I think it will be this one (but not fat), why not both though, give us options...? The central striker would be a backup more than a regular first teamer. As you say, ideally we get a player or two that can play both roles
Also, Usually in January prices get inflated, especially when a player is on form (pretty likely we'll target some one in good form) so I fully expect some shrewd business to be done. Read over that Walcott article, apparently he turned down 75k a week anyway, he's definitely not worth them kind of wages. Sturridge? Please no, he's a decent player but he plays for himself and not the team. Huntelaar? Already has CL football, playing for a decent enough team in a very good league, in good form and on very high wages. Not ruling him out I just think it's unlikely we'll sign a player like him. They are the 3 main players we're being linked with, and I don't expect us to get one of them.
Yep, can't argue with any of that. The only thing that I'll add is that Sturridge as velcro on his boots although i suspect that is what you meant by 'plays for himself'
According to my sauces (tartar) we're going to let Borini go on a free and we're going to loan Suarez to Man City for 6 months. No one new in January. Stirling looks dangerous too... so we will loan him to Stoke.
I see no reason for it not being both apart from the obvious...lack of funds handed over. Surely rather than signing a back up central player he'll use Borini for that as that was the position he bought him in to play in the first place. The way Suarez has now settled into the system might even force his hand. If he signs wider players does that push Sterling out of the first team or will he maybe look to utilise Suso more in midfield instead of Sahin? What we know is Suarez will play when available, Sterling will be hard to displace at the moment, the third forward spot is probably the one up for grabs. We need cover in all 3 positions. For me the jury is still out on Borini and Assaidi but they are at least good enough squad players for now. As you say then 2 should really be a minimum. The question then is if we have any half decent budget (which we will need if we're shopping in January) does BR splash the vast majority on one player and go cheap for a second? Splash it all on one and give Morgan and Yesil a bit of game time if we have an FA Cup run/UEFA? Save the cash until next summer when he'll get a better deal and pray to god he can keep what he's got fit? I guess if Mandy could start banging a few in he may well consider selling him to the highest bidder and using those funds (personally I'd have him back but doesn't look like it'll happen).
Again, can't argue too much there. We play with a front three: RF, LF and CF. At the moment we have Sterling, Assaidi, Downing, Cole, Suarez, Borini and Suso with Morgan, Yesil and Pacheco as younger backups. We want at least two options for every position. I think we all agree that Downing and Cole are not good enough and Suso is a AM rather than a forward. Nor do I think we should consider the three younger backups. That leaves us with: RF: ? & ? LF: Sterling & Assaidi CF: Suarez & Borini Of course, Borini could play on the left and Sterling could play on the right but is four players enough to cover three positions...? Especially when you consider only Suarez and Sterling are considered good enough for the Premier League! I think the two starters and two backups are fine for LF and CF. Of course, we do have the six other players that I have eliminated from this thought pattern too, but do the names of Downing, Cole, Pacheco, Suso, Morgan and Yesil fill you with confidence or strike fear into the opposition? (bit hars on Suso but he is still young and learning)
So basically we just need another two Suarezeez and we're sorted Suso will probably benefit from his spell up front in the long run but I'm sure it isn't getting the best out of him at the moment (needs must right now I know). Yesil and Morgan both need a bit more time before they can be given first team shirts on a regular basis and maybe they'll never quite make it. Downing, Cole and Pacheco are out of the equation for me now as they just don't bring anything to the team and the first two are on big enough wages that getting rid makes more sense than simply "hoping they'll come good".
I haven't seen anything (yet) to suggest he has any of the attributes needed to play as a wide forward. In fact other than good work rate and half decent movement he hasn't shown any attributes at all so far. In fairness he maybe just needs time to adjust but as yet I'd rather we had better options by the end of the January window.
Apparently Huntelaar and Walcott are BOTH DEFINITE targets, I would guess they will be our 2 signings in Jan
What makes you think that? Do you reckon we're going to guarantee Walcott first team football and a central role? If so why sign Huntelaar? Are we going to really pay Walcock a kings ransom?
Certainly not from the right, as he even played there for us? He's been on left or in middle. I don't consiser Borini a regular first teamer in the current squad, never mind if we were to sign one or two more!
I'd be concerned if we signed either, neither fit the system (assuming TW gets told he'll be playing a central role) so something would have to give. Walcott would fit the RF role and has shown he knows where the net is this season. I just think this is 'out of form' for Theo
Got to wonder how much of our unbeaten run is down to Borini getting injured and not playing in the last 7 games. Maybe its a little harsh, infact it definitely is, but I do wonder why our performances have been so much better without him in the team.
Agreed. Plus I'm always suspicious of players who start performing just as contract talks are under way. I've seen plenty get what they want and go back to being completely useless until their next contract is due
