Let's be honest, very few of us have seen him play a full match, and I'd say that less than 5% of us have seen more than 5 full games that he's played in. Yet we seem to think that he's our midfield saviour. Why is this?
If we take a look at his stats, he's got 4 goals in 26 games. That's not a great contribution, but then again, he's a defensive midfielder. However, if you consider the fact that he's a defensive midfielder, and he isn't a player who you buy to score goals, then why are we willing to pay £35million for him? You could get Fernando from Porto for under £15million, I reckon.
He's 22 years old, and he's still playing in the Portuguese League. Pogba is younger than him, and playing at a much higher level. I can't say that I've watched Carvalho play, I've only seen videos of him and like most United fans, I've wanted to say that he looks good. However, when you look at it through a neutral perspective, he's simply doing what Tom Cleverley does; however, Carvalho's doing it against lesser opposition.
Lots of people say that he'll be our equivalent of Yaya Toure, but that is one of the most ridiculous claims that I've ever heard. Yaya Toure isn't just one big, strong lump. Toure isn't a player who sits deep and plays simple passes to the defence. Toure is a box-to-box midfielder, not a defensive midfielder. Toure has one of the best passing ranges in the league. Toure scores more goals than most strikers. Toure has pace and strength, and Toure will drive through teams rather than sit back and do the simple option.
If we want a Toure replica, which I think everyone does, then we have to look at Vidal and Pogba. In my opinion, these are the two players that are most similar to Toure. Vidal is probably worse in attack than Toure, but he is a better defender. Pogba could be as good as Toure in 4-5 years. Similarly to Toure, he has pace, strength and great technicality. Unfortunately, I think that Carvalho only has the strength.
Finally, what I'm trying to say is that not only do I feel that Carvalho is very much overrated, but I also feel that he's not the type of player that we need. We need a box-to-box midfielder, but Carvalho is just another defensive midfielder - like Carrick and Fletcher. I think many United fans have tried to convince themselves that Carvalho is a similar player to Toure, but I think he's more comparable to Carrick or Cleverley, and you do not pay £35million for this type of player.
William Carvalho
posted on 18/4/14
We were ripped off for felaini as they didnt want to sell. Mata's'price reflects his quality, he's'a player you build a team round, which is a bit of a poser as we have rooney. William is a sought after player who has turned sportings fortunes around, he's'not gonna go for peanuts. Furthermore he's'a player we need. Its a bit like when we paid so much for carrick there was no need for them to sell, we had a need so we threw cash at them,
posted on 18/4/14
OP has some valid points. But remember, dosent matter how we think he is, the clubs has scouted alot on this fellow, and as Moyes still i charge just proves that the club rarely does something drastically.
There was been articles about the value, that money isnt what it was, when we bought Carrick, Rooney and Rio they cost about £20m, but that was comepletely other time.
posted on 18/4/14
Quite better indeed, and I like the Serb.
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William is not better than Matic, that´s just the mad ramblimgs of a biased man. William is a very good player, who´s had a good year and has great potential. But currently, Matic is comfortably better.
posted on 18/4/14
comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 6 hours, 13 minutes ago
Let's just wait and see anyway. We might not even sign him.
The world cup will give us a better idea of what he's all about, presuming he plays.
Country Life, what's the situation with him in the national team? I know Portugal usually play Moutinho, Veloso and Meireles in the centre.
Will one of these make way for him or will he be used from the bench?
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Veloso will make way, the only thing he offers is a decent set piece, William is a far better player and offers far more to the team, perfect foil for Moutinho.
I agree with Country Life though, he really should stick around for one more year at Sporting to continue his development before moving to a stronger league. However I can´t see that happening and think it´s pretty certain he will leave ( I´ll share no tears being a Benfica fan ).
Class player, not better than Matic though.
posted on 18/4/14
Ah I see. Well I'm not really in a position to judge, but the reason I asked is because Carvalho has two caps and Bento never seems to change their starting lineup so I thought it's worth asking.
posted on 18/4/14
Bento never seems to change their starting lineup so I thought it's worth asking.
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Because he´s a clown. Not starting William would be a step to far, even for him.
posted on 18/4/14
Well hopefully he does.
posted on 20/4/14
comment by I'm Simply Amazing. (U18042)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 6 hours, 13 minutes ago
Let's just wait and see anyway. We might not even sign him.
The world cup will give us a better idea of what he's all about, presuming he plays.
Country Life, what's the situation with him in the national team? I know Portugal usually play Moutinho, Veloso and Meireles in the centre.
Will one of these make way for him or will he be used from the bench?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Veloso will make way, the only thing he offers is a decent set piece, William is a far better player and offers far more to the team, perfect foil for Moutinho.
I agree with Country Life though, he really should stick around for one more year at Sporting to continue his development before moving to a stronger league. However I can´t see that happening and think it´s pretty certain he will leave ( I´ll share no tears being a Benfica fan ).
Class player, not better than Matic though.
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Just seen this from my fellow friend from Benfica (congrats for the title, btw) and he is spot on regarding the Paulo Bento situation. About Matic well let's just stick to each others guns, shall we? Both great players and a joy to watch.
posted on 20/4/14
comment by Dichinero17 (U10875)
posted 2 days, 8 hours ago
The gist from a Sporting ST holder is that this guy COULD be the real deal. He is raw but has very good foundations and his performances have been key this season, hence his massive release clause. He is apparently quick and very technical on the ball, just needs to up his passing game. With that said £37m is too much.
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Not could, IS, he's just not at the perfect moment to leave, and quite frankly I've seen too many of our youngsters leave too early. I'm also very glad that you think that he is too expensive, hopely some influential people might feel the same and he can stay for another season.
posted on 24/4/14
comment by Country Life (U17601)
posted 3 days, 2 hours ago
comment by I'm Simply Amazing. (U18042)
posted 2 days, 3 hours ago
comment by Darren The King Fletcher (U10026)
posted 6 hours, 13 minutes ago
Let's just wait and see anyway. We might not even sign him.
The world cup will give us a better idea of what he's all about, presuming he plays.
Country Life, what's the situation with him in the national team? I know Portugal usually play Moutinho, Veloso and Meireles in the centre.
Will one of these make way for him or will he be used from the bench?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Veloso will make way, the only thing he offers is a decent set piece, William is a far better player and offers far more to the team, perfect foil for Moutinho.
I agree with Country Life though, he really should stick around for one more year at Sporting to continue his development before moving to a stronger league. However I can´t see that happening and think it´s pretty certain he will leave ( I´ll share no tears being a Benfica fan ).
Class player, not better than Matic though.
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Just seen this from my fellow friend from Benfica (congrats for the title, btw) and he is spot on regarding the Paulo Bento situation. About Matic well let's just stick to each others guns, shall we? Both great players and a joy to watch.
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Thank you very much, i was ecstatic when we won it. Sporting have had a very good year and it will be nice to see the two Lisboa Giants playing the champions league again, and Porto having such a bad year as made me so happy.
And yes i agree haha, naturally both of us will be quite biased in any discussion involving the two players, both of them being such fan faveorites, so it's best not to compare them.
I really Hope Paulo Bento has some sense and uses a midfield of, William, Fernando and Moutinho at the World Cup. For me it's time Miereles and Veloso make way, neither are good enough. Fernando and William would be the perfect set up behind Moutinho to set up Ronnie on those blistering counter attacks. I'm quietly opsitmistic about this World Cup, i hope Bento doesn't disappoint too much.
Ruben Amorim should be in the squad ahead of both those two also, been very solid this year.for us. And as much i dislike the guy, Quresma being back in the national setup would be a sensible choice.