It was a brilliant article wasnt it mate! Great forum too, as for Conte bring it on time for change at the bridge
Great article, and certainly gets me pumped for Conte, if he is appointed. I certainly find his formations interesting. A 3-5-2 has never really been utilised in the PL with any great success, but if he could pull it off, it would be interesting. I would need to see 3 new signings in that case. A defender, a centre mid and a striker. We still have some chaff we can get rid of like Mikel, plus we will probably flog half a dozen youngsters in the summer. Hummels would still be my first choice for a CB signing, or maybe if Conte could snag someone like Bonucci from Juve then Ivan can play there too don't forget. Midfield....please be Pogba...he would fit so well into that system and again, the Conte connection.....but he would be expensive. Striker....We could play both Remy and Costa together, but would need to sign someone else. In the HIGHLY unlikely scenario that we keep Bamford, he could act as understudy, but in reality, a new signing would need to be made. Not a huge marquee signing, but a decent player. ---------------------Courtois------------------- --------Zouma-----Cahill-----Hummels----- Willian---Pogba---Matic---Oscar--Hazard -----------Remy-----------Costa--------------- I could get behind that Though its a bit too attacking In games where we have to be more defensive, we can swap out Willian or Hazard for more defensive minded players like Dave and Ivan who will sit deeper. Maybe ---------------------Courtois------------------- --------Zouma-----Cahill-----Hummels----- -Ivan----Pogba----Matic---Willian----Azpi -----------Remy-----------Costa--------------- Or stick Hazard behind Costa in a 3-5-1-1 formation ---------------------Courtois------------------- --------Zouma-----Cahill-----Hummels----- -Ivan----Willian----Matic----Pogba----Azpi --------------------Hazard----------------------- --------------------Costa------------------------- Note when I say Hummels and Pogba those names are just my ideal signings, Conte will no doubt think different and buy who he feels is right, I am just putting those names in there because they are the positions I feel we would need to strengthen in. I am actually liking the look of that last formation.
Can't see Ivan as a wing back. More chance of Dave and perhaps Rahman taking those roles, or say Willian as right wing back. But we definitely need a freshen up of ideas and approach! Think Ivan will be a centre back as of next year.
I suspect so aswell. JT is all but gone. That leaves Zouma, Cahill and Ivan as the only 3 senior players who can play at CB. Ake could play there next season if we don't sell him ()
I remember Hoddle playing it, and we looked good with what was a limited group of players. ...............................Courtois................................ .................Zouma........Cahill........Azpi...... ................................Matic................................. Pedro........Fabregas............Pogba.........Hazard .................................Willian..................... ................................Costa.......................... Again, it's just a thought as you don't know what's in the manager' thoughts. Would love to get Pogba though.
Or stick Hazard behind Costa in a 3-5-1-1 formation ---------------------Courtois------------------- --------JT til Xmas/Zouma-----Cahill-----Iva----- -Azpi----Willian----Fab----Matic/Oscar----baba --------------------Hazard----------------------- --------------------Costa----------- Conte could bring likes of Pedro on as WB when we need a goal etc. He might play Fab deep-lying Pirlo style
Conte might go for a CB like Gimenez. Talk of Radja Nainggolan but I hope we go for a more powerful box to box man like Pogba. Settle for Vidal
Hold on guys we may have forgotten someone!!!!! Courtois------------------- --------JT til Xmas/Zouma-----Cahill-----Iva----- -Azpi----Willian----Fab----Reuben Loftus Cheek ----baba --------------------Hazard----------------------- --------------------Costa-----------
Hoddle and Gullit were way ahead of their generation for me..... great system with the right players,superfit wingbacks needed.
Aye RLC is the exception to the rule, as he has actually made some appearances for us! He should defo feature next season.
I wouldn't go that far He is a good kid, I see him being a first XI regular within 2 years if he carries on as he has been, and actually gets some games. Traore too.