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69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 03:37 PM
Numerous reports out of New York that this amazingly talented player will be signing with NYCFC very soon. Even at age 36, his exquisite distribution and free kick artistry will be unmatched in MLS. With Villa, and Frank Lampard, could this expansion club be unbeatable (at least for this year)?

TFC07
06-25-2015, 03:39 PM
Numerous reports out of New York that this amazingly talented player will be signing with NYCFC very soon. Even at age 36, his exquisite distribution and free kick artistry will be unmatched in MLS. With Villa, and Frank Lampard, could this expansion club be unbeatable (at least for this year)?

Umm no. NYCFC's depth is weak and adding old players who are past their prime isn't going to make them unbeatable

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 03:49 PM
Umm no. NYCFC's depth is weak and adding old players who are past their prime isn't going to make them unbeatable
You haven't been watching Pirlo much, have you?

TFC07
06-25-2015, 03:56 PM
You haven't been watching Pirlo much, have you?

You don't know much about MLS and it's history of old DP's and their injuries?

OgtheDim
06-25-2015, 04:22 PM
3 points

a) NYCFC is going to be travelling to LAG, Vancouver, Seattle and Orlando. Pirlo and Lampard have no idea what that is going to do to their bodies.

b) There are numerous reports indicating Kreis wanted and had scouted much younger DP Playmakers who would be with NYCFC for 3-5 years. He was trumped by bosses looking for the splash.

c) Don't we have another forum for MLS talk?

Richard
06-25-2015, 04:22 PM
Haha I'm going to laugh when their old DP's get destroyed by the turf monster, have fun with that NYCF.

TorontoFC6fan
06-25-2015, 04:37 PM
Umm no. NYCFC's depth is weak and adding old players who are past their prime isn't going to make them unbeatable you do know pirlo is a better player than Bradley even at his age right ? you do know pirlo just started in the champions league finals right ? Do some of you guys even watch European soccer ?

Ultra & Proud
06-25-2015, 04:39 PM
You haven't been watching Pirlo much, have you?
We'll see how he is when he'll have no time on the ball here. It'll be a shock. Plus the travel and turf as mentioned. They can have their old man DP/hack goon squad.

Ultra & Proud
06-25-2015, 04:41 PM
you do know pirlo is a better player than Bradley even at his age right ? just checking.
Better in the slower, less overtly physical Serie A, yes.

This is bizarro MLS here. All that stuff means nothing until players actually play here and deal with the various types of B.S that come with this league.

Red CB Toronto
06-25-2015, 04:45 PM
Pirlo and Lampard could both make their NYCFC MLS debuts against the Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 12th. Would be an interesting game with Michael, Jozy, Jonathan and Ashton all away at the Gold Cup.

TorontoFC6fan
06-25-2015, 04:51 PM
Better in the slower, less overtly physical Serie A, yes.

This is bizarro MLS here. All that stuff means nothing until players actually play here and deal with the various types of B.S that come with this league. you can spin it how ever you want. fact remains he's a better player than Bradley and if you're trying to argue that point then there is no reason for me to take you serious. you can bring up his age but his team made it to the champions league finals with him controlling the midfield.

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 04:57 PM
Better in the slower, less overtly physical Serie A, yes.

This is bizarro MLS here. All that stuff means nothing until players actually play here and deal with the various types of B.S that come with this league.
Serie A is a very physical league, anybody who watches Italian soccer acknowledges this. TFC has Giovinco, a player who characterizes that league better than anyone else in MLS: Talented, hungry, tough as nails. Pirlo has seen it all. He is still one of the world's top players, did everything Beckhan could only dream of, and his style of play does not require a lot of running or ball chasing. Think a much better version of Higuain, better than Kaka, better than Beckham. It will be a real treat to see him here, if only for a year or two.

PopePouri
06-25-2015, 05:06 PM
http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/15/players/152900.png

http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/15/players/184220.png
http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/league/files/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/20150218_NYCFC_1832_TommyMcNamara.jpg
http://futhead.cursecdn.com/static/img/15/players/7763.png

Best midfield hair in the league?

Mateo1985
06-25-2015, 05:07 PM
Pirlo and Lampard could both make their NYCFC MLS debuts against the Reds at Yankee Stadium on July 12th. Would be an interesting game with Michael, Jozy, Jonathan and Ashton all away at the Gold Cup.


Speaking of which, is anyone going to that game? I'd love to if RPB members are going

shwade
06-25-2015, 05:09 PM
you can spin it how ever you want. fact remains he's a better player than Bradley and if you're trying to argue that point then there is no reason for me to take you serious. you can bring up his age but his team made it to the champions league finals with him controlling the midfield.

Look at the players he could pass to at juventus. He won't have that at NYC except for Villa. We'll see beautiful passes to guys who don't know what to do with them. Similar to when Frings was here.

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 05:23 PM
Look at the players he could pass to at juventus. He won't have that at NYC except for Villa. We'll see beautiful passes to guys who don't know what to do with them. Similar to when Frings was here.
That may be true, but great players have a way of making normal guys much better...Osario was a bum until he got on the pitch with Bradley and Giovinco. Higuain used to come to BMO with a group of bums, and frequently carve up our team. Pirlo would make a huge contribution to any MLS team, and like Giovinco, will be thrilling to watch.

Ajax TFC
06-25-2015, 05:26 PM
you can spin it how ever you want. fact remains he's a better player than Bradley and if you're trying to argue that point then there is no reason for me to take you serious. you can bring up his age but his team made it to the champions league finals with him controlling the midfield.
Pirlo may be 10x the player Bradley is on a top European team, but I'd still take Bradley in MLS. The style of players like Bradley, Giovinco, and Altidore is that they don't need great players around them to be effective. You get the ball to Giovinco enough anywhere on the pitch and he'll make goals happen. Bradley can power through the other team's midfield regardless of who's playing with him (although you'll get burned on the counter if you don't play someone behind him). But Pirlo's strength is dictating play from deep. You pick up a player like that and you had better have some damn good players ahead of him. I think Kreis is a smart manager who can find a system that utilizes Pirlo's strengths, but I'm not sure if it would be enough to make it a signing worth doing. We'll see I guess. It would probably be fun to watch if they successfully build a system around Pirlo and Villa

trane
06-25-2015, 05:30 PM
Giovinco is thriving in this league because he is getting the kind of time and space he would never get in Italy, and as you can see is quite ok with physical play, Serie A is physical, in some ways all european leagues other then perhaps Spain are.

Having said that Pirlo, may hit the wall, but I thought that when he left Milan four years ago.

I also agree with Ajax, Pirlo may be quickly frustrated with MLS play.

ronzilla
06-25-2015, 05:43 PM
Pirlo would absolutely destroy MLS and have a bigger impact than Seba. He has played against the best in the world and MLS would be childs play for him, even at his current age.

ManUtd4ever
06-25-2015, 05:52 PM
Giovinco is the best DP in the league, and the arrival of Pirlo isn't going to change that. He's a legendary midfielder, but at his age, the pace of MLS is going to limit his impact.

At the current stage of their careers, I'd take Bradley over Pirlo in our midfield every day of the week.

InDa_110
06-25-2015, 06:04 PM
That may be true, but great players have a way of making normal guys much better...Osario was a bum until he got on the pitch with Bradley and Giovinco. Higuain used to come to BMO with a group of bums, and frequently carve up our team. Pirlo would make a huge contribution to any MLS team, and like Giovinco, will be thrilling to watch.
Osorio still is a bum, and I hope he is gone before the Gold Cup ends.

portu
06-25-2015, 06:09 PM
Osorio still is a bum, and I hope he is gone before the Gold Cup ends.
Smh what the fuck

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 06:10 PM
Giovinco is the best DP in the league, and the arrival of Pirlo isn't going to change that. He's a legendary midfielder, but at his age, the pace of MLS is going to limit his impact.

