Next seasons squad

[Bishop]

He's a really interesting player, lots of potential, still only 24, very powerful...what I don't know is if he is a prolific scorer/can be one with a decent run of games.

I like him a lot. Mobile, technical, tricky, decent strength and a good finisher. He doesn't really get lots of games for PSG but whenever he does come on hes very much a team player and buys into their system. Hes really never been prolific but he looks like he could be given the right circumstances. I imagine he'd be quite expensive and a bit of gamble from us. Hes probably more of a good player than a great striker as it stands but he may well hit his potential and become a great.

 

[thfcsteff]

I like him a lot. Mobile, technical, tricky, decent strength and a good finisher. He doesn't really get lots of games for PSG but whenever he does come on hes very much a team player and buys into their system. Hes really never been prolific but he looks like he could be given the right circumstances. I imagine he'd be quite expensive and a bit of gamble from us. Hes probably more of a good player than a great striker as it stands but he may well hit his potential and become a great.

I have a very similar feeling about him. He also shows a great appetite every time he plays. I wonder if this is a DeZerbi choice from his Ligue 1 time?

 

[Bishop]

I have a very similar feeling about him. He also shows a great appetite every time he plays. I wonder if this is a DeZerbi choice from his Ligue 1 time?

Might well be, he'd be familiar with him due to the Ligue 1 link. I remember being disappointed when PSG got him as he's the sort of young bubbling under player I feel we rarely ever go for.

I haven't actually seen any of the links myself but it's one I like the look of.

 

[El Dante]

Links today to Goncalo Ramos.

He’s someone I wanted us to sign in the past. It’s worth noting though that I also wanted us to sign Muani and Tel, and they haven’t really been at it. So maybe one to avoid.

 

[Yiddo]

He's a really interesting player, lots of potential, still only 24, very powerful...what I don't know is if he is a prolific scorer/can be one with a decent run of games.

He's only 24? the guys been around in what feels like forever, i thought he was in his early 30's.

 

[robp135]

He’s someone I wanted us to sign in the past. It’s worth noting though that I also wanted us to sign Muani and Tel, and they haven’t really been at it. So maybe one to avoid.

The twitter scouts never seem to admit to their countless mistakes so why should you!

 

[NaijaSpurs]

I reckon he'll be Liverpool bound.

I would suggest Bayern bound

 

[Rafa87]

If we remain in the league we need:

A first choice keeper.
A reliable, first choice LB.
Likely a CB as one of Romero/VDV will be off I reckon.
A ball playing CM.
An ACM as no Xavi and Maddison will be out for a period again at some point.
A left sided attacker for Tel to be back up for.
A striker, who is more reliable goal wise than Richy, and more reliable to be on the pitch than Dom.

We need to move on a LOT of players.

 

[djp82]

We need a massive overhaul.

If we stay that would be two 17th place finishes on the bounce. That tells you all you need to know about this squad.


Need a LB , RB to start.

As the midfield we need someone who can pick a pass. My GHod the gulf in quality was so evident last night in the middle of the pitch.

As for our forward options that’s the worst front three I’ve ever seen.

Well remember it’s a World Cup summer , hard to do business etc and excuses will flow from the club. We need to spend more than the club can afford.

Even if we stay up it’s going to take a while to sort this squad out.

 

[Legohamster]

It’s a hypothetical statement but I would argue that RDZ would have us Top 6 this season IF he had a fully fit squad and had the previous summer to work with them as TF did.

Yes we need upgrades in CM and attack but we should be competing with the likes of Bournemouth, Brighton and Villa for a 4-6 spot IF properly managed.

This squad is nowhere near the quality for the top 6

Nowhere near enough G/A in it, even if you had the injured players back.

Our midfield is devoid of anything, Bent/Gallagher are good squad players for certain games but we don't have a Wharton/Scott who can open up a defence

The defence has improved under him, but it still just switches off

 

[Jurgen the German]

If we remain in the league we need:

A first choice keeper.
A reliable, first choice LB.
Likely a CB as one of Romero/VDV will be off I reckon.
A ball playing CM.
An ACM as no Xavi and Maddison will be out for a period again at some point.
A left sided attacker for Tel to be back up for.
A striker, who is more reliable goal wise than Richy, and more reliable to be on the pitch than Dom.

We need to move on a LOT of players.

Agree with all of that. The bigger question for me is how many of this crop we’d want to keep? Archie Gray is the only obvious one. I realise we can’t sell the entire squad, but struggling to think of which ones we should keep beyond the likes of Maddison, Kudus and Bergvall. The likes of Vicario, Romero, Udogie, Richarlison, Muani, Tel, Bentancur etc can all go. Even Kulu if he can’t get on the pitch for the start of next season.

