Gilmour is supposed to review film and take instructions from Chelsea while playing for Norwich? I don't think DF will allow that.
I'm perhaps less surprised, I mean Norwich have their loanees regularly return to Colney for assessment days, and some have even trained with the U23's at Colney a day per week. I imagine this isn't going to be a case of Gilmour being given conflicting instructions from Chelsea and Farke, or that Norwich won't be aware of everything in the Chelsea analysis. It's just perhaps they have the analysts available that they can offer more bespoke feedback to Gilmour.
Do you think DG is defensively sound Rob? IMO he represents an improvement on young Lewis, but "defensively sound", no. Same can be said about our defensive improvement generally; improvement from a pretty low base as represented by 2018--2019. Is it enough to make the necessary difference at the higher level? We shall see, but if Skipp doesn't return and no comparable DM is signed, I have my doubts.
Why is DG not defensively sound ?I seem to recall that our defensive record improved when he arrived. Perhaps just a coincidence then . As for our general defensive improvement, yes I grant you it was from a low base , but it was also a massive improvement . But clearly still not good enough for you. And what makes you so sure that Farke has not got a DM and CB on his shopping list. It appears to me that this time we are prepared to wait to sign the right kind of players that will improve the team . Some of us have confidence in Farke and his team, you clearly never will.
Yes, DH, that's my concern - that he would be getting different instructions on how to play his position. I'm sure it won't be a problem.
"Defensively sound" could imply many things, Robbie. Presumably you'd favour a traditional FB who 'stays at home' rather than venturing forward to support the attack. That would require a return to 'wingers' and a whole different style of football. In the system he's playing in, Giannoulis is 'sound', in that his pace creates the threat he carries up the flank to keep the opposition from over committing to attack. The key will lie in DF's tweaks to the system for the PL this time, whether it's 3 CBs or 3 midfielders to strengthen the defence and allow the FBs to play as WBs. The key lies in the balance between defence and attack. Whether this involves a dedicated DM sitting in front of the defence has yet to be seen. SW has made it clear that he will wait as long as possible for Skipp's return, but there also has to be a Plan B if that doesn't happen - either another similar DM, or another way of managing the required balance.
Yes, I think DG is defensively sound. At Championship level, he was excellent. I can only recall one mistake, in his ?second match, which he more than made up for. Positionally he’s very good. Will that be enough for the Premier League? Who knows but I am confident that he and Gibson on our left side represent a massive improvement on our defence from two seasons ago - not just because it was a low base. As for the defensive midfielder debate, I don’t think that’s relevant. I think it’s universally agreed on here that we need another DM (and Skipp back on loan would be very nice). But I don’t subscribe to the idea that is the only way and if we don’t sign a DM that’s game over - there are more ways to skin a cat and so if we don’t, I will be disappointed, but I have enough faith in Farke and co. to recognise the vulnerability that creates and to make tactical adjustments to accommodate it.
This was posted on the Pinkun Board by a PAOK supporter: "Fun story, Tzolis, when aged 17 and playing in his first important match, exposed the current Liverpool Left back, Tsimikas, who was making a breakthrough season. There was a great debate between him and Giannoulis, on which one of those were the best left back. In the National team, Giannoulis is still considered the starter." (Video below)
Probably the wrong thread for it, but Bournemouth at home is our Carabao cup draw. Pleased it's a home game, and a reasonable test so could be an opportunity for our first team to continue to gel, or for fringe players to impress at a level that's meaningful.
Just as I was thinking this is probably the biggest summer of signings Norwich have ever seen and possibly the strongest overall squad we've ever had... the Guardian disagrees. "Of the three promoted sides, Brentford’s defined style and relative novelty factor probably give them the best chance of staying up. Norwich are superficially similar to the squad relegated two seasons ago, but wiser too, and the Kosovan Milot Rashica is an exciting replacement for the departing Emiliano Buendía." https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1628807745
I've been looking at predictions for the season ahead on YouTube and almost everyone has Norwich to go down, generally in bottom place, often stranded from the rest. Quite a few of them have Brentford to survive and finish above both ourselves and Watford. The super-computer, though, has us to finish 17th (although it's not been fantastically successful in the past).
I think the Guardian will claim that the word “superficially” wriggles them out of that, if we end up being better.
Potentially it is. Though we didn't know it at the time, 2018 was also a big one, with Pukki, Buendia, Rhodes, Krul, McLean and Leitner all arriving. Cantwell, Godfrey and Aarons all broke through that pre-season as well. Buendia and Leitner were the most expensive at £1.5m and Pukki and Krul on free transfers have to be the best bargains we've ever had. We were all deflated about the loss of Maddison and Josh Murphy and the new recruits seemed to be little compensation. How wrong we were. Buendia is gone, but Rashica, Sargent and Tzolis are all big money signings(for us) and Lees-Melou looks to be another SW 'under the radar' signing who could have a big impact. We shouldn't overlook the permanent signing of Gibson and Giannoulis either, or Gunn also on a permanent deal and Billy Gilmour adds another dimension to our midfield on loan. There's more to come as well. It's the Guardian assessment that's superficial, not our squad of players.
Squads: 2021 vs 2019 GK: Krul Gunn -- Krul Fahrmann RB: Aarons Byram Mumba -- Aarons Byram LB: Giannoulis, Mumba ? -- Lewis RCB: Hanley Zimbo ? -- Hanley Zimbo LCB: Gibson Omo. -- Godfrey Klose(inj) DM: Sørensen ? -- Amadou Tettey Trybull CM: Gilmour Lees-Melou Mclean -- McLean Leitner AM: Dowell Rupp -- Stieperman Vrančić WR: Rashica Onel -- Buendia Roberts WL: Cantwell Tzoris -- Cantwell Martin S: Pukki Sargent Idah -- Pukki Drmic Idah The obvious difference is the quality in depth now, meaning injuries should impact less (the ?s indicate planned additions). The 2019 squad was heavily dependent on bargain signings from 2 years before which were not PL quality. They've now been replaced by top tier quality players. Yes Buendia is gone, but Rashica and Tzolis have replaced him an Sargent offers another flank option as well as better back-up for Pukki. Lees-Melou will add steel, skill, pace and goals from midfield and Gilmour brings another dimension. Instead of the 'youngest defence in the PL' we now have hardened, experienced and skilful PL quality players well drilled in Farkeball. The difference is anything but superficial.
Not entirely, Duncan. At least they had enough insight to recognise that Dimi Giannoulis is defensively sound .........
I'm surprised Gillingham didn't enquire about some of our youth players for a loan , we have tons of talented kids that could benefit from a season away .
