14 Jan 2015 17:59:57
Evening all, well and in good health I trust.

It's commonly agreed that our most important area to strengthen is our CB positions, and some noting that we potential not just one quality CB, but in fact two.

My question is when and if these voids are filled, what's next in terms of top priority for strengthening? For me, I really do think we desperately miss a physical, engine-type midfield enforcer, and have done since Keane left. I like Herrera, Fletcher and have grown to even appreciate Fellaini this season, but neither are going to sit back, control a midfield, lead a team both defensively and offensively but also 'rough it up' a little if need be. Another question is are these 'enforcer type' midfield players still needed in the modern game considering most deep lying midfielders tend to be playmakers now rather than physical beasts who can bully an oppositions midfield? Are the Keane's, Robson's, Gerrard's, Gattuso's and Viera's of this world a dying breed, or simply void through lack of demand in a modern game where technicality, intelligence and flair rule (i.e. the Spanish way).

Would love to get peoples opinions and thoughts on this.

WF Red Devil

{Ed004's Note - I still think we are 4 maybe 5 signings away from having a top team. We strengthened a lot during the summer and I reckon Di Maria, Shaw and Herrera should be mainstays in the team, Blind will be great cover and Rojo I am not sure about yet. We definately need a right back as Rafael can not be relied upon due only to injuries. Everyone knows on here how much I rate him when fit. Secondly as you say a world class centre back is required badly. Someone with experience to partner either Rojo or Smalling imo. A midfield enforcer is badly needed as I think we are too lightweight in midfield hence Fellaini playing over Herrera. Most likely Strootman will be signed as LvG is hell bent on getting him if rumours are to be believed but I would probably be happier with Schneiderlin. A winger is a top priority. We are too slow in attack and eventually we will move to a 433 formation anyways (hopefully Januzaj will get more game time in that formation so loan him until next season). Lastly either a striker or box to box midfielder depending on were LvG feels Rooneys best position is in a 433 as I don't think we will make Falcao move permanent. If there are replies to this post containing teams they will be deleted as they take up too much space on the page.}

1.) 14 Jan 2015
We need a winger. Too slow going forward right now.

2.) 14 Jan 2015
14 Jan 2015 19:14:01
Yep, agree with you Ed on most of those points. It's such a shame regarding Rafael's injuries because I believe with consistent playing time does breeds maturity and better decision making - two attributes that he's possibly lacked and would potentially complete him as a player.

Agree with the pace comment too. When Di Maria is out we simply lack the penetration to get behind a back 4, and push up as a unit. It just kills us against a lot of teams who have the pace to push I right back.

WF Red Devil

3.) 14 Jan 2015
14 Jan 2015 21:32:12
Coleman, laporte, garay, depay, take your pic for centremid, no idea if we don't sign falcao.

4.) 14 Jan 2015
Rumours that muller wants to leave, he'd be the perfect fit for a 4-3-3

{Ed002's Note - Real Madrid don't play that way.}

5.) 15 Jan 2015
I agree ed04. i think we need 4 or 5 starters and a couple of further additions to cover positions. i posted this list on the 8thJan.
GK: Valdes
RB: Arias
CB: Varane & Laporte
DM: Strootman
CM: Pogba
FW: Isco/Bale & Dybala

I actually think if we got pogba then strootman could be sctratched from the list as blind or carrick could sit behind him and herrera. I would also prefer Reus to isco/bale, but if he moves to madrid then i would like one of those to come our way. So that would be 4/5 starters and Valdes, Arias and Dybala as squad players for now.
I also mentioned that I thought that potentially we could let 15 players leave which would balance out the squad.

6.) 15 Jan 2015
Haha Real Madrid don't play that way; EPIC!

7.) 15 Jan 2015
Just regarding a point WF Red Devil made in his Original Post regarding the lack of midfield enforcers.

I disagree, these players are still around, but they are used less often in the modern game. The modern game views tackling as obsolete. If players can read the game and intercept, winning possession that way nullifies that position. I do not agree with it as I always like my team to have atleast 1 physical player in Midfield and 2 others who can read the game and potentially intercept passes.

Wanyama, Matic, Schniderlin, Strootman, Paulinho, Vidal, Pogba Fellaini (when deployed in a deeper role), to name a few, can provide the physicality.

One of the best at reading the game at the moment is Busquets for Barcelona, He positions himself to break up potential attacks and win possession back via interceptions.

As we have seen "The Spanish way" can be beaten and has its own flaws. Whilst I am a fan of this type of player I believe a more physical player at the heart of midfield offers more benefits.