 

[Bishop]

Agree with all of that. The bigger question for me is how many of this crop we’d want to keep? Archie Gray is the only obvious one. I realise we can’t sell the entire squad, but struggling to think of which ones we should keep beyond the likes of Maddison, Kudus and Bergvall. The likes of Vicario, Romero, Udogie, Richarlison, Muani, Tel, Bentancur etc can all go. Even Kulu if he can’t get on the pitch for the start of next season.

It's one of those funny situations that can lead to hyperbole but it's so much easier to think of the few that you would absolutely keep versus who you want to sell. As everyone can probably guess I'd sell the vast majority of that was a realistic option as most are mediocre and not up standard.

I'd probably agree with the ones you've picked plus Odobert and Kulu but with the caveat that next season is his time to prove his fitness and ability. Beyond them I really struggle to say that there's anyone I would absolutely keep, maybe Danso as well because I do think he's a good pro and a good 1st/backup option.

I do think we can make a decent squad if say half of the current lot were let go and you replaced them with 3 or 4 first 11 quality and a bunch of complementary role players but yeah it kind of says a lot when if I think really hard I'm unfussed by the prospective if the vast majority of them being moved on to pastures anew.

 

[Rafa87]

Agree with all of that. The bigger question for me is how many of this crop we’d want to keep? Archie Gray is the only obvious one. I realise we can’t sell the entire squad, but struggling to think of which ones we should keep beyond the likes of Maddison, Kudus and Bergvall. The likes of Vicario, Romero, Udogie, Richarlison, Muani, Tel, Bentancur etc can all go. Even Kulu if he can’t get on the pitch for the start of next season.

I’d keep Maddison, Kudus, Gray, Bergvall and actually Danso as well because I think he’s a very good, reliable 2nd/3rd choice CB and perfect for rotating in and out with minimal fuss. Naturally I would also keep Vuskovic. I’d keep Kulu if we think he’s able to go and isn’t now permanently broken. Kinsky is good for second choice. Someone like Xavi stays regardless due to the length of injury.

I think at least one of VdV and Romero would go, and as much as some will disagree, I actually won’t mind if they both did.

After that, there’s some players who I like, and think can play well as part of a squad (Bentancur for me) but if they were sold, I wouldn’t be devastated, and would understand it. Players like Udogie, I don’t mind, I can see their quality but if we can’t reliably have them on the pitch more often than not, what’s the point?

It probably says a lot that if I say who I would definitely keep and think we can’t do without… I’m not making double figures.

 

[Gilzeantoscore]

Porro can leave as well, as he cannot defend. I have never seen a fullback so incompetent at preventing crosses as this guy. Once in a blue moon he gets an assist or scores, but not nearly enough. Apart from Tel, who I think will come good, all of front three should also go. Richie has been okay, but again nowhere, near good enough if we are to re gain out top five status.

 

[Jurgen the German]

I’d keep Maddison, Kudus, Gray, Bergvall and actually Danso as well because I think he’s a very good, reliable 2nd/3rd choice CB and perfect for rotating in and out with minimal fuss. Naturally I would also keep Vuskovic. I’d keep Kulu if we think he’s able to go and isn’t now permanently broken. Kinsky is good for second choice. Someone like Xavi stays regardless due to the length of injury.

I think at least one of VdV and Romero would go, and as much as some will disagree, I actually won’t mind if they both did.

After that, there’s some players who I like, and think can play well as part of a squad (Bentancur for me) but if they were sold, I wouldn’t be devastated, and would understand it. Players like Udogie, I don’t mind, I can see their quality but if we can’t reliably have them on the pitch more often than not, what’s the point?

It probably says a lot that if I say who I would definitely keep and think we can’t do without… I’m not making double figures.

I wouldn’t be bothered if we lost VDV and Romero too. Neither of them are consistent. Romero is a loose cannon and cannot be relied upon from a discipline pov.

 

[Mikey10]

As long as we keep Muani then I'm happy.

 

[monkeybarry]

Bowen is a very good player, only issue is he'll be 30 this year, will be a nightmare to get (West Ham fans will not be happy) and he plays in Kudus position.

He seems as West Ham through and through as Noble - I don't think he'd join us unless he had no other options.
I wouldn't be surprised if he gives them a season in the championship (if we stay up!) - seems that type of character.

 

[monkeybarry]

GK
Kinsky, a new experienced pro
(Give kinksy the no.1; experienced pro incase it goes wrong)

Udogie LB
NEW RB
Spence to cover both sides

Danso
Vuskovic
NEW CB

CM:
Bent
Palhinha (sign)
Gray

AM:
Madders
Gallagher
Bergvall

LW:
Tel
Moore

RW:
Kudus
NEW

CF:
NEW - big investment focus area.

Sell:
Vicario
Porro
Romero
VDV (cash in - his value will outstrip his ability. Needed for reinvestment?)
Sarr
Richi
Solanke

Sign:
Palhinha
Solid experienced CB (Senesi type signing)
Solid RB
Two strikers

Issues:
The squad is poorly balanced. I'd sell Gallagher too - but that clearly won't happen.

