Your realistic squad for next season

[RichieS]

This is what I posted in another (similar-ish) thread:

...I disagree with you on Chadli - I think he's made for that role cutting in from the left and is a lot more creative and dangerous than he's been given the opportunity to show so far. We definitely need something else there as well, and if we can get Konoplyanka we should. The only other froward signing I would consider would be Remy - versatile, dangerous, PL proven and still only 27. Not worth doing if we keep Adebayor though.

Defence-wise, I'd keep both Rose and Fryers, Rose as second choice LB and Fryers as 5th choice CB. I'd bring back Caulker (surely Levy put a buyback clause in...?) and let Dawson go. If Kaboul isn't done then he's absolutely worth keeping around. Like you say, Naughton needs to move on for his own sake although I would have no objection to keeping him. Fredericks probably isn't ready to be Walker's understudy so if our new first choice left-back could also play on the right that would be a massive bonus.

1 - Lloris, Friedel (Archer)
2 - Walker, new (Fredericks)
3 - New, Rose (Fryers)
4 - Chiricheş, Kaboul (Veljkovic)
5 - Vertonghen, Caulker (Fryers)
6 - Sandro, Capoue (Veljkovic)
7 - Lamela, Townsend (Ceballos/McEvoy)
8 - Dembélé, Paulinho (Bentaleb)
9 - Soldado, Adebayor/Remy (Kane)
10 - Eriksen, Holtby (Carroll)
11- Konoplyanka, Chadli (Falqué/Pritchard)

So that's a maximum of 5 in (ideally only 3) with Walker, Fredericks, Rose, Fryers, Caulker, Townsend, Kane and Carroll making up the homegrown quota.

Gomes, Assou-Ekotto, Naughton, Dawson, Livermore, Lennon, Sigurđsson, Mason all to be gone from the players currently listed as First Team on the official site. Maybe £25m to be got there. I'd happily keep Livermore but I think Hull will activate their clause and that he'll want first team football.

We absolutely must not let any whiney twats leave. Recent history shows us that they have to whinge for 2 summers before getting their move anyway.

Further to this, stop it with "our squad is average" nonsense please! Barring an injury crisis, we can name one of the strongest match day squads in the league. Our bench at times this season has been ridiculous!

 

[Adrien]

I'd keep the same team more or less. Trim some fat, there's really no need to have so many wingers and "wingers" who are all on the same level, but nothing really special. Same with central midfielders, and if there are some gaps because of Europa League games just fill them with youngsters.

 

[Snarfalicious]

I know I mentioned earlier in this thread that if we add a proven, experienced coach (LVG) that I think anything that happens after that is gravy, but I do know there will undoubtedly be changes.

I see a lot of change coming this summer.

Some potential outs:

• Hugo Lloris : We all know how great he is, but he's going to know that 2014 will represent another CL-less season unless he moves. We could try to give him an improved deal, but he strikes me as the type of guy who simply values playing on the big stage. It sucks, but it may be an unfortunate truth.
• Jan Vertonghen: You could pretty much copy/paste what I said about Lloris into here. I also think the way some of the fans have gotten on him about his emotion on the pitch (which is dumb as shit in my opinion) could help him with deciding to move on. Needless to say, he's going to command a really good fee.
• Younes Kaboul: I honestly have no idea what his contract situation is. I'm aware of the interview where he said it runs until Summer 2015 but most of what I've seen is it's up this summer. We will have to see I guess. He's still got ability and if he can show the ability to stay health over the next month +, we should look to extend him even if we can only rely on him as a 4th CB due to injuries.
• Aaron Lennon: Nothing but respect for the little guy for the dedication he's shown to the club, but he's simply not a very good player. Far too inconsistent, his attacking play has been pretty damn near bad and if it weren't for his work rate he really wouldn't have much of anything going for his game.
• Paulinho: I think his comments were pretty clear that he'd be open to a move. I still think he's a great talent and I hope if we sell him it's outside of the league. Also could command a large fee after he will likely have a great WC for Brazil as they are incredibly good at getting everything out of his talent.
• Livermore: He's had a good season for Hull, but I just don't think we'd keep him around. Maybe we would if Paulinho is gone and we could loan Carroll and/or Bentaleb to an EPL side.

