Surprised to see you say this mate. There's an element of romance to it (which translates to better gates and a better atmosphere) but the main appeal is getting a lethal finisher and a model professional in the team. Johnson has spoken about it and he didn't at all sound like his hand was being forced and he didn't want it. The opposite if anything.
I’ll get hammered for this but if that’s what we’re going for and Defoe ends up the striker option, as much as I like him, I’d be disappointed with that. We’ve been at our best playing with a high press, with pace and with intensity. Broadhead was often integral to that, I’d far rather go for an option closer to what he offers (like the kid at Villa) than the romantic option. I think of it like the Ronaldo deal at Man Utd. More talented than most of his teammates but ultimately detrimental to the team as a whole.
Defoe is a team player though, unlike Ronaldo. He's selfish in front of goal as a good striker should be but he wouldn't upset the balance of the squad like a Ronaldo would.
If the whole team has to change its philosophy and the way it plays to accommodate him I personally can’t see how it wouldn’t upset the balance of the squad. This is meant as no sleight on Defoe as a player or a person.
It'd be a minor tweak to the formation, I don't see it as a problem. No need to change philosophies or anything. We'd still have four at the back so we'd have that stability it'd just need an adjustment or two in midfield. 1 in 2 goalscorers are like gold dust, you find a way to fit them in.
Maybe, maybe not. You don't know that. Regardless, if Stewart was still on the pitch when Defoe got subbed on my comments would be relevant.
Said as much about his experience earlier in the thread. And if he comes back at 39..... Di Canio was right all along about banning sauce.
Sunderland are set to complete the signing of Patrick Roberts, with the winger scheduled to have a medical in the coming days. However, Roberts is expected to join Lee Johnson’s squad, with the Sky Sports Transfer Centre (17:32) revealing that the deal is at a very advanced stage. https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/m...rland-close-in-on-deal-for-24-y-o-winger/amp/
The Defoe of a few years ago would be a great asset... But just how fit and able is the Defoe of today? When was the last time he played a match? I suppose he will have some of trial? Could he play straight away?
I stayed away from social media all weekend as deleted twitter from my phone. Is this really happening? To save my soul from having to go onto RTG at a time when we are in bad form *shudder*, can somebody say who of the ITKs from RTG thinks it might happen?
Defoe has played as a lone striker,and as part of a topt two. However he has also played in the hole behind the main striker.