Country: Canada
Love how the mugs at the back are almost off the payroll. This summer will be interesting.
With Luiz, Mustafi and Bellerin looking at much less playing time for the rest of the season than I expceted a week ago.
Theres really no evidence this will happen. Bellerin has benched AMN
In a cup game to give the newly out of injury squady some game time. I expect AMN to be RB against Burnely especially when you consider his form of late.
In a cup game to give the newly out of injury squady some game time. I expect AMN to be RB against Burnely especially when you consider his form of late.
Was he giving him game time at Chelsea away?
Its Bellerin first choice with Soares as back up. The question is what happens to AMN.
GK: Leno/Martinez
LB: Tierney/Kola*/Saka
LCB: Luiz*/Mari*/Holding*
RCB: Sokartis*/Mustafi*/Chambers
RB: Bellerin/Soares
DCM: Torreira/AMN
CM: Xhaka*/Guendouzi/Cellabos*
ACM: Özil*/ Willock
LW: PEA*/Martinelli/Saka/Nelson
CF: Laca*/PEA*/Nketiah/Martinelli
RW: Pepe/Nelson
Here's my view of our squad to the end of the season. The names that have an asterisk next to them are the ones who I feel will be moved on within the next 12-24 months. This is due to their age, contract situation, a loan signing or the attractiveness of that player to other clubs.
From the list above it's clear we need another CB even after the Mari signing. I'm genuinely not convinced about Chambers and Holding being a success here so I think we should sell one of them too. I picked Holding because Chambers can play in two positions but overall I'm not fussed. Ideal scenario: we sign a fast and mobile left footed CB who complements Saliba.
I think we need another CM too. I'm not sure if Xhaka still wants out despite Arteta's faith in him. His redemption has been good for us but it remains to be seen if Xhaka can move on. I don't think Arteta rates Cellabos too highly imo, I think he'll be back in Spain in the summer. Ideal scenario: we sign a powerful and athletic CM.
If we are sticking with the 4-2-3-1 then the no.10 position is the most vital piece of the puzzle. Özil is physically finished and Willock is inconsistent and possibly be better off in a CM position. However, 3 different managers see him as a 10 so he obviously has something about him. Maybe ESR could function there but it's too early to tell. My ideal scenario would be Jack Grealish. In fact, he's the only player I really want.
Finally, the striker situation is something that needs to be looked at especially as it a most likely Auba will be leaving in the summer. I don't like Lacazette one bit and would urge the club to be wise and move him on as well. Unfortunately this would leave the club with two fairly inexperienced strikers who are both a bit similar. Ideal scenario: a tall, quick and physical 9 that can play with and bench Martinelli if required.
I would flip our formation to the other side and have an offensive right back with a winger on the left hand side on his natural foot instead of Pepe on the right being unable to cross or have an overlap.
I would buy a CF with pace and aerial ability, a number 6 who is athletic and good on the ball, a left sided CB with pace and passing.
I think we should raid Lille for Osimhen. Everyone will focus on Dembele but Osimhen has pace to burn, is strong and has excellent aerial ability.
I think we should get Gabriel from Lille also. A left sided dominant centre back.
Midfield is tricky, but a lot of names are being banded around like Soumare, Camavinga and Zakaria. I would like us to sign Boubacar Kamara. Not hyped up as much as some, but this guy is something. Pace, composure, can play all across the back four and in midfield. Aerial ability and dynamism with the ability to drive forward also.
In possession I'd line up like this:
-------------------------Osimhen
----Saka------------Pepe---------Martinelli-------Bellerin
--------------Tierney--Guendouzi--Kamara
----------------------Gabriel---Saliba
-------------------------------Leno
Then go to a 4 2 3 1 put of possession with Pepe behind Osimhen and Martinelli right.
What in the hell is that team.
In summer Guendouzi Torreira pepe all will be here. We know what we should target a midfielder attacking midfielder a striker to replace auba if he leave. Defensively we need top class cb but that depend on Mari if he show great promiseLeno
Bellerin
Saliba
Mari
Tierney
New
New
New
New
New
New
Is this the challenge that we face in the summer?
What in the hell is that team.
In summer Guendouzi Torreira pepe all will be here. We know what we should target a midfielder attacking midfielder a striker to replace auba if he leave. Defensively we need top class cb but that depend on Mari if he show great promise
If you mean starting position yes definitely need good midfielder and attacking midGuendouzi shouldn't be starting. Torreira has been good under Arteta and if he carries on I'd say he should be.
Otherwise all the positions should be getting new players because what we have clearly isn't good enough