Summer window

I think the point about transition is a great one. It is maybe just an experience thing but he would often get caught too high and couldnt recover. I liked him well enough, but you would have to say at this point Neil and Michut are some way ahead and I dont see Michut as part of an attacking 3 or 4.

 

He’s only played about 1200 minutes of football mainly as a holding midfielder deputising for injuries. I think Ekwah will make that position his own next season but still think Michut had a lot to offer as an 8 or 10, he’s totally different to Neil and what we have in midfield.

Seen it with Diallo at Rangers and when he first came here, you can’t just give them 20 minutes here or there and expect miracles they need a good run of games in the team.

 

Definitely. The way he moves with the ball, holds it in spaces and looks to play forward. Really good player.

 

I agree, I think Michut is a smashing player but once Ekwah found his feet Michut couldn't get a start. I think we should trust the recruitment team, with the exception of striker cover they seem to have done well the last couple of seasons

 

I think Michut probably wasn't too convinced about coming:

By the end if the season he had clearly been displaced by Ekwah.

He was also getting interest from Fulham and maybe others playing at a higher level.

I think the club would have had a conversation with him and any hint if doubt from him they won't have bothered to keep him. Probably would have kept him if he was up for it but not too disappointed about not keeping him imo.

I would have liked to see him stay but if it wasn't something he was 100% behind then fair enough.

 

If we can keep him we should...

 

Agree. Possibly not what we need right now, or possibly not top of our priorities. The powers that be have (finally) realised that physicality is a key component in the EFL

I still would have signed him mind you

 

Personally, I hope we don't change how we play too much, make it too much about physicality. Sure, centre back, DM, and a strong centre forward (which we have if we keep them fit). The rest I'd prefer technical gifted players like we have and like we played with for half of the season

 

Nothing to say we can't buy players who are both, but I agree with you. The key part is keeping Batth, Alese, Ballard & Stewart fit, not to mention getting reinforcements up front.

We cannot allow ourselves to be outmuscled by teams like Watford and Luton next year. We have to be able to compete at set pieces

 

What date does the transfer window open?

 

June 10th I believe.

 

Agree, we need physicality for sure - our CBs have to be strong lads, which we have with baath ballard n alese but for me the key is mobility.

We want to press teams so we need CMs that can get about the pitch n win duels. They dont need nessarily need to be over 6ft for example - we could get a 6.4ft cm who can win headers but cant get about the pitch.

Neil n ekwah are perfect for the way we play as both cover a lot of ground but equally they are winning the majority of their duels. Both win over 55% of their duels - thats very good for CMs. Michut was below average in this area, he won around 40% of his duels n this dropped to 17% of aerially duels. Michut was slightly better at retaining possession though, about 3% higher than both neil n ekwah

I agree with everyone saying we need physicality but it cant just be sign big lumps. Its about signing players who are technically good, as you mentioned, but who can get around the pitch at good pace, and that can maintain this throughout

 

Said from day dot I’d love a big lad in Evans’ role to replace him. Fabinho, Busquets, Rodri as brilliant as they are they’re also all 6’2-6’3 and offer a real threat from set pieces. I don’t think it’s essential if you have a squad full of tall players but when you have a bunch of shortarses like us i think Ekwah is perfect in there.

 

Anyone else heard about a lad being shown round the academy today?

 

Think we would all love a big lad who was quality in possession - hopefully ekwah is that player. I wouldnt want just to sign a big lad because he might be handy at set pieces, but cant get about the pitch or is poor technically. Physicality is def more than just height, one of my favourite players ive ever scouting is john mcginn - so strong n covers so much ground, offers so kuch physicality but isnt a big imposing CM

 

No give more

 

Rodri is the blueprint for a modern player. Technically outstanding, covers loads of ground, positionally outstanding as well, wins his battles. Probably the most underrated player in the prem.

Of the two I think Neil has the same game style as Rodri. He obviously is still learning. But look at how much he has improved in terms of winning his battles, tackles made and ground covered this year. Ekwah for me has a bit of the Fabregas about him. He picks it up on both sides, seems to ghost between players, plays passes and is superb on the intercept. If we are sticking with a 2 next year I want them 2 playing personally. Unless we can get Rodri and Fabregas like.

 

Big physical player. Very nondescript, but that’s all I know.

 

The info I’ve found just said early June.

It was 10th June in 2022.

 

Was meant to be another at the Luton game not sure if it’s the same lad like, that’s the sum of my info too