My Additions:

• Michy Batshuayi (ST/WF): Great, young talent that can play across a front 3 given his physical talent and also his ability on the ball. Could breakthrough in the team similar to how Benteke/Lukaku have done in their transition from Belgium's top league to the EPL.
• Ricardo Rodriguez (LB): In my opinion, one of the best LBs in the game and would cost a pretty penny to add given the fact that Wolfsburg aren't strapped for cash. 5 goals and 7 assists as a LB, we could use this.
• Fabian Schar (CB): I think he'd be a great addition to the side after losing Vertonghen. I was on the fence about him until I watched the match against Chelsea where they won 1-0 and he was a rock. Helped Basel keep a clean sheet. Another young CB to add to the group.
• Cheikhou Kouyate (CB): Another physically talented CB, Kouyate is a bit different from Schar in that while he's got great recovery ability and he's also shown some good technical ability, he's a more imposing CB that can really dominate in the air. He's a very good defender that if put next to the right partner could really see our defense take a needed step forward. He's played as DM as well which could be useful should we also lose a guy like Capoue. I view his addition, or a player of similar ability, as a necessity if Kaboul or Dawson were to exit.
• Yevhen Konoplyanka (LW) : I think we need pace on the wings and I love the thought of Kono, Eriksen and Lamela behind any striker. I don't need to explain the reasoning. He's good, he'd provide something we don't really have and he could help round out our attacking front.
• Fraser Forster (GK): I like him. I hate trying to evaluate GKs so I'm just going with him. Different style to Lloris but I don't think that's bad either, so long as we don't play a suicidal high line under LVG, which we won't.

So, we would lose quite a few talented players, but in my opinion replace them with some young, exciting talents that could grow here at Tottenham. They aren't proven world-beaters, and I'm sure some won't like that. But, we've seen young players make the difference for teams. I feel like these additions would go a long way in repairing a side with easily observed holes and do so while not spending an exorbitant amount of money on a singular talent. Once again, the most important thing for us is getting a capable coach.

------------------- Forster ----------------------
Walker--- Kaboul -------- Chiriches -- Rodriguez
------------ Sandro ----- Dembele --------------
Lamela --------- Eriksen -----------Konoplyanka
------------------ Soldado ----------------------

 

[ItsBoris]

Money dear boy, money.

Well we haven't actually spent anything in the last few seasons. We'll have the additional 30 million in TV revenues as well. So no excuse not to spend for what we need this time. Stoke have spent 90 million net more than we have in the last several transfer windows.

 

[Spursh]

We either have players who are good technically but have poor attitudes, or players who are poor technically but with good attitudes.

The only squad members who have both positive aspects are Hugo and Sandro. The latter is injury prone, and I wouldn't blame the former if he wants to leave in the Summer.

 

[dk-yid]

I know I mentioned earlier in this thread that if we add a proven, experienced coach (LVG) that I think anything that happens after that is gravy, but I do know there will undoubtedly be changes.

So, we would lose quite a few talented players, but in my opinion replace them with some young, exciting talents that could grow here at Tottenham. They aren't proven world-beaters, and I'm sure some won't like that. But, we've seen young players make the difference for teams. I feel like these additions would go a long way in repairing a side with easily observed holes and do so while not spending an exorbitant amount of money on a singular talent. Once again, the most important thing for us is getting a capable coach.

------------------- Forster ----------------------
Walker--- Kaboul -------- Chiriches -- Rodriguez
------------ Sandro ----- Dembele --------------
Lamela --------- Eriksen -----------Konoplyanka
------------------ Soldado ----------------------

Snarf, you talk a lot of sense always, and you have picked a handful players -in and out - that it is hard to disagree with. My only concern would be that LVG would only start following the WC, and do you not think that gelling a new team like that would be difficult in a short time? Are you implying that next season is a transition year?

 

[Harry Barber]

Well we haven't actually spent anything in the last few seasons. We'll have the additional 30 million in TV revenues as well. So no excuse not to spend for what we need this time. Stoke have spent 90 million net more than we have in the last several transfer windows.