At the current stage of their careers, I'd take Bradley over Pirlo in our midfield every day of the week.
The thread is not about TFC, or DPs in MLS, it is focussed on the potential arrival of one of the best footballers of the generation, who, despite his age, remains incredibly able, particularly in a third tier league such as MLS. Pirlo was named Serie A player of the year in 2014 because he was, the leagues best player...it will be a treat to see him here, similar to the arrival of Beckham, bringing much needed entertainment. No way New York can structure their long term plan around older players, but as a follower of soccer, wouldn't you prefer to watch Pirlo, Villa, Lampard, over the usual bums that stack expansion clubs? Remember Lombardo? Harmse? We have had our share of hacks in MLS.

Ultra & Proud
06-25-2015, 06:13 PM
Smh what the fuck
Yeah I don't get that either.

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 06:13 PM
Smh what the fuck
Osorio had his best game as a pro on Wednesday, he made some terrific passes. He still can't find the net if his life depended on it, but has improved a lot.

InDa_110
06-25-2015, 06:31 PM
Osorio had his best game as a pro on Wednesday, he made some terrific passes. He still can't find the net if his life depended on it, but has improved a lot.
depened
"Some great passes".... ok. can't find the net if his life depended on it, ... agreed.

You guys are right. He's not a bum. To keep the socio-economic analogy, he's a welfare recipient on food stamps. But improving!! Hooray!!! One day he might even get a job at McDonald's and rent a dingy basement studio apartment.

Still hope he gets moved

ryan
06-25-2015, 06:43 PM
This fuckin thread rofl.

ManUtd4ever
06-25-2015, 06:46 PM
The thread is not about TFC, or DPs in MLS, it is focussed on the potential arrival of one of the best footballers of the generation, who, despite his age, remains incredibly able, particularly in a third tier league such as MLS. Pirlo was named Serie A player of the year in 2014 because he was, the leagues best player...it will be a treat to see him here, similar to the arrival of Beckham, bringing much needed entertainment. No way New York can structure their long term plan around older players, but as a follower of soccer, wouldn't you prefer to watch Pirlo, Villa, Lampard, over the usual bums that stack expansion clubs? Remember Lombardo? Harmse? We have had our share of hacks in MLS.

No argument there. In the short term, NYCFC is fielding a starting lineup with several world class players, and MLS and it's fans are better off because of it. I was responding to previous posts comparing Pirlo to Giovinco and Bradley. I would rather have a young DP core such as ours vs Villa, Lampard, and Pirlo entering the twilight of their careers.

That being said, I agree that Pirlo's arrival is great news for the league.

JonO
06-25-2015, 06:51 PM
The thread is not about TFC, or DPs in MLS, it is focussed on the potential arrival of one of the best footballers of the generation, who, despite his age, remains incredibly able, particularly in a third tier league such as MLS. Pirlo was named Serie A player of the year in 2014 because he was, the leagues best player...it will be a treat to see him here, similar to the arrival of Beckham, bringing much needed entertainment. No way New York can structure their long term plan around older players, but as a follower of soccer, wouldn't you prefer to watch Pirlo, Villa, Lampard, over the usual bums that stack expansion clubs? Remember Lombardo? Harmse? We have had our share of hacks in MLS.
A couple of things:
1. The rules were very different back then, both with regard to DPs and Canadian content; and
2. Pirlo is fantastic, but the trouble with older players is that once they lose it, it goes pretty quickly. Pirlo is 3 years older than Beckham was when he joined MLS. So sure, he could continue being great. But at his age (plus the travel and "aggression" of MLS play) it is a risk that he fades. Although I suppose the upside is pretty good :)

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 06:53 PM
This fuckin thread rofl.
Not sure what you are trying to convey?

General Woolfe
06-25-2015, 07:27 PM
He'll have fun trying his trademark pass on that narrow pitch

Ivy
06-25-2015, 07:28 PM
Not sure what you are trying to convey?
That this thread is the equivalent to a sober discussion of a zombie apocalypse. A bunch of crazy people making up random baseless theories.

69Chevy396
06-25-2015, 07:38 PM
That this thread is the equivalent to a sober discussion of a zombie apocalypse. A bunch of crazy people making up random baseless theories.
Including yours?

InDa_110
06-25-2015, 08:25 PM
Including yours?

BAM!!!!!!

Redpunkfiddle
06-25-2015, 08:41 PM
Numerous reports out of New York that this amazingly talented player will be signing with NYCFC very soon. Even at age 36, his exquisite distribution and free kick artistry will be unmatched in MLS. With Villa, and Frank Lampard, could this expansion club be unbeatable (at least for this year)?


This thread should be read with music. Classical, or maybe porn. Not sure which.

Richard
06-25-2015, 08:58 PM
http://i.imgur.com/W2jdEDa.gif

ag futbol
06-25-2015, 09:03 PM
We'll see how he is when he'll have no time on the ball here. It'll be a shock. Plus the travel and turf as mentioned. They can have their old man DP/hack goon squad.
Really it comes down to whether these guys have anything left in the tank and if they can adapt to playing with lesser talents. I don't buy the "MLS uber physical / fast" thing, at least on a world class level. It's a league that values strength / speed but it's not nearly as strong or fast as the top leagues in the sport. There is absolutely no way Pirlo gets less time on the ball here than he'd get in series A.

I sat pitch side for Liverpool - TFC at skydome. After Liverpool not giving a crap, the second most obvious thing was how large the average euro footballer is compared to a MLS'er. Our guys looked like they were half their size. Series A has no shortage of butchers either - they will use the same tactics that are used here. The only thing left is the ref, which is still a problem but not the deciding factor.

OgtheDim
06-25-2015, 09:13 PM
Ok, a serious little tid bit that Vanney mentioned a few weeks ago and everybody agreed with.


Why do players take time to adjust to MLS?


Cause MLS players don't keep positional shape.


Guys will run out at you from weird places that you have never experienced before because in Europe formation and shape is everything.

Here...keeping shape is more like guidelines.

So, like it or not Pirlo and Lampard are going to experience a guy like Marky Delgado or Jackson or Moore coming at them at a time angle and speed their not used to having happen because in Europe if you did that Delgado/Jackson/Moore's teammates would go apoplectic. Not that Delgado or Jackson or Moore are all that good in comparison. But, for a guy who thrives on space, Pirlo is going to to have to learn to deal with people who will press him in places he's not used to. And Lampard is going to have to get used to his teammates not being where he is used to them being cause they too are going where no EPL/Seria A player would go.

So no, its not that MLS is technically better or faster or more physical.

Its just that MLS players are way less disciplined then European, and no player, not even Giovinco, figures that out for about 3-4 games.

Now, when Pirlo figures that out right around the middle of August we'll see how good NYCFC is.


And, Giovinco has figured out that with all that lack of discipline, he has a LOT of space he can find, especially in a league where the RB and the LB are usually the weakest links on the field.

justin
06-25-2015, 09:42 PM
Don't forget one very important thing regarding Pirlo. Yes he is absolute class, no one is doubting that. However, what has helped him age so gracefully at Juve is having the extremely dynamic duo of Vidal and Pogba in the midfield with him. The pace and tenacity of those two went a very, very long way in hiding the flaws now inherent in Pirlo's 36 year old legs, i.e. no pace left. Pair him up with fellow old man Lampard, and teams with any sort of pace will enjoy themselves when they can get past them. Sure he can pick a pass like very few other players in history, but going forward isn't everything...

billyfly
06-25-2015, 09:56 PM
Ok, a serious little tid bit that Vanney mentioned a few weeks ago and everybody agreed with.


Why do players take time to adjust to MLS?


Cause MLS players don't keep positional shape.


Guys will run out at you from weird places that you have never experienced before because in Europe formation and shape is everything.

Here...keeping shape is more like guidelines.

So, like it or not Pirlo and Lampard are going to experience a guy like Marky Delgado or Jackson or Moore coming at them at a time angle and speed their not used to having happen because in Europe if you did that Delgado/Jackson/Moore's teammates would go apoplectic. Not that Delgado or Jackson or Moore are all that good in comparison. But, for a guy who thrives on space, Pirlo is going to to have to learn to deal with people who will press him in places he's not used to. And Lampard is going to have to get used to his teammates not being where he is used to them being cause they too are going where no EPL/Seria A player would go.

