Fair point, I probaly didn't word it correctly. I know he hasn't played for us yet but neither has Lovren. From those that have played IMO Fonte and Hooiveld are not good enough, Yoshida I think proved he is comfortable at this level to play a role this season. All we can do is assume that Lovren and Forren are going to be good enough hence the reason we purchased them. My main point was that if the opportunity comes along to be able to sell Fonte, Hooiveld, Fox ,Guly and replace them with better players, then we should do it. If these players don't move on then I can't see us bringing in any more than two players. I may be wrong and it is only my opinion but these four are not up to the level of the rest of the squad (this doesn't include the players that have already been told they can leave).
Personally I really fancy Matt Targett coming through from the academy, I think a few others do too. Depends how much Poche, the academy guys, Nicola etc. rate him though, if they don't think he's up for it then I certainly don't fancy Fox again.
With Wanyama coming in we now have the option of Cork playing right back and Clyne moving to left back. Although with the system we play a left footed player would be better to provide the width. Again I only see us bringing in another natural left back if we can move on Fox.
And this is the problem. Shaw picked up a lot of niggles last year and was, imo, overplayed. I think we definetely need an experienced LB, preferably not too expensive, doesn't need to be young or a world beater just someone experienced and competent who is happy to sit out a reasonable number of games when Shaw plays. Sort of like a good Danny Fox. But I can't recall any rumours for this sort of player so I asume the management is happy for Fox to continue this role. Worrying. In terms of other signings, assuming we get Wanyama I agree only one or two more top players. Where they play probably depends more on who is available. We only want to bring in players that are a significant improvement on what we already have. So if Banega is available we'll sign him and probably see more of Gaston at RM, whereas if a top-class wide player becomes available we'd bring them in, right or left. We don't necessarily need a striker if we sign a wide player or two as we could end up seeing more of J-Rod up front etc etc. However, I really can't see us signing another CB.
I am worried we overplayed Shaw. He's young, he's still growing, and I'm not sure it's in his best interests to play every game at this stage of his career, regardless of whether he's injured or just in need of a rest. On the other hand, being overplayed is better for his development than sitting on the bench every week.
With Forren gone, we do probably need another CB...and it wouldn't hurt it they could cover one of the fullback positions.
I'm with you Godders, 4 starting 11 players would be the max for me. It's not just a matter of them gelling but also they way they communicate. Lack of communication has been he downfall of many good teams on paper. Watching Sunderland will be the proof as they seem to signing a whole new team-not convinced it will work personally. QPR were prob proof of that also.
Sometimes teams need to have a clearout. Sunderland are one of those teams. Also Giaccherini is a stunning signing.
I had a look at their full list of signings so far. It's okay, but not that impressive. I'll admit that I'd not heard of a few. Their fans seem to think Di Canio and Angeloni (former Udinese technical director) have hunted out some great talents who are not currently well known. I obviously can't judge as I've not heard of them, but I'm sceptical of Sunderland.
Sunderland will be **** or bust, think they will either do well and finish top half or just stay up/go down. Most of their signings are good on paper, but basically a complete new team and a mentalist as a manager could be a recipe for disaster. The more I look at the other teams and their business thus far I find it hard to look past Hull, Palace and Stoke/Newcastle going down
Well no as I can't see the bottom half being as tight next year. Think it will be more like a mini league of 4/5 teams from 15th downward with the others fairly comfortable.
Giaccherini - excellent Diakité - good Altidore - good Mannone - meh Cabral - meh Roberge - who? Ba - who? Karlsson - who? Peruzzi - who? So yeah, a lot of unknowns, and it could mean the team needs a while to get settled. Giaccherini and Peruzzi technically haven't signed yet, but both appear imminent. There's also a strong rumour they'll sign Tom Huddlestone, which I think would be an upgrade on Cattermole and Colback, both of whom apparently may be sold. Potentially: --------------Mannone O'Shea----Cuellar----Diakité----Bardsley Larsson---Huddlestone---Vaughan---Giaccherini ---------------Sessegnon ---------------Fletcher That team doesn't have too different of a feel from last season's, but has a couple of big improvements. They'd also have N'Diaye, Johnson, Gardner, Cabral and Altidore to choose from, among those unknown youngsters they've signed, and the likes of McClean, Wickham, Ji and Graham if they can buck their ideas up. I think that's looking quite solid, and I like Di Canio's management style, so I'll be betting on them staying up quite convincingly.
