Torres' goal today...

[Harv]

Id rather someone like Mario Gomez, deadly in the air, and can finish off both feet.

[barnes10]

i dont think anyone wants to spread that money across average players. its just how you've said it in the past. you've said that the squad was fine, others say it needed improving.

we all agree the squad is now very solid and it needs to be topped off by the top class stars. our more recent signings point to the fact that this is what we're doing and going to be doing from now on.

[Reece]

If we get rid of a number of squad players as is to be believed, and then just buy one world class player, isn't that going to leave us a bit bare?

[Slim]

If we get rid of a number of squad players as is to be believed, and then just buy one world class player, isn't that going to leave us a bit bare?

Good point. I can understand what Syd is saying, but if we need to replace Crouch, Pennant and Riise for starters then a few cheaper/free transfer players will have to be brought in.

[Imy]

If we get rid of a number of squad players as is to be believed, and then just buy one world class player, isn't that going to leave us a bit bare?

Two points - firstly the squad players are being shipped because they've provided little to the cause except add numbers.

Secondly we've got a championship winning reserve team, it's about time Rafa trusted some of them.

[Craig_H]

Do we have 60m to spend on 3 world class players ala Torres ? You've been dreaming mate.

No we dont, but we're better off buying ONE than 3 more Pennant-types.

Otherwise, we'll ALWAYS be saying that we dont have enough top class players to challenge. It aint rocket science fredo, buy average players, you'll be an average team. Buy top players, you'll be a top team. Better if it takes one top signing a year, and it takes 3 years, than to keep buying average players and NEVER challenge.

Is that your solution then, keep buying quantity of average over quality?

Need i remind you we've not had a proper challenge since 1990? What's 3 years in the bigger scheme of things?

[Craig_H]

Yeah I understand his point mate. But his theory is a bit flawed. What if we spend all of our budget on a 20m player and he gets himself crocked !?

It's all about building teams and Rafa has done fantastically! I just think we would have been up there fighting this year had we not had a 'slump' in late December / early January. The team is good enough right now ... And there's Ronaldo for United who was in superb form ...

I don't think Rafa will be buying a player in the Torres mould now. Probably on young players with potential, to stuff up the squad with quality.

That's an extremely unlikely scenario, if it happens, it's just a freak bit of bad luck, same as if Torres gets crocked or Stevie...it's a risk that's there, but it doesnt mean you DONT sign a top player just in case he gets injured. May as well stop driving in cars in case you crash.

'Stuff up the squad with quality' ??? Young players who wont make an impact for a few years, if at all? More Gonzalez types? Christ...

The difference between us winning the title and not, is the amount of matchwinners we have. Two. It's not enough.

[Rich]

Cerny was no more than 3 yards off his line when Torres went for the chip AND the keeper wouldn't have got to it. Absolute class.

[Craig_H]

i dont think anyone wants to spread that money across average players. its just how you've said it in the past. you've said that the squad was fine, others say it needed improving.

we all agree the squad is now very solid and it needs to be topped off by the top class stars. our more recent signings point to the fact that this is what we're doing and going to be doing from now on.

You'd hope so, but the players we're being linked with are somewhat uninspiring so far.

[Craig_H]

If we get rid of a number of squad players as is to be believed, and then just buy one world class player, isn't that going to leave us a bit bare?

I dont think so.

Because the ones who are going to leave are leaving due to the fact that they've made minimal contribution.

So what we technically need to do is replace their minimal contribution - something which a couple of youngsters are likely to be able to do - they couldnt be any worse, put it that way.

[Rich]

You'd hope so, but the players we're being linked with are somewhat uninspiring so far.

True but any fool can see what Torres has given us this year.

If Rafa wants to re-jig the squad a little I have no problem, as long as we can still add a player in the calibre of Torres/Gerrard/Mascherano.

[Craig_H]

Good point. I can understand what Syd is saying, but if we need to replace Crouch, Pennant and Riise for starters then a few cheaper/free transfer players will have to be brought in.

Insua can replace Riise. Pennant hardly plays anyway and Yossi can do that job. Crouch is a reserve striker and IMO shouldnt be sold anyway. But even if we bought just ONE top player for either RW or up front, that would replace either Pennant or Crouchy.

[Craig_H]

Two points - firstly the squad players are being shipped because they've provided little to the cause except add numbers.

Secondly we've got a championship winning reserve team, it's about time Rafa trusted some of them.

Spot on.

[Craig_H]

True but any fool can see what Torres has given us this year.

If Rafa wants to re-jig the squad a little I have no problem, as long as we can still add a player in the calibre of Torres/Gerrard/Mascherano.

The priority needs to be a top player in a badly needed area...preferably on the wing.

If we can do that AND re-jig the squad, that'd be good.

[Rich]

The priority needs to be a top player in a badly needed area...preferably on the wing.

If we can do that AND re-jig the squad, that'd be good.

who is also a deadball specialist, while still providing the work ethic of Kuyt