03 Aug 2018 08:17:43
Re. a few posts about Kante and Jorginho playing in the same side.
If we play the same type of system as Napoli did under Sarri then we won't be playing with a defensive midfielder in the traditional sense. Jorginho will be a deep lying playmaker, he will have defensive responsibilities, almost like a sweeper for the midfield, but his main role will be to dictate the pace of our game. Kante will not be playing in his traditional defensive role either, he will be more of a disruptor pressing the opposition deeper and breaking their lines with gut-busting runs forward - this is a role where he, with his energy levels, could really excel.
I think Vecino will, if signed, be very much a squad player, mostly used to pack out the midfield when needed and see out games. This is a role I thought Bakayoko would fill but he is completely shot of confidence and really needs a loan back to France or Italy where he'll have more time in games to re-build his confidence.
03 Aug 2018 10:08:43
Nice post mate, agree with it all.
03 Aug 2018 10:23:41
Bakayoko will be the backup of the backup- I guess, just can't explain what's happening to Bakayoko. Honestly before now I saw him as a player that can potentially replace Kante. He looks like he has given up and doesn't want to fight. I feel for him.
03 Aug 2018 11:43:42
The key issue is who will be the third midfield player because if it's Cesc we will have two players who don't track counter attacks.
I have hardly seen Jorghino make a tackle in three games something he will need to improve drastically .
I think we are going to have problems with no proven goalscorer and a weaker defensive unit than last season.
03 Aug 2018 12:38:12
Totally agree Turvey, it will be down to Barkley and Loftus-Cheek to step up, and into, the more advanced role.
I have been impressed with Barkley so far in pre season and he definitely has the edge at the moment, but needs to get match fit and I can see Loftus-Cheek coming more. and more into the team. If Loftus-Cheek applies himself he could be absolutely amazing in this team.
Overall I think we can expect a season not that dissimilar to Peps first year at Man City. W.
03 Aug 2018 12:55:15
I watched arsenal game at times we looked electric for me worries are. Midfield if Barckley can step up. The poor form of Bakayoko. Defensively I worry about luis. For most of the game he’s on it and fine. But he switches off then we have problems. Also very disappointed with Emerson thought he was particularly poor. I expected him to step up this year.
As for Morata he’s started how he finished last year. Lots of effort and no end product. He’s scores pen or any of the other 3 good chances we have and it’s game over.
So imo we need another striker, trouble is all talk is of bats and Gironde being sold. I don’t think Abraham’s is ready yet a bit to lightweight.
03 Aug 2018 15:11:34
I would agree with your example of a similar season to Peps first at City J. BUT they had Aguero scoring 20 in the league and 33 in all.
Despite that and all the other attacking talent they finished 3rd.
03 Aug 2018 19:06:22
Fantastic post J and not for the first time.
I obviously want us to be crowned Champions again but am viewing it as a translation season, so I will be happy ish with a top four finish!