I posted a brief article the other day, saying how citing the squad's looking at the moment. Whilst that's true, it's also clear that there's some imbalance in it. With the January transfer window in mind, I thought it was worth taking a look at that, as below. Goalkeepers : Lloris, Vorm No action needed. Full backs : Walker, Rose, Trippier, Davies, Yedlin Not sure. Think the Yedlin buy reflects that we are short by one in terms of pacey full backs. Although there's no sign of him becoming that player for us any time soon, we might need to settle on what we've got for the time being, and hope that Walker doesn't break. Centre backs : Alderweilder, Vertonghen, Wimmer, Fazio Although the first choice pairing have been a revelation this season, long gone are the days where we had someone the quality of William Gallas kicking his heels on the bench. Fazio clearly isn't up to it. With Dier moving up to midfield, that leaves us one short. Could do with swapping Fazio for a decent player in Jan, because as things stand, an injury to one of the first choice pair could cause major problems. Defensive Midfield : Dier, (Dembele), Mason. Bentaleb Suddenly very well stocked in this area. No action needed. Attacking Midfield : Ali, Pritchard, Erikson, Carroll, (Dembele), (Lamela) Again, wide variety of options available. No action needed. Wide midfield/forwards : Son, Lamela, Onamah, Chadli, Townsend Not a high priority, but would be happy to see an upgrade on Townsend, unless Onamah suddenly kicks on in this position. Strikers : Kane All those prayers are working so far, and he's not broken yet. 9 weeks to go. Keep praying. Must have another striker lined up when the window opens. Conclusion Priorities : 1. New striker 2. New centre back Ideally : 1. Pacey full back 2. Upgrade on Townsend
The main things I'd go for is... i.) Backup for Kane ii.) Backup for Dier iii.) Replace Townsend with Pritchard iv.) Replace Fazio with either a training cone, or promoting one of Veljkovic or CCV to the #4 centre back spot
Considering he doesn't even start for west brom I certainly wouldn't increase our last offer. I reckon the player will force a move if we go in again.
Spot on analysis RS couldn't agree more. Fazio and Townsend are the only two players left at the club who make my heart drop and stomach churn when I see them in the starting line up. I also think we'll go back in for Berahino in Jan but the issue is who does he replace? With Lamela vastly improved, Son settling faster than anyone expected, Dembele finally learning what the word 'goal' means, Mason and Alli developing exponentially, Pritchard yet to feature, Chadli still doing what Chadli does best and Onomah now making a name for himself...I just can't see a niche for Saido to slip into without ruining one or both of another player's development and the team's balance. When we went in for him, it was clear that the logic behind the move was that Son would take time to adjust to be PL, Lamela and Dembele would continue being crap, and Alli would need time to settle at a higher level. Since none of that has transpired so far, perhaps the landscape has changed... He certainly isn't an out and out striker capable of everything Kane does beside for scoring. I'd prioritise true back up for Kane but haven't a clue who that person is. Charlie Austin's having a good season in a poor team but has picked up a number of injuries already.
That's the point CK we need another striker but the difficulty of finding one at a price and wages that we can afford who wants to come is easily the most difficult position to fill in a team like ours that is just on the brink of the top level but not quite there. Most of you will have a better idea than I have who is out there and who is possible. Who is the striker we need?
The difficult one is getting Kane's backup: do we go for the cheap option, the solid understudy, or the youngster who might be challenging to start in a couple of seasons? Getting it right would be a masterstroke, but getting it wrong and...well, there's a long list of those at our club, let alone other teams'. For example, Pato's name has resurfaced again, and on one hand he could be a smart signing as his injury problems seem to be behind him and he'll be available for a small fee in January as his contract's running down, but on the other hand you have to ask why Corinthians were both happy to loan him to Sao Paulo for two seasons and showed no interest in keeping him once his loan is finished.
Based on form so far, only a back up striker is needed in my opinion. Keepers are fine, we have the best in the Prem and a very good back up. Defence is immense, Toby has really inspired our back line to new levels, Jan looks like he's enjoying playing again after linking up with his former Eredivisie title winning CB partner, Walker looks like the guy that won YPOTY in his first full season with us while Danny and Ben have both been great at LB. We could maybe replace Fazio as there's no future for him here though we do have promising youngsters in Carter-Vickers and Veljkovic who probably couldn't do much worse than Faz in fairness. Wimmer also looks a promising young player, a shame he's not had more chances in the cups while Trippier is a solid option to back up Walker. CM we have fantastic options, yes we lack a Modric type which some have mentioned in the past but you don't just find Luka Modric's every day, there's a reason we sold him for £33m and why he's been key to Madrid's good fortunes, that aside, Alli and Dier have been superb, especially Dier who in my opinion is the leading candidate for our player of the season where as Alli is getting everyone excited at his potential. Dembele has been in great form in recent weeks and looks the player we've all wanted him to be for 3 and half years. Lets also not forget that our first choice pairing from last season have missed many games, so competition in the centre of the pitch is very strong. Attacking midfield we're also fine, Eriksen is pulling strings, Lamela is being very effective with goals and assists, Son looked great before his injury, Chadli was off form but is a great player while N'Jie, Pritch and Townsend are solid back ups with Onomah also looking to play a part. Up front Kane is finding his scoring form but he needs someone to help relieve the burden on him and to also give him some rest when needed. So yeah, a striker is crucial in my opinion, anything else is just a bonus.
Berahino and a vocal leader, although I'm not sure where the vocal leader would fit into the side so I guess we need to get Lloris and Vertonghen better practiced.
I wouldn't mind,as Bournemouth seem to be on the brink of a return downwards,to swap Townsend for their right winger......what an improvement that would be....and he can score too!!!!
Berahino will surely be a Spurs player, in January! He's given up at WBA, but he still shows signs of being a fantastic prospect. I think he will motor under Poch, and I think he and Kane will be the best strike partnership in the Prem, for many, many years to come.
Berahino looks like he has given up at west brom...his header was truly shocking...not sure I want him and his temperament at spurs...we have a team ethic that seems strong...if he comes to us and does well he could be throwing his toys out of the pram demanding his dream move to his childhood team of united/chelsea/city/arsenal etc. within a year. Would much rather go for Charlie Austin. Great original post by the way
But very few clubs are going to be willing to sell us a traffic cone as they will not want to strengthen us in the Jan window. I think we should see if sunderland need a better centre half to replace Kaboul
