I can see how you chaps might think Abdi a bit `slow` , he seems to go at his own pace , but at the same time , he seems to make himself room and space to do waht he wants.....great goal on saturday , shifetd the ball lovley... Vydra , yes , i think in a couple of years , he may be too good for watford or udinese....?
In regards to Morosini, I've had such a great respect of Antonio Di Natale about financially supporting Morosini's disabled sister, he is a gentleman in a sport full of thieves.
Regarding Abdi, I must say I never watched him play (I added full football to my Sky subscription only recently) so the "slow" is just from what I read, but it may be just a problem of modules and players apt for them. Udinese, at its best (which is NOT this year but the 2 previous seasons) plays with a 3-5-1-1 that becomes a sort of 3-6-1, with all midfielders and the second striker ready to insert in attack, and also very relying on extremely quick counterattacks (like 2-3 passes and player ready to shoot). This needs a kind of midfielder that is maybe not Abdi, who from what I read has not much quickness but has on the other hand good feet, passing, tactical sense and a good shot. I think in Zola's module, that aims to much more possession, Abdi can shine more than he could ever do in Udinese, as a "playmaker" (Pirlo's style). The opposite also can happen. As an example Sanchez, absolutely brilliant in last years in Udinese as the second striker of the 3-5-1-1 for his quickness and good shooting, is not impressing now in Barcelona that relies much, as well known, in possession. There are rumors that he could be sold to Juventus or an English team; I'm sure in another team with different game-style he'll shine again. On Vydra: last year an injury blocked him for a long time but now ... wow! 13 matches but only 800' on game-time, equivalent to 9 full matches: 7 goals and 3 assists! If he continues this way he's a great promise blossoming.
I see one of the Russo's got in on the act yesterday - allowing an 89th minute equaliser against our parent club - when will they leave us alone! I didn't know they were fully qualified referee's!
[video=youtube;FlbMNzM5aYQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlbMNzM5aYQ[/video] Stefan Sharaaway is in sparkling form. Highlight for me was Mauro Icardi getting his first start for Sampdoria in the Lighthouse Derby in Genoa as they beat their city rivals 3-1.
Playing Anji in a bit on ESPN. The pitch is in an atrocious state. Di Natale has lacked a killer ball so far and a fantastic save from Brkic. Still 0-0.
Groan ... out of EL ... not willing to comment, sorry. Just to change topic and since talking about EL: I rarely cheer "against" Italian teams in Europe, however hatefuf they might be. But after what happened yesterday in Rome I REALLY hope Tottenham destroys Lazio (and gives some sorrow to Lazio's fascist fans).
I was listening to the radio in the car yesterday, and they were saying its normal behaviour in Rome to knife people in the bum, and the Police don't make a big deal from it. Sounds a bit homo to me....
anotehr loss yesterday then brothers ? 3- 0 at lazio whats going wrong , since your owners bought us , yourselves and granada have turned into toilet
For Granada I cannot say much, Rojoblanco can say more, but last year they were in their first year in Liga after a long absence and an incredible double consecutive promotion from third league, so a barely obtained safety from relegation (as it happened) was more than good. This year they might have done better but still in relegation zones. Hopefully they'll improve and obtain a "quiet" safety going on. For Udinese, what can I say? Pozzo's way is that 2-4 of the most sought players are sold each year, because I guess you cannot keep budget OK counting only on match tickets in a 100.000 persons city. Same for shirts sales, I mean, if Di Natale was playing for Napoli (1 million inhabitants just in city) each year his wage would be payed just by the shirts with his name. In Udine not so! So, as I was saying, selling players (although at a good price and certainly not "sales") is "the way" for Pozzo's Udinese, usually with good chance that some or several of the promising other players bought will replace well the ones going away. This has worked several times ... it seems not this year. Or at least too late, as I think there are many quality players in the new ones, but until now they were certainly not at the level of the ones sold in summer. Add to this some unluck with injuries. Many key players absent for long time. Muriel, extremely promising first striker, alternative or possible partner for Di Natale out for several months for a fracture. And an OFF year comes, where it seems we'll just have to play for an easy safety from relegation in lower mid-table without dreams for another European cup participation. Well, off years happen, I won't complain much (contrary to many Udinese's fans). Yet I think we can improve and can show much better in what follows of season.
Excellent result. The squad clearly has huge potential, I expect a big surge after Xmas from Zebrette
Really relieving, although they didn't begin the match so well. Again in upper table (for just 1 point). Angella scored again (his 3rd) and had a good match: definitely staying in Udine now. But you don't seem to be at all in need of further reinforcements. By the way we played again without many key players out for injuries and with several very young players. So doubly a good win!
Just our luck - Angella could have been sent over instead of Fanchone and instead we're seeing him doing really well for Udinese. FML.
[video=youtube;fW9hplDzA2U]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW9hplDzA2U[/video] Nice to see Pereyra score again. He has real potential. One of the starlets from River Plate a couple of seasons ago. The season so far. A rejuvenated Sampdoria are up next for Guidolins men next Monday after the formality of the last and pointless game in the EL. http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/fixtures/_/id/118/udinese?cc=5739#
I had hoped to rub the salt of Udinese's win into the wounds several of my Liverpool loving friends would have felt in a loss...next year...
I think Carrick is one of those players the clueless always ask "but what does he do?!", when he's actually a fine player, and does a lot.
Sherlock - think it's more likely that a couple of Udinese players will be sent to WFC now you don't need to find a team for the Europa League too? Wouldn't be surprised if Udi kept hold of them though, to try and improve their league position.
Haha Cude. He is a fine player though, sublime passer of the ball and rated very, very highly by SAF. Never replaced him, says it all.
I think it's unlikely. There's a table to climb (hopefully) to better positions. We had lots of injuries and several players also will be away for some time for Africa Cup. Last, although we are now very far from Europe qualification table positions, we still have a chance for it with Italy Cup, with some (much!) luck.
