I guess the measure of that drop-off depends on Gomez’ level - if he plays every game like the one against Newcastle, we’re in for some torrid time. On the other hand, if he plays every game like the one against Fulham, we’ll do just fine.
I still think that, if there are no long-term injuries to centre backs by the end of January, club won’t be targeting a centre back until the summer. Meanwhile, I’m sure that Slot looks at his team and thinks “yeah, I don’t have a player who does stuff that Gravenberch does now”. Unless he thinks that Bajčetić could be Endo’s upgrade after his Salzburg loan, that is…
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Yes, I was thinking more long term and consistency is an important asset.
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Bring in someone who can share the LB spot over the next couple of years with Andy, before making it his own. Kostas hasn’t been able to do that and at 28 isn’t going to be the ideal choice as #1 LB.
Still talk of Zubimendi coming in, maybe we should go for that as we don’t seem to be using Endo much, even when needed.
Joao Pedro and Carlos Baleba from Brighton.
Or Ederson from Atalanta
Bringing sane thoughtful commentary to TAN?
Mods, please ban!
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Add Ugarte to the bullet dodged list. Limited in the extreme!
On Zubi. Did he sign a new contract in the end? (With the promised new terms) which would have a greater release clause or did they renege?
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I can still see the logic in going after Mount at the time (if true, I can’t quite remember the source) as opposed to going after Gordon last summer. Hopefully the people who identify our club’s new signings will be better organised for future endeavours. Or, as people from England like to put it, give their heads a wobble.
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I’m the opposite.
Didn’t see the logic for getting Mount at the time, if we were even genuinely in for him. And that goes both for us and United.
I don’t mind Gordon at all and could see the logic. Questionable if a left sided forward would’ve left in that case.
It seems like our priority was Olmo, but that was always going to be a tough one to get.
Then Gordon (with Gomez going the opposite way) and then we ended up with Chiesa.
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Assuming there was any truth to it, it seemed to be an option for the role we ultimately filled with Dom.
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Robertson is washed. His form has waned for a few seasons now. Now he still has good games, but the club has been too slow in improving the team.
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Robertson was MOTM in the last game in Europe. He’s not dead and buried just yet. The issue now is he is not a two game a week player. We need a new left back to share with Robbo and take over from him over the next season. (If it is Davies, he goes straight in as first choice. But if it is Kerkez or Hato, someone like that, they can learn from, and rotate with Robbo, before taking over).
In the game against Fulham Robbo was fouled badly - should have been a red, and then he gamely tried to carry on, but he was carrying a knock and not quite up to speed. A miscontrol and a mistimed tackle to try to retrieve it saw red, although VVD was still on hand to defend, and a red was unwarranted for that reason.
Tsimikas is a decent back up, but he is not first choice material.
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Bullet dodged.
But mount seemed then to be a player who could thrive under Klopp. Glad we didn’t go in for him.
Haven’t seen too much of Everton this season.
How has branthwaite been for them ? Bit too much to expect that Everton will let him go in January. But they aren’t in a relegation battle considering the sides below them. And that money can be used to improve the squad in general.
I was half wondering if Branthwaite might be a player we would go for. He has been injured but the chances I’ve had, I’ve tried to notice him.
Conclusion: not for us!
Turning circle of an oil tanker, seems slow too. Yes, he’s a stout big unit, but we need so much more.
Maybe Ait-Nouri should also be taken off the theoretical list for his part in the post-match fracas.
If we can persuade Bournemouth to do a deal in January, maybe we should get Kerkez, then again Antonee Robinson looks pretty good but I can’t see Fulham selling him in January.
Robinson looks good but I’d rather have Kerkez.
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Ideally , we need to get in someone who can play both rightback and leftback. Even if he’s slightly in the older age bracket. He can remain as a filler (will still get to see loads of games) and we can look to address improvements in the summer.
As much as we need quality , we need numbers as well.
Robertson’s game has always depended on his speed and work rate. His limited technique already makes him struggle in build-up play, as he’s terrible at short passing. Slot’s system often uses inverted fullbacks who play more centrally, requiring fullbacks to excel at short passing and be comfortable with both feet—qualities Robertson simply does not have. He used to be decent defensively, but he’s lost all his speed and agility. Two penalties, one red card, one own goal—Madueke and Saka completely exposed him. You could clearly see the difference when Tsimikas replaced him in the Arsenal game. While Tsimikas might not be starter material, he’s currently a better option than Robertson.
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