Bit old for one of Vic's under 23 signings I grant you but not quite in Wolves' shoot him because he is 30 bracket either!
I hope not. He doesn't fit in to what our full backs need to do. His distribution is average and he doesn't get forward. The fact he hasn't displaced Struijk or even pushed in front of Firpo has alarm bells ringing. FWIW he has the making of a very good centre half.
Maybe out transfer strategy is now starting to become more apparent. Sign goodish players like Harrison & Llorente, both of whom have helped us massively during our first 3 seasons back in the PL and then when it's time for us to upgarade sell them for roughly what we've paid for them. In theory at least that's good business, especially when you also consider the money that came in for selling a couple of of so called superstar players in Phillips & Raphinha. Squad more or less completely refreshed with players of a higher quality who should also have a good resale value in 2,3 or 4 years time. Of course older players like Cooper, Dallas, Ayling will never be worth anything but they add extra value by setting the standards as the experienced senior pros. Don't forget Orta is a clown though and should be run out of town.
My strongest side when all fit. --------------------------Meslier--------------------------- Ayling------------Koch-------Wober-----------Firpo ---------------------Roca-------Adams------------------- Summerville---------McKennie------------Gnonto -----------------------------Rutter-------------------------- Do we take Roca out to make room for McKennie, and have two up front? If so, who do we choose? Bamford or Rodrigo? I would provide plenty of game time to Sinisterra, Harrison, Cooper, Struijk and Greenwood.
There HAS to be someone who is an upgrade on Pascal Struijk. Its our weak point and has been for years but especially this season.
Leave Orta alone. Apart from all the disasters, most current signings are Jesses picks and he couldn't even get the McKinney deal through. Had to send his boss over to finalise the deal while he was in the stands watching our cup match He's stealing a wage I tell you
From the outside looking in, Hjelde looks like a good alternative. However, both Bielsa and Marsch have opted for Dallas, Firpo and Struijk in front of him. Doesn't really inspire confidence that Hjelde is good enough.
Tbf Willie wasn't going to get a shot until we had injuries as JM didn't think him ready, they're not always right.
They're definitley not always right but not sure that's totally fair in this case. - most players get chances through injury/suspension. Willy was originally considered one for the future by the scouting team... he was planned to be signed this january or next summer. He was generally an impact sub in Switzerland. He came here, showed what he could do, surprised everyone and got given his chance earlier than anyone expected.
Don’t know what it is about Leeds and LBs in recent times. Leif Davies he of “Very good Davies” fame sold to Ipswich and having a great season. Niall Huggins sold to Sunderland and will be playing alongside Joffy and Jack Clarke. We brought in Firpo but illness, injuries and lack of confidence has shown him to be a waste of time by many, would we be any worse off not buying Firpo and retaining the services of either of the above?
avoiding the firpo debate... I can see mckennie playing that role in a more defensive set up but personally suspect he's there for when we play 3 midfielders or as first choice over roca if we play 2. It's that centre of the front 3 position that's up for grabs, if patience has worn thin for Aaronson. Sini? Willy? Rutter? All are potential options. Or as you say, he may try and get paddy and rod on the pitch if he can ever get them both fit. OR maybe whoever comes in if harrison goes out. Fck knows. Good to have options i guess.
Leicester trying to convince Harrison and Leeds trying to prepare for him leaving. If Harrison goes it’s all due to money as Leicester can and will pay him more. Leeds apparently speaking to Zaniolo and he is willing but until we find out what Harrison wants stalemate. As far as Skipp is concerned it would be a loan only?