personally, I think Mbia is a better player than M'vila. And then there were some off-field/character issues with m'vila, iirc.
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I know man ... was just joshing with how people here have been using the Rakitic signing as a replacement for half the Barca squad - loss of Xavi and Cesc and even why Sanchez may be let go too.
Mbia has certainly acheived more and has had a much better career than Mvila, no room for argument there.
Its sad though, because Mvila could have become a really good midfielder, he certainly has a lot more ability than Mbia. But like many French players, he has a serious attitude problem, he's a destabilising influence in the dressing room, rarely does he get along with his coaches, he has a huge ego and like many other talented French players, all those factors meant that he never realized his potential, and joins a long line of wasted talent.
In short he's an idiot, if he wasn't he'd be one of the top midfielders by now, he was so dominant for Rennes at such a young age, but the hype got to him and ruined him.
I only recall his spat with Guy Lacombe but he was absolute class at Rennes, not sure if he messed up with the NT. He displayed some excellent skill & precision passing, really good vision along with a good defensive work rate. Rennes had numerous lucrative offers but they were greedy & rejected them, eventually the hype died down along with the offers. Either way the guy has immense talent & under the right guidance he would shine IMO. Conte certainly fits the bill but I'm pretty sure Mazzarri would ruin his career.
Could be his last chance to save his career, if he goes to Juve IMO. I just can't see Conte willing to work with him though.