01 Aug 2017 15:00:41
Really happy with the Matic signing. We needed a proper DM and Matic is one of the best in the league. He is also a player who Jose trusts and that is more important that natural ability. There maybe more talented DM's out there, but how many of them can do what Jose wants better?
I don't think the Perisic transfer will happen now. It's dragged on too long and neither side seems prepared to budge.
Personally I feel a couple of full backs are more important. The Aurier transfer would make sense as cover/ competition for Valencia who was awesome last season but was clearly knackered by the season's end. He needs someone to share the burden with. I do worry about Airier attitude, he has said and done several troubling things. Hopefully Jose can keep him in line. If we can get him for under 20m that is something of a bargain in the current market.
I still feel we need a left back to challenge Luke Shaw. In three years bar a 6-7 game spell he hasn't shown enough quality. Hopefully he kicks on this year clearly has the talent, hopefully his attitude and his body will allow him to make good on it. But if he doesn't then our options there aren't great. Rojo is poor at LB, Darmian is one dimensional, Blind is limited and Mitchell is unproven and relitively new to the role.
A couple of quality full backs and our squad would start to look capable of challenging on all fronts.
01 Aug 2017 18:28:07
Fully agree Shappy our full backs either aren't reliably fit or are seriously lacking in attacking ability, or both. This is the area that if strengthened, would really transform our play, especially if we go with a narrow 433 or diamond. Our spine, back to front, is now up there with the best in my view. It's the flanks where we're lacking and that's where proper attacking modern full backs are key.
Have had some time out from contributing to the transfer speculation (bring on the season and live chat! ) but I'm happy with our signings so far. Ultimately I wanted a window that would allow us to go to grounds like the etihad and anfield for a proper game and result, unlike last season's approach. Do we think we are there yet?
02 Aug 2017 04:20:58
Hahaha Rave. Mourinho playing 433 ;D.