If you buy average, you become average?

[redlancer]

I honestly think that we now have a good squad, and that all we need to do now is add the qualiy players that become available.

Top quality players make the difference. They bring the confidence of your whole squad up with their moments of quality and came make draws become wins.

Just think, two top quality players in the summer = another Stevie G and Torres. Instead of relying on two players we are relying on 4 players.

And the better they do, the more confidence we get, and it becomes a positive circle.

I agree we have the players to win the PL on paper at least -what we miss is not having the staff or players that have won the PL. We go 3,6 points behind and our heads drop or more importantly Stevie's head drop.
Where as the other 3 have the experience to knwo it can be overturned

[MascheredUp]

We just seem to be going around in circles every summer.

Dumping all the not good enoughs. Replacing them with more average players.

The same goes for our youth/reserve teams.

It's always quantity over quality.

We will always stuggle unless this changes.

[CharlieMansonsSquint]

Overall Rafa's bought well.

Problem is that too many of his expensive mediocre signings are still here, and still play despite failing him and the club.

We have some top players: Gerrard, Agger, Torres, Reina, Mascherano, Carragher and Alonso would all play at top clubs if they didn't play for us, likewise I think Babel and Lucas would in time.

That's nine players, plus Crouch, Benayoun, Arbeloa and Finnan, solid players all.

We aren't this bad.

But the manager has lost the plot and in turn the dressing room.

[blacky]

Overall Rafa's bought well.

Problem is that too many of his expensive mediocre signings are still here, and still play despite failing him and the club.

We have some top players: Gerrard, Agger, Torres, Reina, Mascherano, Carragher and Alonso would all play at top clubs if they didn't play for us, likewise I think Babel and Lucas would in time.

That's nine players, plus Crouch, Benayoun, Arbeloa and Finnan, solid players all.

We aren't this bad.

But the manager has lost the plot and in turn the dressing room.

That's 13 players.........Rafa could do Feck all rotating with that squad!!

[rage]

Overall Rafa's bought well.

Problem is that too many of his expensive mediocre signings are still here, and still play despite failing him and the club.

We have some top players: Gerrard, Agger, Torres, Reina, Mascherano, Carragher and Alonso would all play at top clubs if they didn't play for us, likewise I think Babel and Lucas would in time.

That's nine players, plus Crouch, Benayoun, Arbeloa and Finnan, solid players all.

We aren't this bad.

But the manager has lost the plot and in turn the dressing room.

of the 9- 4 are central midfielders, not one winger, not one attacking full back and only one striker who knows where the goal is (babel ain't a striker - never really seen him play there!)& Crouch may as well be pele but he ain't gonna get a game. Finnan and arbeloa play in the same position ideally so that leaves yossi and reina. in all honesty we have no where near 9

Not getting at u amigo but i think whilst babel and lucas may make the grade in time, i think rafa is running out of time.

it's all gone wrong and rafa's looking more lost every game

[AFII]

Overall Rafa's bought well.

Problem is that too many of his expensive mediocre signings are still here, and still play despite failing him and the club.

We have some top players: Gerrard, Agger, Torres, Reina, Mascherano, Carragher and Alonso would all play at top clubs if they didn't play for us, likewise I think Babel and Lucas would in time.

That's nine players, plus Crouch, Benayoun, Arbeloa and Finnan, solid players all.

We aren't this bad.

But the manager has lost the plot and in turn the dressing room.

[Guest]

The fans are losing me.

[kopdan]

The fans are losing me.

cool

YNWA have an excellent forum. Good luck

[The Birdman]

The thing is now the refinancing rubbish has settled down (whether we like the outcome or not) the attention goes back onto the pitch and we aren't producing.
What frustrates me is Alonso, Kewell, Kuyt to name just 3 have been absolutely **** everytime they have played this season but Rafa contiunes to pick them. I understand Babel can't start every game because of adjusting but surely to god he could start 1 in 3 or 4 games?? Crouch should have walked away because he has been treated appallingly and Xabi is living off his 1st season form, at this rate he is the modern Ray Wilkins, passing slowly back and across, back and across hurting absolutely no-one.
For the first time I am despairing, I've been pro Rafa all the way through, now im not so sure anymore.

[tomasjj]

Yeah, Rafa clearly hasn't got the eye for proper attacking players....

Etoo
Villa
Torres
Alves

and others he wanted...

[Howard_lfc]

Buying (average) players and turning them into a 'team' is a good skill. Especially when the whole is greater than the sum of all the parts.

Sadly - the converse of this is true for us.