Fabinho

[Jazzman]

Correct, and we got slapped out of the UCL in the round of 16 with one, despite how highly I rate Dinho, and the other has proven useless due to his unfortunate injury record
We have had to timidly rotate Fernandinho and Yaya Toure over the past 2 months in light of the heavy schedule we had (/should have had if we produced and got through), and they are both too old to play consistently in the single pivot role game after game

I am absolutely flabbergasted that anyone thinks we have enough players in the centre of the pitch
We have Delph Fernando and Aleix Garcia as subs and foils to the two main players who are both well over 30 now

In my opinion we need 2 players in central midfield positions, to have real strength over the '4' and two '8' positions we play
The number of options we have in there is low to none, with us trying to be clever and get away with it (I know Pep is doing his best with whats available), and it ultimately costing us with flat performances at home to Stoke to name just one recently

Fabinho is only 23, Dahoud even younger, so it is just easy quality business to do, in another position we have woefully ignored for 4 windows straight

I agree completely. Get for example Fabinho and Dahoud in for the CM. Let Yaya go, and Delph too. Use Dinho and Aleix Garcia as the main backups. Not sure if we need Fernando but wouldn't mid if he stays too.

 

[citizens_1976]

All this, plus he is good in air, at least defensively. I think being 6'2 helps.

Yeah, the lad is nails. Must buy for me.

 

[City_Sean]

He'd certainly add that extra physicality that we're lacking at times. Hoping we can get a move done for him, he'd suit the inverted fullback role perfectly.

 

[KCblue]

Think and hope this will be one of the first deals done. His versatility is exactly what Pep wants in his players towards his ultimate goal of having a smaller squad than we certainly do. He'd be able to play DM or RB very well in Pep's system.

 

[JustAnotherCityFan]

This is the player I want the most. Think he's the perfect player for Pep.

 

[Metalartin]

He looked great against us, exactly the type of player we need in in the DM-CM spot, Fernandinho has been getting a lot of criticism but he's been moved about and played so much he's earned a pass on a few bad games for me, he's normally brilliant and will continue to be if we have fresh legs to cover.

Other than two side backs and possibly a CB depending on who's available, this position should have priority in the transfer window.

 

[Bootador]

It's going to be a hard sell convincing 2 first choice right backs to come and fight for one place, so being able to buy 1 than can only play RB and 1 equally equally adept at playing right back and DM/CM kills is definitely a way to circumnavigate this.

We can only buy so many players, so having someone that essentially covers 2 positions we need cover in while actually being good in both as well seems like a no brainer.

 

[blinkblue]

Get this guy and Isco in. Sell/release Fernando, Yaya and Delph.

 

[City_Sean]

Get this guy and Isco in. Sell/release Fernando, Yaya and Delph.

I'd actually be tempted to keep Fernando purely because he can do a job at times we need to close a game out.

 

[blinkblue]

I'd actually be tempted to keep Fernando purely because he can do a job at times we need to close a game out.

I think Fabinho is just as capable as Fernando at doing that in the pivot. Plus he's more mobile.