What do you call Rondon which was down to Benitez, as was Bergovic, Lonergan, Townsend and Gray.
How can Brands be blamed for both Richis and DCL being injured? Plus Coleman and Pickford?
Rondon: Distinctly average player, obviously chosen by Benitez. Not really good enough even to be a back up, I personally don’t think we should be signing any players over 30. However, should have been signed earlier in the window so he was at least match fit. (Not included in my expected quality squad)
Begovic and Lonergan: Nothing players, probably adequate in terms of their positions in the squad. Would have liked to have seen an academy product fill the role of 3rd choice keeper. (Begovic is in my
expected quality squad)
Townsend: Good cheap deal for a half decent player. Have no problem with him being in the squad but he would not start for any other team in the top half of the league and is nowhere near starting quality for us. (Back up in my expected quality squad)
Gray: Another astute buy, looks a very good player. If he can keep up his current form then he deserves to be starting, however there is a strong possibility that this level of performance is unsustainable. (Possibly a little harsh but is a back up in my expected quality squad)
Brands can’t be blamed for the injuries, obviously, but the fact that we have an unfit Rondon as cover for DCL and Iwobi(?) as cover for Richarlison is ridiculous. The drop off in quality is incredible.
Coleman should not be our starting RB - he offers literally zero attacking output and is well past his best. Brands failing to replace him for the last 3 seasons is nothing short of negligence! No issue with Begovic coming in for Pickford - as stated above he is the expected quality of a sub goalkeeper for a mid table team.