jollylescott said:Hello everyone from sunny Sydney Australia! Congratulations on a superb season. Its been a pleasure to watch.
In my view the starting point is that Man City have by far and away the best team in the PL. Most commentators have acknowledged this. So how do you improve such a team and challenge the Barca's and Madrids?
One thing that was quite obvious from watching afar (although I my son and I did fly over for 2 games (Fulham in the snow and Villa away the following week) is that without the towering presence of Djeko in the box it was hard to break down ten defensive players in the box. Even in the QPR game the ball came sailing over from out wide and we lacked the height to pose a threat. The question then becomes whether to seek another tall forward or persist with Djeko. Thats why I found the talk about LLorente or even (dare I say it he seems to be unpopular) Ibrahimovic as interesting options. From purely watching Ibrahimovic in the Champions League games this season he is very skilful and strong on the ball. If available I think he should be considered.
The second key figure is Ya Ya. We definitely need support for him. He had a brilliant season but if something happens injury wise (or for the period when he was required to play in the African Cup) it does make a significant difference to the team. This is why I believe that Javier Martinez would be a key acquisition. He is a tall and commanding presence and working with Ya Ya would make a massive difference.
In relation to the central backs Joleon had a superb season. But again without he and Vincent or both, it does make a massive difference. Again Martinez has the capacity to play as a centre back and therefore I believe you get 2 options for the price of one.
QuincyB said:Lavezzi or Hulk !
Matt the Giant said:QuincyB said:Lavezzi or Hulk !
Hulk?
Never in a million years. He's the most over-rated and over-valued player in football today. He is a good player, but built to last about 50-60minutes tops (probably 45 minutes in the PL)... including 10 minutes laying on the pitch pretending to be injured.
I really really hope Chelsea buys him and spends a fortune getting him.
Did you see him against us? He was no better than an off-day AJ.
wonder if he is still Ricster's choice tooDzeko's Right Boot said:Thorgan Hazard, his brother.
GHoddle said:Hadn't really thought about it, but there aren't very many quality wingers around right now, that are available. I think that's why I'm ok with selling Modric, because we can find replacements of a similar ilk, or even someone different like Fellaini, to replace him. In any case there are tons of central midfield players that we could look at. But if we sold Bale we would be very hard pressed to find a gettable replacement of even close to the same quality.
GHoddle said:Hadn't really thought about it, but there aren't very many quality wingers around right now, that are available. I think that's why I'm ok with selling Modric, because we can find replacements of a similar ilk, or even someone different like Fellaini, to replace him. In any case there are tons of central midfield players that we could look at. But if we sold Bale we would be very hard pressed to find a gettable replacement of even close to the same quality.