So after signing all these exciting players who will improve our attacks, we still need, at least, a winger, a striker, 2 attacking wing backs & a defensive midfielder & centre back to stop the opponent’s!
I'm not sure 3/5 at the back is going to get the best from the attacking players we're bringing in. Surprised he's not reverting to his self declared favoured 433. That seems to be how we're recruiting purely positions- wise.
Too wasteful in possession basically. Far too many of our attacks were immediately undone when one of our many 'hit and hope' long balls (not crosses) were cut out by their midfielders/defenders. When we got the ball, most of the time it was like we were scared to push forward and have a go... Either that or the hit and hopes were born out of laziness?
Balance of the side in most of the pre-season games has been the same defensive focus as last season - maybe with the exception of Malaga 2nd half. I know players are barely in the building but I was expecting them to be at least slightly more adventurous given the quality we've supposedly brought in. It is pre season though. I've seen great pre seasons and **** starts to the league campaign and **** pre seasons and decent starts often enough not to read too much into it at this stage.
Admittedly it's pre-season, but Seri did have a decent run last season and I genuinely thought Thudd, when he joined us the first time around, looked better. Made the same mistakes, but overall looked a better player.
Probably a combination of fitness for the newer guys and lack of confidence from the guys from last season, seeing as we were always up against it... The two up top looked hungry and up for it, but the ball rarely found their feet. Certainly Estupinan. Felt bad for him.
He looked a hell of a lot sharper than the Malaga game though. His hold up and pressing was a lot more effective
Actually thought Seri was quality, just had to do his work off the toes of his defenders when really we need to be getting the ball down and playing in the middle of the park, not the edge of our own box. Didn't.seem to be many forward options, but given we're still effectively playing with a back 5 and 2 deep lying mids it's hardly going to help matters.
You thought Huddlestone, who we signed from Spurs as a Premier League club, looked better than Seri, who we signed on a free in the Championship? That’s to be expected isn’t it? Seri is arguably one of the best midfielders in the Championship.
I thought Slater looked brilliant last night, everything he did just shows complete calmness on the ball. For a player who cost £50k you have to wonder what the hell Sheffield United were playing at.
The same Seri Fulham paid a reported £27m for in their promotion season to the PL, yeah. Even at his prime, Thudd never demand such a figure. By no means saying he's ****, he's not and I'm sure we'll see good stuff from him throughout the season
I appreciate that, but Sinik is coming in to add that creative spark, and it appears that Pelkas will be too. It's still awkward as we're judging a squad that still isn't completed yet.
He was technically decent, as was Seri but too often got pushed back on top of the back 3. Tufan doesn't look fit enough yet to be the link between that deep lying midfield and attack, certainly not for 90 mins anyway What I don't get is that we seem to be recruiting for 4.3.3 yet Shota seems to want to play 532. Maybe that's just down to availability or fitness though. Still pre season after all.
Guess I'll believe it when I see it from Sinik, I remain pretty skeptical. Pelkas will be good though.
I never really felt Thudd was that good in the Championship, he definitely suited the PL a lot more. I thought Seri has so far looked a level beyond what big Tom ever was. Some of the passes he makes with ease are an absolutely joke. Seri isn't fully fit yet so you have to throw that into the mix too
Haven't a clue what to expect from Sinik. He obviously has something to get the international caps, but I do wonder if he has the physicality required for the championship.
He won't be the only left sided forward in the squad this season. And is only 23. Maybe he's one we hope to develop over a couple of years. Guess time will tell.
