Comedian, actor, and writer George Lewis joins the pod to discuss his niche fascinations and irritations of football, including the dressing room mythology, kids imitating star players, and the rise of cliches in punditry. They also analyze AI commentary of a Lionel Messi goal and critique commentary highlights from Spurs vs Chelsea chaos.
Using non-specific language like 'we talk about' in football discussions leads to unoriginal points and lacks depth.
TV shows struggle to accurately depict football chat, using generic dialogue and unrealistic scenarios.
Deep dives
The Frustration of Non-specificity in Football Discussions
It is irritating when pundits and fans use non-specific language, such as 'we talk about,' to discuss football. This habit tends to lead to mundane and unoriginal points, lacking depth or a unique perspective. It also distances the speaker from giving a personal opinion and often fills time without adding substance. This language is prevalent in soap operas as well, where the writers fail to accurately depict football conversations and fandom, relying on clichés and unrealistic scenarios. Overall, it cheapens the discussion and takes away from the genuine passion and unpredictability of football.
Inability to Accurately Depict Football Conversations in TV Shows
TV shows, especially soap operas, struggle to accurately portray football chat. Often, the discussions feel forced and lack authenticity. The writers often rely on generic dialogue, leading to clunky exchanges and unrealistic scenarios. The conversations frequently lack the nuances and unpredictability of real-life football discussions. This can be an irritation for football fans who are familiar with how conversations about the sport actually unfold.
The Use of Present Tense in Football Conversations
Present tense speaking in football conversations is an irritation for many. It is often used with a sense of authority and certainty, leaving little room for discussion. Fans and pundits frequently employ this language, presenting opinions as facts. This conversational style can give a false sense of knowledge and make discussions feel one-sided. It also contributes to the culture of focusing on individual players instead of the overall team dynamic or the broader aspects of the game.
The pod welcomes comedian, actor and writer George Lewis for the latest edition of Mesut Haaland Dicks, choosing his six most niche fascinations and irritations of football.
Among George's selections are the HR-defying mythology of the dressing room, kids mindlessly emulating the mannerisms of star players, the rise of the words “we talk about...” in punditry and Coronation Street vs EastEnders in accurately depicting footballspeak.
Meanwhile, the Adjudication Panel analyse some AI commentary of a famous Lionel Messi goal and pick apart some commentary highlights from the chaos of Spurs vs Chelsea.