So no, its not that MLS is technically better or faster or more physical.

Its just that MLS players are way less disciplined then European, and no player, not even Giovinco, figures that out for about 3-4 games.

Now, when Pirlo figures that out right around the middle of August we'll see how good NYCFC is.


And, Giovinco has figured out that with all that lack of discipline, he has a LOT of space he can find, especially in a league where the RB and the LB are usually the weakest links on the field.

Yes MLS is the ping pong league.

jiforio
06-25-2015, 10:00 PM
Osorio a bum?! Not sure what game your watching. Good utility player, works hard and makes good decisions and passes. A steal at what he's being paid.

Pirlo's is one of the classiest players to every play this beautiful game, but VERY old for a midfielder and here for one last big paycheck. I'd take Bradley in a heartbeat. He still has something to prove.

I can see Pirlo providing occasional displays of brilliance in the league for a year or two but then declining sharply.

PopePouri
06-25-2015, 10:04 PM
This thread should be read with music. Classical, or maybe porn. Not sure which.

Expect a Arsenal-like untouchables run from here on out.

OgtheDim
06-25-2015, 10:10 PM
Part of me is also wondering what's Silva going to do now that he has somebody that can actually pass the ball to space. He's going to have to unlearn his blast through with elbows up technique and start finding those spaces - it will take him a few games to adjust too.

All of this leads me to believe that we have a chance at getting some sort of a result at Yankees stadium next month.

molenshtain
06-25-2015, 10:13 PM
Lampard is incredibly overrated. He was very good at a few things and played in a system at Chelsea for 10 odd years that maximized those talents.

trane
06-25-2015, 10:14 PM
Don't forget one very important thing regarding Pirlo. Yes he is absolute class, no one is doubting that. However, what has helped him age so gracefully at Juve is having the extremely dynamic duo of Vidal and Pogba in the midfield with him. The pace and tenacity of those two went a very, very long way in hiding the flaws now inherent in Pirlo's 36 year old legs, i.e. no pace left. Pair him up with fellow old man Lampard, and teams with any sort of pace will enjoy themselves when they can get past them. Sure he can pick a pass like very few other players in history, but going forward isn't everything...

I was going to mention those to specifically, Juve's mid is as good as it gets, and those two are probably the top tow box to box mids in the game right now, plus he had a bunch of others mids who are all around Bradley's level ( like Marchisio, probably less physical but more skilled then the general, asamoah as physical but faster), not to mention a world class back line and tevez/lorente/morata upfront who are more then likely just were Pirlo expects them to be.

Auzzy
06-25-2015, 11:49 PM
First off I want to say about Pirlo (and Lampard): we shall see. You never really know how players will do in MLS. There are so many factors. How healthy & motivated will they be over time? How well will the coach use them & their teammates? How will the teammates adjust to them? For example, I thought that Frings would do better than he did. I think he had the right attitude, but had lingering injuries; a coach & a team that couldn't use him well; etc etc.

I think the fact that Lampard, Pirlo and Villa will be together (if they stay healthy) will help NY. Three core players that should be able to interact well. 3 class players that opponents can't all double team at the same time.

People mentioned that Serie A (& other top European leagues) are also physical. But I think they are generally smart physical. The question I would ask about Pirlo & Co: how would they deal with it over time, if other teams play them like NYCFC played us on the weekend? And with refs calling it the same way? With the constant hacking; off-the-ball fouls that aren't called; almost no cards; and all the rest. That's very different from what they experienced most of the time in Europe. I don't think that refs in Serie A would put up with that shit. You would get some free kicks called real quick in dangerous spots; and a few cards handed out to the opponents.

Plus nobody in Europe deals with the constant extreme travel, via scheduled commercial flights; huge temperature & altitude swings; plastic turf; etc. So we shall see. Pirlo & co may do great, or they may not. For team building, continuity, and reliability, I would prefer younger DPs -- as would Jason Kreis apparently. But NYCFC opted for the big names & fast cash.

Jack
06-26-2015, 12:21 AM
Let's do this in September.

TheGoodson
06-26-2015, 07:21 AM
Being a life long Juve supporter I am torn on seeing Pirlo coming to the MLS, I had really hoped that they would have beat Barcelona and Pirlo could have retire as UCL champion. That being said I have met and know a few players who made the transition from Europe to the MLS and they told me the league is a lot more difficult than everyone thinks it is.

The biggest adjustment is the speed and physicality of the league. In almost every european league you have time on the ball and when players are coming at you they are in control. In north america the speed at which they close and the recklessness of sacrificing position to attack the ball is something that takes a while to get use to. Also, his trade mark passes will go astary as with the exception of Villa they won't be where they are suppose to be. Also he has zero speed and as was said above was shielded by one the best midfields in the world (Vidal, Pogba, & Marchisio). IMO a midfield of Lampard and Pirlo even 5 years ago would be amazing, but with all of the factors that make the MLS unique (travel, turf & weather) I think this experiement is going to go horribly wrong.

But as he was a Juventino I want him to do well, but not against us.

Bishop Blaize
06-26-2015, 07:38 AM
Great news for league. 2 qualities that both Lampard and Pirlo have and still possess; Lampard's timing on his runs into the box, is still top class, as he showed for Man City this season. Pirlo's ability to dictate play and his passing is top class and still there. As much as I admire and respect both players abilities, I wouldn't have wanted them at TFC, I like that we are thinking more long term. I'd imagine once NY solidify themelves in this league this season, they'll start to think more long term themselves in DP selection. But a what a great way to start a franchise in season 1 with these types of players and to generate interest not just in their team but in the league.

ensco
06-26-2015, 08:00 AM
Let's not bury the lead: Wow. My God.

Those are three players I would pay to see.

I wouldn't trade our 3 DPs for theirs from an on field POV, but for pure wattage, MLS has never seen 3 names like that on a team. You have to go back to the Cosmos to find parallels.

Areathrasher
06-26-2015, 08:18 AM
I know Pirlo and Lampard will get all the attention but their other two recent pick ups are the ones im worried about. They got a legit La Liga defender Iriola in from Bilbao on a non DP contract and Man Citys best youth* prospect Angelino.

Both are full backs and both will provide width for the narrow midfield that they are going to have to play. They are probably gonna be a hot team down the stretch.

*According to Paddy Vieira

lintberg
06-26-2015, 08:24 AM
Speaking of which, is anyone going to that game? I'd love to if RPB members are going
I'll be at the game in NYC with 4 others!

Mateo1985
06-26-2015, 08:48 AM
I'll be at the game in NYC with 4 others!

Sweet!!! How are you guys getting there? I'm thinking Megabus. Also, what is the away section there again? I believe someone mentioned it here but I can't seem to find that.

TFC Tifoso
06-26-2015, 09:07 AM
Pirlo would be a fantastic addition to MLS and raise the status of the league, as he could still make most Starting XI's in Europe.......

Serie A is in fact a very physical league, but as someone here mentioned it is "smart physical" ie. not as reckless as some tackles in MLS......though Pirlo makes up for it in smarts and knowing what he's going to do next before he even gets the ball......I don't think he'll have a problem handling the physicality.......where the problem might come from is teammates not being in the space where he thinks they'll be, since a lot of what he does relies on his mates anticipation.....

and for those who are equating his age with "having nothing left in the tank"....check some stats please.......Pirlo was consistently in Juve's top 3 of distance covered match after match in his time with them......he doesn't look like he's moving around much because he doesn't run "hard" much......but he's covering ground a ton......

Fort York Redcoat
06-26-2015, 09:24 AM
Numerous reports out of New York that this amazingly talented player will be signing with NYCFC very soon. Even at age 36, his exquisite distribution and free kick artistry will be unmatched in MLS. With Villa, and Frank Lampard, could this expansion club be unbeatable (at least for this year)?

