completely agree PS. this formation will cripple our front men after 70-75 mins, as they'll be required to do so much running and counter attacking. it's really important that we've got the cover to replace them.
With regards to Ade and Damiao, I'm a bit confused with the reports of getting rid of JD. I know we've spoken about this quite a bit, but it's been mentioned that AVB will only need 3 strikers, one of which will be a youngster who's trying to get a look in. - and that's great. Love giving players like Kane a chance. but I really don't understand this theory. if we sign Dam, him and Ade will swap regularly, as you'd expect. but 1 injury which puts one of those 2 out for a month or so, could cause huge problems. What if Kane doesn't cut it next season? What if AVB has to change tactics during a game? there are so many types of teams in our league with different styles. i'm really concerned about letting JD go if we sign Dam. I think it's a huge risk as we're so short of options, despite having what could be considered as a stronger strike force overall. However, I understand if JD wants to leave because he wants regular football, but he should still be replaced with a veteran, just incase. A Kevin Davies type of player for example. a player who knows the prem like the back of his hand, holds the ball up and will quite happily sit on the bench, but do a job if called up on. (I don't literally mean i think we should get kevin Davies here, I'm just using him as an example of what I mean.) I basically mean a striker version of Cudicini. for me, 3 just isn't enough. there are so many factors in this league that could call for dramatic changes in a game. what do you guys think?
I agree with you, Roo. It's more of a concern for us than most teams too, because Adebayor may go to the ACON with Togo in January. They play off against Gabon in September and October for the opportunity.
We need another striker capable of playing the lone role. Then if JD leaves, ideally we need another attacking player in, a Dempsey/Sturridge type who play in more than one attacking position The key is getting another striker in though, I wouldn't mind Carroll if we can't get Damio, but anyway someone who's a line leader, but won't be fuming about being benched a lot. Incidentally if Damio comes in, won't he want a fair amount of game time, may be problems there unless we play both him and Ade? It's a shame Kane isn't up to it, IMHO, otherwise he could solve a lot of problems. I still keep hoping Coulibaly could be the back up, but apparently Spurs don't see him as ready yet.
That would smack of absolute desperation, because Carroll is not up to the task. He would be a complete and utter waste of anything over £7m. If Redknapp was still with us, I'd have been more sympathetic with the idea of bringing Carroll in, because I think that Redknapp's fatherly-arm-around-the-shoulder-he's-a-triffick-lad approach might well have coaxed a dozen goals out of Carroll, but AVB is more of a technical coach, and I don't believe Carroll would flourish under him. So, no, we must not sign Carroll, whatever the cost.
Bloody hell, I forgot that Ade is no longer "retired" from International football. That's an even bigger spanner in the works. you're right GH10, it does need to be a line leader, that was my reasoning with Kevin Davies as the example. to be honest, just an all round striker who will be a pain in the arse and put some goals away if he's called upon. with regards to Dam (should we get him) - I don't think there's going to be a problem offering him and Ade football next season. I have a feeling that we'll probably be going for all competitions, except for the carling cup perhaps. AVB is likely to be keen to push for glory in the Europa, as he's won it before and obviously the FA cup is a trophy of great tradition. However, at the same time, I could also see the FA cup not being taken seriously in our quest for a top 4 finish. Regardless, that's still a lot of games. and for a fair chunk of the season, its going to mean almost 2 games a week. It's the injuries that concern me. - The knocks that are picked up on cold nights in Russia which can really impact on the season if you haven't got sufficient strength in depth.
what's this i hear abou VDV going.Not because he want's to but to Fund muhtinho(spelling?)signing,even when Modric's sold
it's rumours again, Tots. But when you think about it, its another that does make sense. - for similar reasons to Dawson. As much as most of us love Rafa, we all have to admit, he's a pain in the arse on the team sheet. he's got 1 position and 1 position only, which we have to tip-toe around all the time. with his lack of pace as another factor, I can see AVB cashing in. we'd get our money back for sure, and it frees up space for someone who AVB prefers. please note: this is not a dig at rafa, i'm a massive fan. But i'm starting to look at things as if i were AVB, as we've seen signs of some big potential changes this week.
If we were annoyed with van der Vaart's one position, then why would we buy another player that's got exactly the same problem? Sigurdsson excels in that role, but hasn't had much success in other positions. Seems like Hamburg trying to stir something up, but not having any money, to me.
I've got to say, that I was impressed with AVB starting VDV on the bench. Harry seemed to have built the entire squad around him and Modric. Okay, so that worked for last season's 4th spot (which would have been 3rd, but for Harry's head being turned), but it was simply too one-dimensional. The top teams need a Plan B and a Plan C, if they are to have any longevity at the top.
For me the VDV this is about sell on value also. Levy bought for 7m and has a chance to sell for 9.5-10m. The opportunity may not come around again. Plus, he's injury prone. I'd prefer him to stay because he is a game changer and a match winner, but Levy's business savvy will never surprise me in it's ability to trump all else.
not saying i'm right lol, PNP, just a suggestion. - perhaps Levy's looked at the resale price of VDV and got a like for like in his place? that man being Sig.
VDV and Sig both appear to only have one position but there's little doubt to me that Rafa's better. Sig's still very young and shouldn't need to be the automatic first choice. VDV was disappointed to be left out of the Europa League last season so if he's played in those games together with VDV's fitness and injury issues so it should leave Sig with plenty of games. If AVB sells him it will be a poor decision, in my opinion.
that's what I was getting at HIAG, when I mentioned about "tip-toeing" around him. its caused us a tactical headache at times, as we were almost scared of how he'd react if he was benched!
agreed YV. As GH10 said in another post, we need like for like cover. selling him would be a mad move, considering how little he cost us and how valuable he's proven to be.
I would be furious if we sold VDV, unless he wants to go. Massive retrograde step losing one of our best players
Yes Roo. Once again. I personally am way more concerned with who's coming in. I agree that VDV is a bad move. VDV for me is on step too far in the fire sale, when we still don't have any confirmed, BIG, AVB backing, statement of intent, signings. We STILL have no Modric replacement, or backup for his position, not enough strikers and we, are now leaking our squad depth away. Moutinho. Willian. Damiao. Lloris. Fryers. These players would need to be confirmed before I'd feel in any way comfortable with the idea of VDV going. I sincerely hope Levy knows a few things the we don't
I don't think VDV going makes any sense, unless he wants out. If AVB or Levy want him out, I think it's their call that doesn't make sense. Unless we're getting Moutinho. Willian. Damiao. Lloris. Fryers in, then fair play. Do I believe that will happen - noooooooooo wayyyyyyy
