Where next?

[Howard_lfc]

With the squad looking strong at the moment - possibly the strongest squad in prem - where do we strengthen next?

Up front we have 4 different strikers - each with differing qualities.

Midfield (central) we have arguably the strongest quartet anywhere.
Midfield (wide) we now have quality with Babel, Benayoun (I'm being converted from a non-believer), Pennant (see previous statement) and Kewell if he gets anywhere near his best form.

Defensively our 'unit' is very tight and well marshalled by Carra. Sami & Agger complete the centre halves. Finnan & Arbeloa are both quality right backs and then there's Riise and Aurelio for left back......

In goal there's Pepe - who we wouldn't swap for ANYBODY. If he get's injured we're struggling people..........It doesn't bear thinking about.

So when the next xfer window comes around - where should we strengthen? Personally I'd like a new back-up keeper. One that's used to the british game and the rough and tumble that goes with it.
Also - do we need to spend big in a particular area or are we fairly well covered?

I'm pretty sure I know what the response is gonna be - but I'm interested if there are any alternative thoughts on the matter.

[Shaggy]

Hmmm. I'm honestly so pleased with our squad that I don't think it needs much if any tinkering with.

I'd buy a left winger for next season. It seems Babel's long-term future belongs up front and maybe he will step into the pool of strikers with one making way. Kewell is a write-off so, if Babel does end up as a striker, there'll be a clear vacancy on that side.

Finnan is the next first-teamer who will need replacing, age-wise, so a right-back could be on the agenda. Or a left-back if Arbeloa is shifted across permanently.

*head in a spin*

[rushscored4]

That young keeper at Villa had a good game yesterday...

[dww]

I think that the wide areas both in attack and defense will be strengthened for the future.

A player that offers natural width in attacking midfield on the left would be nice.

Finnan is getting older and doesn't over lap his winger all that often. The difference that Aurelio made last season from left back was notable. Arbeloa has strengthened the team playing there but is not as good a crosser. Maybe I just like the idea of attacking fullbacks too much.

The good thing is that we start from a position of strength in all areas. We can now afford to bring in a prospect or someone who is a bit of a risk and know that our first team is good enough to carry us through if it doesn't work.

[tomasjj]

Left back.

[Howard_lfc]

Left back.

[Gazzla]

A lot of our squad is interchangerable position wise eg Arbeloa can cover anywhere across the back, Pennant looked very good on the left wing against Derby, Babel can play either wing or upfront etc

The only position I would look to strengthen would be another centre back, Sami is a great replacement but we have very little else and he can't have much longer left at the top flight, other than that our squad is fantastic and I wouldn't add to it unless someone already in the squad is sold

[Zapater]

A quality centre back. Hyypia isnt getting any younger and if Agger/Carra get injured we don't have much depth. We should've bought Jorge Andrade. He left Depor for next to nothing.

I would like a winger that can offer depth and unpredictability. Sure Pennant is improving but we can get an improvement on him. Preferably a winger that can play both wings without trouble. One with pace and a good cross.

A good left back/multipurpose left sided player (makes me think of Puerta ) once we've chucked Riise out the squad. Then there'll be one or two other players that will probably leave that we'll need to replace. But overall we're looking very nice.

[nobbylad]

I'd like more cover for LB and RB, youngsters would do, they could ply their trade in the ressies or on loan.

[Red_Polo]

I think we've got great depth now, and I wouldn't necessarily say we need any more players in January barring any serious injuries. Obviously we should be looking at the possibility of someone of real class or great potential becoming available to us, but I don't think we need to actively search for a player in order to fill a problem position - great to be able to say that. Another fullback similar to Arbeloa would be nice but again I think we're in the situation whereby if we don't find the right player then it's not going to cause us a problem.

[Shaggy]

A good left back/multipurpose left sided player once we've chucked Riise out the squad.

That'll go down well.

*adopts serious attitude*

Possibly a little bit disrespectful to a good servant.

[Red_Polo]

It may come as a surprise to some but I wouldn't be that surprised if Riise was sold next summer.

[Sir Bob]

The squad is far from complete in my book.

First up is masher. He's on loan so our top priority is to keep him and he won't come cheap.

next is some top notch CB cover. Sami can still do a job but this could be his last season. If carra and Agger both got injured we'd really be struggling.

LB is an area we all know needs sorting out. JAR & Aurelio are better going forward than defending whilst Arbeloa is finnans natural replacement.

The reserve keeper slot is a bit of a worry as well. Carson is the obvious choice but he's not going to be a no.2 . He'll end up moving on. The French lad could be anything, but if Reina gets crocked it would be a major blow.

The LM slot is looking much more solid. Babel will improve as the season progresses and I've always liked Aurelio in that position. you can forget Kewell, he's had his day.

Upfront we are well catered for but that doesn't mean we should sit on our laurels.

Overall, our squad is in very good nick, but the minute you think its complete, thats the time to strengthen. Its always better to do so from a strong position than a weak one. Incoming players aren't under so much pressure and they get a bit of time to settle in.

[Zapater]

That'll go down well.

*adopts serious attitude*

Possibly a little bit disrespectful to a good servant.

I love Riise. He is probably my favourite player for the GH era. With a handful of others.

It's just too bad he's ****e.

[kurtangle01]

I don't think we need much. Maybe someone who can play on either wing to replace Kewell once he leaves in the summer. Other than that I don't think we need much.