27 Feb 2015 13:42:45
Something I've been thinking about. It's obvious we need some better depth in midfield. Matic and Fabregas are fantastic, but they can't play every game and when they don't there's a significant drop in quality.
Let's assume that Pogba is not the answer and that Schneiderlin isn't an option as the club has no interest in him. Realistically, what players could be brought in that are good enough to contribute right away and get regular minutes? I'm actually struggling to think of players for the centre mid positions.
I'm eager to read some opinions of fellow posters and Eds :)
{Ed001's Note - Chalobah? Why not develop him? Or another youngster, rather than bringing in more to block their route to the team.}
I personally wouldn't mind that. Ake seems ready to me, but he's not getting any minutes. And I fear that's what will happen to a lot of young players, perhaps Chalobah as well. I remember Mourinho saying Chalobah would go on his last loan when he returned to Chelsea. But then this season he gets sent out on loan again.
I just try not to put too much hope into seeing youth products break through.
I appreciate your input though, Ed001 :) thanks for replying
Chalobah would have been a good squad option this season. not sure how often he would have played however is more physically mature than RLC and Ake and can play a number of positions. I fear that Mourinho sees him as a defender (where he has played I'm in two consecutive pre-seasons now). I know that's where he started out however he's definitely a better midfielder IMO. I can't understand why Baker wasn't given any opportunities either. Without proper opportunities, our youngsters will never flourish or prove/disprove their ability at the top level.
27 Feb 2015 19:42:08
Van Ginkel is another one. He has quite a bit in his locker if he can rid himself of repetitive injuries. Agree with Chalobah as well. I really see him as a long term replacement of mikel. Overall no point buying a squad player when one of those guys deserve it more and we save money.
If we can't get Pogba I'm all in to giving one of the younger lads a right go. For me it's Pogba or no one else really ( maybe Koke being the exception? ) imagine a midfield three of Pogba, Matic and Fabregas. They would boss every game and if we can't get that then Ake, Van Ginkel should get the spot no need buying a player that probably wouldn't offer more than one of them could with time on their side to improve.
Now watch Mourinho play Cahill in midfield on Sunday and crush all our hopes of seeing youth progress :-P
I couldn't care less who he plays on Sunday as long as we win!
Id prefer Ake, over chalobah.
I think two consectutive poor loans for Chalobah has set him back. Ake is ready.
Loftus-Cheek will probably go down the Chalobah route, flop, like all the others :/
28 Feb 2015 09:06:43
Well said Steve, and ELI we play 2 in the middle not 3!
Things do change you know Jack, remember when we use to play three in the middle cause the players we had were suited to it?
Doesn't mean we can't adapt
28 Feb 2015 10:38:05
Yes ELI I remember well. Macca holding with Lamps and Essien was a dream midfield 3. I don't see Jose going back to a 3 in the foreseeable future.
28 Feb 2015 13:40:27
I really don't think Loftus-Cheek would flop. He has the full package. He just needs his chance. Loftus-Cheek, Boga and Solanke are the ones with the most potential for me. If Rubén doesn't get his chances of playing with the first team we'll never know although I think he'll be a star. I just think everyone wants us to spend 80 million on Pogba which I dont. I don't want to see us make the same mistake as with Matic or United with Pogba. We're better than that. I'd stick him in a midfield 3 in the premier league game along with Matic and Fabregas. That would make our midfield powerful like 09/10 with Ballack, Essien and Frank. I guarantee if we don't play him and he leaves he'll become one heck of a player somewhere else. And there's no doubt if we signed Pogba IT WOULD slow down his development. Because jose would switch to a 4-3-3 with Pogba, Matic and Fabregas. Then Rubén would just get 15 mins here and there. If he played superbly it's not like Mourinho would even drop Fabregas or Pogba to play him that's why it would stop him developing.
I'm actually also not as keen on Pogba now as I was before. Assuming his cost will be extremely high, perhaps Koke would be a better alternative. Could play central mid as well as more advanced in any of the attacking midfield/wing positions. He's also young and looks a very good player.
So perhaps buying Koke and bringing back Chalobah/using Ake could be a solution?
A summer of Koke, Varane and a back up striker ala Icardi coming in, with Ramires, Mikel and some loanees being sold? Doesn't seem all that far fetched to be honest :)