Izak is the striker we could all be on board with?
Doubt it happens though.
2 Likes
Jonathan David?
2 Likes
More concerned with the CB and RB positions.
Hopefully Bradley comes back soon. Weāre down to 3 fit CBās with Gomez injured. One more reinforcement would be nice.
1 Like
Gomez isnāt going to be injured forever. If Konate isnāt back for United, heāll be back a week after that.
We canāt buy a lad whenever someone gets injured.
2 Likes
Concern might be a too strong word, but itās obvious that after a while (almost 4 years since we signed our last āseriousā defender), defence will be a focus for transfer activity.
One CB was always needed. Ideally should have been done in the summer when we let go of Sepp
3 Likes
What team carries 5 centrebacks?
EDIT: Chelsea doesnāt count.
4 Likes
City.
We have a squad which is low in numbers to the point that Gomez is routinely used as a LB and RB as well.
Why tempt fate further. If thereās a suitable target
Donāt they play a back 4 of centre-backs?
Not until the injuries hit, for this season.
Sure, why not just keep stockpiling players? Why tempt fate?
Walker is a right back. Itās only Gvardiol whoās being used as a LB. Not unlike Arsenalās tactics.
Because weāve had a season derail when VVD got injured before.
With Gomezās versatility we have three senior players that can play left back (Robbo, Tsimikas, Gomez) four that play center back (Van Dijk, Konate, Quansah, Gomez) and three that can play right back (Trent, Bradley, Gomez)
That is plenty of options number wise, and comparable with other top squads like Arsenal and City.
If you have so many injures that those numbers donāt cover it, at that point you have to trust an academy player or get creative like Endo or Grav in the back line.
No senior player of any quality is going to come in to be the 9th defender on the squad and most weeks not even be on the bench if everyone is healthy.
5 Likes
It would only be a move to replace someone your thinking of moving out.
1 Like
Ideally we should be having one more number there.
Even one more third choice LB/RB if need be if not a CB. This will give us some more flexibility within the back 4.
Bradley is injured , Gomez is injured. Konateās return date is still not fixed. As of now we have one RB , two CBs and 2 LBs. Thatās 5 people to cover 4 positions.
We are in a great position with the league. An extra member there who will get minutes seeing the sheet number of matches we will be playing will serve to keep the squad fresher. A fresher squad means less chance of injuries.
3 Likes
Given Konate and Gomezās injury history, they are counted as one. Quansah only played around 20 premier league games. We do need another reliable cb.
5 Likes
Gomez is being used across the backline. I do think his injury history hasnāt been that bad in the last 1 and a half season. But the point that we still need one more person across the backline is valid. Preferably a CB. If the person can cover in RB/LB , itās a bonus
2 Likes
Iām alright with someone moving out after this season(assuming itās Gomez). But injuries are a part and parcel of the game. Being bit more prudent in getting the right target now might well make the difference between us winning the league or not.
1 Like
The drop-off from KonatĆ© to Gomez is significant. If KonatĆ© had Van Dijkās fitness, Iād be fine with our backline, but he never plays more than 37 games a season, missing around 50-60% of games. Another center-back of KonatĆ©ās level is a must.
Iām more worried with the drop off from Gomez to Quansah.
1 Like
Also wouldnāt have a problem with the current backline if Gomez wasnāt being used as a third choice RB/LB.
We need 4 full time CBs to cover for the positions.
As of now , weāve got Vvd , Konate and Quansah. With Gomez being rotated across.
So either get someone whoās a third choice wingback or get another CB.