And the fact we haven't spent anything in the last few seasons doesn't tell you there's a trend here?
We'll only spend a percentage of what/if we sell. Any profits/tv revenues are not spent on players.

 

[HildoSpur]

We need a few changes in defence, I would lose Dawson and probably accept that Kaboul is finished. Rose is not or will never be good enough and Naughton to be fair has impressed me over the last few months and should stay as backup - Walker is fine but we need a decent backup.

A centre back and a left-back are priority.

I would also sell Dembele and Lennon and would try to get as much cash for Townsend as possible.

 

[double0]

After watching the game against Liverpool my views have changed.

I'd let go.
Lloris-reckon his looking for a move CL calling
Vertonghen- shut the door behind you.
Kaboul- injuries
Rose- if your not going to be happy as back up left back good luck for the future.
Dawson-I don't mind him staying but as a last resort otherwise thank you so much for you efforts.
Lennon- just not hungry anymore needs a new challenge maybe link up with Huddlestone at Hull.
Livermore.
Falque.
Capoue.

 

[God&Texas]

Three goals:
(1) Strengthen the defence. This includes keeping Hugo and Jan and ditching the high line but need some new bodies as well. Two moves are bring in a new LB to compete with Rose and a new CB. As important is setting the first choice pairing and keeping them healthy to form a real partnership.

(2) Fix the mindset. Last window brought in great young talent but this squad needs veterans, it needs leaders, it needs players accustomed to winning (it also needs a new manager).

(3) Adjust the roster to a 4-3-3 front. A proper manager and the right three across the front should see the stale attack open up with more movement and creativity. The players are already here but currently playing out of position. Bring in a new LF and call it a day.

Manager: LVG

Lloris, Archer
Walker, Naughton
Vertonghen, Richards, Chiriches, Kaboul
Rodriguez, Rose
Sandro, Capoue
Paulinho, Holtby
Konoplyanka, Townsend
Eriksen, Chadli
Lamela, Milner
Soldado, Adebayor, Kane

Would also not turn down a young keeper, CB, or CF.

 

[ethanedwards]

Well we haven't actually spent anything in the last few seasons. We'll have the additional 30 million in TV revenues as well. So no excuse not to spend for what we need this time. Stoke have spent 90 million net more than we have in the last several transfer windows.

Wages

 

[Bobbins]

This lot could definitely do a better job than the players currently at the club:


------------------- A&C -----------------------

- Misfit - thinktank - tiger666 - SpursBear -

------BusConductor - OmarsComing -------
------- (busy ****) --- (creative) -----------

- Houdini -------- Lufti --- Bring_Back_LeGin -

--------------- Spurger King --------------------

 

[ItsBoris]

Wages

Have been the same for a while.

 

[Misfit]

This lot could definitely do a better job than the players currently at the club:


------------------- A&C -----------------------

- Misfit - thinktank - tiger666 - SpursBear -

------BusConductor - OmarsComing -------
------- (busy ****) --- (creative) -----------

- Houdini -------- Lufti --- Bring_Back_LeGin -

--------------- Spurger King --------------------

Woohoo. I got a spot in the first XI.

 

[Misfit]

About the squad next season, zero fucks given tbh.

The entire culture at the club needs changing. Until that happens, the squad is largely an irrelevance, unless the likes of Kerslake and Nethercott are the calibre of players in question.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Snarf, you talk a lot of sense always, and you have picked a handful players -in and out - that it is hard to disagree with. My only concern would be that LVG would only start following the WC, and do you not think that gelling a new team like that would be difficult in a short time? Are you implying that next season is a transition year?

To be fair, I think more has been made of the "gelling" process than necessary. And, in the best interest of full disclosure, I was one of those individuals who simply hoped it was time this side needed and not upheaval. But, we simply didn't have men in charge to get their tactics across effectively. Rumors that AVB inundated our players with too much tactics, and Sherwood has to sit in the stands to see anything (and still do nothing).

