I think it would be weird to see Tevez go, and, oddly, I don't think we ever seen the best of him. I was reading a quote a few weeks back (I can't remember who by) which was basically saying England has ruined Tevez, which I sort of agreed with. He works harder than he really should, he probably doesn't show as much ability as he has and I think the emphasis on work rate over here can have a negative effect on players. I remember Tevez at United where it seemed he was played mostly for his work rate, although he had a successful season there, he probably never shown them what he was truly capable of. Similarly at City, he's worked his nuts off when playing, but the player that left South America has changed massively, and I'm not too sure if I really like it.

Another player that you could say this about is Torres. When he came to England, he worked hard, but he was a massive threat with the ball at his feet for such a powerful player. Since then, it felt more like Torres was running after the ball instead of with it, which I feel has changed his game negatively. If you look at Torres in the national side, he looks out of place because he isn't as comfortable on the ball as the others, but he wasn't always like that, not IMO anyway, it was never 'his game', but at the same time, I feel he became more limited in his time here, and relied more on chasing down defenders instead of beating them.

I dunno, it's an interesting way to look at things, but I even think Rooney changed for worse during the years before last. The emphasis was always on his work rate, but he had a lot more than that. He still does, no doubt, but I think some of his 'natural game' has been taken away/sacrificed to emphasise on his work rate. Less so since he was played behind Hernandez, where it seemed he was able to play a more natural game, but for long spells areas of his game weren't utilised. The opposite of this example could probably be Dimitar Berbatov who, if he worked harder/shown a bit more aggression, would probably be amongst the top 5 forwards in the world.

I'm intrigued to see how a player like Luis Suarez develops in his time here. There's no doubting he works hard, but will this side of his game continually be pushed at the sacrifice of his ability? I hope not.

It's the English way, a good pair of lungs over a good pair of feet any day of the week.

If a player isn't capable of putting his foot in and grafting to get the ball back for the team he doesn't get picked - hence Phil Neville having more England caps than Glenn Hoddle.

If you want another example from closer to home, take a look at some of the performances by a young Joe Cole in his West Ham days. Given a free role and just allowed to drift around influencing the game with the ball at his feet, he had all the ability to be a truly world class player.

There doesn't seem to be a balance between the two, though. The Spanish seem to have it mastered of late. Immensely gifted players with the engines and desire to run all game. OK, so they don't tackle hard and they don't rough you up, but they are majorly effective at getting the ball back.

As I said, Tevez has always worked hard, but it seems in England it's been 'preferred' that he'd run after it rather than with it. Players like Torres and Tevez arrived here with perfect attitudes, they worked hard and they had ability. Since then, they seem to have been pushed to work harder, but probably aren't as good.

All fair points them but I wouldn't be watching MLB over here unless it was of that quality. As much as I love RL if Super League went under I'd be watching the NRL and not the amateur game because the quality isn't there. Some people can watch any level of their favourite sport and whilst that can be enjoyable, in my personal experience if you aren't born to follow a particular club due to where you were born you gravitate to the upper echelons of the sport because that's where there's more excitement and entertainment. Who watches world title fights but then tunes in to watch A N Other v A N Other Journeyman? You might watch a good fight after its happened but most of us know that the likelihood of you seeing an acceptable level of quality entertainment is less frequent the further you get away from the pinnacles of the sport. Sport has always been about entertainment and still is.

Why don't I support St Helens Town? If Wigoon Ath weren't in the football league there wouldn't be many RL season tickets holders who went to watch them. Why someone does or should support a particular team can't always be decided by where you were born. I have known several people who have gone out of their way to not support a local team for various reasons e.g. an act of non-conformity. Supporting is entirely subjective and you can't apply a logical reasoning for it because people can be incredibly illogical when it comes to feelings and emotions, of which following a sports teams leans heavily on.

Quite amusing to see a city fan write this considering how much they go on about their apparent local support compared to MUFC.

If I remember correctly, Fergie had a pop at Tevez's technique when he left - something veiled about how crap his first touch was. I think it was mainly to draw a comparison with Berbatov who, as we all know, has lovely feet.

I think Tevez improved when we went to city. It can't be because he was playing with better players because he wasn't. It may be because he was better coached. I suspect the real reason was that he got more game time. He still ran around just as much but he got into a groove where he was unplayable at times.

Anyone a Blackburn fan? Wondering what MB Diouf was like last season, apparently we've had an offer accepted by Utd for him.

I'm glad I could make your life that little bit better

I'm not from Manchester either lol. Go knock yourself out

Not sure about the Neville/Hoddle comparison???.....



Its like pointing out that Terry Butcher got more caps than Matt LeTissier......Yes, LeTiss was better to watch, but Butcher wouldn't be picked for his fairying around in midfield, would he?

Same point with Neville and Hoddle surely?

He had some good games for us.I would say he's not good enough to be a top Premiership forward but he'll score a lot more in the championship than he did for us.

Been to Citys first preseason game tonight, nice 4 1 win at Ferriby.

Please with the 3 new signings on show, especially Adebola who looks like he'll be a handfull, getting a nice goal whilst he was at it. Also impressed with Joe Dudgeon the left back.

Also, any Liverpool or United fans with opinions on Gulasci or Robbie Brady who we've signed today?

funny penalty here. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... awana-diab

funny penalty here. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... awana-diab

Quote ="Durham Giant"funny penalty here. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... awana-diab'" Apparently, he might be getting fined for disrespectful behaviour

Quote ="Durham Giant"funny penalty here. www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011 ... awana-diab'" Apparently, he might be getting fined for disrespectful behaviour

The time to judge is when 5th august comes around, Ive never taken notice of Friendlys as they are irrelevent and are nothing apart from a training session

I think Dudgeon will be quality tho and think he will start infront of Dawson to begin with.

From what ive heard Brady is class and is better than stewart so thats promising

Bet you still sing 'This city is ours' on a train heading away from Manchester after city games.

Could be banned too

Everton's US tour is going well then...

Interesting.....The match doesn't kick off until 12.30 am??.....

Marca reporting Agüero to City.

They do.

I do believe it's the U18's, another embarrassing post, but at least you've quoted it before he can delete it and save the embarrassment.

Missing: Sense of humour. If found please return to RLFans.com.

He must be really slack on material tonight

Can't take the credit for it, I'm afraid. Came from a couple of Liverpool supporting friends, but even the brother-in-law Toffee saw the funny side

Ok, I'll admit I had a chuckle, I just didn't want it to show

Your in-laws obviously have some class too by the way

He seems like a decent lad and he's taken my sister to Goodison a few times. I suppose we should be grateful. He could have a thing for the other side of Stanley Park