What would it take to challenge for the title?

macdog · February 22, 2017

Neveryourfault said:
Its a game of opinion but name another league it has happened in???

Trump. Seriously though, in the AFL last season Western Bulldogs won the premiership with a huge helping of self-belief and a never-say-die attitude.

tim cahill · February 22, 2017

Westend Blue said:
A commanding centrehalf and probably two world class players in the mould of de bruyne or sanchez

I'm not sure if de bruyne is that great to be honest.

TheGhostOfBolasie · February 22, 2017

I reckon about 150m of investment in our squad. Not that much when you consider what the clubs actually challenging for the title have spent over the years.

The binman chronicles · February 22, 2017

If Lookman proves to have Ronaldo like talent and Lukaku has a really good season and they both get 30+ goals, then we would be pretty close to winning it I reckon.

Jimmy Grimble · February 22, 2017

Interesting that some think we need 1 or 2 new players while others say 5 or 6.
Some wanting wingers. I think they're useful to give us options but with 3 at the back I reckon a lot of our width will come from the wing backs. Bolassie back, lookman coming through seems pretty strong. I'd like a new younger baines, but an upgrade on mirallas would be nice. I think the midfield is starting to look strong. For me the key position to strengthen is up front. Someone who can slot in next to lukaku or replace if needed. Another genuine goal threat to bag us at least 15 a season.

PhilM · February 22, 2017

Personally, I think if we really want to challenge then we need to add a number of quality players and strengthen in depth.

Obviously you need to have a quality-laden XI, but behind that you need a strong bench that offers competition and cover.

Therefore for me, I would be looking at a minimum of six quality additions across a variety of positions from front to back.

degsy · February 22, 2017

ToffeeTim said:
About 6 quality players

took the words right out of my mouth - must've been while you were k *stops

So that's 6 players all better than we have now...@250-300M+ - or if we're really lucky and Walsh earns his corn $150-200M+.

but in which positions?

Verbal Kint · February 22, 2017

degsy said:
took the words right out of my mouth - must've been while you were k *stops

So that's 6 players all better than we have now...@250-300M+ - or if we're really lucky and Walsh earns his corn $150-200M+.

but in which positions?

GK
2 CB
One goal scoring winger
And another striker/Backup for Rom.
A left back to spell Baines

And hopefully the young players prove to be all that.

Verbal Kint · February 22, 2017

riddick said:
Just so weird they didn't go all out for Gueye. Would almost be a like for like replacement.

You can thank Steve Walsh for that, he clearly identified Gueye as Kantes replacement.

Verbal Kint · February 22, 2017

You may think I'm mad but I believe we are as close as Spurs/Liverpool to winning it. I look at both squads especially Spurs who have nearly 2 Players for every position and say good squad but still short.

They have Kane/Alli and a mix mash of midfielders that are good but still lacking in top players.

degsy · February 22, 2017

Verbal Kint said:
GK
2 CB
One goal scoring winger
And another striker/Backup for Rom.
A left back to spell Baines

And hopefully the young players prove to be all that.

Mid Field?...best make it 7 or 8

Lanolin · February 22, 2017

I think people massively overestimate (or misunderstand) the issue of mentality.

Attitude is important, obviously, but mentality is changeable. Teams like Leicester have gone from relegation fodder to champions back to relegation fodder, while United have gone from top dogs to also rans in the same timeframe. How do you categorise their mentality, good or bad, winners or losers? You can't is the answer. Winning every week breeds confidence, it breeds a kind of arrogance and belief, and becomes a self fulfilling prophecy. We don't need a better mentality to start winning more, we need to start winning more to get a better mentality.