Wouldn't it be handy if after capturing Soriano,( a player i mentioned on a previous thread when debating our new striking options after Borini left, I am chuffed to bits that we're signing him!) Huw managed to agree the loan signings of Thiago Alcantara (The impressive attacking midfielder in the U21 tournament) and Bojan, the young striker who can't get a look in at the moment.. unlikely? yes but we can dream....
Sousa's reign was undermined by our dearth of goals on the departure of Scotland, Gonez and Bodde. a "goals for" deficit of 40. How remarkable is it that we will be starting this season with a huge increase in our "Goals For" budget with Graham (25?), Sinclair (24) and potentially Soriano (30+) - counting league goals from memory. Granted we cant expect this same level of goal production in the Prem but if we can get just 60% of that potential and get add-ons from Dobbie, Bodde, etc coupled with our ability not to concede goals we wil be in an amazingly strong position.
that is true, however, i think the midfield is a key area to how promoted teams, and the strikers within those teams perform. For example, when Wolves dominated the championship a few seasons back, and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake scored something like 27 league goals, he has barely scored from open play in the prem, and yes that is down to the player's ability ofcourse, but if the midfield is being over run and dominated each match then he's not going to have the opportunity to score. having said that, it is very exciting to have quality up front.
You're correct WF, our midfield and in particular Dobbie and Dyer will be key to unlocking that potential .... But it's a long way from Pintado, Beattie and Kuqi isn't it.
I think a club of Swansea's size would do well to become a UK feeder team for Barca. Might sustain you in the Premier League for a good few years.
If we could build a relationship leaning in that direction use of their academy programs would be extremely beneficial in developing our own young talent.
That would be excellent if we could cone to some agreement for both clubs as we could blood the 'youngsters' whilst sending some of ours over there to let them appreciate how we try to play, just one other thing with all the youngsters that they have lost out on due to that they cannot sign contracts until they are 18 would there be a loophole for us to use to our advantage, I'm not sure maybe
oh it's a hell of a difference having Soriano, Graham (and hopefully Lita, as I've said I rate Lita aswell), compared to Kuqi, Beattie and Pintado. But I know it was tongue in cheek, because after all he's been linked with Man Utd, but Thiago Alcantara or a creative, attacking player of a similar mould is needed to get the best out of these players, just because the quality of the opposition is of a much higher standard now!
If your manager's clever and he makes good connections then anything could happen. Bolton seem to have a good relationship with Real Madrid, a legacy of Allardyce's time there.
It will be nic to having attacking options. All of who can odder goals. Instead of having backups who offer very little in terms of goals. A strong midfiled and goals on the pitch and possible goals comming off the bench should see us survive next season.
We need a high end , classy mid midfielder to drop in the middle of our youngish midfield . Thought Senna would have been perfect but someone like him who can build confidence in the rest IMO .
Give me someone like Barca's Iniesta anytime in midfield. My favourite player of the last five years, although his twin brother Xavi would have to come as well. And while we are at it, perhaps Victor Valdes would be looking for a new challenge. We do need a new 'keeper before any other new signings, as the start of the season is only five weeks away after next Saturday!