Players will be sold. Good ones, too. But, we will still have quality left over. We may not be a Top 4 side next season, and that's an unfortunate truth. But, I do expect that should we find a manager fully capable of bringing this side together as a unit, we could surprise people just like Everton have this year. In all honesty, I'd take our side over Everton's, on paper, 7 days of the week. The difference being they are a cohesive unit that know what they are trying to do. If we can accomplish that, with the talent we have and the talent we will undoubtedly bring in, we will be fine and could push for CL next season.

A World Cup year is always going to be tough. Hopefully we will know that LVG is interested and he can start instilling some of his tactics either via a middle man to the club or directly as we work through a pre-season routine.

I honestly just think we need to focus on bringing through quality youth again. Eriksen has shown that if you have the talent, you can make a pretty immediate impact. The players I listed in my original post I view as pretty polished players who I think could make the jump and contribute to a side who will want to compete at a high level across multiple competitions.

 

[Davo99]

I'd look to get rid of the following;

Gomes (Free)
Friedel (Retires)
Danny Rose (£5m)
Dawson (£6m)
Livermore (£4m)
Carroll (£1m)
Dembele (£10m)
Lennon (£6m)
Sigurdsson (£7m)
Iago Falque (500k)
Adebayor (£5m)

My complete guesses at how much we would get for them is in brackets. I make that around £45m worth of players, which I could see us spending on new players.

What we'd then need;

Back up keeper
Left back
Central defender
Central midfielder
Winger
Striker


I think we'd need a new back up keeper, a new first choice left back and another central defender. That would be the defence sorted.

In the centre of midfield we have Sandro, Bentaleb, Capoue, Eriksen, Paulinho and Holtby. I think all we would need to add to those is another attacking midfielder/playmaker style player.

Out wide I think we need to be playing Lamela right and sign a new left winger. Chadli and Townsend are good enough to stick around and provide back up, Townsend less so but we need an English home grown quota right?

Up front I think we need to buy another striker as an alternative to Soldado, with Kane providing back up.


Who I'd go for;

Back-up GK; anyone that's good enough to play if we really need him to but who is happy to play as a number 2 behind Lloris. Most likely someone really young or really old, and for not much of a fee if any. Jaaskelainen, Ustari, Bunn, Moya, Kameni and Hildebrand are just a few names who are out of contract in the summer that would all be adequate enough. No expense here.

Left-back;

Luke Shaw please. Or Ricardo Rodrigues. Either would be really good. Both would be expensive, more-so Shaw at upwards of around £20m. I reckon we could get Rodriguez for more nearer the £10m mark, which makes him a much more realistic target really. Daley Blind is another option from Ajax.

Central defender;

I'd go for Steven Caulker. I couldn't believe we sold him last summer and kept Michael fucking Dawson. We should look to rectify this mistake an re-sign him this summer if he's up for it. Schar, Hinteregger, Micah Richards and Martins Indi are viable alternatives.

Central midfielder;

Miralem Pjanic, Mateo Kovacic, Valon Berisha, Adam Maher, Hakan Calhanoglu, Clement Grenier, Remy Cabella, Younes Belhanda, Florian Thauvin, Roberto Firminho and Davy Klaassen are all guys that I think are good enough and would like us to sign one of.

Winger;

Antoine Griezmann, Yevhan Konoplyanka, Andriy Yarmolenko or Memphis Depay. I would love to add Timo Werner to the squad too, an 18 year old capable of playing wide left or up front. I think Griezmann may be slightly too unrealistic and a big boy will blow us out of the water, though he'd easily be my first choice.

Striker;

Loic Remy, Michy Batshuayi, Angel Correa, Alfred Finnbogason, Ciro Immobile or Josip Drmic are just some names I wouldn't mid seeing here next year.


My personal choices to sign, with estimated fee in brackets;

Jaaskelainen (Free)
Rodrigues (£10m)
Caulker (£10m)
Pjanic (£20m)
Konoplyanka (£15m)
Josip Drmic (£5m)

That's roughly a £60m spend, so with around £45m coming in through the sales of players already here, we'd be looking at spending around £15m net, £20m max. I think after a season like this, that kind of spend is warranted. It's clear to see things need to be done and we need to make some changes.

