Walter "Il Muro" Samuel

[Suneet]

I have a feeling our first 11's defence might look like this.

Maicon-Samuel-Chivu-J.Z.

Our 2nd 11 might hav max one of Matrix and Samuel, rotation you know.

 

[Stefan]

It's going to be a great battle between Samuel and Burdisso to see who partners matrix week in and week out.

 

[Handoyo]

Why are you saying as if they can't better Matrix out?

 

[Stefan]

Why are you saying as if they can't better Matrix out?

Because Matrix is an Inter symbol so it's rather hard for him to get dropped.

 

[Hammoudi]

Because Matrix is an Inter symbol so it's rather hard for him to get dropped.

That is stretching it alot, he isn't that big of a legend or a symbol to command a first-team status like JZ (only on our starting XI that deserves it.)

 

[Stefan]

That is stretching it alot, he isn't that big of a legend or a symbol to command a first-team status like JZ (only on our starting XI that deserves it.)

Not comparing him to JZ status. JZ is a living legend and one of the all time Inter greats.

Matrix is to Inter fans what Gattuso is to milan fans. While JZ is to us what Maldini is to them.

But neither Matrix nor Gattuso will get dropped easily because both sets of fans won't get pretty upset at that.

 

[Pod]

Matrix Inter symbol ? hmm
This guy wanted to leave to Milan 2 years ago...(F. Rossi source )
and remember his childish action in the half of season when he leave the team to Bologna just because was benched few games ?

 

[rockball]

Matrix has got the heart for Inter for sure..no doubting that

 

[minterke]

Stefan put it nicely.

Milan -> Gattuso
Inter -> Materazzi

 

[Stefan]

Matrix Inter symbol ? hmm
This guy wanted to leave to Milan 2 years ago...(F. Rossi source )
and remember his childish action in the half of season when he leave the team to Bologna just because was benched few games ?

The fans consider him a symbol and the management does as well.

Personally I don't but that doesn't really matter. After the wc and last season he won't be benched.

 

[Frisko]

I don't think Mancini gives a flying phuck about symbols for the fans. He wouldn't hesitate to drop Matrix if he wasn't happy with him.

It's difficult to say what's going to happen with The Number 23, he's just so unpredictable. I personally think that he's grown so much as a defender, the World Cup triumph gave him such confidence and he's been constantly outstanding last year.

Now Nesta has retired from NT duty so he will be a major player for Italy at the 2008 European Championship. He will be 100% focused on his performance.

I put my money on the Materazzi+Chivu partnership in the middle, unless Chivu proves me wrong and does great at LB. In that case, it would be a Cordoba v Burdisso fight. The only way Samuel can get in it is if Mancio drops Matrix. Which is totally possible in my opinion.

 

[Freh]

I put my money on the Materazzi+Chivu partnership in the middle, unless Chivu proves me wrong and does great at LB. In that case, it would be a Cordoba v Burdisso fight. The only way Samuel can get in it is if Mancio drops Matrix. Which is totally possible in my opinion.

How is a Matrix-Burdisso partnership possible, while a Matrix-Samuel isn't? Burdisso and Samuel are pretty similar in my opinion. Hell, Burdisso was hailed as the new Samuel back in the day.

 

[Frisko]

How is a Matrix-Burdisso partnership possible, while a Matrix-Samuel isn't? Burdisso and Samuel are pretty similar in my opinion. Hell, Burdisso was hailed as the new Samuel back in the day.

Mancini would never do Matrix Samuel, he has said so himself. I'm sure he has used Matrix Burdisso in the past.

 

[Tanel]

Never say never. Mancini also has said that Vieri - Adriano can work. It didn't, even when both were in reasonable form. You can't say something don't work before trying it out properly, not turning it on for a second. I don't see no bloody reason why Samuel - Materazzi wouldn't be great together. So what if they aren't the paciest lads. They've got everything else at world class, absolutely everything else! Other Inter defenders have much more and bigger flaws than lack of pace, not to talk about the guy who actually has some pace.

Mancio has certainly used Burdisso - Matrix in past, last season for 10-15 times I'd say. Worked fine, but full-backs were a problem.

 

[Frisko]

Well guys there are LOTS of possible combinations for our central defenders, I think the LEAST likely is surely Matrix Samuel.

 

[Marcello]

Would anyone know how many times samuel started a match last season?

 

[Enzo]

it's a good problem to have.

i think it's samuel vs materazzi
and
cordoba vs burdisso
and
chivu vs maxwell

great compettion, only maicon is given me thinks.

 

[rockball]

Maicon vs Rivas if he stays

Again Burdisso and also Cordoba can play at any other defensive position also

 

[1919]

Mancini would never do Matrix Samuel, he has said so himself. I'm sure he has used Matrix Burdisso in the past.

Lack of pace is one thing. But if we r to use Chivu at LB, who wud be mainly a defensive LB we can use Samuel and Materazzi in the middle as there will be 3 instead of 2 to cover for the lack of pace.

 

[lonewolf19]

Maicon vs Rivas if he stays

Again Burdisso and also Cordoba can play at any other defensive position also

maicon vs Rivas.....
not putting Rivas down but I dont htink there will be much competition IMHO