackers who will play up front. Not if we are discussing areas to strengthen.

CM. We've got a number of players who can do well in the final third, and will most probably only be positioned in a front 2 or 3. If we do go on to continue player recruitment, I'd like it to be a CM.

Doing a bit of a 180 from my earlier posts on Sanson. Simply because I'm not sure he will be able to emulate the influence he had in France, in this Villa side.

I'm a big fan of his. Glad he's in the squad and while i don't think he is in the first eleven, I will be eager to see what he can do when he does play.