The team with 4 wins 7 losses and 5 draws is unbeatable this year? Well let's see how far from the playoffs they are when these phenoms arrive and have to adjust.

zamperina
06-26-2015, 09:37 AM
Interesting Article on Giovinco's MLS experience and his thoughts on Pirlo joining the League

Giovinco: 'Pirlo, come face us'
By Football Italia staff
http://www.football-italia.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/main_photo/[type]/[nid]/giovinco-pirlo490epa.jpghttp://forums.redpatchboys.ca/sites/all/themes/italia/images/EPA.png












Sebastian Giovinco looks forward to Andrea Pirlo joining the MLS: 'I hope he plays against us.'
The 28-year-old has impressed for Toronto FC since his transfer from Juventus, and as reports keep mounting of his former teammate's move to the states, he looks forward to being reunited.
“He [Pirlo] messaged me, but not from New York,” Giovinco told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Some time ago he asked me how things were going for me.
“I told him it was a nice experience, something worth trying.
“I don't think I was the one who convinced him. I hope to see him playing against us.
“The level of football here is not comparable to the European one.
“But I'm convinced it can turn into an increasingly important championship over the years.
“There's less quality and tactical discipline. But in terms of their organisation, Toronto are at a level with the great clubs in Italy, though Juventus are a historical team.”
The Atomic Ant then discussed his possible future with the Azzurri.
“I heard [Coach Antonio] Conte twice since moving here. Once right after I'd signed, and on the second he asked me how things were going.
“But it's not up to me to say whether I can return to the Azzurri.
“Results will play a part in it, so I have to keep doing what I'm doing.
“But I knew that losing the Azzurri shirt was a possibility.
“Unfortunately playing abroad doesn't help, but if you do really well, they notice you sooner or later.
“I don't think it's a problem of distance. Maybe it has to do with the quality of this championship.
“My future? I only just arrived and I'm enjoying the positive moment.
“Life is good, football here is not like in Italy. Here it's just a sport.”

Fort York Redcoat
06-26-2015, 09:43 AM
Interesting Article on Giovinco's MLS experience and his thoughts on Pirlo joining the League

Giovinco: 'Pirlo, come face us'
By Football Italia staff
http://www.football-italia.net/sites/default/files/imagecache/main_photo/[type]/[nid]/giovinco-pirlo490epa.jpghttp://forums.redpatchboys.ca/sites/all/themes/italia/images/EPA.png












Sebastian Giovinco looks forward to Andrea Pirlo joining the MLS: 'I hope he plays against us.'
The 28-year-old has impressed for Toronto FC since his transfer from Juventus, and as reports keep mounting of his former teammate's move to the states, he looks forward to being reunited.
“He [Pirlo] messaged me, but not from New York,” Giovinco told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Some time ago he asked me how things were going for me.
“I told him it was a nice experience, something worth trying.
“I don't think I was the one who convinced him. I hope to see him playing against us.
“The level of football here is not comparable to the European one.
“But I'm convinced it can turn into an increasingly important championship over the years.
“There's less quality and tactical discipline. But in terms of their organisation, Toronto are at a level with the great clubs in Italy, though Juventus are a historical team.”
The Atomic Ant then discussed his possible future with the Azzurri.
“I heard [Coach Antonio] Conte twice since moving here. Once right after I'd signed, and on the second he asked me how things were going.
“But it's not up to me to say whether I can return to the Azzurri.
“Results will play a part in it, so I have to keep doing what I'm doing.
“But I knew that losing the Azzurri shirt was a possibility.
“Unfortunately playing abroad doesn't help, but if you do really well, they notice you sooner or later.
“I don't think it's a problem of distance. Maybe it has to do with the quality of this championship.
“My future? I only just arrived and I'm enjoying the positive moment.
“Life is good, football here is not like in Italy. Here it's just a sport.”

Interesting is one way to put it.

I prefer

Amazeballs

That is so effing cool.

TFC Tifoso
06-26-2015, 10:05 AM
something I've seen consistently about Giovinco in reading interviews/articles, and I find very impressive is that he seemed fully aware, prior to coming over, of how coming to MLS would possibly impact his international career (in a negative way), and how different the "football culture" was in NA (wrt fans/media) as opposed to Europe......the total opposite of a guy like Defoe, who's attitude seemed that he was coming over to tear up an inferior league and get a last shot with the England NT because of it.....imo you saw a distinct change in attitude once he never made the England NT.....

of course the age difference between the two may be a factor, but Giovinco is by all evidence an extremely grounded person and realistic in attitude......fantastic to see and a reason why I have no concern right now that he will be with us here......

Fort York Redcoat
06-26-2015, 10:29 AM
you do know pirlo is a better player than Bradley even at his age right ? you do know pirlo just started in the champions league finals right ? Do some of you guys even watch European soccer ?

Who mentioned Bradley?

Some if us watch European Football, yes, but it it's because we watch European Footballers try and make a transition to MLS as quickly as they can that some of us add caution to our expectations.

Fort York Redcoat
06-26-2015, 10:36 AM
That may be true, but great players have a way of making normal guys much better...Osario was a bum until he got on the pitch with Bradley and Giovinco. Higuain used to come to BMO with a group of bums, and frequently carve up our team. Pirlo would make a huge contribution to any MLS team, and like Giovinco, will be thrilling to watch.

Osario was a rookie until Bradley got here.


Osorio still is a bum, and I hope he is gone before the Gold Cup ends.

There's not even a sniff of displeasure with his effort from management. So you'll know by tomorrow if your hopes will come true. I'm incredibly doubtful you'll get your way.

Bishop Blaize
06-26-2015, 11:02 AM
his ability as a footballer is on a parrell to his ability to grow and maintain a beard- top class.

Jack
06-26-2015, 11:14 AM
his ability as a footballer is on a parrell to his ability to grow and maintain a beard- top class.
:iagree:

lintberg
06-26-2015, 11:22 AM
Sweet!!! How are you guys getting there? I'm thinking Megabus. Also, what is the away section there again? I believe someone mentioned it here but I can't seem to find that.
I'm flying Porter Air to Newark on Friday and staying with friends in Brooklyn...back home on Monday. I can't remember what section Geno mentioned, email him at geno.dimillo@nycfc.com he can sort you out with tickets $30 each.

Mateo1985
06-26-2015, 11:29 AM
Awesome. I will get in touch with him.

Thank you.

C.Ronaldo
06-26-2015, 12:30 PM
Interesting is one way to put it.

I prefer

Amazeballs

That is so effing cool.


“Life is good, football here is not like in Italy. Here it's just a sport.”


Life is good, you want to here that. Its like hes playing for fun again

Blixa
06-26-2015, 12:59 PM
Pirlo is an amazing player. I fail to see how NYCFC could not improve with a player like that.

Ajax TFC
06-26-2015, 01:31 PM
Pirlo is an amazing player. I fail to see how NYCFC could not improve with a player like that.
Of course he'll make the team better. The question is whether he's the best use of a DP spot. And more than anything, I think the argument here stems from the OP's suggestion that Villa, Pirlo, and Lampard will make NYCFC unbeatable

SenorDingDong
06-26-2015, 02:45 PM
Pirlo lost his speed long ago.

He uses his brain now to play. He would be the smartest footballing mind in the league.

It would take him time to adjust, but I have no doubts we would be treated to a few master classes.

billyfly
06-26-2015, 02:48 PM
If the BIG 3 work for NYC then can the copycat be far behind? NASL all over again?

OgtheDim
06-26-2015, 03:07 PM
If the BIG 3 work for NYC then can the copycat be far behind? NASL all over again?

In a cap based league?

They are copying us, if anything.

billyfly
06-26-2015, 03:19 PM
In a cap based league?

They are copying us, if anything.

You think this "cap-based" League is running as such?

You got to be kidding me.

OgtheDim
06-26-2015, 03:41 PM
You think this "cap-based" League is running as such?

You got to be kidding me.

Go look at the wages published by the union.

And then go back and look at all the discussions during the lead up to the potential strike.

InDa_110
06-27-2015, 07:13 PM
Smh what the fuck

Keep shaking your head and asking wtf!!!!!

He's a donkey

InDa_110
06-27-2015, 07:15 PM
Yeah I don't get that either.

Still don't get that????

