It is clear with the signing of Diakite that we are definitely moving in the right direction. Hughes is bringing in some old heads and young legs, hopefully the balance will be just right so that we can push on next season. While I am ecstatic with the signing of Samba, and when Ali gets back it will be like a new signing, but I have a few worries regarding our midfield. Now clearly Ali and Samba are the two most exciting young players we've signed in a very long time, my only concern is that they are both just a little too young and inexperienced to cope in the Premier league together at the moment. In a couple of years time I fully expect us to have one of the best midfields in the league. But I think if we want to play both together, then we will need a more experienced head in there with them, but this will force us to play one up top. Then there is the problem of the ACON, with Adel, Samba and Treore all jetting off for a minimum of 2 weeks. Looking at our list of registered midfielders; 4. Derry 7. Taarabt 8. Dyer 10. Ephraim 11. Faurlin 14. Buzsaky 17. Barton 29. Doughty 32. Wright-Phillips 35. Ehmer 36. Andrade 39. Gibbons and now Diakite You could add Treore to the list as I think he's more effective as LM than LB. But when you consider it's unlikely Ali will be match fit before the start. Barton band till November. Derry (love him) dead on his legs and only good now for occasional cover. Wright-Phillips, will he ever come good? And then the rest either too inexperienced or simply not good enough, that leaves us looking extremely weak in this area. Do you think we need more experience? Is what we have good enough? How many more players do you think we are chasing for the midfield? This is only a minor concern, but non the less I think it's something that is vital to strengthen before the big kick off.
Said basically the same on another thread - definitely need to strengthen central midfield further, particularly the defensive part.
Good points. We can't afford to have the short term problem (we have to hit the ground running this season, and keep running), or a problem with ACON looming. It would amaze me if MH hasn't kept a fair bit in his kitty for a really experienced midfield player. Three days to go until the transfer window opens...
Those players aren't definately going to the ACON yet are they?Have their relative countries all qualified?As usual there are more questions than answers!
It's still early yet. That list of players does look thin. It'll be interesting to see what that list looks like come kick off time. Different I'll bet
I would still like to see another creative midfielder or fast wide right\left man but it would have to be at the expense of someone we already have, I think it's easily enough to pick one to replace. Don't forget we have Mackie as well who normally plays on the right side and Dyer, if fit, can play all the way across the midfield.
To those who say bringing players in is at the expense of those we have, rightly so. If we are to improve to where we're aiming for that's exactly what we have to do. ALL players are squad players, if they don't perform someone replaces them. Barton and SWP found that out last season and that's the way forward. If Diarra can be signed that would be great, but I've a feeling MH will spring another gem from off the radar. Onwards and upwards...
What about defence? That is more of an issue. We only have three centre backs, Ferdinand, Hill and Nelson. Hill and Nelson are over 33 years old!!
Can't Onuha play Centre Back? Thought that was what he was bought into do, but ended up out at Right Back?
Yes Onuha can play CB, I think it's his preferred position ?.. We have coverage for the back 4, weak at LB without Tawio though I think Dyer can play LB and RB (his become a real Utility player, so rumour has it). For me it's whether we have the quality of coverage...
Forgot about Onuha. That leaves Young at right back but dont think Hughes rates him that much so we could see 2 new full backs coming in if Onuha is going to be considered a centre half. 2 new defenders, 1 midfielder and 1 / attacking midfielder/forward would give us a good chance of acheiving a top 12 place next season.
I expect to see more signings and hope they arrive either in time for the tour of Asia or not long after it. A strong team ready to go against Swansea will be better than a mediocre team waiting to be bolstered before the deadline at the end of August. We can't afford to have three teams again next season as it was nearly the downfall of the club. One or two more each in defense, midfield and up front would not be a shocker and all those that Sparky and his team have had an eye on will be bid for. I think the next bit of business will be younger stock with potential, the management look like they have a long term strategy and the likes of Dyer, AJ, Nelson etc are only going to be short term cover until the squad is exactly what Hughes wants. You could see him trying to do the same at Citeh before he left/got the push.
I do think we need a decent winger - we lacked quality from crosses at times last season - SWP was useless. We also need to replace Buzz I think as otherwise all we will do is have Taarabt.
