Squad

[DaveT316]

I think Odobert and Moore both favour the left (I agree Odobert looks comfortable on the right too). But that's fine long term, as it's the position sorted post-Son.

Ideally, I’d actually prefer to have a couple of years more between them from a squad succession planning perspective i.e. a top performer playing at their peak for now, Moore to take over in 2-3 years’ time. City do this so well.

Having said that, I’d rather have two talented players than none at all!

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Ideally, I’d actually prefer to have a couple of years more between them from a squad succession planning perspective i.e. a top performer playing at their peak for now, Moore to take over in 2-3 years’ time. City do this so well.

Having said that, I’d rather have two talented players than none at all!

That’s Sonny

 

[DaveT316]

That’s Sonny

Yes, I guess that’s the thinking. For my money, post peak now and his body starting to creak though.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Yes, I guess that’s the thinking. For my money, post peak now and his body starting to creak though.

don’t disagree
But we have him
He ain’t going anywhere
So it makes sense to use him and he will has plenty in the locker

 

[braineclipse]

Son/Odobert

Solanke/Richarlson

Johnson/Moore

So, with Johnsons continued development, Solanke settling in well and the emergence of Moore as a contender for first team minutes already, what was probably considered the weakest part of our squad at the end of last season, is suddenly looking quite exciting

Absolutely.

Midfield too, though still early (like for some of those forwards). Adding Bergvall and Gray. Kul now primarily a central option. Bentancur back from injury. Even though we definitely could have done with some even stronger here and now upgrades/options we seem to be moving towards fixing the problem areas in the squad.

Think the links to Gallagher and similar players make sense in hindsight seeing how we're playing this season. We lack here and now options for Kulusevski and Maddison who are similarly creative.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Absolutely.

Midfield too, though still early (like for some of those forwards). Adding Bergvall and Gray. Kul now primarily a central option. Bentancur back from injury. Even though we definitely could have done with some even stronger here and now upgrades/options we seem to be moving towards fixing the problem areas in the squad.

Think the links to Gallagher and similar players make sense in hindsight seeing how we're playing this season. We lack here and now options for Kulusevski and Maddison who are similarly creative.

It’s why I think we will got for Eze
Although that’s the role Donley plays

 

[braineclipse]

It’s why I think we will got for Eze
Although that’s the role Donley plays

I doubt Donley will be ready for a significant first team impact next season, though who knows.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

I doubt Donley will be ready for a significant first team impact next season, though who knows.

He won’t
But we can’t look only one season ahead

 

[Gutter Boy]

I doubt Donley will be ready for a significant first team impact next season, though who knows.

Maybe ease him in as EL left back next season, like we are doing with Gray at right back this season?

 

[braineclipse]

He won’t
But we can’t look only one season ahead

Assuming it's still Ange's ship to steer next summer and we have money to spend I think the focus should be what can we do to push the team to the next level and short term. Even if that means potentially blocking the path of a young player 12 months down the road.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Assuming it's still Ange's ship to steer next summer and we have money to spend I think the focus should be what can we do to push the team to the next level and short term. Even if that means potentially blocking the path of a young player 12 months down the road.

That’s why young players leave
Donleys loan isn’t working because they have too many loanees
Thought we may have learned that lesson from before

 

[Muttley]

That’s why young players leave
Donleys loan isn’t working because they have too many loanees
Thought we may have learned that lesson from before

Yep, it's ridiculous that EFL clubs can have >5 loans but only have 5 in the match day squad. When Donley went there, he was the 4th in. Then on deadline day they signed Josh Keeley from us and a LB from Oxford. Out of the 6, they have 2 keepers and their only other keeper is 19 from what I can see. So the 4 outfield loanees fight for 3 places.

 

[Bedfordspurs]

Yep, it's ridiculous that EFL clubs can have >5 loans but only have 5 in the match day squad. When Donley went there, he was the 4th in. Then on deadline day they signed Josh Keeley from us and a LB from Oxford. Out of the 6, they have 2 keepers and their only other keeper is 19 from what I can see. So the 4 outfield loanees fight for 3 places.

Yep
It’s not great