19 Mar 2021 23:23:23
We gave them enough chances to win the game 3 times over tonight. We desperately need better quality in the team if we are to survive another season.
20 Mar 2021 06:41:04
One season at a time.
Season 1. Goal achieved Alf.
Season 2. 2-3 more quality signings and push for euro.
What I got from today from Parker and commentators is that we drag teams in to our style. Win lose or? We go at them and they return the compliment so it’s down to who scores the most. We dictate games. Win lose or.
20 Mar 2021 06:42:39
Alfie, had a bad week? Bit of a negative view tonight! This year of the 4 main first team players we bought only Raphinha has really had sufficient game time to show what he can do and he has. Llorente, Koch and Rodrigo with full pre seasons and practice will show a lot more next year.
So at the back, only Ayling is a constant with a changing cb pairing most games and the obvious gap at left back. Because of that Meslier has had more work to do and generally done it well. With a top quality left back in there and a first choice CB pairing emerging with cover for KP, that defensive unit will be a lot more solid next year. I’d see Cody covering for Ayling next year, Cresswell as the under 23 CB stepping up if needed and hopefully Leif Davis having a real chance to kick on and cover left back.
That leaves Dallas to concentrate on midfield duties perhaps cover. I’m assuming we will expect more from Rodrigo next year, but think there is a clear need to bring in at least one more quality and versatile midfielder. Judgement calls on Roberts and Costa over the summer, both have probably had enough chances to convince Bielsa or not. I’d expect to see Summerville from the under 23s stepping into the fringes of the squad on the wings next year.
Up front I’d bring in another quality striker to compete with Bamford now with the under 23 young guns providing cover behind that.
So, honestly don’t feel the doom and gloom Alf, this group of players, under 23s included will be stronger next year, but with key changes being, Left back, Midfield and striker, 3 quality additions with Kiko being swapped out for a better reserve goalie, Alioski goes, and calls on Costa and Roberts. Good enough to survive again already, quality of replacements, and luck with injuries for me will determine how much forward we can move in one more season.
20 Mar 2021 06:51:22
Looked tired, hopefully get some rest in international break.
20 Mar 2021 09:09:37
Spanish yes but we also need a quality player for the Pablo/ behind the striker role a game changer and another Klich type. Think we need 5 in total . Left back, DM, AM number 10 and striker.
20 Mar 2021 09:55:24
I think we will get the left back, attacking midfielder and probably winger that we need, and that will make us an even bigger threat. However we have seen this team score a lot of excellent goals already this season, but we have also shipped a lot of soft ones. If we can cut out those soft goals and become even more potent then the future is very exciting.
20 Mar 2021 10:06:46
Isn't the young lad we got from Fulham a decent left back and playing well for the under 23 side? Although Bielsa seems reluctant to bring many through, makes you wonder if he had any way in them coming to the club.
20 Mar 2021 10:24:56
I think Drameh is a right back, probably do a job at left back tho as Bielsa does love a versatile player.
20 Mar 2021 10:39:45
Mezzer, the Fulham lad is Cody, I think, plays on the right, rb or cb mainly.
20 Mar 2021 10:41:01
Mezz, I assume the young lad from Fulham is Cody Drameh. He is a dream of a full back but unfortunately a right footed right back so same problem as playing Dallas at LB.
Certainly we could argue for spending 200mil on recruitments but in year 2 merely a stronger consolidation should be our goal with Europe as a bonus, not a target. As such a spend of 100mill ish is more sensible with LB, AM, LW coming on board with, as someone already listed, the shipping out of at least 8 players. We can also save a bundle by introducing, starting soon, some of the young guns who are clearly showing the potential to succeed. If anyone has been lucky enough to watch the U23s, star names will easily drip off the tongue. I think Spanish, you will concur, there are some real gems in the reserves. They just need blooding gradually.
No, with wise aquisitions and promotions from within we are clearly en-route for a top half (top 7) finish next year.