- Aug 24, 2011
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I agree with you about the DM position being the only one aside from CB that is lacking in the squad for this season, but I think the reason we haven’t targeted it is because we’ve got Skipp coming through the ranks. He looks fucking quality, Mourinho has been full of praise for him and bringing in an expensive non-HG signing who would block his progress doesn’t make a great deal of sense.Current stat - very good window
Add Skriniar - absolutely great window
Add a DM - dream window
Mourinho (in his first Chelsea term) said the key best balance of a squad was 22 senior players, 2 international calibre options for each starting position, the utilise the best development prospects to fill the gaps as required.
If you look at where we currently sit (assuming Skriniar joins) we are pretty much at the 2 players per position point, other than I still feel we’re lacking another proper DM who can take control in the space between defence and midfield, one who has the balance of technique and agility without compromising on physicality.
Wanyama and Dembele gave us this previously, and I hope Hojbjerg can grow into that role, but I don’t think we have another player to do that without compromising. Sissoko has the physicality and workrate no doubt, but lacks decision making and technique for me. Winks is the flip side of that coin.
Dream window, add a tough but mobile midfield general who’s comfortable on the ball, so we can free up the likes of Ndombele, Lo Celso and Alli etc to play front foot football, not be shackled by defensive tasks. Winks looked better Sunday with Hojbjerg shouldering the defensive responsibilities, it freed him up to rove around showing for the ball, and visibly look up for forward passes, not uber dynamic, just progressive and smart tactically.
In some respects it’s a shame that Skipp went out on loan leaving us with a hole in the squad, but in the long term his development will benefit from the 30-40 matches he’s likely to play at Norwich. So yes there’s a hole there but we’ve got a player who will solve the problem already on our books.