Summer Signings: what do we need? who do you want?

[Craig_H]

Why do people name players who are just fantasy buys, whats the point, you need to be realistic.

I will take a £20 bet on with anyone who would like to bet that we don't sign any one of Henry, Villa, Ribery or Aguero. Any takers? Thought not! So stop dreaming.

Just because i wont bet on it, doesnt make it 'fantasy'.

I'm not betting on LFC to win the title, because it's unlikely. It's not 'fantasy' though.

[Ataturk]

i would like to see us go back to the old 2 in, 2 out policy for first teamers. lets not forget what we already have is very strong.

IN
Ribery - can play left, right or fill in for Gerrard behind the striker. One of the top players in Europe right now. he will want to test himself in the PL. We need him more than chelsea or united. he could be the first quality player to finally do justice to the number 7 shirt once more. We should break the bank to bring him in.

Johnson - i would love someone like maicon but johnson is more realistic. pompey need to sell, hes mobile and likes to get up and help attackers. thats the best part of his game for me. hes got a better delivery than arbeloa too.

Out - Pennant, Voronin.

[squaddie]

Riera is getting a bit to much slack to be fair. Remember his debut! I must admit tho since that day his performance's have steadily gotten worse (excluding villa). Apparently according to Balague he's the type of player that needs an arm round him and telling him how good he is (which he certainly isnt going to get from Rafa).

Dont see why we'd have to get rid of him (or kuyt) if we got another winger tho. Its clear to see, (when he wants to) he can be just as good as any other world class winger. So make him challenge for his place.

[The Birdman]

Why do people name players who are just fantasy buys, whats the point, you need to be realistic.

I will take a £20 bet on with anyone who would like to bet that we don't sign any one of Henry, Villa, Ribery or Aguero. Any takers? Thought not! So stop dreaming.

Possibly the best post I have ever seen in the history of the internet.

[dww]

Riera is getting a bit to much slack to be fair. Remember his debut! I must admit tho since that day his performance's have steadily gotten worse (excluding villa). Apparently according to Balague he's the type of player that needs an arm round him and telling him how good he is (which he certainly isnt going to get from Rafa).

Dont see why we'd have to get rid of him (or kuyt) if we got another winger tho. Its clear to see, (when he wants to) he can be just as good as any other world class winger. So make him challenge for his place.

I thought that Rieras form dipped but he has been involved in most, possibly all of our best games this season. He balances the team really well and the effectiveness in recent games of Gerrard has been in part due to the tactical instincts and skills of Riera and Kuyt on the flanks.

[Pacman]

Eto anyone?

Being linked again and is out of contract next summer.

[squaddie]

I thought that Rieras form dipped but he has been involved in most, possibly all of our best games this season. He balances the team really well and the effectiveness in recent games of Gerrard has been in part due to the tactical instincts and skills of Riera and Kuyt on the flanks.

[dww]

Eto anyone?

Being linked again and is out of contract next summer.

It's an odd one - obviously no one doubts his talents and by all accounts Rafa wanted him at Valencia and before we got Torres. On the other hand would we be able to create a team that made the most of him as well as Torres and Gerrard? On top of that he seems the sort of egotist that is at odds with most of our squad but then maybe that is what we need.

[pondus]

i would like to see us go back to the old 2 in, 2 out policy for first teamers. lets not forget what we already have is very strong.

IN
Ribery - can play left, right or fill in for Gerrard behind the striker. One of the top players in Europe right now. he will want to test himself in the PL. We need him more than chelsea or united. he could be the first quality player to finally do justice to the number 7 shirt once more. We should break the bank to bring him in.

Johnson - i would love someone like maicon but johnson is more realistic. pompey need to sell, hes mobile and likes to get up and help attackers. thats the best part of his game for me. hes got a better delivery than arbeloa too.

Out - Pennant, Voronin.

Totally agree, would be happy with this

And at the same time tie our best players down to long contracts.

[dww]

Totally agree, would be happy with this

And at the same time tie our best players down to long contracts.

Do you (and Ataturk) really have that level of faith in the alternative strikers to Torres?

[pondus]

Do you (and Ataturk) really have that level of faith in the alternative strikers to Torres?

No not really, but I can't see that we could afford to buy this type of quality both in midfield and up front. Therefore, if Ribery is available I would buy him, and then we really need quality backup for right back. Sort out the striker situation next.

[dww]

No not really, but I can't see that we could afford to buy this type of quality both in midfield and up front. Therefore, if Ribery is available I would buy him, and then we really need quality backup for right back. Sort out the striker situation next.

If I was limiting the number of purchases with one high value attacking midfield signing I think I would rather spend the rest of my budget on a striker than a right back to be honest. Especially if that fullback was Johnson who while undoubtedly a player with talent I have severe reservations about. I can see the logic in your choice.

I really do think though that we need to make at least three changes - I don't however believe that we necessarily have to bring in established superstars.

[pondus]

If I was limiting the number of purchases with one high value attacking midfield signing I think I would rather spend the rest of my budget on a striker than a right back to be honest. Especially if that fullback was Johnson who while undoubtedly a player with talent I have severe reservations about. I can see the logic in your choice.

I really do think though that we need to make at least three changes - I don't however believe that we necessarily have to bring in established superstars.

I too have some reservations on Johnson, but believe he will come good under the right guidance
Edit: and he is English.

As for the bold bit, I think it is very important that we single out the best, even if it means we have to wait till next year to strengthen other areas. That extra special bit of skill is exactly what could be the difference between 1 and 3 points against the likes of Hull, Stoke etc.

[dww]

I too have some reservations on Johnson, but believe he will come good under the right guidance

As for the bold bit, I think it is very important that we single out the best, even if it means we have to wait till next year to strengthen other areas. That extra special bit of skill is exactly what could be the difference between 1 and 3 points against the likes of Hull, Stoke etc.

I still think that there is possibly more to get out of some of our players and that the combinations of players is key to that. I also think some variety in our potential approach would help.

I think extra points against Stoke and Hull could easily be gained by having a more mobile attacking midfield partnership or the option of a targetman say as much as one world class star. I would also point out that failing to close out the games against Everton and Wigan cost as many points as the results you point out.

I also happen to think that Ribery while excellent would be over priced and that almost any player at his peak from a different league is likely to be so against the risk that you take putting all your money into one player. I guess Ribery due to being in a relatively weak league may have something to prove (like Drogba did).

[pondus]

I still think that there is possibly more to get out of some of our players and that the combinations of players is key to that. I also think some variety in our potential approach would help.

I think extra points against Stoke and Hull could easily be gained by having a more mobile attacking midfield partnership or the option of a targetman say as much as one world class star. I would also point out that failing to close out the games against Everton and Wigan cost as many points as the results you point out.

I also happen to think that Ribery while excellent would be over priced and that almost any player at his peak from a different league is likely to be so against the risk that you take putting all your money into one player. I guess Ribery due to being in a relatively weak league may have something to prove (like Drogba did).

I see your point, well written post as always, but I really feel our squad is starting to come together, and it may be time to take those risks. The best players will always be overpriced, there's no escaping that, unless you "strike gold" with a young and upcoming star. DO IT RAFA!!