He fucken sucks

Period.

SenorDingDong
06-28-2015, 07:08 PM
Todays game.

http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/Goal_America/fa/a8/andrea-pirlo-frank-lampard-yankee-stadium-mls-06282015_s8huvb1cnfat1hyahuic3u4yo.jpg?t=100917947 0&w=620&h=430

Pint
06-28-2015, 07:16 PM
I believe it was confirmed today that lamps 1st game will be against us on the 12th... would imagine pirlo would be the same.

Brooker
06-28-2015, 09:01 PM
Pirlo will be 37 and Frank 38 for their first full season? Hah. Get used to seeing them in suits like that.

brad
06-28-2015, 09:59 PM
Giovinco is thriving in this league because he is getting the kind of time and space he would never get in Italy, and as you can see is quite ok with physical play, Serie A is physical, in some ways all european leagues other then perhaps Spain are.

Having said that Pirlo, may hit the wall, but I thought that when he left Milan four years ago.

I also agree with Ajax, Pirlo may be quickly frustrated with MLS play.

You would recall far better than I, but seem to recall Nesta having a solid last season at Milan (I remember him taking care of Messi in the CL near the end), and when he came to the MLS that summer he was done.

NYCFC are going to have the slowest midfield in the league with Lamps and Pirlo in the middle.

brad
06-28-2015, 10:09 PM
Lampard is incredibly overrated. He was very good at a few things and played in a system at Chelsea for 10 odd years that maximized those talents.

I've always disliked him as a player, but I have to grudgingly respect him. When one of the things he does scores bags of goals from the midfield, and did it with different managers in different systems, he's won my respect. 4th all time goal scorer in the EPL era, as a midfielder. That is impressive any way you slice it.

brad
06-28-2015, 10:13 PM
The team with 4 wins 7 losses and 5 draws is unbeatable this year? Well let's see how far from the playoffs they are when these phenoms arrive and have to adjust.

Meh - they're screwed July 12th.

brad
06-28-2015, 10:18 PM
something I've seen consistently about Giovinco in reading interviews/articles, and I find very impressive is that he seemed fully aware, prior to coming over, of how coming to MLS would possibly impact his international career (in a negative way), and how different the "football culture" was in NA (wrt fans/media) as opposed to Europe......the total opposite of a guy like Defoe, who's attitude seemed that he was coming over to tear up an inferior league and get a last shot with the England NT because of it.....imo you saw a distinct change in attitude once he never made the England NT.....

of course the age difference between the two may be a factor, but Giovinco is by all evidence an extremely grounded person and realistic in attitude......fantastic to see and a reason why I have no concern right now that he will be with us here......

TL said it was a different approach with Gio vs Defoe. With Defoe, they wowed him and pulled out all the stops. With Gio, they were a lot more realistic. Basically sounded like they learned their lesson with Defoe. No point wowing player and having them find out the realities of the league after the fact. Better to have the player know what they are getting into up front, the good and the bad, and let them make an informed decision.

Red CB Toronto
06-28-2015, 11:17 PM
I believe it was confirmed today that lamps 1st game will be against us on the 12th... would imagine pirlo would be the same.

Looking forward to being in Yankee Stadium that day, even with Jozy and The General at The Gold Cup, with a little service hopeful Seba can do his thing.

Fort York Redcoat
06-29-2015, 08:31 AM
Keep shaking your head and asking wtf!!!!!

He's a donkey


Still don't get that????

He fucken sucks

Period.

Repetitive and now off topic. Back to Pirlo please.

Bishop Blaize
06-29-2015, 10:08 AM
I've always disliked him as a player, but I have to grudgingly respect him. When one of the things he does scores bags of goals from the midfield, and did it with different managers in different systems, he's won my respect. 4th all time goal scorer in the EPL era, as a midfielder. That is impressive any way you slice it.

same here, never liked him as I'm a Utd fan, but what a player. As a goal scoring mid, none better than him.

ronzilla
07-07-2015, 08:14 AM
Giovinco is no longer the highest paid player in MLS as Pirlo is signing for 8 million per season.

Pirlo's annual salary will be higher than 14 MLS clubs total payrolls.

Jpexxx
07-07-2015, 08:28 AM
^

If the rumours are to be believed Gio Dos Santos will get 9 mil down in LA.

OgtheDim
07-07-2015, 09:32 AM
I look forward to people around MLS whining about the amount of money LAG spends and using it as an excuse for losing to them.

Got an answer for them:








Ted Philipakos ‏@tphilipakos (https://twitter.com/tphilipakos)


Maybe if Pirlo makes twice as much as the Colorado Rapids the problem is the Colorado Rapids and not Pirlo.

SenorDingDong
07-08-2015, 01:23 PM
Exactly, the fact that some teams spend less then 5 million on their entire roster is their problem.

Does MLS want to become one of the top leagues in the world? I know they do. You have to spend the money! They need to dramatically increase or remove the cap.

Fort York Redcoat
07-08-2015, 01:28 PM
Exactly, the fact that some teams spend less then 5 million on their entire roster is their problem.

Does MLS want to become one of the top leagues in the world? I know they do. You have to spend the money! They need to dramatically increase or remove the cap.

Balance.

The money the biggest cities spend are on good but more famous than good or young players. The big spenders will be doing it for bums in seats and attention as much as performance.

A Colorado or Salt Lake do not have to, nor should they overspend to keep up. They will have to work harder to scout better, younger less famous talent.

This league wants attention as much as it wants to be performing with quality.

brad
07-08-2015, 02:38 PM
Exactly, the fact that some teams spend less then 5 million on their entire roster is their problem.

Does MLS want to become one of the top leagues in the world? I know they do. You have to spend the money! They need to dramatically increase or remove the cap.

I'm pretty sure this is outside of the leagues control. You have owners that have a say and don't want the cap to go up - because their teams are cheap investments, and they could care less about the quality aspect.

billyfly
07-09-2015, 04:07 PM
Giovinco is no longer the highest paid player in MLS as Pirlo is signing for 8 million per season.

Pirlo's annual salary will be higher than 14 MLS clubs total payrolls.


How do I re-tweet this? LOL

ronzilla
07-26-2015, 11:46 AM
Pirlo is making his debut today ? This could be a great game to watch.

Sweeper
07-26-2015, 12:19 PM
Was Giovinco not the highest paid Italian in the world too?

TorontoFC6fan
07-26-2015, 03:26 PM
Lol at the people on here that questioned if pirlo could play in this league.. Pirlo is playing better than I've seen bradley play all season and he's only been with NYCFC for 4 days.. This guy passes are so spot on.. NYCFC will be a problem in this league soon. I've said it time after time that the only thing bradley has on pirlo is the fact he's younger. Even at his age pirlo is a better player.

SoccMan2
07-26-2015, 03:27 PM
Pirlo comes on in the middle of the second have and immediately has an effect on the game.

portu
07-26-2015, 03:27 PM
Lol at the people on here that questioned if pirlo could play in this league.. Pirlo is playing better than I've seen bradley play all season and he's only been with NYCFC for 4 days.. This guy passes are so spot on.. NYCFC will be a problem in this league soon.
He has played less than 20 minutes in this league, settle down

TorontoFC6fan
07-26-2015, 03:31 PM
He has played less than 20 minutes in this league, settle down yea and he's playing better than bradley has played all season. That's exactly the point. Are you not watching these guys passes? He's making the players around him look even better.

Fort York Redcoat
07-26-2015, 03:32 PM
Lol at the people on here that questioned if pirlo could play in this league.. Pirlo is playing better than I've seen bradley play all season and he's only been with NYCFC for 4 days.. This guy passes are so spot on.. NYCFC will be a problem in this league soon. I've said it time after time that the only thing bradley has on pirlo is the fact he's younger. Even at his age pirlo is a better player.

Lol at people who can't understand the difference between assuming instant adjustment to another league to doubting a legendary players skills.

