New Centre Mids

[Zatara]

Long term it's only Barkley and McCarthy for (currently) 2 central midfield positions and a central attacking midfield role. They are 20 and 23 years old respectively so can be part of the team for the next decade.

When the new season starts ;

Francisco Junior (22years old)
John Lundstram (20years old)
Gethin Jones (19years old)
George Green (18years old)
Ryan Ledson (17years old)

For those of us unable to see these players 1st hand, perhaps someone could give us the lowdown on the 5 above named players.

If, in a couple of seasons its predicted that some of them can step up into the first team then it wouldn't make sense to buy new players -- just use the loan market.

 

[sageyefc]

We need to buy a proper number 10

 

[FTY]

Junior-won't make it at EFC.
Lundstram- Could do, but not yet.
Jones- Don't think he'll make it.
Green and Ledson will play for England, not quite ready yet though, need some loan experience.

 

[kev101]

Peinaar badly needs replacing, as does Ossie.

 

[Zatara]

We need to buy a proper number 10

With money tight and a few young players emerging then perhaps loaning is a better move?

 

[sageyefc]

With money tight and a few young players emerging then perhaps loaning is a better move?

Well either way we need someone to come in who has that pass to open defenses.

Money shouldnt be tight either,

 

[tim cahill]

With money tight and a few young players emerging then perhaps loaning is a better move?

There are no guarantees they will make it though, especially in the next couple of years. Loaning has it's benefits and it can be great for adding something different and bulking up squad like we have done this year but ideally our first 11 should be ours. With Pienaar and Osman looking like they're on their last legs, we need a top quality attacking mid to step in.

 

[Zatara]

Junior-won't make it at EFC.
Lundstram- Could do, but not yet.
Jones- Don't think he'll make it.
Green and Ledson will play for England, not quite ready yet though, need some loan experience.

Junior -- Seemed like an odd signing at the time, he's over in Holland now for the season I think. Any thoughts on why we signed him at all ?

Lundstram -- Currently perfect backup for Barry especially being left footed.

Jones --I heard similar reports to those on Green/Ledson -- future stars.

Martinez recently came out in the press and said that Green had to find himself a position and make it his own. Where would he be most comfortable-- I would have thought the coaches would tell him where to play?? Could he be coming through shortly and if so where would he fit into the midfield?

 

[Zatara]

[que="sageyefc, post: 2542032, member: 19618"]Well either way we need someone to come in who has that pass to open defenses.

Money shouldnt be tight either,[/quote]

I think we need a new spine to the team so that means a lot of cash on a top forward + a partner long term fpr stones.

 

[Abraders]

Junior shouldn't be considered imo, just doesn't look up to the job...

Green one for the future, Lundstram i've heard good things but i don't think i've heard about the others.

 

[Zatara]

There are no guarantees they will make it though, especially in the next couple of years. Loaning has it's benefits and it can be great for adding something different and bulking up squad like we have done this year but ideally our first 11 should be ours. With Pienaar and Osman looking like they're on their last legs, we need a top quality attacking mid to step in.

End of next season they will be off I think. Martinez may even have a diamond formation in mind or one with wingers,- we dont know yet. However we are lacking in centre mid but hopefully over next 2 seasons we see changes.

 

[sw blue]

I don't see any of the youngsters being ready for 18 man squad next year. Maybe the 2015/16 season. Most have to establish themselves at U21 level before they can move up. Lundstram needs another season on loan playing first team football.

 

[Zatara]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...s-future-15-teen-stars-YOU-excited-about.html

This is a year old, take a look under lundstram--I remember him getting some plaudits.

Could it be a case that he's not as spectacular as Barkley so his move into the first team squad may take a little longer? Actually didnt realise Green was also left footed so both would add alot of balance.

 

[Goat]

I suspect Barry will be retained at the end of the Season, Gibson should be back and if Martinez has any sense he should buy Centre Midfield cover in the Summer.

Would have been nice to get into the Europa and give these young prospects a proper run out, lets hope we can still do that.

 

[Zatara]

[quottsGoat, post: 2542131, member: 3358"]I suspect Barry will be retained at the end of the Season, Gibson should be back and if Martinez has any sense he should buy Centre Midfield cover in the Summer.

Would have been nice to get into the Europa and give these young prospects a proper run out, lets hope we can still do that.[/quote]

Was thinking about this over the past couple of days. Due to the young players we have coming through then would it be a blessing in disguise to finish 5th? Possibly sacrificing a season but giving our youth match practice which could stand us in good stead in 2015/16.

I read some posts on here and think that we could get 5+ players into the squad -- setting us up like Man Utd when nevilles etc came through.