[acid911]

PS. He's 33. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif) Could theoretically be fit for a couple more campaigns.

[Danny]

He's a talent, Danny, and I always have more space in my heart for players like him. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Yes, he has problems, lots of it, and I'll be the first to admit that. But when it comes to defenders, we certainly could do a lot worse than him. Nowhere near my favorite players, however, I see value in him.

Glad that he is staying for another year, would be absolutely tremendous if we win the league this season. Mexès is yet to win Serie A, and well, for someone that gives his all, that's the least he deserves for all these years.

Han misunderstands my opinion on him a lot, I think a lot of people do.

I never felt he was a bad defender, but he is what I'd call a good one who can put in very good displays every so often and then lets himself down with moments of lunacy. If he was as good as some people rate him he would have had a much better international career than he has and would have done better than a merely decent Roma for the majority of his career. I think Alex is a better defender overall though, but he gets injured too much.

As for doing worse than him, we only have four viable CBs right now - Mexes, Alex, Zapata and Paletta. It's weak, very weak.

PS absolutely zero chance of us being in UCL position never mind winning Scudetto.

[William405]

Han misunderstands my opinion on him a lot, I think a lot of people do.

I never felt he was a bad defender, but he is what I'd call a good one who can put in very good displays every so often and then lets himself down with moments of lunacy. If he was as good as some people rate him he would have had a much better international career than he has and would have done better than a merely decent Roma for the majority of his career. I think Alex is a better defender overall though, but he gets injured too much.

As for doing worse than him, we only have four viable CBs right now - Mexes, Alex, Zapata and Paletta. It's weak, very weak.

PS absolutely zero chance of us being in UCL position never mind winning Scudetto.

I think we all agree with that. Despite what you stated, he's still our best CB.(sadly, of course)

[han2503]

Mexes grew on me a lot after this goal!

Absolutely astounding strike, even better than the corker v Anderlecht.

Zapata, miscontrol aside, also looked pretty good - I feel like, Romagnoli acquisition aside, those two might be viewed as Mihajlovic's pairing to start the season. Don't ask me why, I just have a suspicion. It's not exactly Maldini and Nesta but it's acceptable.

If it works as well this season as it did two seasons ago, it's not the worst outcome.

Better than the Anderlecht goal? Not so sure, I mean that one was just incredible, the level of skill that took imo exceeds this one.

I think Mexes/Alex and Romagnoli is what Mihajlovic is looking at for the season. Yeah, maybe Zapata would be first choice next to one of them if the Romagnoli deal doesn't go through (I think it will).

As for our defence, I think I've said this about a million times, but I'll repeat once again. For Serie A and the level of opposition we face each week barring Juve and maybe Roma (not even them as we handled them pretty well last season in both games), we have a group of CBs that are good enough and shouldn't be allowing in the amount of goals that we did in these last 3 years, especially last season which was atrocious.

It might not be a great defence but it should be enough. Once we get back into the CL we hve to make some serious changes, but for now we're imo okay with the guys we have plus maybe adding Romagnoli.

I also want to remind you guys that Mexes and Zapata when they had a good run of games next to each other for the second half of the season 2 years ago produced numbers that were better than Juve's and had one of the best clean sheets record as a duo in the league.

Mexes might have a lot of flaws that have ruined his chances of ever being considered a World Class player, but he's a very good defender, and a leader at the back as well who always gives his all. that's why I've always supported him and wanted him to be a starter. Simply because he is the best we have in that position, flaws and all.

Han misunderstands my opinion on him a lot, I think a lot of people do.

I never felt he was a bad defender, but he is what I'd call a good one who can put in very good displays every so often and then lets himself down with moments of lunacy. If he was as good as some people rate him he would have had a much better international career than he has and would have done better than a merely decent Roma for the majority of his career. I think Alex is a better defender overall though, but he gets injured too much.

As for doing worse than him, we only have four viable CBs right now - Mexes, Alex, Zapata and Paletta. It's weak, very weak.

PS absolutely zero chance of us being in UCL position never mind winning Scudetto.

Isn't this what I've always described Mexes with? You usually disagree though and do make it seem like he's a bad defender. If it were up to you, he wouldn't even be considered for the starting 11. Even though he is our best defender, and overall one of our best and most skilful players (not even exaggerating on this. He could probably step into our midfield and do a better job than most of our mids)

Mexes back in the day was one of the most coveted young defenders in Serie A. Him and Chivu were the names to have back then and Roma wanted big money for them (which is why we waited until we could get him for free and offered him the ridiculous wages that we did).