But hey, glad you enjoyed watching him play.

portu
07-26-2015, 03:35 PM
yea and he's playing better than bradley has played all season. That's exactly the point. Are you not watching these guys passes? He's making the players around him look even better.
Btw that last goal, with Kaka in space, Pirlo should have moved into position where he wouldn't be a bystander, maybe next to or in front of Kaka

OgtheDim
07-26-2015, 03:35 PM
I await the comparisons of Altidore to Drogba (http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2537129/montreal-acquire-didier-drogbas-mls-rights-from-chicago).

portu
07-26-2015, 03:37 PM
I await the comparisons of Altidore to Drogba (http://www.espnfc.com/major-league-soccer/story/2537129/montreal-acquire-didier-drogbas-mls-rights-from-chicago).
Oh this is going to be fun

OgtheDim
07-26-2015, 03:39 PM
Oh, look. Pirlo not expecting somebody to jump on him gets caught and gets a yellow.

TorontoFC6fan
07-26-2015, 03:41 PM
You have to be a serious homer to not actually see the impact Pirlo is having when he's only been with the team for 4 days. The guy is dropping passes right on the toes of his forwards. Bradley has not given us what Pirlo is giving NYC right now. Keep in mind this man had not played any soccer since the campions league. Stop the homer crap!

TorontoFC6fan
07-26-2015, 03:45 PM
Oh, look. Pirlo not expecting somebody to jump on him gets caught and gets a yellow.
Do you not watch soccer ? Do you not watch European soccer ? Players that's been around knows you never let a player break late in a game.. You foul the player, take the card and allow your defenders to get back.

portu
07-26-2015, 03:46 PM
You have to be a serious homer to not actually see the impact Pirlo is having when he's only been with the team for 4 days. The guy is dropping passes right on the toes of his forwards. Bradley has not given us what Pirlo is giving NYC right now. Keep in mind this man had not played any soccer since the campions league. Stop the homer crap!
I don't think anyone here is really anti-Pirlo but you are trying to compare a player who has just completed 30 minutes in the league for and against an expansion team to a player who has played 10+ games this season

OgtheDim
07-26-2015, 03:46 PM
Bradley has not given us what Pirlo is giving NYC right now.


That's true. Bradley isn't averaging a yellow per game and acting like a pylon in midfield while opposing DP's go around him to make passes leading to goals.



You really need to get over your love for all things European.

TorontoFC6fan
07-26-2015, 03:54 PM
That's true. Bradley isn't averaging a yellow per game and acting like a pylon in midfield while opposing DP's go around him to make passes leading to goals.



You really need to get over your love for all things European.
Get out of here with that homer crap. Bradley is not a better player than Pirlo even at his age. Stop embarrassing your self man lol.. Only on here will you hear such nonsense, homer talk. This guy just gave you a taste of what he can do. He hasn't played soccer for months and had less than a week of training. Just imagine the impact once he gets fit.

Fort York Redcoat
07-26-2015, 03:59 PM
You have to be a serious homer to not actually see the impact Pirlo is having when he's only been with the team for 4 days. Stop the homer crap!


Get out of here with that homer crap. Stop embarrassing your self man lol.. Only on here will you hear such nonsense, homer talk. He hasn't played soccer for months and had less than a week of training. Just imagine the impact once he gets fit.

WTF is this HOMER talk?

Pirlo is playing TFC or Canada?

The only one embarrassing themselves is sounding like a mancrushing Pirlo apologist.

What's a European Soccer? Is that like Calcio?

Ultra & Proud
07-26-2015, 04:25 PM
Get out of here with that homer crap. Bradley is not a better player than Pirlo even at his age. Stop embarrassing your self man lol.. Only on here will you hear such nonsense, homer talk. This guy just gave you a taste of what he can do. He hasn't played soccer for months and had less than a week of training. Just imagine the impact once he gets fit.
He'll be injured before season's end. Bank on it.

Ultra & Proud
07-26-2015, 04:30 PM
yea and he's playing better than bradley has played all season. That's exactly the point. Are you not watching these guys passes? He's making the players around him look even better.
30 minutes, no goals, no assists, 1 FC, & 1 YC.

Poku was better in the midfield by a large margin. When it counted.

Ivy
07-26-2015, 05:00 PM
Get out of here with that homer crap. Bradley is not a better player than Pirlo even at his age. Stop embarrassing your self man lol.. Only on here will you hear such nonsense, homer talk. This guy just gave you a taste of what he can do. He hasn't played soccer for months and had less than a week of training. Just imagine the impact once he gets fit.
Is there an actual reason to why you keep saying "homer talk"? What does that even mean?

Ajax TFC
07-26-2015, 05:22 PM
No one EVER said that Bradley can pass better than Pirlo, and no one ever questioned Pirlo's passing ability. Obviously he can pass better than anyone else in MLS, but he's also slow and there's serious doubts over whether he can provide the defensive cover that is needed.

Ivy
07-26-2015, 05:28 PM
No one EVER said that Bradley can pass better than Pirlo, and no one ever questioned Pirlo's passing ability. Obviously he can pass better than anyone else in MLS, but he's also slow and there's serious doubts over whether he can provide the defensive cover that is needed.
Bradley passes better than Pirlo.
https://iamtheopinionminion.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/no-ragrets3.jpg

OgtheDim
07-26-2015, 05:37 PM
Nobody passes better then Pirlo.

Nobody ever will.


BUT, Pirlo needs a DM to be beside him in a 4-2-3-1. And that means Lampard plays the AM, which might be an issue given his leg problems. And that is just wasting Silva as he is not a stay at the top striker - never was.

Pirlo is a mistake. They should have gone for a true #9 and play in a 4-4-2 diamond....like Kreis wanted to. And given their resources, NYCFC could have had their pick of a LOT of decent #9 types out there. But, hey, lets just go with the World's most interesting Man.

2017 - NYCFC will need 3 new DP's.

2017 - TFC will have 3 DP's in their prime fully aware of this league and ready to win cups


I know which I would choose.

Ivy
07-26-2015, 05:44 PM
39 year old Drogba. Obvy.

Couchy81
07-26-2015, 06:08 PM
Is there an actual reason to why you keep saying "homer talk"? What does that even mean?

http://cdn.meme.am/instances/56822442.jpg

Ossington Mental Youth
07-26-2015, 06:19 PM
So we all agree that Moore is better than Pirlo, right?

JohnnyEnglish
07-26-2015, 06:28 PM
So we all agree that Moore is better than Pirlo, right?

oduro over them both.

portu
07-26-2015, 07:18 PM
oduro over them both.
I love this forum with all my heart

ginkster88
07-26-2015, 07:30 PM
I haven't watched a game of non-TFC MLS in years, haven't even watched TFC since the first few weeks of last year.

I happened to see NYCFC/Orlando today and, utter lack of defending aside, wow has the quality of the league improved. Players seem to have found a first touch all of a sudden, make intelligent passes and look professional. The jump in quality from what I saw when I was at my most obsessed (about five years ago) to what I saw today is a quantum leap.

Pirlo looked good. David Villa looked good. Kaka looked good. More importantly, the players around them looked way better than in years past.

OgtheDim
07-26-2015, 07:47 PM
And now I'm thinking to myself, "Which TFC game of this season do I suggest to ginkster88 to point out how good TFC has been too?"

molenshtain
07-26-2015, 07:53 PM
And now I'm thinking to myself, "Which TFC game of this season do I suggest to ginkster88 to point out how good TFC has been too?"

Montreal. San Jose. Portland.

Blowing Bubbles
07-26-2015, 10:06 PM
Nobody passes better then Pirlo.

Nobody ever will.


BUT, Pirlo needs a DM to be beside him in a 4-2-3-1. And that means Lampard plays the AM, which might be an issue given his leg problems. And that is just wasting Silva as he is not a stay at the top striker - never was.

Pirlo is a mistake. They should have gone for a true #9 and play in a 4-4-2 diamond....like Kreis wanted to. And given their resources, NYCFC could have had their pick of a LOT of decent #9 types out there. But, hey, lets just go with the World's most interesting Man.

2017 - NYCFC will need 3 new DP's.

2017 - TFC will have 3 DP's in their prime fully aware of this league and ready to win cups


I know which I would choose.


