I think that would be a pretty poor decision from a squad standpoint, one isn't a left back and the other hasnt managed a full season to date
Interesting thought. However, I guess I would kinda expect that a concerted switch to wing-backs would see us focus on the right side rather than the left. Not sure Trai would be a super natural fit for that role, where Cirkin feels more suited to the demands. Also I guess it would go against what Speakman said the other day about 4-3-3 being our core way of playing. Think I saw that anyway!
I’ll rephrase - I would like a new left back option, but think it is less of priority than other positions such as CB, CM, and a couple of wingers. I’d be uncomfortable us spending a significant chunk of our budget on that position, as surely we only have 2/3 signings in us for around 20 million euros.
Bang on. Need the options, but I wouldn't expect (or want) us to launch a significant portion of our budget into a new left back. Bigger fish to fry.
Really hate 5 at the back formations personally. Think we've looked defensively solid with the current system. I'd be looking to keep it as it was last year and just improve the quality in key positions.
That's fair enough, it would be pretty high on my priority list, top of the dome probably: 1. CB 2. RW 3. LW 4. CM 5. LB I'm sure someone will let me know if I've forgotten an obvious squad weakness and left back could honestly move up to 3 or 4.
I could definitely see a tweak in our game model. Likely to be a more overt deep block and emphasis on quick breaks. However, it feels like a big upheaval to change to a back three now. Would leave us a hell of a lot to do in the summer market IMO. I don't necessarily hate back 3s. Used to view them as a way of getting more attacking players into the team. Sadly the last few years has tended to see them revert to back 5s most of the time. Not too many teams that genuinely excite with a back 5. Would see next season be a hell of a grind. Worth it if it's successful, but its a big old gamble.
For me its another CM, a CB and a RW as our big priority for the big money (remembering that we've already made one of our big purchases in CM). After that it's arguable. Personally I'd go CM and CB again first, but would like another front line versatile wide option too. Definitely need LB cover after that, but I'd be adding more cover via versatility personally. Of course the question will be what if Cirkin doesn't stay fit and Alese doesn't ever get fit, but the opposite is also possible. A left footed mobile centre half (which we need anyway IMO) plus another versatile option is where I'd go. Haven't even mentioned striker in there. Struggle to justify big spend on a player who can only play left back, though, for sure.