28 May 2017 13:29:35
I can honestly see us changing formation next season. We've had a brilliant year but I just think this formation will get found out in Europe. I'd like to see us go 4-3-3 again but with some new signings. If we do go to 4 at the back I'd like to see Luiz moved to CDM as I don't think he would suit a back 4. Then with Kante and Cesc either side of him I think we'd have a complete midfield. There's no point bringing new signings in if they're not better than what we've got. My personal targets would be Van Dijk, Mendy, Sanchez and Aubameyang with Christensen and Baker returning for squad roles. If Hazard moves back to LW he needs a full back who will overlap him and who's got pace.
28 May 2017 13:45:52
I'm liking your signings, would have a good go in Europe with them although I would prefer to stay 3 at the back and rotate between 352 and 343, with hazard as the second striker.
28 May 2017 15:38:36
I'd like to see 3-5-2 but I'd also like to see our youth talents who are good enough starting next year like Christensen and Baker. Conte needs to be ruthless and still needs to improve the starting XI. Moses, Matic, Pedro and Alonso are all good players but they are not world class and they need to be improved upon.
28 May 2017 20:48:33
I agree to an extent with your criticisms. Pedro I think is an excellent impact player and would keep him, Matic is too slow and cumbersome and if Mourinho wants him then let him go, Alonso and Moses are useful going forward but are handicapped by not having anyone they can cross to that is good in the air, as for defending they leave a lot to be desired. I would be interested to see Azi at wing back with a new defender behind him and a new left sided full back. Key for Europe is another goal scoring forward who is good in the air as well as on the ground (Drogba style) .
29 May 2017 09:47:32
I can't see a change in formation. Conte has the base of a league winning squad at 3-4-3 / 3-5-2; surly he'd look to add quality to that system rather than revert back to another? Juventus successfully use the system in Europe.
29 May 2017 18:04:46
We won't change formation, as this is Antonios favoured formation. He proves it works we just need more strength in depth through the spine of the team.
29 May 2017 18:31:12
J. fully agree with you. A lot depends who might leave or who will we sign.
30 May 2017 00:36:55
You probably have to be joking by adding Alonso to the list. The guy is pure class. Scores goals, crosses the ball well, has amazing free kick on him and also defends well. I probably wouldn't need all fingers on one of my hand to count better replacements for him in this world. He just had a fantastic season with us and he been here just 1 year, lay off of the guy back and support the true blue lad next season!
30 May 2017 13:53:11
Unfortunately note joking. I agree with your assessment but certainly not 'pure class' and his defending is suspect, drawn out of position too easily. However, I was against his purchase and he did surprise me with his contribution but next season with numerous important matches especially at CL level we will need out and out defenders.