- Jul 26, 2005
- 931
- 3,657
I hope this shift to a 4-2-3-1 is permanent. Our players know and understand it and it’s a better shape for us offensively and defensively, with more players too in their natural positions.
However, while Hojbjerg and Skipp are clearly the first choice pair for the pivot 2, we are definitely in trouble there if one of them gets injured with - as we know now - none of Ndombele, GLC or Dele suited to the role, leaving only the underperforming Winks as backup. We need another no. 6 in January, I feel.
Further up the field, we have lots of options for the role behind Kane, with Ndombele, GLC, Lucas, Gil & Dele all possibilities there. Ndombele and GLC have to be first options for their pass-picking ability, while Lucas and Gil can (and do more often) offer great options from out wide too. Dele is the one it makes sense to move on therefore; a talented player still, and a committed one, but we’ve better options everywhere he plays.
Beyond that, we still lack a replacement for Vinicius and someone who can ensure Kane & Son get a rest on at least some ECL nights; Scarlett not quite there yet in that respect.
Re more outgoings, Doherty & Sess (on loan?) the most obvious ones for me if we get offers; neither even second-choice in their respective positions at this stage.
However, while Hojbjerg and Skipp are clearly the first choice pair for the pivot 2, we are definitely in trouble there if one of them gets injured with - as we know now - none of Ndombele, GLC or Dele suited to the role, leaving only the underperforming Winks as backup. We need another no. 6 in January, I feel.
Further up the field, we have lots of options for the role behind Kane, with Ndombele, GLC, Lucas, Gil & Dele all possibilities there. Ndombele and GLC have to be first options for their pass-picking ability, while Lucas and Gil can (and do more often) offer great options from out wide too. Dele is the one it makes sense to move on therefore; a talented player still, and a committed one, but we’ve better options everywhere he plays.
Beyond that, we still lack a replacement for Vinicius and someone who can ensure Kane & Son get a rest on at least some ECL nights; Scarlett not quite there yet in that respect.
Re more outgoings, Doherty & Sess (on loan?) the most obvious ones for me if we get offers; neither even second-choice in their respective positions at this stage.