Snobbery again I see
Top winger definitely.
CB is a very “system” dependent position, it’s much easier to coax decent performances from average talent at CB so long as they’re not exposed.
Of course better quality anywhere on the pitch will be able to make the difference in the big moments and a more consistent basis.
Lets just focus on gettin rid of Bastardfi first. Everything else is a bonus.
We have to get at least one top CB in and a Ramsey replacement before we start thinking about buying a winger.
We need all three but the bulk of the money must go on a top quality CB that is also a leader and that can stay fit for most of the season.
Our defensive record is mid table level, and some of the goals we give away are shambolic.
So although buying a 5’4" winger might be good to watch from an attacking point of view, it’s not going to help us from leaking goals, which is what we have to do to get anywhere near the top of the PL.
I’m all for buying Fraser as long as the other positions are sorted out as well but unfortunately 40m won’t get get you a top quality CB, midfielder and winger.
I said my opinion of him earlier in the thread, having a great season but I think it’ll be a career type season, not so sure of his ceiling.
he’s having a fantastic season but he might not be able to replicate it, could be a one season wonder?
Fair enough couldn’t be bothered scrolling up for it haha
We should though and if you want to compete you spend the cash reserves.
Our team conceded 51 goals in the 17/18 season. We will likely concede around 45 this season.
Whilst I agree that coaching can get you to a certain level, we are currently way off where we should be. I do not believe this current roster is capable of producing a low 30s campaign. We need more quality.
Buying one proper defender will knit the defensive unit together much more effectively. A player like Umtiti + one of Sokratis / Holding / Kos is where we need to be.
Imagine having the same offensive output as this season but conceding 10 less goals. That’s another 7 or 8 points we could have won (particularly away from home where our record is bang average). That puts us on course for a 80 point season. Feels to me that there are huge gains to be had by upgrading this department first.
Do we need a Ramsey replacement? We have Ozil as the 10 and we have Guenduzzi, Xhaka, Toreira and Maitland Niles for the central positions. Not that we couldn’t improve on those
I’d like us to be in for Rabiot or Cyprien from Nice.
It’s the fact our rivals have match winners who can produce something out of nothing. United are going after Sancho and already have Martial. Our wing options pale in comparison to all of our competitors and this signing won’t change that
Tbf, they are going after Sancho in the same way that they went after Muller/Xavi/Ramos/Iniesta/Sneijder/Ozil/Maguire/Alderweireld/Griezmann/Ronaldo return etc etc
Our Defensive record and stats are indicative of a poor defensive system.
Take Mustafi out of the side for a better defender and the improvement is marginal if we can’t defend better collectively. Personnel wise, we’re terrible at Fullback and midfield at reducing pressure on the backline and that largely due to the current composition of the team.
If we add a top winger makes it makes the side more functional because we reduce the need for FB to push up constantly. We can afford to have better defensive mind FBs in because of the quality on the wing
Yeah we are in danger of thinking getting rid of Mustafi is the answer to eveything. It clearly lies a lot deeper than this and there are repeat problems we have had here before him.
Both are needed. No one argues that. But Moose starting is a calamity and Koss is old. Holding and Bellerin coming back from long injuries. Top CB is really a key priority.
FWIW, I think we will spend 60-70 net. If we sell 30-40, that means we have 90-100 to work with. That’s enough for 2 top players and a freebie.
I haven’t seen one Bournemouth match. Even the one against Arsenal I missed I think. I can’t really comment if he’ll be a good signing, but from highlights his style seems Sanchez-ish. Which doesn’t have my preference.
2 assists and a goal
Baller
Not good enough for Arsenal tho according to some
Sign him up
Opportunistic gamble probably worth taking given age and price and our needs.