by Scottbot » Sat Mar 05, 2005 1:13 pm
Agree it's probably a load of bollox like most of the transfer talk we here but we all love to speculate.
I've always liked Woodgate - The lad is pure class when fully fit but you do wonder if he will ever be able to live up to his enormous potential. Any fee for Woodgate would have top be heavily dependant on appearances but i would expect Madrid to try and get him fit and playing coz they would stand to lose 8-10 million on the lad were they to seel him.
I wouldn't complain about Parker as replacement for the captain. The lad has a lot of qualities - tenacious, strong in the tackle, decent passer + scores his share of goals (at least he did all this at Charlton). However, i'm not sure Rafa would have been too aware of Parkers' exploits at Charlton and think the he would be more likely to raid his old club for the likes of Baraja (or Albelda).
I was dismayed when we were linked with AJ leading up to the transfer window as i am suspicious of players who bloom so late (whyb didn't his class shine through 5 years ago?) and have not performed year on year. Having seen more of him since then i have to say i have been impressed. He's quick, strong on the ball, his link-up play and movement are excellent but - he needs to do it for another season for me. The money being talked about for a player who has had one decent season (how many has he scored without the pens?) is crazy.