Pirlo isn't the mistake, Fwank is.

If they're playing the 442 Diamond, Pirlo at the base >>>>>>>> having Fwank play as a shuttler. They already have Mix anyway.

molenshtain
07-26-2015, 11:21 PM
Pirlo isn't the mistake, Fwank is.

If they're playing the 442 Diamond, Pirlo at the base >>>>>>>> having Fwank play as a shuttler. They already have Mix anyway.

You need two work horses in front of Pirlo. It'd have to be McNamara and Mix and then you pray to god that lampard learns how to be a creative passer at the tip of the diamond.

Gazza_55
07-27-2015, 01:14 AM
You need two work horses in front of Pirlo. It'd have to be McNamara and Mix and then you pray to god that lampard learns how to be a creative passer at the tip of the diamond.

It is Poku and Mix in front of Pirlo

PopePouri
08-01-2015, 01:59 PM
45 minutes in and he's the one of the worst players on the pitch.

PopePouri
08-01-2015, 04:14 PM
So no, they're not unbeatable. Their midfield is one unbalanced mess.

OgtheDim
08-01-2015, 04:55 PM
Pirlo, Diskerud and Lampard in your midfield requires both a defensive mid and bombing full backs, neither of which NYCFC have.

Diskerud to be subbed and they trade for a dmid.

PopePouri
08-09-2015, 08:19 PM
Pirlo has been shit.

OgtheDim
08-09-2015, 08:25 PM
Lampard at the point of the diamond is OK. But Pirlo at the bottoms is just a bad idea.

I just don't see how these 3 are going to fit together.


Only can see it working in a 3-5-2 but Kreis ain't got the wingers for that.

PopePouri
08-09-2015, 08:37 PM
Lampard at the point of the diamond is OK. But Pirlo at the bottoms is just a bad idea.

I just don't see how these 3 are going to fit together.


Only can see it working in a 3-5-2 but Kreis ain't got the wingers for that.

Angelino could work in a 3-5-2 but they traded their other attacking fullback to us.

If you play 4-2-3-1, you need someone who can stretch the play ala Finlay, Sam, or Manneh. If you can't, the fullbacks need to be higher but their not. Everything is down the middle and it's predictable.

OgtheDim
08-09-2015, 08:53 PM
Silva needs somebody to run the channels beside him. He is wasted as a solo forward. But he's the stronger of the 3 DP's. Lampard looked good for about an hour and then fell off, as expected of a guy out of shape just getting back.


Pirlo made one glorious pass that was onside and the assistant called it.

Apart from that, Pirlo looks lost. Classic case of a European playmaker expecting people to stay in position both on his team and on his opponent. I suppose this means one less team to beat to the playoffs but watching a player you admire go through a situation like this where the team is just not set up for him or for the other big names is just sad. I know what the big wigs at Man City were thinking bringing Pirlo in but the last thing they needed was a deep lying playmaker who can't defend. That DP slot should have gone to a forward or a proper destroyer.

I don't like NYCFC and think they are a bunch of diving whining cheating fouling bastards.


But don't put Pirlo into that mess. Its going to get embarassing.

SoccMan2
08-09-2015, 09:06 PM
Give the guy a break let's have this discussion after he has settled in properly this was barely his 3rd game coming in in the middle of the season people. New country, new culture, new city new teammates. I don't care who you are but it will take a little bit of time for any player to settle in.

PopePouri
08-09-2015, 09:49 PM
He's getting 8 million for his time here. Why can't there be any scrutiny?

Many analysts predicted that the arrival of Lampard and Pirlo will provide class to their midfield but no legs and so far they are right. You can't start two slow, aging midfielders who can't defend, in the middle of the park and expect them not to be overrun.

Pirlo was fine coming off the bench when the game was stretched. When he starts though, he looks like a liability when he doesn't have quality support next to him to play out of the press. And by quality support, crazy superhuman midfielders like Vidal and Pogba.

SoccMan2
08-09-2015, 10:01 PM
You want to have this discussion now on Pirlo after just 2 and a half games ok well I guess your doing it, I'll get back to you after another 4 or 5 and if he is still shit my friend then I will agree with you but I need more games to make a judgment on the guy in MLS, and remember even though they have the 3 big players this is still an expansion team he is coming to, we are in year 9 and still not certain of making the post season, Pirlo and his other DP friends in the end our still playing on an expansion team after all is said and done.

PopePouri
08-09-2015, 10:15 PM
So is Kaka and he had an instant impact.

SoccMan2
08-10-2015, 06:10 AM
Kaka took part in the preseason training camp while Pirlo just got here in the middle of the season makes a difference I think but I guess you don't think it does.

OgtheDim
08-10-2015, 06:17 AM
https://twitter.com/WillParchman/status/630592463934128129

Fort York Redcoat
08-10-2015, 08:13 AM
Give the guy a break let's have this discussion after he has settled in properly this was barely his 3rd game coming in in the middle of the season people. New country, new culture, new city new teammates. I don't care who you are but it will take a little bit of time for any player to settle in.

No. This thread was started before he even got here. Apparently there were people who wanted to have a discussion about his dominance before he had time to settle in. This thread is just keeping up with his progress.

I haven't seen anyone in here slagging what Pirlo's done before this move.

Ultra & Proud
08-10-2015, 09:01 AM
https://twitter.com/Ben_Jata/status/630737769455845376

Take a boo at these clips and judge for yourself.

Jack
08-10-2015, 09:08 AM
It's going to be a tough adaptation for him, I think. Their current setup doesn't take advantage of what he brings to the table.

Ultra & Proud
08-10-2015, 12:56 PM
It's going to be a tough adaptation for him, I think. Their current setup doesn't take advantage of what he brings to the table.
I don't think MLS is a league that suits his style of play at this stage of his career. He'll have his moments but I can see him struggling a lot more than he's used to, especially against our more physical and pressing teams.

Jack
08-10-2015, 01:10 PM
I don't think MLS is a league that suits his style of play at this stage of his career. He'll have his moments but I can see him struggling a lot more than he's used to, especially against our more physical and pressing teams.
Agreed. He needs at least one athletic, physical tackler to play alongside him.

Ajax TFC
08-10-2015, 01:28 PM
https://twitter.com/Ben_Jata/status/630737769455845376

Take a boo at these clips and judge for yourself.
TBH, those clips remind me of Cheyrou's first couple games. A lot of not being used to where players in MLS press you from and where team mates will be. He'll still be a defensive liability, but I wouldn't expect to see mistakes like these for too many games.

OgtheDim
08-10-2015, 02:59 PM
https://twitter.com/andrew_wiebe/status/630744248699199492

"Welcome to MLS" v 3.0

Ultra & Proud
08-10-2015, 03:26 PM
#getusedtoit


Be lotsa tackles like that coming.

OgtheDim
08-10-2015, 04:44 PM
https://twitter.com/DaxMcCarty11/status/630850575568125952

Ultra & Proud
08-10-2015, 05:48 PM
https://mobile.twitter.com/Ben_Jata/status/630733125732204544/photo/1

Richard
08-10-2015, 07:23 PM
https://twitter.com/andrew_wiebe/status/630744248699199492

"Welcome to MLS" v 3.0

Looks like a legit tackle to me.

brad
08-11-2015, 01:47 PM
Not surprised to see him struggle early on. Wrong type of player for this league, and certainly not in the best teams to exploit is abilities. I don't hold out high hopes that it will get better for him.

Shame to see this happen to such a classy player. Kind of reminds me of Nesta. One month he's shutting Messi down in the CL, a few months later he's getting turned inside out by fairly average MLS players.

Red CB Toronto
08-11-2015, 01:48 PM
Some food for thought LOL

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMIyIEYUYAALfZT.jpg

VILLA: I am innocent, yet erect.PIRLO: These are my normal sculpting clothes. Yawn.LAMPARD: You'll pay.

Fort York Redcoat
08-11-2015, 03:02 PM
Tell me you didn't add the descriptions below. Please.

Red CB Toronto
08-11-2015, 03:06 PM
Tell me you didn't add the descriptions below. Please.

