Even if we hit on all of those players, we still won't have "one of the best midfields" in the league which was what I responded to.
I'm using Everton as a guide to what we need to do tbh. When I look at their midfield, strikers and defence it gives me hope because I can't see a huge gap. To me it's just the levels of organisation and experience that counts. Three more good signings, plus two quality loans, and we've cracked it in my opinion.
Leeds seem confident of getting Igor Paixao only reason I know is because news has came out about him and stach and all they can mention is Sunderland
We aren’t miles off. Xhaka and a quality CB and we have a competitive team, add another CB option and Elliott and we in great shape…. Elliott dreams aside, a player that can cover right and 10 and 2 CB and we look like we have a chance. We aren’t talking about Rigg enough either we mustn’t forget what he can do, where he can be this season. If we got Lucumi, Diakite and Xhaka we’d stay up, I’d be certain. If we added someone like Elliott to that we could look at a comfy 12th and be really attractive next summer to bigger names.
Mayenda translation "I am and will be Spanish for life," the Zaragoza-born striker responded to the French national team's interest. With two crucial goals in the Premier League promotion play-off (including a Randy Orton-style celebration), the historic Sunderland have found a diamond in the rough in the 20-year-old left-footed striker on his return to the elite. Already called up by the U21 side, Mayenda is emerging as a versatile and very interesting number 9 in the European market.
You're right about the importance of organisation and I'd agree with you on the numbers too (providing it's the right quality in the right areas). Everton's defence is elite compared to ours though imo. Pickford, Branthwaite & Tarkowski with O'Brien as a back up is fantastic.
Aye but Smug is right you don’t look at their midfield or forward options with envy. Enzo and Mayenda get a game there for sure. Likely Diarra too speculatively.
I'd agree that Everton's reliance on defence is sound but their midfield looks predictable and lacking spark to me.
Rigg will step up massively this season, I'm certain of it. I think there's a chance he's our best midfielder by the end of the season. Xhaka, 1 top CB and a keeper would leave me thinking we have a chance. A 2nd CB and a striker on top would be perfect.
Yep. And none of this is out of reach, it’s actually very close now. Like we noted on the match thread Saturday, the fact both Paddy and Mayenda look a right handful as a 10 is useful and could spread some budget. If we can go elite at CB, I fancy us to have goals in us with what we have already.