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Not sure if it's covered anywhere, but where was NIgel today I heard Roberto say Nasri had a problem, but didn't hear anything on NDJ. Any one know?

As Nasri was carrying an injury I would expect Nigel must have been carrying a worse one.

Radio Manchester said they'd been told by City that there was no injury and it was purely tactical. Bit of a strange one to not even make the bench.

Playing Yaya rather than Nige gives him more flexibility to change formations if the game needs it - however with Nige playing, the game doesn't usually need it. (There's the added situation with Nige's contract too, maybe a gentle prod to him saying we can win without him - though it kind of backfired since we struggled)

Dameerto wrote:Playing Yaya rather than Nige gives him more flexibility to change formations if the game needs it - however with Nige playing, the game doesn't usually need it. (There's the added situation with Nige's contract too, maybe a gentle prod to him saying we can win without him - though it kind of backfired since we struggled)

Wondered about the contract. As you say, a reminder that we want him but don't need him.

Dameerto wrote:Playing Yaya rather than Nige gives him more flexibility to change formations if the game needs it - however with Nige playing, the game doesn't usually need it. (There's the added situation with Nige's contract too, maybe a gentle prod to him saying we can win without him - though it kind of backfired since we struggled)

No problem with him not playing but I don't like that he was left out altogether.That seems strange to me.

I was looking at Nigels de-meaner when we played the scum and it seemed to me that he was in another world..not a happy chappy at all.
I'm wondering if this has anything to do with his new contract...considering that cunt Kia is his agent, I really think theres a shit storm brewing there.

carl_feedthegoat wrote:I was looking at Nigels de-meaner when we played the scum and it seemed to me that he was in another world..not a happy chappy at all.
I'm wondering if this has anything to do with his new contract...considering that cunt Kia is his agent, I really think theres a shit storm brewing there.

I wondered the same with some of the pictures from the swamp. A bit worrying.

I'd go more off what his demeanour is in training tbh.. Doug any clues ?

My take is that he is struggling for form since that toe/foot injury. Nothing more than that, by his standards he has been poor.

brite blu sky wrote:I'd go more off what his demeanour is in training tbh.. Doug any clues ?

My take is that he is struggling for form since that toe/foot injury. Nothing more than that, by his standards he has been poor.

Dont underestimate contractual anxieties mate.... like any job, if you dont feel secure you wont perform as you should.

I just don't see where he fits in this season. He is a great player but he's a one trick pony. Barry is far better at moving the ball and starting up attacks and both Milner and Yaya pose much more of a threat offensively.

Kia and Nigel. Not a good combination. Trouble is a brewing my friends.

NDJ's contract needs to be sorted as in my opinion he is one of our most important players, along with Silva, VK, and Hart.
This shit, if there even is any, needs to be cleaned up quickly and figured out. I'd like to see NDJ play over Barry most days.

Bridge'srightfoot wrote:I just don't see where he fits in this season. He is a great player but he's a one trick pony. Barry is far better at moving the ball and starting up attacks and both Milner and Yaya pose much more of a threat offensively.

Disagree with that. Two years ago, sure, but his passing has come on leaps and bounds since the world cup. Quite a number of times towards the end of year season he broke the play and then set us forward with a decent through ball.

Barry, Milner and Yaya have all been great lately, so no argument there, but NDJ is still one of the best we have that the club. When he's back at full fitness and when our form invariably dips, he'll be right back in - he's better in the holding role than anyone else.

Hopefully Kia disappears soon though.

If this is down to the club having an issue with his choice of 'advisor' then I fully support the stance.

We need to rid that turd of any involvement in City and id even go as far as sacrificing Nige to do it. He's been vital for us but there are other players out there who are capable of filling his shoes. De Rossi would be an upgrade imo.

My preference is for this to be sorted and for him to stay but if that means backing down in our stance on Kia then he can leave.

Bridge'srightfoot wrote:I just don't see where he fits in this season. He is a great player but he's a one trick pony. Barry is far better at moving the ball and starting up attacks and both Milner and Yaya pose much more of a threat offensively.

That sounds strange but true and I think the difference this season is that Milner has become a more useful and versatile player (as we all believed he could be) and can do much more than Nige.
I don't think Nige will be happy to be the new Veiera !!

Esky wrote:

Bridge'srightfoot wrote:I just don't see where he fits in this season. He is a great player but he's a one trick pony. Barry is far better at moving the ball and starting up attacks and both Milner and Yaya pose much more of a threat offensively.

Disagree with that. Two years ago, sure, but his passing has come on leaps and bounds since the world cup. Quite a number of times towards the end of year season he broke the play and then set us forward with a decent through ball.

Barry, Milner and Yaya have all been great lately, so no argument there, but NDJ is still one of the best we have that the club. When he's back at full fitness and when our form invariably dips, he'll be right back in - he's better in the holding role than anyone else.

Hopefully Kia disappears soon though.

His passing has improved but the three aforementioned have been so good this season and they all offer as much going forward and Barry is nearly as good at doing the dirty work.

NDJ - for me when he plays he gives us an extra attacking threat. His defensive capabilities give Yaya room to attack more and get at defenders. Not every player can play or make bench every week. He has the professionalism and composure to take it without bitching and crying. I'd have played him yesterday myself as with no Vinny, he is a natural leader and motivator

I'd have played him yesterday because he offers the best midfield screen for the defence, and god did they need it. All in hindsight though.

A quote taken from BlueMoon "Hope my source is wrong but I've been told De Jong will be sold due to not accepting a new contract."

I hope it's wrong as well as so often it is on there but it worries me.It was added that a replacement has been lined up already.Those pictures at the swamp as Carl said were not comforting. Nothing has been apparent at training but his absences are notable and I don't buy the not fit enough argument.