So with pre-season wrapped, what's everyone's thoughts on the squad at the moment and how it's shapong up? I'm liking it but naturally aware it needs improvements, a lot seem capable of playing in attacking manor which backs up claims a number of us mentioned last season under Conte in that he was catering to the weaknesses of the squad and not the strengths by making everyone defend despite our strength being in attack. There's definitely been winners and losers of it though which I think gives a better idea as to how Ange is gonna set us up for Brentford barring any last minute injuries. Winners: Lo Celso - actually looked like a footballer and probably prevented himself from being sold, may even start vs Brentford Bissouma - shackles released from Conte's borefest, big season coming Sarr - will likely play a much bigger role under Ange Skipp - adapting to the 8 role quite well and gives a good option to call upon, as always Perisic - played in primary position and been superb, should absolutely keep now Solomon - came with little expectations, looks like he could be a real asset to the squad van de Ven - not kicked a ball but the other CBs have shown why we signed him Udogie - can't be sure until competitive football begins but dispelled concerns that he'd have teething problems going from LWB to LB, really looks the part Losers: Porro - can't defend and won't be needed further up field, done the exact opposite to Udogie Sessegnon - injured... again... Son - still looks laboured, been outshone by Perisic and Solomon, could seriously lose his place in the XI Ndombele - clearly done **** all (again) to change a manager's mind Spence - not really gotten a chance even after Porro's mares and Emerson hardly setting the world alight Most CBs - just not good enough, not that we didn't already know that Richarlison - scored a hattrick against Singaporean amateurs but largely done nothing to change people's perceptions he's just an overpriced average player with a fancy name, probably fallen further in certain pecking orders too because Perisic and Solomon should definitely be ahead in wide forward roles Barring no last minute injuries or a Kane transfer, this should be the XI for Brentford: Vicario Emerson, Romero, van de Ven, Udogie Bissouma Kulu, Maddison, open choice*, Son** Kane * Between Sarr, Skipp and Lo Celso ** Should probably be Perisic based on pre-season form
Broadly agree with this after our back and forth yesterday. I will say that the composition of the midfield looks interesting. Like many of the elite coaches Ange uses a 442/424 shape when pressing high out of possession, in preseason that’s been the left sided 8 pushing up by Kane and the right sided 8 covering alongside the 6. That gives us a pretty good idea that the left 8 will generally be the one who has slightly more experience operating in the final 3rd (Maddison, GLC, Devine in that order) with the right 8 being a more rounded player (Bentancur almost a shoo-in for first choice when he’s fit, then Skipp and Sarr). This dynamic, as well as the fact that our LBs are better than our RBs, may make us a bit left-side dominant early season until Bents comes back and helps round out that right side a bit.
It'll be interesting to see who the final cog in the midfield will be alongside Maddison and Bissouma whilst Bentancur remains out. There's still Hojbjerg to think about whilst here, albeit I do firmly believe this system isn't for him, I have a sneaky feeling it could be Sarr despite being the youngest and most inexperienced of the other options. Hojbjerg would be the safe bet, Sarr the risky yet potentially greatly rewarding bet, Lo Celso the surprise bet based off where he was four weeks back. As much as I like Skipp, I think he'll start from the bench most weeks, at least early on anyway. If we were able to shift enough out there might be a bit of hope late on we could maybe even secure a new RB but a lot would need to be done, including selling Porro, which I don't see happening for obvious reasons. Emerson will probably give us a 6/10 most weeks in the role, somewhat like Davies on the other flank but for as much as most respect Davies, we know he's not good enough to be a regular starter so the same applies to Emerson. Realistically if we want to be top six/ four again, we need players capable of being no lower than a 7/10 most weeks, 6.5 at the very, very least.
I doubt he’ll start Maddison and GLC, due to the balance I mentioned on my earlier post. PEH could play the right 8 role but hasn’t at all in preseason. If I was betting on it I’d have Biss, Sarr and Maddison starting Sunday at 6, right 8 and left 8. RB I completely agree, the Emerson/Davies comparison in this system seems apt, though I think the Brazilian is a better 1v1 defender and Ben is a better all round player. But they’re both solid, reliable types in this environment. But I doubt we’ll do anything at RB this summer in terms of incomings.
