With injured players on the way back, our squad is looking very solid: Loris/Vorm Alderweireld Sanchez Vertonghen Aurier/Trippier Rose/Davies Dembele/Dier Wanyama/Winks SISSOKO Alli/Son Eriksen/Lamela Kane/Llorente Enough games for all - although feels like our main man Moussa S could be surplus... Where would Barkley fit in...? Who else do we need? A young CB, ST? Wingers? I don't think Bale would get into this team
I like the thinking but Bale gets in to any team if fit. Sissoko will play enough games his power and running always have a place in the 17.
Our squad is immense in my opinion. When you consider that - like last year - we've been dealing with a number of injuries to important players early on and remained competitive (in all comps this time, too!), it's a testament to the players who've been filling in as well as the gaffer and coaching staff for ensuring everyone is prepared.
I think that we should now consider adding a couple of referees to the squad for completeness. Fergie obviously had Howard Webb and Mark Twattenberg on the Manchester United pay-roll and the odd penalty here and there, together with abundant red cards for close rivals and the innovation that became known as 'Fergie time', where, in the event of Manure losing, the match continued long enough for Manure to draw level and then to be awarded a 'last kick of the match' penalty to ensure a Manure victory. This is about all we are missing now squad-wise to make a sustained challenge for the title. Adding a couple of referees could be the difference between a second or third place finish and actually winning the title. It worked for Manure so why not for us?
In all honesty, if we can pick him up for £15m in Jan, it's a no brainer for me. He would bring something slightly different to the table and if he can indeed be coached to play the Dembele role, it's a win-win. Also bear in mind that we traditionally get stronger as the season goes on. He'll be desperate to prove himself and get his name back on Southgate's list in time for the WC. Could well be the spark that propels us to some silverware at the end of the season. It's the long-term picture that still bothers me though. 2-3 spots taken up by Alli, Sissoko, Eriksen, Son, GKN, Barkley, Lamela and then Onomah and Georgiou & Edwards breaking through...it's VERY overcrowded!
You'd never have known about our injuries if you'd been listening to the pundits. But you are very likely to know that Chelski have a number of injuries. If they had been going into a game away at Real you would never have heard the last of it. This despite having three complete teams out on loan including five (or six is it) playing at PL teams!
I'm struggling with this one, because I really like the idea of Wanyama, Winks and Dembele in midfield. It seems very difficult to fit that in with 3 centre backs though. ------------------Lloris ----------Toby Sanchez Verts Aurier------------------------------Rose/Davies ----------------Wanyama ---------Winks-----------Dembele ---Sissoko/Lamela/Dele--------Eriksen --------------------Kane That's my errrrr 12 !
My current core starting XI is : GK. Back 3. Spurback x 2. Wanyama. Eriksen. Kane. So only two more places. Winks is good for when the opposition MF is not hostile, as he can play a more measured game. Dembele is great for hostile MF, as he is a beast and difficult to get the ball off. Lamela makes MF hostile, as IMHO he is the most ferocious in the squad for the MF press. He also scores. Son is a speedboat. Great for when the opposition can be stretched. Scores plenty. Alli is one for all conditions, and his fancy moments can easily be indulged in any Pochettino starting XI.
I think that a fit Bale would walk back into our team, to be honest. Lloris Aurier Alderweireld Vertoghen Rose Wanyama Dembele Eriksen Alli Bale KaneYes, please! Would leave us with this side as backup and competition: Vorm Trippier Sanchez Foyth Davies Dier Winks Lamela Sissoko Son LlorenteNot even room for N'Koudou, Walker-Peters, etc.
Hugo Toby, Dave, Jan Aurier, CM 1, CM 2, Davies Alli, Eriksen Kane The CM pairing is a tough one as all have unique traits. I'm happy with any of the four in the XI to be honest as I think all perform to very high levels, maybe Dier & Wanyama against sides with potent and skilful attackers, Winks and Dembele for sides who sit back. Davies pips Rose based on his form this season for me (plus Rose is still a dick for his comments).
My comment re Bale was tongue in cheek. He'd be a great super sub What a great squad. Superb. PS I like how Poch never cries over injuries.
It's good for the team and the players that have to step up. Someone's missing? "It's a shame that he's out, but we have X, who's also very good. We're happy with our options in that area." "It's very damaging to us and we'll miss him badly, as our squad's not deep enough to cope with his absence." Which one of those would you prefer to hear as the player coming into the side or one that's already in it?
