Kalidou Koulibaly

[Neville Kneville]

We signed pablo moreno, that count?

He doesn't look like a striker to me. More Bernardo.

 

[blueparrot]

Who said I've got a better idea than anyone else on finances because it's certainly not me. The evidence is overwhelming that we pull out of transfers if we don't feel like it's value for money (Sanchez, Maguire, Fred, Van Dijk), the evidence is overwhelming that we generally go for younger players to protect ourselves in the transfer market (Mahrez and Walker at 27/28 being the oldest in recent years however it's few and far between), the evidence is overwhelming that we don't panic buy and we would rather go without signing anyone (Jorginho, Maguire) if we don't feel the deal suits us perfectly.

As for the £68m question, personally I'd walk away. Whatever we can claw back on Stones and Otamendi combined if we decide to sell both, I'd be happy to spend on Koulibaly. I think we'd be lucky to get £40-45m for the pair in the current market. Stones could still come good, it's looking increasingly less likely but I wouldn't write him off completely just yet, I'd be happy to give him another year to see if he can turn it around injuries and mentality wise.

Because you aren't saying Koulibaly yes or no based on your opinion on whether he makes us better. You are putting a financial value on it. For me he makes us better that's it. it's all that matters to me. If the club agree it makes us better I'll leave it to them to put a value on it and decide if it's affordable.
It isn't my problem and I'm in no position to have an opinion on our financial position on it. As you point out the evidence is overwhelming we won't pay over their value whatever the club decide that is.

 

[Neville Kneville]

Who said I've got a better idea than anyone else on finances because it's certainly not me. The evidence is overwhelming that we pull out of transfers if we don't feel like it's value for money (Sanchez, Maguire, Fred, Van Dijk), the evidence is overwhelming that we generally go for younger players to protect ourselves in the transfer market (Mahrez and Walker at 27/28 being the oldest in recent years however it's few and far between), the evidence is overwhelming that we don't panic buy and we would rather go without signing anyone (Jorginho, Maguire) if we don't feel the deal suits us perfectly.

As for the £68m question, personally I'd walk away. Whatever we can claw back on Stones and Otamendi combined if we decide to sell both, I'd be happy to spend on Koulibaly. I think we'd be lucky to get £40-45m for the pair in the current market. Stones could still come good, it's looking increasingly less likely but I wouldn't write him off completely just yet, I'd be happy to give him another year to see if he can turn it around injuries and mentality wise.

I would keep Stones but don't want to be in a position where we have to trust him.

 

[lightning Rodri]

 

[lightning Rodri]

 

[Gabriel]

Good montage. However, those clips show Napoli sitting deep, so it’s harder to ascertain how comfortable he is when turned higher up the park. His longer cross field passes went awry with both feet, and Juve set up against and pressed him in such a way that he had to thread a needle to get it forward, which he couldn’t do, or pass safely left, which he opted to do repeatedly.

I don’t doubt his defensive qualities, phenomenal strength, but he’s going to have to work on bringing the ball higher up the park and threading passes through. That’s the aspect of Stones’s game that has been improving, but imposing himself physically has not.

 

[Mr HJ]

Good montage. However, those clips show Napoli sitting deep, so it’s harder to ascertain how comfortable he is when turned higher up the park. His longer cross field passes went awry with both feet, and Juve set up against and pressed him in such a way that he had to thread a needle to get it forward, which he couldn’t do, or pass safely left, which he opted to do repeatedly.

I don’t doubt his defensive qualities, phenomenal strength, but he’s going to have to work on bringing the ball higher up the park and threading passes through. That’s the aspect of Stones’s game that has been improving, but imposing himself physically has not.

Good point - from those clips he seemed to take too many touches which is fine in the Italian league but I wonder how he would do when pressed at pace in the PL - My main criticism of Otamendi is he slows our possession then often tries passes that gives the ball away plus his diving in. Koulibaly hopefully would improve but maybe his signing is a bit more of a risk than we are thinking.

 

[ctid1894]

I would keep Stones but don't want to be in a position where we have to trust him.

I'm far more relaxed with Stones because I trust Garcia and I would happily put faith in Adaradiayo and Harwood-Bellis as well. If all else fails we have Fernandinho, Rodri and Walker as fallback options and another transfer window in January, if the very worst happens and 5 players all fuck up their chances which I just don't see happening.

 

[blueparrot]

I'm far more relaxed with Stones because I trust Garcia and I would happily put faith in Adaradiayo and Harwood-Bellis as well. If all else fails we have Fernandinho, Rodri and Walker as fallback options and another transfer window in January, if the very worst happens and 5 players all fuck up their chances which I just don't see happening.

But an injury to Laporte leaves us in the exact same position as this season, if not Kouliibaly it has to be somebody, the fact Koulibaly is two footed is an added plus, he can partner or replace on the left if Laporte is out. Whatever happens we can’t risk being left to make do like this season.

 

[ctid1894]

Because you aren't saying Koulibaly yes or no based on your opinion on whether he makes us better. You are putting a financial value on it. For me he makes us better that's it. it's all that matters to me. If the club agree it makes us better I'll leave it to them to put a value on it and decide if it's affordable.
It isn't my problem and I'm in no position to have an opinion on our financial position on it. As you point out the evidence is overwhelming we won't pay over their value whatever the club decide that is.

The biggest positive change in our defending next season will be the increase the intensity of our press, it'll alleviate the pressure the CB's are currently put under as we've seen in previous seasons.

This season has been a bit of a write-off in that respect because of the slowing down of Silva (as much as I love him), the introduction of Rodri (who I think will be excellent next season) and the over reliance on Sterling and Mahrez to play every game because we had no true alternatives. Laporte's injury was also a huge loss which we hope will not happen again next season, it would be extremely unfortunate if it did.

Foden, Bernardo and Torres all being closer to the team will make a huge difference in our defensive capabilities, simply by improving our press.

But an injury to Laporte leaves us in the exact same position as this season, if not Kouliibaly it has to be somebody, the fact Koulibaly is two footed is an added plus, he can partner or replace on the left if Laporte is out. Whatever happens we can’t risk being left to make do like this season.

Ake, I think at £35m quoted it's far more sensible than Koulibaly and gives us more options (3 CB's and also ability to play LB and DM in emergencies).

I don't agree Koulibaly is two footed either, he can use his weaker foot just like Ederson can but you wouldn't want him to have to rely on it.