Gray and Bergvall - hopefully we are not seeing them because RDZ is focused on survival and a summer reset. I think that's the case for Gray. Bergvall has been overlooked as a sub option, so I worry RDZ might not rate him.

Madders, Kulu, Kudus, Simons - massive risk on their post injury abilities, especially Kulu and Simons.

Striker is the biggest playing staff weakness.
Injuries are the biggest risk factor.

4/5 well thought out signings and we'll make Europa Lge next season. (If we stay up!)

 

[harr1984]

GK
Kinsky, a new experienced pro
(Give kinksy the no.1; experienced pro incase it goes wrong)

Udogie LB
NEW RB
Spence to cover both sides

Danso
Vuskovic
NEW CB

CM:
Bent
Palhinha (sign)
Gray

AM:
Madders
Gallagher
Bergvall

LW:
Tel
Moore

RW:
Kudus
NEW

CF:
NEW - big investment focus area.

Sell:
Vicario
Porro
Romero
VDV (cash in - his value will outstrip his ability. Needed for reinvestment?)
Sarr
Richi
Solanke

Sign:
Palhinha
Solid experienced CB (Senesi type signing)
Solid RB
Two strikers

Issues:
The squad is poorly balanced. I'd sell Gallagher too - but that clearly won't happen.

Gray and Bergvall - hopefully we are not seeing them because RDZ is focused on survival and a summer reset. I think that's the case for Gray. Bergvall has been overlooked as a sub option, so I worry RDZ might not rate him.

Madders, Kulu, Kudus, Simons - massive risk on their post injury abilities, especially Kulu and Simons.

Striker is the biggest playing staff weakness.
Injuries are the biggest risk factor.

4/5 well thought out signings and we'll make Europa Lge next season. (If we stay up!)

Kudus to you for listing all that out, I agree with a lot of that but just a few things I would argue with:

- We need a new starting GK, Kinksy is good enough cover but not convinced he is good enough over the course of a whole season to be no.1
- Udogie, I question whether he is really good enough anyway but he is not consistently fit enough to be relied on as our main LB and having the right footed Spence there for a lot of the time is not good enough. One thing about Udogie is that he shows just how much better we look having a left footer there who gives balance, even when he's not playing well. We either trust in Souza to develop or as it looks like we want to do with Robertson get in another LB (not that I rate him anymore).
- We definitely need a ball playing CM, a true passer
- Our LW is weak, no way should it be Tel and Moore. I've seen a lot of Moore, he is not good enough for PL football yet and Tel I like and has potential but should be the backup option. Odobert was coming along nicely so he has to be under consideration too.

Like you say, different conversation if in the Championship though .....

 

[monkeybarry]

Kudus to you for listing all that out, I agree with a lot of that but just a few things I would argue with:

- We need a new starting GK, Kinksy is good enough cover but not convinced he is good enough over the course of a whole season to be no.1
- Udogie, I question whether he is really good enough anyway but he is not consistently fit enough to be relied on as our main LB and having the right footed Spence there for a lot of the time is not good enough. One thing about Udogie is that he shows just how much better we look having a left footer there who gives balance, even when he's not playing well. We either trust in Souza to develop or as it looks like we want to do with Robertson get in another LB (not that I rate him anymore).
- We definitely need a ball playing CM, a true passer
- Our LW is weak, no way should it be Tel and Moore. I've seen a lot of Moore, he is not good enough for PL football yet and Tel I like and has potential but should be the backup option. Odobert was coming along nicely so he has to be under consideration too.

Like you say, different conversation if in the Championship though .....

I actually agree with most of what you've said, but I was trying to be realistic.
If you add all of your changes on top of mine it's too big of an overhaul - they usually have negative consequences.

Kinsky - is he good enough over a season? No idea. Apart from shot stopping he's really good. Next season is the perfect season to blood him properly and have an experienced back up to help him develop and as a contingency.

Udogie I agree on.
I'd forgotten about Souza - udogie and souza works. Robertson and Souza is an option for sure.
Mirror that on the right, Spence and an experienced RB. Make or break for Spence to own RB.

Who do you get rid of for a ball playing CM?
Doesn't RDZ like to get the ball into wide players that play in the channel and then have the other wide player, the striker and attacking mf as scoring threats?

Odobert! Of course! Add him to my doubts list.
Moore and Tel.
One of the supposed hottest prospects in English football and a £60m signing - I don't see us signing anyone to be ahead of them.
And I think it's better if we focus on a couple of experienced pros at the back and go as big as we can on strikers.

Our squad isn't actually that weak - it's on par with 13/14 other teams. The PL is just really tight these days.
Coaching and tactics will make the biggest difference, if players are fit.
Injuries are the biggest conundrum - focusing on fixing that , whether it's structural or about the individual players, is step one.