He was one of the best mids in epl. Dont understand how he can suddenly turn this bad. It’s like Fernando Torres from Liverpool to Chelsea all over again. Or sheva from Milan to Chelsea.
My theory? Motta didn’t want him from the start. It was a signing from guintoli and motta didn’t want him. Hence why even from day one he was barely playing. It’s some sort of power move by motta
these free spirit Brazilians probably mentally break down moment you tell them the main training and tactic is to back pass the ball endlessly . It broke Douglas costa, Hernanes, and Sandro. Even Dani Alves had to escape after a season here.
My thought is that he loves to dwell with the ball in dangerous areas and Motta doesn't like this. And his defensive phase are far below Loca and Thuram
Looking from his Villa days he has better long range passing and dribbling between all of our midfielders
I always said he was never worth the 50M fee, and adapting to a different club is called professionalism. You can start crap but you work hard to improve. Same for Koopmeiners.
Easily the beach baller. At least Koop is trying to play despite his fever. I’m not joking when I say he is the biggest flop in the history of the game. Possibly in any sport as well.