I think you’re right. I would say we need 3 players because I don’t know that Skipp has the on-ball ability yet but he seems to have been developing quite rapidly aside from his injuries so he’ll have the rest of this season to show that we don’t need a starter for that position and that he and (probably Bentancur) are the men for the job.
Here's the interesting thing: Although Bentancur has only played a handful of games, he seems to have been handed the box-to-box job. He was certainly much further forward than Hojbjerg against Everton at least a dozen times I cared to pay attention, so the real number was probably higher. I also noticed the same about Skipp in the games against Newcastle, West Ham and Palace. So I wonder how Conte perceives Hojbjerg. Bentancur and Skipp are definitely better at carrying the ball and are also that little bit better at the quick short passes (although Hijbjerg's long range ability is slightly underrated I would say), so it will be interesting to see how they are deployed when partnered together. My gut feeling is Skipp will 'sit' and Bentancur will go box-to-box. But the versatility of both players means that they can rotate roles throughout the game thereby both preserving energy and/or confusing the opposition. But as you have said, Conte's interpretation of the CM role is definitely much more fluid and dynamic than the go-to destroyer/creator combo many on here describe.
For me, the summer checklist is something like this GK: understudy for Hugo (i.e. Johnstone), unless someone like Unai Simon becomes available as then we have a decision to make CB: somebody to fill the Barzagli/Cahill/Skriniar role (i.e. Botman, Romagnoli) RB: an attacking WB (i.e. Lamptey, Spence, Livramento, Aarons, Singo) LB: depends if Los Ladrones trigger the buyback for Reguilon. If they don't, we're fine. If they do...well, better sign one, eh? CM: depends if Conte rates Sarr. If he does, we have depth for both spots. If he doesn't...ah AM/RW/LW: depends if Gil gets a shot (which is possible should Bergwijn leave), though assuming Ndombele and/or Lo Celso leave there may be another depth option needed CF: understudy, unless Dane Scarlett blows up overnight in our last dozen games So two definite first team signings, a third if Los Ladrones force the issue, and a fourth if Sarr gets loaned again - plus a minimum of two and a maximum of four depth signings
...and on the subject of Ndombele, anyone see him in tonight's EL game? Let's just say either I owe our fitness teams an apology, or Lyon's are even worse please log in to view this image
Definitely need a decent keeper that can be number 1 rather than just a back up. Need a RWB. Sell Emerson and get some money in. Not a fan of Doherty but he is more suited to Conteball than Emerson. LWB, need 1 if Madrid decide to resign Reguilon. CB- definitely need 1 but wouldn’t be surprised if the club target 2 and move on one of the following like Sanchez, Rodon, Tanganga or even Ben Davies. CM- need 1 at least, I think one of Winks or Hojbjerg could be off in the summer and Sarr probably won’t be trusted too much by Conte. ST- other say not needed but I think a striker is a must in the summer. Obviously if Kane leaves then it’s 2 strikers needed
I hadnt realised he still had another 2 years. I thought it was 2 years last summer and this was his final year this summer. In that case i dont see him leaving at all if you dont get your massive sum that levy wants even if he throws his toys out. That's what long term contracts are for.
Yeah it was 3 last summer I believe. I think this summer is the last chance we have to get a really, really big fee for him.
It’s interesting watching us off the ball when we don’t press high. The two wide players drop quite deep and narrow, almost forming a midfield 4 behind Kane, with the WBs guarding the deeper wide areas in what is basically a back 5. It’s the CMs who tend to move up towards Kane and help him pressure their deep midfielders or CBs in possession, with our wingers advancing if we want to pressure their fullbacks. It’s a very secure shape, obviously, and also slightly unorthodox. But it seems to do a good job plugging the spaces.
It does act like a 5-4-1, then the wingbacks get really wide if we get the ball back. Tough job for them, as they're expected to get narrow at the other end of the pitch, too. When Pickford saved Doherty's shot in the box the player on the back post was Sessegnon.
It really asks a lot of the CMs, wingers and wingbacks. Makes you realise how badly suited players who struggle with fitness are to Conte - regardless of quality. Gio and NDombele spring to mind.
