Alvarez replacement thread

[JewelZee]

Such as?

Either way I doubt it's going to happen.

That's not my fucking job. It's Txiki's...

 

[blueparrot]

I'm not underestimating Pep one bit. If you want the man to work harder and have to come up with another new plan that's your prerogative. And, yes, it's a NEW plan. He's won with a conventional #9 and he's won with a false 9 system. He hasn't jumped back and forth on a normal basis within the course of a campaign. But hey, if that's what you believe we need to do then so be it. I'd prefer we bring in a true 9 to supplement what we have, simple as...

I know what you prefer, and it’s a valid opinion, myself I ‘m unsure would depend on which strikers are available., others think we’d be better with a false 9 .All I’m saying is they are all valid opinions ,no need to be shouting I’m right and all fans should be agreeing.
Only one opinion matters that’s Pep and doesn't be surprised if he thinks and then proves you’re wrong ,he often think’s I’m an idiot and he usually proves I am.

 

[Cobwebcat]

The worst thing we can do is buy another dud. It’s not easy to step into this City team just ask Calvin.

Changing to a system that they all know how to play might be the easier option if Haaland is missing but Phil can play 9 easily anyway.

 

[JewelZee]

blueparrot and PragueBlue. Do either of you understand the level of changes needed in switching from playing in a 9 centric system to a false 9 system in terms of impact on the rest of the squad? Roles, responsibilties, strengths and weaknesses of the individual players are all affected. Add to that you are asking to do this while maintaining an elite standard. It's difficult enough to construct a system to play at our level from year to year but you want to switch gears in an instant based on the fickleness of Haaland's availability...Okey doke fellas...

 

[Coatigan]

blueparrot and PragueBlue. Do either of you understand the level of changes needed in switching from playing in a 9 centric system to a false 9 system in terms of impact on the rest of the squad? Roles, responsibilties, strengths and weaknesses of the individual players are all affected. Add to that you are asking to do this while maintaining an elite standard. It's difficult enough to construct a system to play at our level from year to year but you want to switch gears in an instant based on the fickleness of Haaland's availability...Okey doke fellas...

Steve Clarke does it two or three times in one game, so not sure what's that difficult about it for Pep ;).

 

[JewelZee]

I know what you prefer, and it’s a valid opinion, myself I ‘m unsure would depend on which strikers are available., others think we’d be better with a false 9 .All I’m saying is they are all valid opinions ,no need to be shouting I’m right and all fans should be agreeing.
Only one opinion matters that’s Pep and doesn't be surprised if he thinks and then proves you’re wrong ,he often think’s I’m an idiot and he usually proves I am.

I'm not trying to disrespect you. This is one I'm just not good with. The old Pep will figure something out just isn't working for me on this one. I'm normally strongly supportive of the club's positions based mainly on the fact that they get it right so many times. Our record speaks for itself. I also happen to agree with their decisions on an organic level as well, meaning it's what I would do, not that that matters. If we don't replace Alvarez' role as Haaland's deputy I think it's a mistake. I hope we get someone and if we don't I hope I'm proven wrong. That would mean we win when Haaland is not available, don't lose the league if he misses time and we drop too many points, and challenge Real Madrid for the CL title...the having an Alvarez to back up Haaland plan has already worked. That's what I'd be looking to mimic...

 

[JewelZee]

Steve Clarke does it two or three times in one game, so not sure what's that difficult about it for Pep ;).

Was he doing it when they won the Euros? I must have missed it, lol...

 

[southamptonblue]

Quite a few on here mentioning Evan Ferguson but is he really all that? Is he that far ahead of someone like Delap?

Neither are good enough, lumbering 'old fashioned centre forwards'....even at the height of his hype Ferguson was behind Welbeck ;)

 

[Blue tiger]

So you bring in another guy hungry to win, make a name in a great squad, and learn under Pep. If he pans out as good as Alvarez or anywhere near that level in a couple years time and he wants to move on because hopefully Big Erl is here doing his thing you say ciao, adios and go again...

Is Claudio Echeverri not that guy? Might just have to wait til January to find out.

 

[Sir Joe Aguero]

Might be on my own here but I think Gundogan is that Alvarez replacement. He essentially played as striker when he was in that false 9 role, he’s scored lots of important goals, he’s fantastic in the box and if his movement has slowed down with age, he’s better around the box anyway.

Mcatee staying, Bernie moving centrally and Kev looking fit probably means there’s less room in midfield anyway. If we can manage Haaland, I think we’ll be fine.