Improving the team

[Dirk07]

Well first of all we are now playing with 1 central striker and two wider attackers who work very hard in conjunction with Gerard to win the ball back and close defenders down….. in fact we are stunning at this part of the game, kuyt and Gerrard in particular are exceptional for attacking players, this tactic though is only effective if every player does their job properly if not all they do is just tire our players for no benefit, this is one area Babel has really improved and is one reason he is starting now.

I think everyone agrees we want another striker of real quality as a backup to Torres as he certainly cannot play every game, but given our formation he would have to be able to play in Kuyt’s position when not as a central striker as if we are spending 10m plus we would want him in the first 11.

How many players can you think of who score goals up front, have great pace, can play more all less as a winger, cross, tackle and be happy to not being played in their best position most of the time whilst still being of the quality we desire along with having a great attitude towards work and winning?

As we get closer to the right team and squad we need improving it will become increasing difficult I believe.

[Tee]

New full backs and a world class RW is all we need IMO.

[Kenneth]

A replacement for Kewell as back up/rotation for Babel. A mid-price young striker with potential to replace Voronin. A top class RM. Job done.

And replacements for anyone who leaves, such as Xabi/Crouch.

[hockin_monster]

New full backs and a world class RW is all we need IMO.

..................Reina
? ....Carra....Agger......?
.........Masher.....Alonso
......? .....Gerrard.........Babel
...............Torres

Would have to agree with the above. The spine of the team is stunning. Still having players like ....

Aurelio
Riise
Arleboa
Finnan
Hyppia
Finnan
Pennant
Kuyt
Benayoun
Lucas
Kewell (for the time being)
Crouch

and all those many youngsters, doesn't make it a bad squad.

[Kenneth]

Ok, LB I'll agree with, but RB's alright. Finnan, Arbeloa and Carra's as good as anyone's options.

[barnes10]

i actually think if torres was injured we'd choose between babel up front alone or crouch depending on whether we'd counter attack or play a pressing game.

if we moved babel then someone like yossi or hopefully a top drawer winger would come in.

top class winger who can play either side is what we need i think.

[AFII]

--------------------Reina
New RB-----Skrtel-----------Agger--------Insua
-------------Masch------Alonso/Lucas---------
------New RAM-----Gerrard----Babel----------
---------------------Torres--------------------

RATM....Right Attacking Midfielder.

Back up players.

Martin
Arbeloa
Carragher
Aurelio
San Jose
Guthrie
Alonso/Lucas
Benayoun
Kuyt
Anderson
Nemeth

[keniget]

If Drenthe can be prised away from Real, I'd still love to have him. I think he'd be better than Babel on the left as he's far more comfortable coming from deep and taking defenders on.

That faint possibility aside, we should be looking at the usual names to strengthen our first team up front: VDV, Diego et al.

If we wanted a backup option, Farfan would be interesting as he can play down the middle as well as in the right forward role.

As far as fullbacks are concerned, I think they are a 'nice to have' at this stage. Arbeloa is good on both flanks and can attack well. Aurelio and Riise have been dodgy, but will suffice for now. If an amazing propsect comes onto the market and we have some money left over, fine, but it'd be madness to spend the bulk of our budget in this area.

[Skillz]

New full backs and a world class RW is all we need IMO.

Funny you sat that. I posted this elsewhere recently


-----------Reina (25)--------
???----Skrtel(23)-Agger(23)-???

------Alonso(26)--Masch(23)--
----------Gerrard(27)--------
--????----------------Babel(21)
----------Torres (23)--------


Carra was out cos I was making the point how young our first team is looking.

Rafa knows what he is doing

[red g]

Players that are quite simply World Class

Reina
Agger
Masher
Gerrard
Torres

Players to win the premiership, quite simply brilliant the following....

Carra
Alonso
Babel ( he will be next year )


Squad players to win the premiership

skrtel ( early days signs are good though )
Aurelio
Arleboa
Hyppia
Benayoun
Lucas


Players who need to be at villa or newcastle

Kuyt
Riise
Crouch
Kewell
Pennant
Finnan ( age more than anything)

and a few youngsters coming through......

[Howard_lfc]

New full backs and a world class RW is all we need IMO.

We need another striker.

[Tee]

We need another striker.

We already have 'options' IMO.

Also, time for some of the youngsters to start knocking on the door, eg Nemeth.

[Tee]

If we could get Alves at RB and Lahm at LB, plus a RW/Attacker such as Joaquim/Quaresma we will win the league. But it will cost upwards of £50 million to get these players.

[El Jefecito]

We only have 3CMs for 2 positions now that we are playing 4231. We may need to bring in another or hope someone like Plessis can make the step up. It's quite ironic as 6 months ago we were overloaded in CM.

[El Jefecito]

If we could get Alves at RB and Lahm at LB, plus a RW/Attacker such as Joaquim/Quaresma we will win the league. But it will cost upwards of £50 million to get these players.

Can't find the stats but do Joaquim/Quaresma score enough goals?