++ [ originally posted by gray
] ++
No need to throw everyone in the same basket
I'm sorry you feel that way about the forums, but personally I don't think it's like that. It's not simply a case of Zlatan-lovers versus DP-lovers as it may initially seem. I think it's obvious that I personally prefer Zlatan as a player, but I still respect and admire Del Piero, and I always want him to perform well and lead the team to victory when he's on the pitch.
I've come to accept, though, that he's not the player he once was, and I can't help but be delighted to see our exciting new signing adapting well and making important contributions to the team. I respect the fact that people still hold Del Piero in extremely high regard and that we don't unceremoniously dump our captain on the wayside ala Real Madrid, but it still shocks me to see people saying that Zlatan is a useless waste of money when it's clear that they are simply resentful of the fact that Del Piero's time appears to be passing. If Zlatan or Trezeguet start playing poorly, or Del Piero plays better than one of them (as he did with Trez against Udinese) of course I want him to start if he's in good form. Until then though, I don't think it makes sense to simply play him because he's our captain and icon.
btw I didn't 'shoot you down' over the fact that you said Beckham was a decent player to start with, I questioned the validity of your argument that because he's the most famous footballer in the world, he must be a smart businessman. I agree that Beckham was an integral part of Fergie's treble-winning Man Utd. side, but it's clear that beyond his crossing and free kicks, he's really not that great a player.