Nope, it was under the photo on the tweet I saw.

https://twitter.com/runofplay

Landon is thankful for the photo.

The @landondonovan (https://twitter.com/landondonovan) water fountain photo has finally been surpassed.

Landon Donovan ‏@landondonovan (https://twitter.com/landondonovan) 2h2 hours ago (https://twitter.com/landondonovan/status/631172921424109569)
Landon Donovan retweeted CE's Mustache
I've been waiting for this day https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.pnghttps://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v1/72x72/1f64f.png

Jack
08-11-2015, 03:17 PM
While that is terrible, I don't think it will unseat the water fountain.

T-boy
08-12-2015, 10:29 AM
It just goes to show that even the worlds best players struggle to adapt to a new league, new country, new lifestyle etc. I'm sure he will come good once he settles. Fans in the MLS are always too quick to judge new international players into the league - having immigrated here myself I can vouch that it takes quite a long time to adapt to North America. Plus the football in the MLS is really unlike a lot of other leagues, plus the travel will be like nothing these players have ever experienced before.

OgtheDim
08-13-2015, 06:56 PM
This is not getting better

https://twitter.com/AndyEdMLS/status/631976204724101120

ronzilla
08-13-2015, 08:51 PM
What a great comeback by NYc. This team is starting to come together. Pirlo looked good in the 2nd half and played a gorgeous ball to Villa for a goal.

anto7
08-13-2015, 09:01 PM
What a great comeback by NYc. This team is starting to come together. Pirlo looked good in the 2nd half and played a gorgeous ball to Villa for a goal.

Sorry but I disagree with you on the pass to Villa. I have watched or a few times and I think he was lucky that Villa managed to get to the ball, looked more like a hopeful punt forward to me. Credit to Villa to making something out of nothing.

Ultra & Proud
08-14-2015, 12:01 AM
What a great comeback by NYc. This team is starting to come together. Pirlo looked good in the 2nd half and played a gorgeous ball to Villa for a goal.
Objectively, which you are not, Pirlo was so-so at best. Had a legit assist, one that Villa made for him, and a MLS style bush league give away that led to the Soborio goal.

Take the fandom to the NYCFC forum if you want to blindly gush for your hero. No disrespect intended but I think our boards are for hailing our players, not theirs.

ag futbol
08-14-2015, 01:19 AM
Some food for thought LOL

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CMIyIEYUYAALfZT.jpg

VILLA: I am innocent, yet erect.PIRLO: These are my normal sculpting clothes. Yawn.LAMPARD: You'll pay.
NYC third jersey? They are wearing the shirt of the people, lol.

C.Ronaldo
08-14-2015, 11:31 AM
This is not getting better

https://twitter.com/AndyEdMLS/status/631976204724101120

thats MLS 1.0 level pass.

pirlo is being brought down by those around him

portu
08-14-2015, 12:18 PM
thats MLS 1.0 level pass.

pirlo is being brought down by those around him
Lol how? That was 100% his bad pass that led to that and therefore 100% his fault

C.Ronaldo
08-14-2015, 12:37 PM
Lol how? That was 100% his bad pass that led to that and therefore 100% his fault
not specifically on that pass, just in general.
The game around him is just too irradick

Fort York Redcoat
08-14-2015, 01:01 PM
What a great comeback by NYc. This team is starting to come together. Pirlo looked good in the 2nd half and played a gorgeous ball to Villa for a goal.


thats MLS 1.0 level pass.

pirlo is being brought down by those around him

This is some fascinating bias in favour of an opposing team. Looks like NYCFC is doing their job getting compliments from having big stars on the squad.

C.Ronaldo
08-14-2015, 01:31 PM
This is some fascinating bias in favour of an opposing team. Looks like NYCFC is doing their job getting compliments from having big stars on the squad.

Hate NYFC, love Pirlo. Villa can go eat a pickle though

OgtheDim
08-14-2015, 01:34 PM
Lets be blunt here:


Pirlo plays for NYCFC which is the farm club of Manchester City, in deed and cloth.

They pissed on their own supporters by keeping their own poster boy too long at the parent club, to the point where their poster boy is knackered and nutmegged.

These are the same guys that came in here a few weeks ago and beat up on Seba and crowed about it.

Their manager is a passive aggressive dude who thinks any time another team says they play well against them, that is criticism.

The league has fallen over itself trying to make them up to be this big wonder team.

Their players seem to care more about their hair then about stringing together passes.

They play in a baseball stadium on a field that is no bigger then those played on by Tim Hortons leagues.

They kick.

They jab.

They sucker punch.

Some of their "fans" instigated an embarrassing and laughable "soccer riot" last week involving sandwich boards.

Pirlo might be the world's most cosmopolitan player ever.

Pirlo plays for the most hated team in MLS.

They put together one decent half. That's it. And he has yet to do anything worthy of his pay.

Fort York Redcoat
08-14-2015, 01:34 PM
Hate NYFC, love Pirlo. Villa can go eat a pickle though

Awesome. I have a feeling that might be their next ad campaign. g:D

Jack
08-14-2015, 01:42 PM
Awesome. I have a feeling that might be their next ad campaign. g:D
Strubs is all over that.

TFC Tifoso
08-15-2015, 03:04 PM
Sorry but I disagree with you on the pass to Villa. I have watched or a few times and I think he was lucky that Villa managed to get to the ball, looked more like a hopeful punt forward to me. Credit to Villa to making something out of nothing.

watch it a few more times still.....definitely wasn't a "hopeful punt forward".....Pirlo had his head up the whole time, he knew where that ball was going....just call it what it was.....Pirlo dropped a 30+ yd ball into a space where 2 defenders were around 5 feet from eachother.....2 skilled players both did their part to make a great goal.....Pirlo's beauty pass, and some strength by Villa.....

OgtheDim
10-26-2015, 04:40 PM
And so the season ends for Mr. Pirlo


https://twitter.com/MLSAnalyst/status/658657161229246464

Ivy
10-26-2015, 05:21 PM
I remember being run out of the forum when I talked about MLS being outside of Pirlos abilities. He isn't the type of player that would thrive here. Just like Gerrard isn't.

T-boy
10-26-2015, 05:26 PM
I will wait until next season until judging these mid-season DP signings.

You have to remember that Pirlo and Gerrard etc have played around 2 years (2 full club seasons plus World Cup) non-stop at this point in time. That would take its toll on a young player, let along some of the veterans!

Give these guys a full off season and they will be infinitely better for it!

OgtheDim
10-26-2015, 07:00 PM
Watch Lampard on this goal from another angle.

Ugly.

http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-10-25-new-york-city-fc-vs-new-england-revolution/details/video/53073

Auzzy
10-26-2015, 07:26 PM
Watch Lampard on this goal from another angle.

Ugly.

http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2015-10-25-new-york-city-fc-vs-new-england-revolution/details/video/53073

Wow amazing. If Lampard had just jumped a bit, even w/o reaching the ball, Rowe might have not seen the path of the ball as clearly & wouldn't have timed his header as well.

Fort York Redcoat
10-27-2015, 08:58 AM
I remember being run out of the forum when I talked about MLS being outside of Pirlos abilities. He isn't the type of player that would thrive here. Just like Gerrard isn't.

Glad you found your way back.g:D

I believe we found the next winner of the "tear this league apart" joke that's been around ever since our team has.

jabbronies
10-27-2015, 09:16 AM
I remember being run out of the forum when I talked about MLS being outside of Pirlos abilities. He isn't the type of player that would thrive here. Just like Gerrard isn't.

I usually keep my mouth shut before commenting on a DP who hasn't yet played a game in the league. You never know how they will be once they get into a team where 75% of the players can't do their job properly. Doesn't matter who that player is, the playing environment is very different.

Guys who can make things happen on their own seem to be the ones who thrive in this league. You can't rely on MLS players to support in the same way Euro league players do.

With that being said, DPs should be smart enough to adapt their game and make an impact greater than any other player on the team/league. I'll wait for Season 2 with these guys to pass full judgement.