Yeah the squad age isn't outside the norm, but the likely involvement of the young guys will be much greater.

I completely agree but would probably argue this world cup probably came way too soon. 2034 could possibly be the peak for a lot of these guys. If we are assuming prime as a footballer is from 27-32? A lot of water to pass before this of course. Under 33 in 2034: Lucas Herrington; 18; 26...

It has been extremely quick. We get so hung up on the kids who aren't picked yet.

No doubt we will let them go to be successful elsewhere.

To me his actions are to pick the players he thinks will do the job he wants. Without much regard for anything else. He does this consistently. Everything else is noise. There are pros and cons with this. But his goal is to win, so I trust it for that much. Even if I hate the football.

Only if you listen to what he says to the media. Which is a mistake.

From those ccm teams, Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Breda, Stuttgart, Aberdeen picked up his teammates. Mechelen and Randers signed guys from the MV side they beat. Feyenoord, New York, Borough, Celtic signed guys from the City side they demolished. They all saw him. Any club looking at the...

Can Irankunda play left side? Might be Metcalfe if not.

Question for you guys who follow this more closely than me. What is your impression of the WS kids this season? Are they just on a lucky run or is this actually a talented group? Even if they are I'm sure my basketcase club will fuck up any progression to the first team. But just interested in...

Serie has probably declined slightly in quality since Bres? But interesting data points. I think he was probably on track to earning an Italian cap at some point if he continued on his current trajectory.

I think there is a bit of social proof with this sort of thing. I think the defections hurt us a bit more than just losing the individual player. We don't want it to be seen as the norm for guys to pick other options. So snagging a high profile one like this helps.

Haha I just had this thought.

Popa to cut him from the 26 man final squad now

Just needed a top tier man manager to get him over the line. Wtf has actually happened.

It does feel like there is a surge of young talent coming through who could push further than the last couple of generations. Is this a Bielsa in Chile moment where someone can take a talented generation, instill a mentality etc? Even if it is I wouldn't really trust anyone other than Bielsa or...

This season he is an above average player on a mid table team in Eerste division. He could be underrated, get picked and do really well. But it isn't baffling and it isn't a Popa thing. A selection from this team, in this league would be a surprise.

Everyone is looking to get out. Fortunately for Farrell he was just there on loan I believe.

Given when the Asian Cup takes place, it seems to be the end of the cycle rather than the WC. That squad looks nice, but it loses almost all experience. I think only 4 guys have more than 30 caps. I think this transition makes more sense for the first round of qualifying.

We should be setup for the next two cycles with the core of this team. Even in two years these guys won't be near their peak.

I had thought he was considering moving Metcalfe into CM with McGree and Irankunda as forwards to fit all three in. But with McGree out, I could easily see Metcalfe with Irankunda and Leckie starting next to Irvine. Particularly if O'Neill is out. But there is a lot of flexibility with this and...