These changes would leave us with a squad consisting of;

Lloris
Jaaskelainen
Archer

Walker
Naughton

Rodrigues
Fryers

Kaboul
Vertonghen
Chiriches
Caulker

Sandro
Capoue
Bentaleb
Paulinho
Holtby
Eriksen
Pjanic

Lamela
Konoplyanka
Townsend
Chadli

Soldado
Josip Drmic
Kane


Easy.

 

[ItsBoris]

To be fair, I think more has been made of the "gelling" process than necessary. And, in the best interest of full disclosure, I was one of those individuals who simply hoped it was time this side needed and not upheaval. But, we simply didn't have men in charge to get their tactics across effectively. Rumors that AVB inundated our players with too much tactics, and Sherwood has to sit in the stands to see anything (and still do nothing).

Players will be sold. Good ones, too. But, we will still have quality left over. We may not be a Top 4 side next season, and that's an unfortunate truth. But, I do expect that should we find a manager fully capable of bringing this side together as a unit, we could surprise people just like Everton have this year. In all honesty, I'd take our side over Everton's, on paper, 7 days of the week. The difference being they are a cohesive unit that know what they are trying to do. If we can accomplish that, with the talent we have and the talent we will undoubtedly bring in, we will be fine and could push for CL next season.

A World Cup year is always going to be tough. Hopefully we will know that LVG is interested and he can start instilling some of his tactics either via a middle man to the club or directly as we work through a pre-season routine.

I honestly just think we need to focus on bringing through quality youth again. Eriksen has shown that if you have the talent, you can make a pretty immediate impact. The players I listed in my original post I view as pretty polished players who I think could make the jump and contribute to a side who will want to compete at a high level across multiple competitions.

The 'gelling' argument was just absurd. Sure it takes time for players to develop relationships on the pitch, but it doesn't mean your team looks terrible and continually gets worse as the season progresses. AVB chopped and changed the starting 11 every week, had the opportunity to give Lamela his chance in the Newcastle game and didn't take it, and in general just fucked everything up. The players won't gell at all if you don't instill a style of play that gives them the opportunity to do so, and work on it on the training pitch. Last season it was obvious that Liverpool were continually improving while for us under AVB there was no such evidence.

I wish you were in charge of transfers Snarl lol, I think you've listed some players there who could really come in and improve our team. I would also say that I think we should maybe look for a creative midfielder in the Modric ilk. If there was any chance of signing Pjanic (there probably isn't) I'd love us to.

 

[arunspurs]

If there was any chance of signing Pjanic (there probably isn't) I'd love us to.

Pjanic is another 'iffy' player;
We need solid experienced CMs; If not at PL level atleast at international level.

What we lack is a proper CM who can be a deep lying playmaker. We have too many MF grafters in the team like Sandro, Capoue, Livermore, Paulinho. All they do is sideways passing & when passing forward can't see whats 10 yards ahead.

We need someone like
a) Hernanes (Lazio & Brazil national team)
b) Valbuena (solid performer for Marseilles & France)
c) I will throw one other - Marcelo Diaz (plays for FC Basel & Chile national team). He was exceptional in MF position, against England at Wembley.

 

[DaSpurs]

Pjanic is another 'iffy' player;
We need solid experienced CMs; If not at PL level atleast at international level.

What we lack is a proper CM who can be a deep lying playmaker. We have too many MF grafters in the team like Sandro, Capoue, Livermore, Paulinho. All they do is sideways passing & when passing forward can't see whats 10 yards ahead.

We need someone like
a) Hernanes (Lazio & Brazil national team)
b) Valbuena (solid performer for Marseilles & France)
c) I will throw one other - Marcelo Diaz (plays for FC Basel & Chile national team). He was exceptional in MF position, against England at Wembley.

So glad to see people finally coming around to this. I've been lambasted for this opinion for awhile on here by people countering with the absurdly popular notion that we already have a pile of center-mids. Unbelievably irrational. If you have a massive pile of wood, does that mean therefore you have a house? So good for you mate, as you are absolutely correct.