I think that the main quality is being comfortable with not having the ball for long periods. Staying alert, running around a lot and communicating with those around you. Doesn't really suit a lot of players.
In terms of wish lists; Johnstone, Lamptey, Romagnoli, a creative mid and a striker makes for an excellent summer for me and I thinks it’s more than doable too. Johnstone on a free buys us a season to search for Lloris’ long term heir, or possibly he surprises a few and steps up himself. Lamptey, no brainer, seems perfect for Conte-Ball. Romagnoli to compete with/ replace Davies in the XI, though I like Davies at LCB. Creative mid to provide an option whether as a starter or from the bench. Bentancur and Skipp on paper seems great, with Hojbjerg in the mix too but against deep defensive sides it could be an issue. Conte had Fabregas and Eriksen at his disposal at Chelsea and Inter respectively, hopefully he gets one in their mould for Spurs, possibly even a return for the Majestic Danish Bastard. A solid second striker doesn’t really need any explanation (assuming/ hoping/ bloody praying Kane stays). Rodon, Emerson, Winks, Ndombele, Lo Celso and Bergwijn all to go to help fund moves. A shame for Rodon and Emerson, one’s never had a chance and one’s a solid RB (but not a Conte-RWB) but it’s tough seeing long term futures here for either.
Conte outright said part of the reason Ndombele was allowed to leave in January was because he effectively removed a tactical sub every time he started
Excellent summary there mate. Romagnoli would be a great buy - do like the look of the Croatian LCB Gvardiol too. Cover for Dier in the middle of the back three ideally needed too. Not sure Sanchez, Romero or Tanganga are ideally suited to this role but LCB is obviously the most important position to buy if we bring in just one CB this summer. If we finally get round to finding a CF to cover / rotate with Kane (For the love of God) then we will have 7 attacking options - Kulu, Kane, Son, Lucas, New CF, Bergwijn and Gil. Probably one too many and as you say either Lucas / Bergwijn or Gil will have to be sacrificed . Be interesting to see which one could go. I mentioned yesterday that Vidal at CM woukd be a fantastic buy for a year or two and would be a brilliant experienced replacement for Winks and rotation option with Bentacur. I do understand the need for another creative CM though. Johnstone on a free is a no brained for me and as you say Lamptey would be a great purchase. Spence looks a cheaper but riskier option but he does look a talent.
Gvardiol does look a talent but I think a more experienced CB would be ideal and Romagnoli fits that, plus the Italian factor surely gets Conte and Paratici moist, not forgetting he’ll be a freebie assuming he doesn’t renew. Romagnoli could likely fill in at LCB and CB too to allow Dier some rotation. I’d say Bergwijn is nailed on to leave. Sounds like we blocked an exit in Jan after his Leicester heroics, in hindsight probably not the best idea. If Gil isn’t promised game time next season then hopefully another loan, I definitely don’t wanna sell him, he’ll be a star, almost certain of it. Likewise I think we’ll loan Sarr again, too many CMs here at the moment and it’ll be hard seeing him getting sufficient game time for his development. I can see Spence being a legit target, lot depends on where we finish this season. CL spot then Lamptey, non-CL spot then Spence I reckon.
Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Winks, White and if we get another first team CM then Sarr’s having no chance of game time if there’s only two spots available, even if Winks is hopefully canned. Not forgetting if we fail to sell dumb and dumber after their loans.
I think that Sarr needs to play regularly, so he should be loaned out. Our central midfield definitely needs work, though.
It’s probably only a creative addition away from being a good selection of midfielders. Bentancur has made a great start, Hojbjerg plays so much better alongside him (or Skipp) than he does Winks whilst Skipp is arguably our best CM. A creative mid completes a good quartet of midfielders in my opinion and we’ll have White and Devine plus Sarr as the future prospects. If we can fob Winks, Ndombele and Lo Celso off in the summer, there should be enough money between them to get a CM plus change leftover to be put elsewhere.
I wouldn’t be massively surprised to see Hojbjerg and Winks both sold tbh. There were rumours in January that teams wanted Hojbjerg for £25million. He’s done ok for Spurs but he’s a bit limited in ability.
