Great to see Michael Essien back in a blue shirt. He may never regain his form of old but he's one of the old guard now and we need his experience in what is a very young and inexperienced squad, both individually, and playing as a team. Wallace looks like he needs to develop an end product and I think we're right in sending him out on loan for another season. Hazard impressed. Van Ginkel looked solid, Ballack-esque. Cahill made too much of a meal for my liking of dealing with the fella he was marking. De Bruyne and Schurle, so-so. Most of the squad look like they need to work on their sharpness which is to be expected at this stage, but I'm mildly disappointed by some of the loose touches and wayward passing - primary skills that shouldn't be affected by fitness much. Still, exciting young talented squad, only going to improve, and will be even better with Luiz, Mata, Oscar, Torres and Lamps in the mix.
Azpi - Kalas - Ivanovic - Luiz - Terry - Cahill - Cole - Bertrand looks like our defensive options with Wallace, Omeruo and PVA (already gone) out on loan Despite what Jose says, I believe we need at least two maybe three more players I would not mind Alonso or De Rossi to add some experienced bite to the midfield, although the Alonso/Lampard spat could pose a problem, then again if Ivan can forgive someone biting him, the others should take note. I am a little worried if we sign Rooney and give United the funds to sign Bale, that would improve them immensely
I can put your mind to rest on that one. We won't sell at all, but if we did, would not be to a Prem team.
I'm sure Bale has the power to force a move but a) I can't see him doing that and b) he may not have the need to if Daniel Spivvy notices the lovely numerous zeros on the end of the cheque. In all seriousness though I think Bale is up for staying.
After watching Van Ginkel play (even if just for 45 mins), and noting Essien is back, I don't think we need another deep lying midfielder. Indeed, I don't think we need anyone else, maybe a top of the line striker, although I'd be more inclined to go with what we have and reassess in January.
We currently only have 19 outfield players over 21 and maybe 3/4 under 21's to add to that. I'm not sure that's enough for the season. We've used more players than that in every previous Prem season. Another 2/3 additions would be a good thing imo although Jose seems to suggest we won't be getting more.
