No, generally I wouldn't replace a CB with a FB, thanks for pointing that out. But I would replace a CB who was surplus to requirements with a FB, if we didn't have said FB and plenty of CB options in place. Based on the premise that we sign Peruzzi, a left back and this Mavrias kid that gives us a 26 man squad of over 21yr old players. We have 5 centre-backs, one of which could be given the Spanish-archer, and 5 CMs (+ 2 utlility CM players). I think we have too many similar central midfielders in the squad if we're going to play PDCs brand of attacking football. Catts - DM, breaking up play Cabral - DM, breaking up play N'Diaye - box to box, but more defensive than offensive (he has also played as centre-back) Ba - box to box...but more offensive although something of a prospect Gardner - Utility RB/RCM Colback - Utility LB/LCM Vaughan -LCM The two which are most surplus to requirements (IMO) are Vaughan (not quite good enough) and Catts (as much as I love him when he plays, he is far too injury/suspension prone and expensive). Neither of these 2, or the remaining midfielders offers the range of passing, foot-on the ball controlling of a game a Huddlestone or Carrick could. Meireles doesn't either. Which is why I think Vaughan will defo go, as could Catts (did Chelsea ever have like-for-like back-up for Makelele...and Catts is no Makelele?) with a Hudds or similar coming in. We've got enough in the attacking midfield positions to give us plenty of hustle and bustle going forwards. But hey, that';s just my opinion.
Imo I'd get rid of Gardner, vaughan and Colback (If he see's he has to leave). then we have DM- Cabral, Catts Box to box- Alfie, new signing And I'd like huddlestone for a cool head to help see out games. If we sell catts we need at buy another DM, What if Cabral gets injured? like last season we'll be asking other players to do a job they aren't the best at. Two for every position for me. Just can't see how Catts is surplus myself. sell him without a replacement and Cabral gets injured and we'll be thin in that area and another 6 months of Alfie playing a roll that doesn't get the best out of him. Makelele was backed up then replaced by Essian wasn't he?
It's all about opinions and views. I'd keep Gardner and Colback as cover for right back and left back, as there's no way we'll be buying more than 1 RB and 1 LB this summer. They can also cover for DCM if needed. If we sell Catts and Cabral gets injured then one of the above or Alfie slots in. Not ideal, but it could work...depending on who else he has playing alongside him i.e. whoever our new CM could be. Makelele & Essien played together at Chelsea for a few years, I think. but I'd say Essien was much more of a box-to-box player than DCM...so they had different roles to play. I'm hoping Alfie becomes close to being as good as Essien....(esp. if we don't get this Duncan kid, which now seems highly unlikely)..
Of Course it about opinions. One thing's for certain if I was Elis I'd make sure we bought two lbs and two rbs and put stop to a stupid tradition of being short in the full back position that's cursed the club for years. Then there would be no need for Gardner and I'd feel better about accepting Colbacks transfer request.
