Manchester City Forums

Villa

need to invest quickly or they could be in trouble, not relegation, but certainly lower mid table

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'Fabio, the round thing there is the ball'

Aguero

They've lost Barry and Laursen. Those two players did not make the difference between a top 6 team and a lower mid-table.

They'll still be top 8.

I would argue that they were two of their best 3 players. Laurson was considered by Villa fans to be their best player.

on top of the fact that they have a really small squad anyway - they need to invest

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'Fabio, the round thing there is the ball'

Aguero

They also gained Heskey and Downing. That's gotta count against them.

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Allegedly

I'm not doubting that the players are a big loss. However I also feel that Villa aren't just a run-of-the-mill Premiership team who had a couple of exceptional players, I don't think they'll be challenging the top 4 any time soon, but I doubt they'll be looking over their shoulders just yet.

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'Fabio, the round thing there is the ball'

Aguero

Once fit, I wouldn't be surprised if Downing had a good season and was in the World Cup squad at the end of the season.

Yes.

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KYPU

Downing should never be allowed near an england shirt - i would go as far to say that he is vastly over rated as a footballer

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'Fabio, the round thing there is the ball'

Aguero

I'd say a lot of people dislike him for no apparent reason. He generally plays well for England, and any Boro fan will tell you that Downing and Tuncay were significantly better than any other player in that team.

Only cos he is the only left footed option we have.

Actually, id give Matt Taylor a chance before him.

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Allegedly

I always read that they much prefer Adam Johnson to Downing.

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Allegedly

correct

i don't dislike downing, just think that he is an average footballer who happens to play in a problem position for england and he is mediocre at best

being the best player at boro is not really a challenge

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'Fabio, the round thing there is the ball'

Aguero

As a person, yes. Downing tarnished his rapport with the fans by trying to force his way out of the club. Johnson is the model pro and a very good prospect. Downing is the better player though.

damn straight

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Miggs.
Gary Neville Ate My Baby

I like the look of Johnson a LOT though. He could become very good.

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Allegedly

scored a fair few league goals last season without really getting a mention.

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Allegedly

I really like him. When he was at Portsmouth I thought he was one of their best, so surprised he went to Bolton. Thought he'd end up at a 6-8 team maybe. I guess they both were in or around that area then though

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Miggs.
Gary Neville Ate My Baby

Agree with you there. Boro have one of the better youth academies in the country to be fair. I'd definitely say that in terms of bringing through local talent, there's very few academies that can compete.