LOOK Rummsy! You are the one saying it's not happening, so, I can only presume it IS happening as if it is "not" happening and you've happened to do your reverse universe happenings, then who knows what's the happening or what will happen?
I'd have to disagree, it absolutely should be considered one of the most important factors. The spine of your team is critical to the teams success. The central midfield carries the most weight for me because it affects the game more than any other area. You of course have to be careful getting too focused on one area, because its the sum of all parts always in team sports. However you should always be aware of what will have the most impact on progress because that is what will allow you to attract the profile of player to improve the other parts. As I say I think its a case of personal choice. I don't think we have enough in there to help us progress up the league, and should not be fooled by our purple patch last season. For me another midfielder is absolutely critical. A striker is also absolutely critical. Certainly for a centre back is well below a central midfielder in my book. However we do need a centre back and a wide player also. This is the legacy of the previous ownership at work. Several parts of the squad in need of urgent work.
I'm not saying we should go for a CM, I'm saying we shouldn't prioritise it over ST or CB, as we are weaker in those areas. If we get our CB or ST then I'm fine with signing someone like Paqeuta, but I wouldn't prioritise a CM over a ST, a place where we clearly need strengthening. If we get Ekitike and Botman then i'm satisfied. Then you can have your CM.
We don't score enough, mainly because of a lack of chances created, mainly because of a persistent lack of midfield control. Howe is probably restricted and might be why we'll make do and mend with Willock/Longstaff, but I agree with Pouchy that Paqueta would transform the team. I'd say filling a CM role with a real PL pedigree player is just as important as right wing, up front and centre back.
The problem with that is if you are just buying in order of need then if you don’t or can’t get someone in your first position of need you don’t go on to your second position of need etc. We should and I would guess probably have identified all the positions we plan to buy for this summer and it doesn’t matter what order we fill them. Plus if a can’t believe we could get him player pops up then there will be money set aside for such an eventuality.
I don't care what order they come in, so long as they're all filled, and so long as one doesn't get in the way of the other. If we can fill them all fine.
Not sure where my theory is mechanical. It’s fluid. Identify what you need/want. Buy/fill them no matter the order. Anyone special appears, try and buy him. You couldn’t get more fluid.
I fully understand what you're saying Tash. I'm saying I would prioritise over CB and possibly ST too. That's just my view and how important I see it, we just have a completely different take on priorities. To each their own and all that. My view being based on if we are to slip back to hoping on Longstaff, thinking Shelvey will suddenly become not fairweather or hoping Willock can sort his fitness out, then I think we will get what we deserve when all those things don't come to fruition. I couldn't have confidence in any of those three things.
