Comments on: Crapello Likes Abidal

By: Inara

Inara — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 14:32:49 +0000

I don’t think Abidal would be averse to Arsenal, but Arsenal has to show their interest first. Wenger has tried to get him before, but it depends on what his situation is like at LB right now.

As for Edmilson, he’s also linked a lot with Marseille.

I think the reason Lyon doesn’t want him is because Edmilson is no longer at the level he was when he left Lyon. Unlike Giuly, Edmilson doesn’t have as much juice left within him, and he hasn’t been performing that well at Barca.

It’d be great to have him back, but Aulas knows he can get better DM options. Plus, Edmilson spent four years here. He’s only played for three clubs in his entire life – Sao Paulo, Lyon, Barca. He might prefer to rest out new waters.

By: Corey

Corey — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:51:55 +0000

quick question, if we need another central/defensive midfielder, why are we not pursuing Edmilson. We all know he is passionate about Lyon, and he would play more at Lyon then Milan or Barca.

By: footiefanatic

footiefanatic — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 07:14:28 +0000

Abidal is a wonderful player, but Real already have their replacement for Carlos. I think that in OL’s best interest and as a fan of OL, Abidal would be a great addition to Arsenal, ensuring that Henry will feel more comfortable and more likely to stay the remaining time on his contract.

By: Inara

Inara — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 04:07:17 +0000

Apparently, Edmi was also linked with Roma (or maybe I’m getting confused with another Italian club). When Edmi was at Lyon, he and Pat Muller were Lyon’s two DMs in the 4-4-2 Santini preferred (until Le Guen changed it to a 4-3-3 to accommodate Juni).

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 19:31:26 +0000

I think it depends on the team where Chivu plays. At Roma he is required as a CB but at Real or Barca he may be needed more on the left. He is equally adaptable to both positions. You’re right about his ability to wow and then disappear, the problem is the Houdini replicas tend to take place at the most important times. Chivu could also push up into a holding midfield role, a la Edmilson, which certainly makes him that much more valuable.

I think Chivu will shine in La Liga but Abidal may be best suited to the Prem, but I also haven’t been able to see him much outside of the NT. Real having Cicinho to offer certainly puts them well in the lead. My guess would be Abidal winds up at Barca and Chivu in Madrid.

By: Inara

Inara — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:55:37 +0000

In terms of explosiveness, Chivu is better. There are some games where he just wows you, he is that good, and you think he can stop a team all by himself. But then there are other matches where he’s completely invisible. Abidal, on the other hand, plays the same effective game week in and week out, and while he won’t do anything really impressive, he won’t let you down either. He also keeps a cooler head in high stakes games and doesn’t bottle them.

Chivu primarily plays centrally, and on the left when necessary. (Or am I totally wrong?) Abidal is primarily a left back but can play centrally when required.

I think this ability to be flexible is what’s attracting Barca and Real. You’d think they’d realize that extra skills cost extra $$$.

But it depends on how much the clubs are willing to spend. Abidal is cheaper but has Aulas as a president. Chivu is more expensive but Roma’s management is comparatively more reasonable.

How is Chivu’s nose, by the way?

By: Corey

Corey — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:44:49 +0000

Its weird cause Abidal has been linked with Real, Barcelona and Roma. Heinze has Real and Barca, Chivu plays for Roma and is linked with Real, Barca and yes Inter. My guess is that each team gets one or the other or the other, which may mean Chivu stays at Roma or moves to Inter, while Madrid will get Abidal an Barca Heinze. Reports in England are Heinze spoke very highly of Barca the other day.

By: Chris

Chris — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:33:10 +0000

Real Madrid have also inquired about Chivu. I bet one goes to Barca and the other goes to Real. I’d only say the winner gets Chivu because he is a phenomenal athlete with a very good offensive game, but Abidal is certainly the better big-game player, and that’s what truly matters. Weren’t Arsenal after him also? Wenger is always looking to add to Les Bleus, London chapter.

By: Inara

Inara — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:40:00 +0000

I read those rumors about Heinze too. I’m not sure how serious Real are about Abidal, but one thing is for sure: Abidal >> Heinze.

So it depends how much Real are willing to spend on a LB.

By: Laurie

Laurie — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 17:06:42 +0000

I thought they were all ready to purchase Gabriel Heinze? Am I wrong here? (This rumor keeps showing up in google alerts about my beloved Patrice Evra, as in: “Heinze, who lost his starting position to Patrice Evra, has beeen in talks with Real Madrid.”)