Harry Maguire.
I've watched Leicester's last two matches against us and the Rags in full and no doubt Pep and the backroom team would have as well. He has shown he can pass the ball, can head the ball and can dribble with the ball. Not to mention commendable never-say-die attitude. Pep can improve his game enormously. Surprised we have not been linked with him already. Would much prefer him to Virgil Van Dijk who is older, not English and probably more expensive.
Masuaku from West Ham. What a player going forward! Good alternative to Faouzi Ghoulam, who we were rumoured to be interested in before his injury.
He’s the worst left back in the league in my opinion. Had a lift in performances under Moyes but that doesn’t change the fact he’s a car crash waiting to happen defensively.
The reason he's looking better under Wee Davey is Cresswell being played behind him to babysit him. So in our set up, he'd basically be an alternative to Sané. No thanks.You can't be serious. Have you watched him recently? He was their most dangerous player in our most recent fixture against them. He has been the main contributor to West Ham's recent lift in form. Questions about his defensive discipline, especially in his positioning, but that can be learnt. Dangerous going forward. Really good dribbler of the ball. Fairly young and probably wouldn't mind playing second fiddle to Mendy. Most likely obtainable in January for a reasonable fee.
The reason he's looking better under Wee Davey is Cresswell being played behind him to babysit him. So in our set up, he'd basically be an alternative to Sané. No thanks.
Their job is to attack, so you must not be watching many sides with competent wingbacks.Cresswell hasn't got anything to do with it. I've watched him multiple times now drive forward with the ball and dribble beyond two or three players to create an opportunity for his team. You don't see that very often from a wing-back - especially one playing for a side near the bottom of the table.
Their job is to attack, so you must not be watching many sides with competent wingbacks.
Also, what you've described has the sum total of sweet fuck all to do with his defending, or lack of it. "Cresswell hasn't got anything to do with it" Yes he does, he's defending the left flank with Zaba dropping in on the other side to make a four and give Masuaki the freedom to go forwards, he's got plenty to do with it. Since we've got 20+ players at the club better than this lad, I doubt we'll sacrifice two of them to play him - one to drop to the bench and the other to hold his hand.
Alonso doesn't do it because he's playing behind Hazard. He's not the best person for the role and leaves it to those that are. He doesn't have a left back covering his arse either and he does a shit load of defensive work. Masuaki is not only the furthest forward on his wing, he actually does less defending than Sané. He's got a wingers responsibilities, regardless of what fucking formation sky put up at the start of the match.Their job is not just to attack. I don't even know where to start with that. Even a winger's job is not just to attack.
Take Marcos Alonso at Chelsea, who is a competent player in that position. You don't see him initiating the attack by taking three players out of the game. He just doesn't have that in his game. Few wing-backs do. If you disagree then name them.
Cresswell doesn't go forward. My point was never that he has improved significantly defensively. Cresswell has nothing to do with Masuaku's ability going forward.
Think we were linked with Salah.Harry Kane. We're not linked with him and he'd definitely improve us.
So would Neymar. And Kante, Hazard and maybe Salah. Not linked with any of them.
Would rather see us get relegated than sign Ospina, Maguire, Masuaku, Kodogbia or Pulisic.In the summer:
Ospina- Would be a good backup for next season as he's good on the ball. I'd loan Gunn to a Prem club next season and have him ready for the following season. Sell Hart and Bravo
Harry Maguire
Masuaku for a substitute left back- move Delph back into midfield as a backup when Yaya leaves
Kondogbia/Weigl/ Fabinho- Anyone of these would be long term replacements for Fernandinho
Pulisic- Is capable of playing anywhere in the front 4 and has a fantastic ceiling. Pep could really transform him. Sterling/Sane/Bernardo/Pulisic could be the wing options for 10 years.
That's about it really as the other positions are covered.
Wouldn't mind Pulisic.Would rather see us get relegated than sign Ospina, Maguire, Masuaku, Kodogbia or Pulisic.
Would rather see us get relegated than sign Ospina, Maguire, Masuaku, Kodogbia or Pulisic.
Pulisic- Is capable of playing anywhere in the front 4 and has a fantastic ceiling.