Is our squad stronger or weaker than last year?

[chickaroon]

I would like to get the Brighton full back. My main worry is the lack of a right sided, fast winger. When we break, the only real speed we have is Haaland. Not sure how fast Alvarez is, he looks quick. Will Pep play him on the right? Or will we use the speed of our fullbacks?. I know Mahrez, Foden and Palmer can play on the right but they slow play down by cutting back. Haaland will need quick service to get the best from him. What do you all think?

 

[chickaroon]

If Barcelona do get money in from transfers, I fear Bernado could still leave. Philips will give us his work rate but not his skill. He could even have been bought with that in mind. If Bernado goes I think we will go for Nunez from Sporting Lisbon. Probably completely wrong but there are still rumours about Betnado going and in interviews he has not committed his future to us.

 

[Mazzarelli's Swiss Cheese]

Voted stronger on the assumption that we get LB sorted. Haaland showed the other night with that one goal the ability and instinct to be in the right place at the right time - how many good balls into the box just flashed across goal with nobody on the end of them last season. Loads.

 

[sandiegoblue]

Slightly weaker currently, will be taking as assumption that as usual most signings won't hit the ground running. The level of Haaland is so high that he will of course contribute highly but won't reach his best game this season.

The big one for me is the loss of substantial winger contribution from Sterling and Jesus. That's a lot of minutes for someone else to take over and Foden and Grealish aren't exactly injury free players.

 

[Father Paul]

I'll check back with you in January ha..

My point is there will be very little football in Nov/Dec this season. In general most years we are fairly strong at this time.

 

[Keeper!]

Can we answer at the end of August when we know who we've got and how they're fitting in?

It has taken Jackie boy 12 months and that was ok by most on here , so don't expect much from Alvarez or Phillips, Haaland will rip this league apart for me if he keeps healthy.

Personally think we are stronger and more balanced, If we sign a LB.

3 players gone all for good money who no longer wanted to be here, and Fern, a wonderful servant but the last 2 seasons he has been a bit part player.

Haaland is the most exciting signing in our history for me, a genuine world class quality and still a kid.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

It has taken Jackie boy 12 months and that was ok by most on here , so don't expect much from Alvarez or Phillips, Haaland will rip this league apart for me if he keeps healthy.

Personally think we are stronger and more balanced, If we sign a LB.

3 players gone all for good money who no longer wanted to be here, and Fern, a wonderful servant but the last 2 seasons he has been a bit part player.

Haaland is the most exciting signing in our history for me, a genuine world class quality and still a kid.

All very possible, but we need to give Haaland time too. He will no doubt score goals, but he will take time to be perfect in the build up and press.

 

[bladdered]

In Pep we trust.

 

[Jazzyblue]

We are stronger undoubtedly. We finally have a strong, tall, physical true 9 in the box - how many times last season did we have crosses with without anyone on the end of them and a load of shorter lads up front? Jesus was never that consistent, Zink was never that consistent - though both great on a good day. Sorry to see Raz go but with Haaland coming in I’m not worried about goals. Yes I will miss Fern but he is in the twilight of his career and the bedrock of the team is still there with Kev, Gundo, Mahrez, Rodri, Bernie, Kyle, John, Foden, Joao, Dias - Wilson-Esbrand looking sharp and coming through, Jack will be more settled in and I don’t think Kalvin will disappoint. Anything Alvarez brings is a bonus. And a new shot stopper in Ortega to complement Eddie’s distribution. Very excited.

 

[john blue]

In Pep we trust. View attachment 51040

is that eddie large , from little & large, on the bench. ?