Options is the key word. We know how much Pep looks at opposition and how they like to line up. Maybe against a Newcastle under Rafa if they sit back and play on the counter, maybe a Dinho/Douglas Luiz type is better to break up play and might not be needed as much playing though a press. Gundogan played well against Spurs and Arsenal who did press us. Maybe Zinchenko in the cups? Gomez is a little young but has huge potential. Depends on how he adapts. The only worry is Liverpool for me.
We fell short against Liverpool because our midfield was unable to cope with the press of Liverpool's midfield. We've since then failed to address this problem and people are expecting Delph and Gundogan (the latter was part of the side) to magically overcome this issue? It's bizarre and I don't believe for one minute Pep is happy with his options.
He offers us no unique qualities. Sure he'll be a good warm body, like a young Milner... But neither key nor necessary.Have there been any mentions of Sebastian Rudy?
Surplus to requirements at Bayern, linked with Leipzig - defensive midfielder, capable of filling in as a RB. Wouldn't be a bad rotation option and a very capable player in my opinion.
Well I was the One guy who suggested they should not spend the 50 million. And should start Delph and back him up with Zee.It is nothing to do with morality. The market is hyper- inflated. There are no DMs who will significantly improve our team available.
Remember last season a team were absolutely desperate for a left back. So they paid 50 million pounds for one. Within a month he was injured and that team had no left back. Because the manager was rather good and the players backed him by working hard and learning to adapt. That team went on to become arguably the best ever team in England. So that team would have won the title whether they had spent 50 mil on a left back or not.
Do not believe it is the end of the world.
I think 3 at the back vs Liverpool would be effective at beating their press. With 3, Firmino can't drop onto the cdm as he'd be bypassed by a cb bringing it out of the back also means their wingers have to then choose whether to cut the passing lanes to the wing-backs or the midfield. Overall it'd mean we'll deal more comfortably with their initial press and when we do lose the ball we have better cover vs their counter.
I think 3 at the back vs Liverpool would be effective at beating their press. With 3, Firmino can't drop onto the cdm as he'd be bypassed by a cb bringing it out of the back also means their wingers have to then choose whether to cut the passing lanes to the wing-backs or the midfield. Overall it'd mean we'll deal more comfortably with their initial press and when we do lose the ball we have better cover vs their counter.
Lol, if you believe players are the ''only' solution to the press problem, sure I can see why you feel like you do.
But smarter people than you or I, (including Pep) have consistently concluded that this is an issue of system , not talent.
Over the next 2 or 3 windows including this one we need a Fernandinho replacement we all know that. There are few players that can play that position in a Pep team. Jorginho is one and was available so we went for him. If someone else is available now we might go for him if not we'll wait and cover with what we have. It only becomes urgent next summer.I think Pep believes players are the solution considering he chased Jorginho and sanctioned a £50m move.
Well I was the One guy who suggested they should not spend the 50 million. And should start Delph and back him up with Zee.
As it turned out, that's exactly what we ended up doing.
That said, in retrospect I was wrong, and I'm glad we bought Mendy. He is an infectious character (something I didn't know or consider). And am delighted he is a blue. Even if I still think we overpaid.