It isn't the end of the transfer window yet but I've noticed some interesting things so far. Man City, Chelsea and Utd all underperformed last season based on there individual expectations and aims. And Arsenal who would have expected to step in and fill that void came unstuck with some fragile performances; a period of poor form where the grit, which would normally get champions the needed results, seemed to be missing. All of those teams during their poor results failed to assert dominance on games the way they once would and more often than not the loss of points came hand in hand with a failure to win the midfield battle. It is therefor no surprise that all of those teams, who if we are honest are the teams who most expect to be in the top four as a bare minimum, have added a DM or powerful, energetic midfielder. I think it was the clear thing missing from these teams last season. Arsenal have replaced the ageing Arteta with Xhaka. City have added the impressive Gundogan. Chelsea have taken the standout performer in the the premier league for this role last season by signing Kante from Leicester City (worth mentioning by the way that Leicester have done well to keep hold of there key players other than Kante who always gave the impression that Leicester was a stepping stone for him). And Utd have made history with the re-signing of Pogba. I think all of the managers have noticed this clear deficiency in the squads and acted to rectify the problem. I'm just surprised that each team seems to have gone for different targets rather than compete with each other, and each team has gone for a slightly different option to solve the same problem. I think these four players could be the big difference this season in terms of consistency and avoiding surprise results for the big teams. In general I think their work may go unnoticed compared to some of the star players at these big teams but it will be these additions that bring stability back to the big boys. It's also interesting to note that all four of these teams felt the need to add a new CB (whether the deals are done already, or in progress). It plays into the idea that they have felt a weakness in the core of the team. But whilst I look at the midfielders and feel confident they will all fill the role they have been brought in to fill, how the CBs settle and perform I feel will have a huge impact on the fortunes of the teams and is far more up in the air. Finally, it has to be said that Ibrahimovic for me is the signing of the summer. Despite him being at Utd I'm glad he is finally in the premier league. He is such an amazing player to watch. He has such a variety of good attributes and has done so well across so many leagues and competitions. I think regardless of how Utd perform overall, Ibrahimovic will be amongst the goals consistently throughout the season and will take them to a level beyond where they have sat in recent seasons.
Liverpool other than the one time 2nd place with Suarez have been around 7th-8th in recent years. While I think they have a lot of reasons to feel positive with Klopp at the helm, recent cup final appearances and a changing squad, they do not quite have the same level of expectation as the four teams I've focused the thread on. Spurs are building a good squad under what appears to be a good manager and last season played some of the best football, but again they don't have the same level of expectation as the other teams. I also noticed similarities in the weaknesses and how they've been addressed in the four teams I've focused on It isn't meant to be a thread to wind up Spurs or pool fans!
Well i looked at Man Utd team and bench and thought christ thats impressive. Mind i support Sunderland so im easily impressed.
It's going to be interesting to see if after all the money spent by the club's you've mentioned all finish in the top four. Ibra had been the stand out performer so far but it doesn't mean much after 2 games. I think there will be surprises yet and that it won't all go with the money.
I completely agree. In my other thread about the six teams who you'd expect to be near the top I've given my opinion that a couple of the big spenders and top teams could well underperform. I don't think it will be as simple as these four taking the CL spots, far from it in fact. But they are the expectations these clubs have based on recent history. With the money spent it will be really interesting to see who really achieves what is expected. Ibrahimovic though was a player I kept saying Arsenal should sign from the moment it looked like he wouldn't sign a new contract at PSG. Despite his age he is such a gifted football player and has a physical side to his game that I've always felt would fit with the premier league. I was really annoyed when Mourinho went to Utd and showed interest in Ibrahimovic. He doesn't rely on pace, but instead succeeds through a top level of skill/talent, a physicality/determination, complete self belief and a natural ability/reading of the game that goes beyond most players. He is a complete all rounder. I genuinely think he will continue to be one of the top strikers in the world for the next 2-3 years regardless of what team or league he plays in and regardless of age. I also think Rooney will thrive playing with him. Rooney isn't the main man anymore, he doesn't have that ability to play on his own up top anymore and when he is the main threat it's easy for opposition teams to deal with him. And I don't think he has the fitness or legs left in him to convert to a 90 minute a game CM despite his skill set. But I feel Ibrahimovic is the kind of player who will take the focus, perform consistently and cause defences real problems that will open up space and time for Rooney to make the most of the things he still does very well. I think Rooney will be given a number 10 role with a lot of freedom, generally with two more defensive/physical/energetic CMs behind him and the wingers given a big attacking responsibility like they did under SAF. Ibrahimovic for me is the player who allows the offensive players at Utd to express themselves and himself will do very well. My hope is that at the back they are still unstable!
As has been said, the vastly increased sums of money now flying around the PL have dramatically leveled the playing field. So called, 'small clubs' can all now afford £20-25mill players, and reject such bids for their own. So, there will be very few easy games for anybody. Given the above, it will matter less and less who buys who. Yes, there will always be the odd individual player, like Ibra, who can turn a game single handed. Although let's see how he does come winter time. But in general, it's going to be more about which manager builds the best team. The one where all the pieces fit and all compliment each other. In other words, balance. As Leicester showed last year, this is a team game. It's not about how many star names you can cram into a side of eleven players.
Yes, they are unstable at the back, had they had been playing against a better team and had those chances they might even have shipped points easily. Not sure what role Mourinho has in mind for Pogba but DM is not his forte, he is no Makelelee!
I got Ibra all wrong which is something I hate to admit I didn't think he'd fit as I've seen him be a lazy twat on many occasions, is this still to come? I hope so. If they bring Fonte in I think Utd have a very good chance of winning it, he would be the final piece and bring stability and a leadr to thet back 4.
Agreed Ibra shone out like a gold Rolex in a bucket of **** last night, the only class act, well played!
This season is going to be exciting, I can see Liverpool pushing for a top 4 place along with UTD, ££££, Chavski, Spuds and Arsenal and you cant discount Leicester yet
United are now not only a team full of talent but a side that is extremely physically imposing. Mourinho had added 4 top drawer players that'll take them to a title challenge.
I've said this on our board, but as well as his goals and the way he makes things look easy when he's on the ball, the thing I've been impressed with most about Ibrah is his workrate. It's been exceptional for a CF supposedly looking for one final payday. Instead I think he's playing to succeed and THAT's what feeds his ego. Chelsea stink of piss. Buying a new DM won't change that
I think they're going to waltz it personally, with or without Fonte I predicted them winning it before a ball was kicked btw.
Good thread btw, it's a good spot. I'd also add that the reason Spurs weren't mentioned was because AFC was talking about teams who were expected to do well but struggled last season.
I'm not so sure and feel that Utd need that controller in the back 4 who can calm things down when you're on the ropes, I've been singing Fontes praises for a couple of seasons now and feel that getting that old head in your back 4 will be the final piece for Utd. I hope I'm wrong and that you turn out to be **** though.
