Top 4/5 quality players?

Delusion ahoy!

Now it's difficult to say that any of our players could get into any of the expected top 4 clubs (Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs). Spurs may have had a gap or two, but coincidentally their strongest area is their midfield, which also happens to be our strongest area.

However, that aside, which players do you think we have which are 'top 4 quality', or at least 'top 4/5 quality'?, I.e. players which could be part of a starting XI which was fighting for a top 4 place, or at least a top 5 place?

Imo, the following would cut it:

Krul - This guy easily has the saving reflexes of a top 4 goalie, and this season has performed at least on par, if not better, than the other top goalies in the league with his superb form. I'm not sure if he'll remain in this form forever, but there's no doubt that he can cut it. He just needs to work on other areas, i.e. kicking.

Saylor & Colo - Not sure how well they would do on their own, but combined, they're a CB pairing which rivals almost any other in the league. The sum is greater than the two parts with these guys, and I think they have been mostly responsible for us currently having the best defence in the entire Premier League. They've even been able to carry our two comparatively weaker fullbacks.

Cabaye and Tiote - Tiote could slot into any top 4 side already imo, and Cabaye is getting there. Tiote is exceptional at what he does, and Cabaye just oozes class as the engine of the midfield.

Demba Ba - Currently 5th in the table of goal scorers and on par with Balotelli. Imo, he could rival Defoe in-terms of goalscoring and link-up play, so for that reason, I'd consider him good enough to cut it.

Ben Arfa - At the moment, he wouldn't cut it, but he can be forgiven for that considering the injury. He could grow to be a really top, top player, and he is often touted as one of the biggest young talents in Europe, so for that reason, I'd slot him in there.


Now that's 7 players, and imo it's the reason why we're currently sitting in 4th. However, our weaknesses come in the form of the other four players, which is why we'd never ultimately get anywhere near 4th over a sustained period of time (excluding the lack of squad depth for a moment).

Fullbacks. Simpson and Raylor have contributed to the strongest current defence in the league, but I think that's more down to Colo and Saylor. After all, Simpson and Raylor are primarily responsible for stopping crosses and cutting in from either flank, but once the ball gets past, it must get past Colo, Saylor and Krul, which is where it tends to stop more often than not.

Wingers. Jonas is a great winger, but he's not top 4 material. Obertan, on the other hand, is quite poor in my opinion. Marveaux may be able to step up, but I have yet to really see him get tested in a proper EPL game. Jonas is great for us at the moment and at the level we're at, don't get me wrong, but I don't think he delivers enough to be a part of a top 4 side.


All in all though, there's a definite foundation of a very good team there, and we've been so lucky to pick up some real bargains, but we'd need similar quality in both fullback and both winger positions, and that's before even thinking about the lack of squad depth. If we ever return to such dizzying heights, it'll be a while yet!

 

I think Krul, Colo, Cabaye, Ben Arfa and Tiote could all be starters for a top 4 side, and Santon will be on that list in a couple of years, we did just get him from Inter.

Ba, Jonas and Taylor I think could be in a top 4 squad, but I cant imagine they'd start games. If Jonas keeps on crossing like he is though, I might change my mind.

 

I think Perch could play for Man United.

 

Based on Sunday's showing I think he could be a regular!

 

Er, Shola?

 

Similar to what Smudger said, I would include Jonas and Santon in the group you picked out. Would welcome Pieters and Hoilett for left back and right wing!

 

4 players in Jan

Pieters

CB= Colo, Taylor, Kadar

CF, Pogrebnyak, Maiga

 

IMO Tiote, Collo, Krul and Cabaye are top 4 standard. Ba and Saylor are close as well. Ben Arfa still needs to prove himself in this league and I still fear he'll never be the same player.

As has been said, we have the spine of a great team, we just need to improve on the wings. I've never really rated Simpson tbh, I don't think he is PL starting 11 quality.

 

Ben Arfa will be alright. Loom at Aaron Ramsey, he had a long layoff through no fault of his own, and he took a while to get back, but is now playing well again. Ben Arfa should be similar, if not better.