As for our squad as is, no. It's not good enough for a CL spot.

Add Romagnoli and a new mid and we could be in with a shot for 3rd place.

Add Ibra as well and we're a sure thing for 2nd place imo. Maybe give Juve a bit of a run around as well if they have a bit of trouble adjusting to all their changes

[Danny]

Alex is our best defender in my view. I stand by that. But his injury issues are to him what Mexes' liability & temperament are to him.

Their respective achilles heels.

Neither can be relied on long-term. This leaves our defence simply threadbare.

[han2503]

Alex is our best defender in my view. I stand by that. But his injury issues are to him what Mexes' liability & temperament are to him.

Their respective achilles heels.

Neither can be relied on long-term. This leaves our defence simply threadbare.

I think based on pure skill alone Mexes is better than Alex.

Alex has some better physical qualities. But if it came down to choosing one between the 2, I'd go for Mexes.

Anyway, we'll see how Alex fairs this season in terms of injuries. Was he this injuy prone at PSG? Or is this something that developed under our stellar medical staff and Pippo's elite training regime?

[milanbuf88]

I think based on pure skill alone Mexes is better than Alex.

Alex has some better physical qualities. But if it came down to choosing one between the 2, I'd go for Mexes.

Anyway, we'll see how Alex fairs this season in terms of injuries. Was he this injuy prone at PSG? Or is this something that developed under our stellar medical staff and Pippo's elite training regime?

Alex is much more disciplined than Mexes which tips the scales in his favor. They are very close overall though.

[han2503]

Alex is much more disciplined than Mexes which tips the scales in his favor. They are very close overall though.

In terms od temperament?

Sure.

But as a defender Mexes is better, not by much but better. In terms of positioning, awareness, challenges, I'd pick Mexes. Alex is probably better in the air

[Danny]

Alex is far better for challenges IMO. He is braver and willing to get hurt in a way I can only compare John Terry with. Mexes is better positionally, but not by a huge amount. I'd say he reads the game slightly better.

Alex is, when on form, aerially among the best defenders I've actually seen play for Milan - including the greats. He doesn't compare in other ways but in the air he's collosal. A titan.

Mexes offers more as an attacking threat and probably does a better job of organising the defence. He's a better leader.

My preference is Alex as I don't fear him getting himself sent off. And I just like him more. Sue me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[X-Offender]

Alex is far better for challenges IMO. He is braver and willing to get hurt in a way I can only compare John Terry with. Mexes is better positionally, but not by a huge amount. I'd say he reads the game slightly better.

Alex is, when on form, aerially among the best defenders I've actually seen play for Milan - including the greats. He doesn't compare in other ways but in the air he's collosal. A titan.

Mexes offers more as an attacking threat and probably does a better job of organising the defence. He's a better leader.

Agreed.

[han2503]

Well we're all entitled to our own preferences. I agree with your assessment about each player's attributes Danny. And they're probably why I still prefer Mexes overall as both a defender and player.

Agreed about the red card risk though. Hopefully we finally get to see more maturity from Mexes this season after that fiasco last season against Lazio

[X-Offender]

Mihajlovic said he demands a change of attitude from Mexes, so I expect him to oblige.

[milanbuf88]

Alex is far better for challenges IMO. He is braver and willing to get hurt in a way I can only compare John Terry with. Mexes is better positionally, but not by a huge amount. I'd say he reads the game slightly better.

Alex is, when on form, aerially among the best defenders I've actually seen play for Milan - including the greats. He doesn't compare in other ways but in the air he's collosal. A titan.

Mexes offers more as an attacking threat and probably does a better job of organising the defence. He's a better leader.

My preference is Alex as I don't fear him getting himself sent off. And I just like him more. Sue me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

I disagree with your assessment that Mexes is better positionally. Mexes can get caught out, in part because of his bravery and courage in the tackle. Again I don't think there is much distance between him and Alex but I think Alex is bit more reliable which I value highly in a CB.

[William405]

Game with Real Madrid is today, 8am EDT 20 CEST

3pm for me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Ry4n]

Game with Real Madrid is today, 8am EDT 20 CEST

3pm for me (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

prepare the lube (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

hope we can beat them again i was present at the winters rumble when we beat them they prolly want a bit of revenge for that...hope we can win !