Evolution.

[polish]

I disagree about Baines, tbh. If you're looking for greater defensive stability he isn't the obvious (part) solution. In fact, I think Baines has to wait his turn getting back into this team. We have enough going forward and Galloway is a better competitor as a defensive FB than Baines, imo.

I think we'll improve just because of his experience. We need more leaders on the pitch sometimes to guide our youngsters to the finał whistle. Martinez see that too IMO that's why he picked Osman after that Bournemouth "crunch".

 

[davek]

I think we'll improve just because of his experience. We need more leaders on the pitch sometimes to guide our youngsters to the finał whistle. Martinez see that too IMO that's why he picked Osman after that Bournemouth "crunch".

I'd be hesitant to change too much, tbh. Baines is not just a defender (who may or may not bring the stability you say he will), he's also an attacking FB and attacking is not an issue for us. Change the ingredients and you risk changing the outcome in terms of that dimension.

 

[polish]

I'd be hesitant to change too much, tbh. Baines is not just a defender (who may or may not bring the stability you say he will), he's also an attacking FB and attacking is not an issue for us. Change the ingredients and you risk changing the outcome in terms of that dimension.

He's still one of the best left backs in the league and I don't recall him being a flaw in our defensive unit. Galloway still learning his trade and he had some troubles against tricky wingers at times. I trust Baines more as he's an exceptional footballer.

In terms of ingridients we need a good mixture of young players and experience to have even more control of the games.

 

[Zatara]

However, if we signed Inaki Williams he'd potentially be another Deulofeu on the left side in terms of quality. Also likely to attract Spanish national team scouts for him and Deulofeu.

Its a tough one.

Edit: Meaning Deulofeu happier as a countryman in the team and also more chance of getting caps i guess unlike arteta...

I think an Inaki level / deulofeu level player would be great for the top players we have for morale...rooney could be also but would need massive benefits for 2 years i think rather than going longer term.

Rooney would for me be the perfect replacement for Kone. In position would hold the ball up well for Rom and good enough to go it alone. Imagine what a statement of intent purely based on his name /reputation in the game. Could be the signing to convince the likes of Rom to give us 1 more season to push for Europe.

 

[Zatara]

The defence is also top notch.

However factor in:

Baines injury
Colemans injury
Jagielkas injury
No settled left midfielder
Howard in goal
Mori's first season

Theres a few reasons for lack of consistency away from the basic theory of attack/defence.

That entire post is your subjective opinion. Actual facts paint a very different opinion. We are where we deserve to be. A very good attack (but not the best) combined with a poor defence has left us in midtable. You can't mis read the league table. You can ignore it however.

 

[davek]

He's still one of the best left backs in the league and I don't recall him being a flaw in our defensive unit. Galloway still learning his trade and he had some troubles against tricky wingers at times. I trust Baines more as he's an exceptional footballer.

In terms of ingridients we need a good mixture of young players and experience to have even more control of the games.

All of which ^^^ is why I said I'd be hesitant to change it too much.

As for Baines not being a flaw: he's certainly not the most solid of defenders. His forte is his attacking. He gets caught out of position a lot (not the least reason for that being his hand in deadball situations).

If we had a top quality GK the defensive frailties would be a non-issue.

 

[Seamus Colemole]

I'm so glad we're winning the "most entertaining football" trophy this season.

Personally i'd be even more entertained if we won more games but as long as some fans of rival teams are happy then so am i.

 

[bignev23]

I think each season can only be judged individually as a team that does well one season doesn't always evolve for the better the next season as there are many factors which get in the way. I'm not a big believer in the 5 year plan or whatever but I think we look decent enough and are definitely entertaining to watch at times.

 

[Zatara]

I think kone ahead of baines is a worry no matter the keeper...

Which position do you think Martinez will upgrade next?

All of which ^^^ is why I said I'd be hesitant to change it too much.

As for Baines not being a flaw: he's certainly not the most solid of defenders. His forte is his attacking. He gets caught out of position a lot (not the least reason for that being his hand in deadball situations).

If we had a top quality GK the defensive frailties would be a non-issue.

 

[davek]

I think kone ahead of baines is a worry no matter the keeper...

Which position do you think Martinez will upgrade next?

Goalkeeper.

I agree, Kone and Baines look a poor combination. I've been saying for weeks we can afford the insurance of a flatter back four with the attacking strength we have elsewhere.

 

[bignev23]

Personally I'd link Baines up with Mirallas down the left and see how that went, everything was down the right last night. I miss our Baines Pienaar combo but all good things come to an end.

 

[Zatara]

For me its LW / GK / ST / CM i think in that order for Martinez. Simply because hes attack minded and will want to add to the 3 other attacking players first...

For the goalkeeper spot he needs to go in BIG i think and sign someone the same level as our stars (Butland would be ideal really for so many reasons) or someone from overseas who should reach the top...

How do you think we will end up with McGeady,Mirallas,Gibson, Naismith not getting games and Hibbert,Osman, Pienaar,Oviedo out of contract in the summer?

Do you expect a cull in Jan or summer?

Goalkeeper.

I agree, Kone and Baines look a poor combination. I've been saying for weeks we can afford the insurance of a flatter back four with the attacking strength we have elsewhere.

 

[davek]

For me its LW / GK / ST / CM i think in that order for Martinez. Simply because hes attack minded and will want to add to the 3 other attacking players first...

For the goalkeeper spot he needs to go in BIG i think and sign someone the same level as our stars (Butland would be ideal really for so many reasons) or someone from overseas who should reach the top...

How do you think we will end up with McGeady,Mirallas,Gibson, Naismith not getting games and Hibbert,Osman, Pienaar,Oviedo out of contract in the summer?

Do you expect a cull in Jan or summer?

I'd expect one in and one out in January; nothing too drastic. Summer will see stage II of the cull started last summer, although I'd expect Oviedo, Osman and maybe Naismith to remain.

 

[Eric Djemba-Djemba]

We've played good football this season but we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves too much. We're 9th after 15 games.

This team has got the potential to go places but I'm unsure whether we'll take the opportunity.

 

[njligernj]

I'm conflicted because on one hand I appreciate that the majority of people seem to think keeping our best players is a better idea than selling them; on the other hand I can't help but shake my head at yet another thread where people worry that we'll have to sell all of them (even though almost everyone -- even the media for once! -- doesn't think we will sell anyone until the summer at the very earliest ... and even then I have heard some concessions that we aren't a selling club now thanks to the Stones saga).

Can't say I disagree with the sentiment that they are special and it'd be a shame to not keep them together. However we just have too many unknowns to worry about it right now. How will we finish the year?

CL + our recent backbone means they probably all stay for at least one more year.

Cup win (plus Europa) means we have a shot (50%?) but a Cup win alone won't keep all of them (sorry "the 80's and before").

That said while I don't want to worry about it all the time I do think you can use this in part to guide decision making. I know RM doesn't like Jan but if he thinks about the above odds I'd say spending money NOW could be very worthwhile if it helps us keep this core together longer term.