Gotze is (was?) always a bit of a longshot. Couldn't blame him for staying or going really. Or for not choosing us. IF we did all we could IF we were interested... that's fine. It's disappointing but not a disaster. It's the 23rd of MAY and we've signed Matip, Grujic and Karius will join this week. We'll have 3 Bundesliga TOTS players by the end of June in all likelihood (Hector). A big exciting attacking signing might happen... but if we have to wait until (god forbid) July or August... well it's disappointing but not a disaster.
Well I think klopp is largely right in that if he gets mean defensively and has enough up front he can't fail to get up the table. So yeah... gotze.. sure big name but he's got firmino as no 10 already... so... for me he needs more pace as others have said.
Leicester and Spurs have shown the benefits of a strong defense and a couple of consistent goal scorers. In all competitions: Sturridge scored 13 goals in just half a season. Origi scored 10 despite a slow start and spell out injured. Firmino scored scored 11 despite a slow start. Coutinho scored 12 from wide/AM. Benteke got 9 despite a pretty bad season. Ings got 3 and was in good form when he got inured. He went on to miss most of the season. Milner and Lallana were also fairly good for goals, though Lallana took over half a season to score, he went on to chip in at a good rate. Most of this happened after Klopp came in and setled the team. The second half of the season. That is a good rate of goals. If they can stay fit full a full season I see no reason why we cannot expect 20 from Sturridge, 15 from Origi and a similar return repeated by the rest. Turning that around, Mignolet mistakes cost us 9 points, maybe more over the course of the season. Moreno also cost us dearly with repeated eras. Clyne was cnsistantly good, as was Lovren once Klopp settle him at RCB. Over all it is our defense that cost us (and Rodgers first 2 months). Mignolet and Moreno stats prove they must be replaced. Get that right and we already improve. We also must settle on a CB pairing, Lovren and Matip could be it.
Yes though a little of those numbers is europa as well. With a fair wind you'd hope sturridge could get 15 to 20 goals and that 20 plus if he managed 30 league games plus cups. I do think we've shown on the big stage the players in the front 4 are bottlers so we need to improve but if we start with the backs it's always best. We just need to accept this is a 3 year job.
Good video of Zielinski for anyone interested Can't judge a player's quality from YouTube but can get an idea of their strengths and style. From what I've seen and read he's a technical player, a good dribbler who wants to go forward with the ball. Will probably need to add end product and meet the physical side of the PL to succeed here. Would likely see the end of Joe Allen.
Gotta love a player who likes a nutmeg, we used to have one of those a while back You can see the benefits here, midfield engine that likes to run with the ball, difficult to dispossess, eye for an assist etc. Does contribute goals wise (was it 6 this season?) Downside : He does that heart shape thing with his hands, really irritating All in all he looks like the right player, not a 'name' but the right player
He gets called the new Modric. I'd like Allen to stay. Can Zielinski Henderson Allen Chirivella Stewart
I always think if we had a decent corner taker we could get more points. Look how many matches United have won from corners over the years. Fergie time so often had a goal from a corner. Lovren has shown he is capable of scoring if he gets a decent cross, and Sturridge and Origi are decent enough in the air to But our crosses are crap and predictable.
I hope we bring in another midfielder in addition to Grujic and Zielinksi. Hopefully the links to Mahmoud Dahoud are strong.
Oh everything unkie tobes... 1. Howard finally gone and you end up getting Hart... you like keepers who drop the ball then. 2. 200k per week is hilarious. 3. Just..
