But we don't really need that to be Gana's job.
If he can simply win it back and give it to a partner, that's fine.
But it is crucial that the other midfielder can then get us up the pitch either with a powerful run or a decent pass.
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But we don't really need that to be Gana's job.
If he can simply win it back and give it to a partner, that's fine.
But it is crucial that the other midfielder can then get us up the pitch either with a powerful run or a decent pass.
It amazes me that people expect a youth player brought in for £1.5m and forced into the starting XI because of circumstances to instantly thrive.
Another example of the simple black or white outlook from within our fan base: you're either great or written off. Isn't there an in between?
Jonto
Player Valuation: £150k
Okay, so let's assume we're only going to be able to bring in three signings. None of them should be overpaid mercenaries like the recent signings have been (apart from Picky). We need a LB, CB and some form of attacking player. Perhaps another genuinely decent striker, and if we can replace Bolasie then that's also worth looking at. I actually don't dislike Yannick but he hasn't been the same since his injury, although that goal he scored against City was a good'un.
Saint Domingo
Player Valuation: £90m
Those advocating Gueye and Siggurdson I just can’t see from the evidence of last season that we have 2/3 of a top midfield already in place. That would suggest that we only need one midfield player and a LW to complete the front 6.
There were so many games last season they were just ran through and dominated by poor opposition. I’m hoping Silva completely starts again in midfield rather than just plugging gaps. My opinion has long been than both Gueye and Siggurdson are only average.
There were so many games last season they were just ran through and dominated by poor opposition. I’m hoping Silva completely starts again in midfield rather than just plugging gaps. My opinion has long been than both Gueye and Siggurdson are only average.
Not sure about the Larry Blackmon looklikee, Big Willy C.
He doesn`t look the most mobile tbh.
We need someone more creative to compliment Gana imo.
But then again what do I know !
It all just seems very very static to me, no one who can transition with the ball, no one who can run with the ball, no one who is willing to play that quick pass, all very "to many touches"
I think someone like RLC - if he's available - would at least solve the running with the ball issue.
Or, we bring in Lookman and keep him as a permanent fixture, hopefully moving Bolasie on if we want to get another winger (i.e. Lozano)
We also need some height and presence though. Our team is tiny.
Frang
Player Valuation: £70m
not sure lookman offers enough defensively... I know he is primarily a forward, but football these days is all about defending first, look at how hard sterling and sane work to get the ball back..
Kinky Koeman
Player Valuation: £8m
I get what you're saying but it shouldn't be underestimated how much difference a couple of tweaks can make. If a team lacks balance like we did last year then even your good players can look poor. Once the balance is reintroduced and you're able to ask each player to just do their own job rather than trying to be something they're not the whole unit can improve beyond measure.
Then you set up to ensure he is covered.
You can't play forwards based solely on what they offer at the other end - well, not in every game anyway.
It's why I think we'll go for a big, physical presence in midfield - hopefully one who is decent on the ball as well.
It provides that extra insurance whether we play them alongside Gueye or a more attack-minded player (Davies, Klaasen?)
lollollol
Exactly.
The few times we looked (relatively) balanced last year was in that 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 hybrid we played a few times in the run-up to Christmas.
A back four with Kenny given a bit of licence to push on, and two CBs who actually complemented each others' games in Holgate and Williams.
The weak point was obviously Martina, but at least in midfield we had Gueye doing the sweeper role, Rooney to get on the ball and Davies to do the leg-work/third-man running.
We then had Gylfi left, but given the freedom to tuck in, with DCL drifting wide and Lennon down the right.
It was so frustrating Sam dropped it because he wanted to fiddle around with the system, when it was clearly working, and then he never went back to using it once Walcott (improvement on Lennon) or Tosun came in.
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