FantasyIreland said:
Kolarov has improved but not enough to be first choice.Clichy has regressed and subsequently doesn't command the position.
So we have two left backs neither of whom are good enough to be automatic starters yet are both on contracts that suggest otherwise,which I believe means we need a quality replacement......
So........who do we offload? I would suggest Clichy as Kolarov has recently shown that,under the right circumstances,he can offer something a little different offensively while being adequate in his defensive duties.
Saying all that,i think this position can wait till the summer,we need to concentrate on centre midfield,right back and centrehalf - in that order.
Can't agree more. I've been saying it for a while now, Kolarov has thoroughly outperformed Clichy this season. He has been just as good defensively, while being superior in another class offensively. He is also an assistant captain. Thus he is going nowhere unless a serious bid comes in. But generally, teams don't bid for the fullbacks of big clubs.
We really need one Central midfielder and that is it in my opinion.
In the summer, we should sell at least 4 of the following 6: Rodwell, Micah, Lescott, Garcia, Dzeko, and the Swansea kid.
This will be a tough decision, but necessary for our growth. And while it is unpopular here, I believe Dzeko to be the only one of good value amongst the 6 above.
Micah and Rodwell should be sold. They are not healthy enough, and they give a false sense of talent pool we really don't have. They are not worth it. Lescott I'll sell because I think Karim Rekkik is ready. Garcia and the Sinclair I'd sell coz they are not good enough.
Dzeko will depend on what offers are available. I know I am in the minority, but Dzeko is quality and if he is willing to stay and split time with Negredo, I'll be all for it. If not well best offer and go with Guidetti.
I am not too worried about our left back Situation. I think Clichy and Kolarov are both serviceable. They both have shown the capacity to be above average in spots. It is up to the coach to field who is hot. We can't be perfect at every position. CB is also okay in my opinion, Kompany, MDM, Nasty and Rekkik are good enough. Can we upgrade? Sure, do we need to? not necessarily.
RB backup to Zab. Has to be English, Seamus Coleman seems a perfect solution and should be targeted. Micah should be moved on. Sad, but it is time. A new scene might even do him some good.
I like the cut of Fernando as the recruited backup CM. But if you ask me we need not be spending starter money for a backup. There are starters all over the league and in Europe who will cost less that 5 million that could truly serve as stop gaps for Yaya and fernandihno. Now if we can get Yayas replacement, sure spend the dough (ie Pogba or Witsel) but if we are looking for players to spot our starters every now and then, there are 100s of healthy starters all over Europe and the Prem who can do this with aplomb. From Yakub, to Pozuella, Parejo, Frello, Kramer and on and on. Just find a not too expensive one.
Really, I'd be targeting Coleman, an English CM, another backup CM and then just waiting to see what else drops our way. Mostly, I'd be focusing on selling the guys we need to move on.
