I think if a world class/ elite player came about then we should of course try to sign them but those players are in very short supply and the ones that are available are often chased by the City’s/ Madrid’s/ Bayern’s of the world and so even with Conte and a large transfer kitty, we still can’t compete with those sides - yet. Though I like the way we’re working at the moment. We’re hoovering up a mix of players that consist of the best talents at clubs outside the big six, title winning experienced players and then big prospects with (hopefully) huge futures. We’re putting together a very good “supporting cast” for our two superstars, who for too long were having to work with utter tripe. Theoretically by continuing to do this we should hopefully hit a winning formula that can take us up a peg or two, if that happens, then we can start looking at nabbing elite players from elite clubs.
Apparently he didn't make a mistake that directly led to a goal all last season. He is also the only player who can communicate with all the defenders in their native language, and whilst that may seem trivial communication is hugely important from the middle defender of the 3.
Anyone who scores a winner against the Spammers on his debut gets my vote! He is clearly respected in the club, most notably by Conte, seems like a strong character on the pitch and that, allied to his experience, consistency and linguistic abilities makes it a no brainer for me. (I knew he had a good 2nd half to last season - didn't realise it was the that good over the entire campaign. Fair dues to him! )
James Maddison isn’t a bad option IMO. I don’t know who else we’ll be able to attract that isn’t silly money. He’s a proven premier league player and offers us the creativity we need. With the players he’ll have around him, I think we’ll see him reach a new level in his game. Yes the comments he’s made in the past were vile, but wasn’t he a 15 year old kid?
I agree and I would take him, but I reckon Leicester will want £60 million plus and possibly more, so could end up being silly money as well. He would be a good option to have off the bench but I can’t see him being a starter.
Everyone is prone to making mistakes. Point me to a player that doesn’t have the propensity to give the ball away, miss a tackle or make a poor pass.
Rodrigo de Paul's been linked Would certainly provide the through balls from deep we've lacked, but it really has to be said that his form at Atleti has been a shadow of what it was at Udinese, which makes me wonder if he's better as a big fish in a small pond
Yeah no rush about announcing the guy, Spurs… Didn’t realise how tall he was either, unless those two guys are midgets.
Random link of the day: Palmeiras's Uruguayan LB Joaquin Piquerez, as per...some French journalist whose name I misplaced (so not one of the higher-tier ones, then...) Meanwhile, TuttoMercato have reheated Kim Min-jae, because of course they have In other news Svanberg Watch
I was one of Dier's most vocal critics on here for a long time but he has improved exponentially under Conte. He is probably our most vocal player and as others have said, that is crucial when you are expediting 2 other players in attacking phase and 4 other players in defensive phases when the WBs drop level with the back 3. He is also clearly popular and respected across the squad. He also seems a lot more focused since Dele left. I'm not sure there's anything to it but the two of them were inseparable at one point but this season seemed to drift apart (possibly due to that ruckus they had after the Wolves defeat under Maureen). I wonder if Dele became a bit of a distraction for Dier and it started affecting his concentration, leading to the comical errors that became a regular part of his game.
I'd say setting the team up to sit back for 60+ minutes without a midfield capable of controlling a game might have more to do with Dier and Davies making a lot of errors...
It looks like Dier and Dele patched things up, as they were sat together at Ben Davies wedding please log in to view this image ...when did Dele start wearing glasses?
