Thought I'd give this a go.
Somewhere to let loose with a couple of speculative thoughts as to who you'd upgrade this Jan/June and who you'd be phasing out based on Ange remaining our manager. This is beyond the obvious moves like Reguillon and Werner trundling off.
Some of these are undoubtably going to be harsh as there is not a player I list who isn't quality. What I'm looking at is who won't quite help get us to be a regular top 4/winning side.
For me...
We should look to upgrade Vicario if we can get Kelleher/another keeper of same ability but perhaps as importantly the same calm, non-emotional presence.
We need to upgrade Maddison.
Sonny's time is coming to a close, much more off the bench/as a squad player. Still brilliant, still got goals and moves, but just does not do enough of what Ange wants. Obviously in commercial terms we will not sell him, but we need a proper upgrade option.
Biss. As much as he is absolutely growing into a player I trust, we really need to get a proper class 6.
I think we could get around 20-25 for Vicario from Europe, 25 -35 for Maddison, and 20-25 for Biss.
If the money was right for Romero, I'd take it unless the player can give us full committment on and off the pitch.
Again, put this here for a bit of fun but also to perhaps really think who isn't going to be able to do what Ange does consistently.
For me, if we are serious about making this system work we need:
- A new keeper who is calm but proactive coming off his line - essential when playing a high line.
- Another VDV to play on the right side.
- A proper right back- Porro is a wing back/winger.
- A defensive midfielder that can drop into CB if necessary.
- A left winger that plays like Werner but at a higher level of quality.
Or alternatively, I think you could make this squad work with a manager that played a more pragmatic formation with the players available.
- Maddison for example is a 10. We are asking him to play as an 8 half the time.
- Johnson & Son are forwards and we are asking them to play as wingers.
- Bissouma and Bentancur are 8s, we are asking them to play as a 6.
- Porro and Udogie would both suit a WB role where their defensive responsibilities are reduced and their attacking instincts are encouraged.
- Romero and Dragusin would both suit a system where they are less exposed on a consistent basis and Romero and VDV can both bring the ball out of defence effectively if they have support.
- Maybe Vicario would calm down and look better if we weren't so stretched all the time.
I'd like us to line up like this:
.....................Son........Solanke
...
......................Kulu/Maddison
Udogie.....Bissouma...Bentancur......Porro
............VDV.......Dragusin.....Romero
..............................Vic