09 Nov 2020 14:21:16
Watched the game last night and now in the cold light of day it's obvious the 11 that started is our best 11 by a distance. Smith gave Traore a chance vs Saints (unfortunate with injury early on) but he doesn't offer what Trezeguet does, yet. Hourihane must be a little disappointed but at the moment he doesn't improve anything coming off the bench, unless we get free kicks in and around the box.
Barkley has had a couple of ropey performances (but who didn't last week, for the 1st half anyway) .
Would like to see us add 1 (or 2 if I'm being greedy) real quality players in January just to create competition where I feel we're lacking. A striker (Wesley's return might be timely) is a must. Anyone know how far Heaton is from playing. I read somewhere he was or is playing for the U23s soon.
09 Nov 2020 16:31:18
I am not sure we will do any business in January but if we do I think we should look to tie up a permanent deal for Barkley we have seen enough already to see he adds a different dimension to our midfield and takes some of the creative pressure off Jack. I would look to get a left back in to provide Targett with some competition maybe try for Ryan Sessegnon or Rico Henry. I would also look for another centre back again to put some pressure on Mings and Konsa but I personally wouldn’t look for another forward I think we have to give Wesley a chance let’s not forget Davis and Traore who can play through the middle as well as Louie Barry waiting in the wings. Finally let’s tie Konsa down to a long term contract get all that done and everything in the garden is rosy.
09 Nov 2020 17:57:29
John, I agree with a lot of what you suggest, however I would imagine acquiring Barkley in January on a permanent basis wouldn’t be cheap. If there are funds set aside it might be better to bring a bit of cover in the positions you mentioned. If Ross continues to produce the goods over the course of the season, maybe would could do business with Chelsea in the summer 2021.
For me, cover in central defence should be the priority, we can’t just hope for the best that neither Mings or Konsa doesn’t get injured. I’m really not sure that either Engels or Hause could provide adequate cover.
There was talk of Nelsson from FC Copenhagen, and Simakan from Strasbourg, both good young players with bags of potential.
Targett is exceeding expectations at left back so far but yes I agree we could do with better back up. Sessegnon would be nice but he’s on a season long loan with Hoffenheim. I was impressed with Joe Bryan when we played Fulham, but I doubt they would consider letting him leave. The same applies to Rico Henry, Brentford didn’t seem keen on the idea of letting hi go in the summer.
We do have a quality first choice 11 now, hopefully over the next few seasons we will be able to make further additions to give us a squad capable of challenging the top6. I think realistically it’s going to take time, but one thing is for sure, at long last, we are heading in the right direction.
09 Nov 2020 18:06:45
Sessegnon is already out on loan.
09 Nov 2020 18:09:05
If additions made it must be a defender to fit in with or replace Mings or Konsa.
We have many midfield players in the group and indeed up front.
I can't see Wesley replacing Watkins when he is fit as he plays a different game. However he would be available to add weight if required.
Our biggest need is to move out a few who will not be featuring over the next few months.
Any funds from this should be used to buy replacements.
We look competent in the middle and front of the pitch but sometimes the back row look over run.
09 Nov 2020 19:32:37
Barkley is already signed its obvious he's not getting back in at chelsea so i think we can wait until the end of the season for that one. I think we can only look to sign players worthy of the first team in jan and you are starting to talk about real top quality now. Mbappe anyone 😂.
10 Nov 2020 10:24:10
Not the right attitude re Barkley, get it done ASAP, more he plays higher the price, plus the way he’s played vs Liverpool, Arsenal, Leicester, teams higher than us, maybe with European football will be thinking he is a good addition to their squad. Early bird catches the worm, get him signed, Konsa new long term deal along with McGinn and then look if there’s anything to do in January!