I think we need to look at how we will be two deep for each position to begin with.
First choice player listed first.
Lloris, Friedel
Walker, Naughton
BAE, Rose
Kaboul, Dawson
Vertonghen, Caulker
Lennon, Townsend
Bale, Holtby
Sandro, ??????
Dembele, Carroll
Paulinho, Sigurdsson
Villa, Adebayor
Also remaining - Defoe, Dempsey, Livermore. There will be fringe youth as well but I think this is a list of our seniors for next year.
- Defoe or Adebayor may leave and we will replace them, but I don't think we will upgrade significantly. But this would be in addition to David Villa which DOES strengthen our hand.
- Full back cover is complex, in that Naughton is first choice cover for either side but we also have Vertonghen and Kaboul as options.
- Danny Rose complicates this further, could be cover at LB or LM. We don't seem to think that he's good enough to hold down a first XI place but the Sunderland crowd swear by him. Conclusion: more than capable of being good cover at LB/LM
- Bale isn't a LM for us anymore, nor is he even LW, he has a free role. He is so unique that I'd say only Ronaldo is comparable as "cover". But if he is out it's easiest to think about who we could bring in at LM to keep some form of shape.
- Not convinced Gomes or Friedel will last the season, or at least Friedel drops down to third place and a new second keeper comes in. Would be great if AVB showed some belief in Gomes as I do rate him still just his confidence is shot.
Looks to me like Parker and Huddlestone are on their way.
For me the big business to do after Bale (new contract), Paulinho and Villa is to bring in cover in that holding role. I think Carroll-Dembele-Paulinho would still be a solid core, but can't help but feel we need to have a workhorse in the mix and they are two a penny in England. I reckon that is a decent bet for our deadline day activity, could see Parker to Palace for £3m being one of the shock late deals.