roy.or.r
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So why do you think Pep was still looking at Jorginho and Fred?
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- Thread starter Charlesfarsbar
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TRUE BLUE NO1
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Not really as I think it is pretty clear that Bernardo was bought last summer as a CM and ended up playing RW because Sanchez fell through.
So, really, we just finally got our final attacker that Pep prioritized LAST summer allowing Bernardo move to his natural 8 position to rotate with Kevin and Silva.
That allows Gundogan to move back to the position that we bought him for (DM) to serve as an alternative to Dinho.
Since missing on DM's I've given this alot of thought and I think your right....signing Mahrez actually upgraded 2 positions as it will allow Bernardo to move inside. Seeing him at CM during the WC showed we have just seen the tip of the iceberg with his play so far. I have concerns about the DM role like many others but do think we got a 2 for 1 when we signed Mahrez and that shouldnt be forgotten.
BlueDeadHead
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So why do you think Pep was still looking at Jorginho and Fred?
He looked at Fred in January as a way of keeping Dinho fresh for the CL. In January we were competing in 4 competitions and didn't have a ton of depth at DM. Its also a position we would PREFER to upgrade (if you look at all of our positions that is one that is relatively weak--2 players that are great but one is aging and the other is injury prone). Fred was the choice for January because he was technically available (Jorginho wasn't) and he could be a good short term and long tern solution.
As soon as February arrived we started thinking about this summer and shifted to our first choice Jorginho (if he was available we would have gone for him in January). He didn't work out so we will see who else is available.
The think is though, I don't think there is much available RIGHT NOW that is better than Gundogan. He isn't the best in the world at DM but he certainly can do the job in a Pep team IMO. When we identify someone better (like Jorginho) we will try to get him, but my point is we have the ability to be selective because what we have is still damn good.
BlueDeadHead
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Since missing on DM's I've given this alot of thought and I think your right....signing Mahrez actually upgraded 2 positions as it will allow Bernardo to move inside. Seeing him at CM during the WC showed we have just seen the tip of the iceberg with his play so far. I have concerns about the DM role like many others but do think we got a 2 for 1 when we signed Mahrez and that shouldnt be forgotten.
Yep...the dominoes from that move mean that Gundogan is ALWAYS available for DM and the dominoes from Mendy being back is that Delph is usually available as well. That is a big change from last year.
roy.or.r
Well-Known Member
Fair enough. I think we should have closed the Jorginho deal before signing Mahrez as the DM position is more vital than the RW one. But thats past now.He looked at Fred in January as a way of keeping Dinho fresh for the CL. In January we were competing in 4 competitions and didn't have a ton of depth at DM. Its also a position we would PREFER to upgrade (if you look at all of our positions that is one that is relatively weak--2 players that are great but one is aging and the other is injury prone). Fred was the choice for January because he was technically available (Jorginho wasn't) and he could be a good short term and long tern solution.
As soon as February arrived we started thinking about this summer and shifted to our first choice Jorginho (if he was available we would have gone for him in January). He didn't work out so we will see who else is available.
The think is though, I don't think there is much available RIGHT NOW that is better than Gundogan. He isn't the best in the world at DM but he certainly can do the job in a Pep team IMO. When we identify someone better (like Jorginho) we will try to get him, but my point is we have the ability to be selective because what we have is still damn good.
In the games that count eg Dippers, Rags and latter stages CL Dhino will play. I would prefer another DM to be brought in, but not just anyone it needs to be the right fit.I think its a big risk to go into the season without another central midfielder that can play Ferna's role....I keep seeing Ilky's name and he undoubtedly offers more going forward than Ferna bu defensively he is shocking. For a professional footballer his tackling is non existent. For most games we will get away with it but int he games that really count I wouldn't have him in there at all
We need someone else
Dribble
Well-Known Member
We have the same issues on the wings as we have CDM. We have little or no cover. Mahrez is as important an addition to us as a CDM IMO.Fair enough. I think we should have closed the Jorginho deal before signing Mahrez as the DM position is more vital than the RW one. But thats past now.
cityzennn93:20
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thiago,pjanic, kovacic, weigl and ndombele are all available im not having that. there wont be this much quality midfielders available next summer. ony guys who are better than whats on that list are unavailable like busquets and kante.He looked at Fred in January as a way of keeping Dinho fresh for the CL. In January we were competing in 4 competitions and didn't have a ton of depth at DM. Its also a position we would PREFER to upgrade (if you look at all of our positions that is one that is relatively weak--2 players that are great but one is aging and the other is injury prone). Fred was the choice for January because he was technically available (Jorginho wasn't) and he could be a good short term and long tern solution.
As soon as February arrived we started thinking about this summer and shifted to our first choice Jorginho (if he was available we would have gone for him in January). He didn't work out so we will see who else is available.
The think is though, I don't think there is much available RIGHT NOW that is better than Gundogan. He isn't the best in the world at DM but he certainly can do the job in a Pep team IMO. When we identify someone better (like Jorginho) we will try to get him, but my point is we have the ability to be selective because what we have is still damn good.
BlueDeadHead
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thiago,pjanic, kovacic, weigl and ndombele are all available im not having that. there wont be this much quality midfielders available next summer. ony guys who are better than whats on that list are unavailable like busquets and kante.
only thiago an pjanic are better than gundogan and not by much. Weigl and Kovacic may be some day. But you are right...that is the list (with De Jong).