this time round i am more concerned by the first team than the bench. we have sold a world class player and replaced with potential, and i still feel we are vulnerable in cm/dm position.
This difference this coming season will be a bench of young players out to prove themselves and win a place in the starting line up. Last season some of our bench (Moses, Toure,) were just there for the wage packet and were either coming to the end of their career or living of reputation.
Skrtel has been our most consistent defender so I assume he will start but Lovren in for Sakho is definitely possible depending how things go in the next few weeks
Interesting. Borini is injured and wasn't going to take any further part in this tour anyway Rodger's confirmed so could be the reason for his departure. Agger wouldn't surprise me if Lovren is coming in, especially if Ilori, Coates & Toure don't go anyway. Cant have Lovren, Skrtel, Agger, Sakho, Ilori, Coates and possibly Kelly all competing for 2 places.
Yeah,not really surprised by this if true. Borini was on his way anyway and there's been rumours re. Agger for a while.Napoli was it?
Ideally we'd have 4 real quality CB's and a promising youngster who could step in in an emergency. Or Messi. I'm not fussy.
But Mascherano is good and Agger is awful. Which judging by Barcelona's general ineptitude with transfers will mean they'd probably be up for it!
Rumours in the papers that Borini may be going to Sunderland on another years loan. Don't get why we would do that.
rather have agger than toure,kelly or coates, but guess they aren't as appealing to other clubs or worth as much as him sadly.
Agger is technical brilliant but has flaws in his marking, communication and tactical play. He would suit Barca's style very well.
Agger won't be first choice, especially with Skrtel, Sakho & Lovren. When you add in his wages of 100k a week and the fact he's injured for 40% of most seasons, it makes sense to get rid while he still has some value. Was only a matter of time before one of Skrtel/Agger were sold and Skrtel's "decent" season last year means he's going to get longer than Agger. Both are part of the Rafa era along with Reina, Luca & Johnson who will all be off in the next season as well.
Would we be back in for Bony if true? His kness cant be that bad, they were alright at Newcastle and QPR
Anyone else get very frustrated with how long it takes us to close a deal. In the past few years its cost us because we've been further away from the top. This year we are in a better position so players hold up and sign. I just wish we were more ruthless.
