Matty
Well-Known Member
If we don't sign Pogba then I'd be happy to see Zuculini in our squad for the next season. His loan spell was disastrous. There's no doubt about that. He wasn't given a real opportunity for whatever reason. From what I've seen in pre-season is that he's someone who will work very hard in that midfield area, and that's exactly what we need.
Last season we could very well have won the league had we the type of players like Zuculini. With Delph and Fernandinho as other options in that role we're in a very good position considering the number of games we'll have this time around. We've didn't have many options in the centre of the park last season and it takes its toll.
In the CL, in a knockout game 1st leg, I'd be happy to see all three of those in the middle of the park, soaking up pressure. Let's be honest, with Yaya as our main creative player in the middle, we'll need some cover in midfield to allow him the freedom to play to his strengths and not run himself into the ground.
If De Bruyne arrives, I'd still like to see Lopes in our first team squad. Navas created a lot of goal scoring opportunities for all his sins. His mentality can't be questioned, late on in games he will find space and will cause problems.
If I was running City, I'd have been trying to sell Nasri all summer. A good season every other isn't good enough at his age. I'd rather give a young lad a chance than hope Nasri finds consistency. De Bruyne, Lopes, Navas, Silva, Sterling as attacking options I'd be very comfortable with.
If our fall back position for a failed attempt to sign Pogba is to use Zuculini instead then we're in a sorry state indeed. If Pogba doesn't arrive then I very much hope we've got another top quality target in mind. Zuculini hasn't played enough football over the last year or so to be trusted with a spot in our squad, in my opinion. He needs to be loaned to someone who will actually play him, and who aren't mired in a relegation fight. Rumours of a loan to Deportivo La Coruna are being heard, wouldn't be the worst of moves, if they intend on giving him regular gametime.