26 Jul 2017 13:35:01
My opinion on our current squad.
Goalkeepers.
This is one position we have no worries in, courtois occasionally makes the odd mistake and his kicking isn't always the best. If he could improve on the two above then he can easily become the best keeper in the world imo. Cabellero and Eduardo are very cabable back ups.
Defense
CBs: Luiz, Azpi, Cahill and Rudiger are all solid, but if we lose either Azpi or Luiz to injury we could be in trouble. Cahill has been great for us since we signed him but his pace is a concern if he gets isolated. Christensen doesn't convince me and I'm not sure he'll be here come September.
Wingbacks: Alonso and Moses, both were great for us last season and will be just as crucial again for the upcoming season. They provide the width in our attacks and pop up with crucial assists plus goals, especially on the counter attack. The big concern though is Alonso is not the quickest and against the so called better wingers (especially in Europe this upcoming season) he could be a weak point opponents will attack. Moses is also liable to a defensive mistake or two. And if either gets injured we don't currently have a natural replacement, although Azpi could fill in on either side if needed.
Midfield: Kante, Bakayoko and Fabregas are our main 3 in the middle. Kante will again be pivotal to our midfield this season and it will be interesting to see him and Bakayoko playing together. Fabregas imo just can't be played in a midfield two against the top teams, he just doesn't have the pace or physicality to cope and we get over run. Fabregas is perfect starting against the so called smaller teams though, when he gets more time and space on the ball. I would like to see Baker given a chance but once again I'm not sure whether he'll still be here come September.
Attackers: Hazard, Pedro, Willian, Morata, Batshuayi (potentially Boga and Musunda if they stay) .
Hazard will clearly be our main threat supported by Willian or Pedro, with Morata or Batshuayi through the middle. If Hazard returns from injury playing the way he was last season we're in for a treat, Pedro really stepped up last season and I feel we could see Willian back to his best after his personal issues last season. It will be interesting to see how Morata settles, if he finds his feet quickly, 20-25 goals could easily be possible for him. Boga and Musunda could be good impact players and start in the League cup etc.
So all in all what I feel we need is obviously Alex Sandro or someone of that ilk to compete with Alonso at LWB, Sergi Roberto would also be a great option for RWB while also being able to play in the center of midfield. Llorente also wouldn't be a bad option, especially if we are chasing a game he would give us a more direct approach in the last 10-15 minutes of a game.
Sorry for such a long post guys.
26 Jul 2017 15:01:54
That's a pretty good post, nothing too scare mongering.
I just think we need an extra midfield player to support kante / Bakayoko / fab.
And if Christiansen goes I can see us getting another cb too.
Otherwise everything you say I agree with.
26 Jul 2017 15:06:50
Oh, and one more thing.
I'm expecting some complaining if we sign Candreva.
He's decent, a genuinely good attacking wide man, great cover of you've bothered watching much Serie A.
26 Jul 2017 16:13:44
Good post Bobby. I agree we need to strengthen at wing back on both sides and I would also like another central midfielder and centre back. I really hope Bats stays as an alternative/ back up to Morata. For me Sandro and van Dijk would be great signings plus The Ox who cover at wing back and in midfield.
26 Jul 2017 16:16:48
I think fabregas will only play in midfield 2 against lesser teams.
26 Jul 2017 16:13:44
Good post Bobby. I agree we need to strengthen at wing back on both sides and I would also like another central midfielder and centre back. I really hope Bats stays as an alternative/ back up to Morata. For me Sandro and van Dijk would be great signings plus The Ox who cover at wing back and in midfield.
26 Jul 2017 16:16:48
I think fabregas will only play in midfield 2 against lesser teams.
26 Jul 2017 16:43:22
Glad you agree with most things I said guys.
Conthan. I agree Candreva would be a good signing, experienced and always puts in a good shift wherever he plays.
G8. Yeah hopefully Michy stays especially as he should get lots of opportunities with the amount of games we'll have this season. And agreed on Oxlade Chamberlain, he would be good cover for midfield and competition for Moses at RWB.
26 Jul 2017 17:00:05
I agree with Fabregas and games where we can dominate and he can go forward, pressure games and he is a passenger. Alex Sandro would be ideal on the left as full or wing back especially as we need to to be mindful how vulnerable we are down that side with Alonso's lack of pace and defending against pacy, footballing teams. not sure why the possible interest AOC or the hype that surrounds Van Dijk.
26 Jul 2017 17:35:11
Fabregas has never reached the heights when he was at arsenil. Courtois was poor since he returned from athletico but now looking better and still better than cech. But i agree our defence is weak. Terry and gallas/ carvalho days are gone. But we won the prem last year let's see.
26 Jul 2017 20:24:50
I'm confused, I know everyone was roberto could play in midfield or wingback but if everyone is faulting Alonso for his pace why do u all want riverto. He's slower.