With only a few days remaining of the January transfer window, and our last chance to secure some signings in the hope of keeping us up, these few days are crucial. Running through positions: 'Keepers Hamer Schmeichel Schwarzer Absolutely fine in this department, Hamer has done a very good job (arguably an even better one than Kasper), not to mention the addition of Schwarzer, which is a very good signing. Full-backs Konchesky De Laet Simpson (Schlupp) We could do with some work here. Simpson has been a good signing, am really a fan. De Laet has been very hit and miss for me, and I don't think he is cut out for this level. He is a bit of a liability, who used his pace to paper over his mistakes at Championship level, but you can't do that here. Konchesky has also been very hit and miss. He can be a liability, and I think his mistakes are currently outweighing his good games. IMO, we could do with another full-back, preferably a left-back. Schlupp is wasted here, so is not really an option. Although this isn't essential, it would make me happier if we could play somebody better than Konchesky every week until the end of the season. Centre Backs Morgan Wasyl Moore Upson In my opinion, we really do need a new CB. Morgan has (as much as it pains me to say) looked out of his depth at this level. Moore has shown signs of promise, but perhaps his inexperience is costing us. Wasyl has been okay, but I'm not certain. Our distinct lack of pace at CB with Morgan and Wasyl worries me. We really, really need a CB IMO. Midfielders (Central) Cambiasso Hammond Drinkwater James King Cambiasso has been a class signing. If only we could get 90 minutes out of him every week... One can dream! (Then again, if we could, he'd probably still be playing for Inter!) Hammond has been brilliant this season, not that surprising that our poor run coincided with his absence from the team. These two are key to our survival, IMO. Drinkwater / James / King... Well, there's nothing to write home about. Not been brilliant, not particularly been bad. I think we are okay in this department. Wingers Mahrez Schlupp Knockaert Albrighton Mahrez and Schlupp have been our star performers this season. Absolutely fantastic. I'm pleased that it looks like we are hanging on to these (*touch wood*). I think these two, and Albrighton and Knockaert is sufficient cover here. Strikers Ulloa Kramaric Nugent Vardy Wood There is a case for another striker, and we have been linked with a few. Not much was expected of Wood at this level. All credit to him, he wants to stay and fight for his place, but I don't think he'll get it. Vardy is a pest, and a pacey one at that. IMO we shouldn't be starting him, but he's a good substitute to have, as he brings something different. Nugent has been improving, but we shouldn't judge him on his goalscoring, he brings so much more to the team. Ulloa has been a good signing. Kramaric, well, he looked good against Tottenham, and was perhaps unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. Will Ulloa and Kramaric score enough goals to keep us up? Perhaps one more goalscorer is required... Summary In short, I think we need a quality centre back as top priority. A full-back would be nice, seeing Koncheskys name on the teamsheet can send shivers down the spine. We're pretty solid in goalkeepers, central midfielders and wingers. Wouldn't be too disappointed if we didn't sign another striker, but on the same note, I would happily welcome another goalscorer to our ranks... Ridiculously tough run coming up, as long as our heads don't drop, and the new signings manage to gel, we definitely have the fixtures from gameweek 29 onwards to mount a serious push for survival.
Good summary We are yet to be "thrashed" in a game, i think although we will need to improve the defence, i dont think it needs to be in this window.
Also, this article from Rob Tanner pretty much echos my thoughts... http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/R...inating-days/story-25943013-detail/story.html
Sky Sports News HQ @SkySportsNewsHQ 13m13 minutes ago BREAKING NEWS: Sky Sources - Stoke give Leicester permission to speak to Robert Huth about possible loan move
Huth solves the centre back issue, desperately need a quality left back though. Wouldn't say Hammond has been "brilliant" but he has done a fine job and very effective I'd like to see a talented/ creative midfielder brought in too. Not sure about this Lex Emmers. Know nothing about the guy other than the reports I've read which have been mixed reviews. Going to be an important and interesting 3-4 days.
Hammond for England! Seriously though I'm very disappointed in how Drinky, James and Vardy have been this season and for me it's the midfield that needs a good sort out. Too late now though, if by some miracle we do stay up let's hope for some better signings in the summer.
Drinkwater and King just don't fit into a 2 man midfield, not in the PL at least. Should be playing 2 of Hammond, James and Cambiasso. Kramaric didn't really help them dropping back either, although we shouldn't really be putting him in a position where he has to defend.
