I did not put him in the same bracket as Phillips, What I said was I think he's not at our level,
Stand-out players at another club can not make the jump up to the level and get found out.
Not sure who we sign then? Players who don't stand out at other clubs?
I agree that there's no guarantees though, if that's your point.
I'd like Guimaraes. He can do a bit of everything - play deep, go forward, he has energy, he has technique, he doesn't seem to have fitness issues. He's as much a chance of fitting into Pep's plans as anyone.
That last part makes no sense - we've made loads of signings of stand out players from other clubs that have worked out.
Grealish, Gvardiol, Haaland, Rodri, Dias, Bernardo, Mahrez, Laporte to name but a few from Pep's reign.
Far more hits than misses.
I reckon you could say that about every single signing other than probably Haaland in the last decade.
Every signing is a risk. This one would be a lot less than many due to prior experience, stats and scouting reports I reckon.
He doesn't have to be as good as Rodri; no one is. But he needs to be good enough for Pep to trust him. I believe Bruno is good enough for that. PL proven, strong, creative, etc. Perfect fit.
Phillips couldn't do that and we are where we are with Rodri's backup situation now.
But the main holding midfield player to replace is still missing, Also would a world-class player sign knowing he is just a squad player and cover ? I am in the camp of a system change when Rodri is out, Having a left back/right back in a settled back 4 and stop using the inverted full-backs and maybe have 2 wingers, Simple football
Can I just add, life after Pep what system will we setup in, With a new manager Rodri may not suit the new manager's ideas, We need a left back (World class) Simple setup, Life after Pep
Who said he would be a squad player and cover? We were after Rice & Paqueta last year, neither would be just cover. Our best football came when Rodri had Kovacic next to him and I'd presume that's why we are purportedly after Guimaraes now. Think the idea is someone that can sit with Rodri, but also capable of taking the 6 role in his absence. Guimaraes looks like what we wanted in Phillips, as he's tenacious but with a good passing range & creativity.