How Will 19 Arrive?

[BrooklynRed]

It comes to mind that in all of the hype and speculation about Alonso, Mascherano, Dossena and Arbeloa et al., we have become unsettled as fans. Thinking rationally about the team and how we should perform, while I do think we'll miss departing talents, we have a ton of quality in our starting 11 +3 subs, and I really think, regardless of the proposed transfer outcomes, we're bringing home #19. Here is how, I believe, we will get the job done.

1. Kuyt is going to improve on last season and will be a force for us on the right. He is absolute quality as a Red and is truly one of the most underappreciated players we have, simply because he doesn't have world class speed. He more than compensates with his motor and ability. Watching him set up three perfect goals in 20 minutes in Singapore, I truly believe that if the entire team husteles with him, he could be dominant for us, especially with Holland already qualified for the World Cup.

2. Torres will battle Drogba for top scorer this year. He won't be stopped this year, end of. He's going to make us forget all of our summer issues; By November, we'll have forgotten the silly season and it will be pure adoration for the best striker in the world.

3. Gerrard will score fewer goals this year but will command the pitch and will, playing alongside Mascherano, be the lynchpin of our attack. People will complain about his goal scoring numbers, but as the points add up in the table, heads will be turned. A true captain.

4. Johnson will be a HUGE star for us. Linking up with Kuyt will allow him to be even more adventurous, as Kuyt's hustle and Mascherano's positional ability will make our right side amazing.

5. Insua will be a breakout player for the team this year. Nothing but impressive in defense.

Now, if we get David Silva and maybe another attacking option, we will be unstoppable and difficut to break down with depth all over the attack.

If we stay healthy, we will prosper.

[kev776]

It normally arrives in a wooden case in the back of a van.

[Tee]

19 will arrive, and typically 20 and 21 will be very close behind.

[The Erectile Banana]

It normally arrives in a wooden case in the back of a van.

You stole my answer you *******!

Okay, I'll have to think of an alternative. By helicopter when it is mercifully diverted from Old Trafford at the last minute thanks to a bizarre Michael Owen own goal. In off his overdeveloped ego.

To answer the original post seriously, - it's a good post and deserves a proper reply - I must say that I agree with all the points you made. There are a lot of positive things going for us at the moment. Obviously the probable loss of Xabi/Mascher is a concern. If we can keep one of them and replace the other properly then we'll still be in with a great chance as far as I'm concerned.

[Craig_H]

It comes to mind that in all of the hype and speculation about Alonso, Mascherano, Dossena and Arbeloa et al., we have become unsettled as fans. Thinking rationally about the team and how we should perform, while I do think we'll miss departing talents, we have a ton of quality in our starting 11 +3 subs, and I really think, regardless of the proposed transfer outcomes, we're bringing home #19. Here is how, I believe, we will get the job done.

1. Kuyt is going to improve on last season and will be a force for us on the right. He is absolute quality as a Red and is truly one of the most underappreciated players we have, simply because he doesn't have world class speed. He more than compensates with his motor and ability. Watching him set up three perfect goals in 20 minutes in Singapore, I truly believe that if the entire team husteles with him, he could be dominant for us, especially with Holland already qualified for the World Cup.

2. Torres will battle Drogba for top scorer this year. He won't be stopped this year, end of. He's going to make us forget all of our summer issues; By November, we'll have forgotten the silly season and it will be pure adoration for the best striker in the world.

3. Gerrard will score fewer goals this year but will command the pitch and will, playing alongside Mascherano, be the lynchpin of our attack. People will complain about his goal scoring numbers, but as the points add up in the table, heads will be turned. A true captain.

4. Johnson will be a HUGE star for us. Linking up with Kuyt will allow him to be even more adventurous, as Kuyt's hustle and Mascherano's positional ability will make our right side amazing.

5. Insua will be a breakout player for the team this year. Nothing but impressive in defense.

Now, if we get David Silva and maybe another attacking option, we will be unstoppable and difficut to break down with depth all over the attack.

If we stay healthy, we will prosper.

Just for a bit of balance:

1) Kuyt was excellent last season and i think that was him at his best. Asking for improvement is a huge ask IMO.

2) As long as he stays fit, yes.

3) No dispute.

4) Slight doubt with the defensive side of things. Hopefully wont matter.

5) Fingers crossed.

[JohnDoe]

Benayoun will be a key player for us next season and if his form is anything like the last six months, he'll be that last piece of the jigsaw everyone's been talking about for years.

[Shanks]

Benayoun will be a key player for us next season and if his form is anything like the last six months, he'll be that last piece of the jigsaw everyone's been talking about for years.

That's a great shout.

He came on and scored some key goals last season and I still don't think defenders know how to handle him.

Normally when a player has a good season, they can be taken out of the game the following year.

Yossi can still offer something different, hopefully with Babel.

[red g]

Just for a bit of balance:

1) Kuyt was excellent last season and i think that was him at his best. Asking for improvement is a huge ask IMO.2) As long as he stays fit, yes.

3) No dispute.

4) Slight doubt with the defensive side of things. Hopefully wont matter.

5) Fingers crossed.

yes i would agree with that, he cant really do much more than last season........

[red g]

i think if we dont increase our attacking options 1 of n'gog or nemeth will have a vital part to play.

[Helios Creed]

on an open-top bus surrounded by a sea of red, held high in the air by Stevie.

[DeeTheDog]

I feel that Reira can progress even further after a full season under his belt, people are crying our for Silva; however, currently Reira is ahead of him in the Spanish squad.

I also feel with the addition of Johnson, Kuyt will be even more effective this season as he makes extremely clever runs from the right forward position and will afforded even more space.

If Babel can maintain his form and mentaility and if Lucas can maintain the form shown at the tail end of last season these two could challenge the starting eleven.

People highlight the loss of Torres for vast portiosn of the season but we also lost Agger too, who can be instrumental in turning some of the draws at home into victories.

Our more promising youngsters are all a year older and stronger and may just the first fruits of Rafa's focus on developing the youth system.

Finally, if we could address the issue of set-pieces we could be unstoppable.

[Exiled_red]

Will Xabi be here to play his part though?

[Catrin]

With a mixture of delight and relief.

[Montana]

I think Kuyt will be even better next season as Johnson's overlapping wing play will allow Kuyt to dirft inside more often to score and create more.

Kuyt will become one of the best players in the league this season as will Benayoun.

[DannyMan2006]

Just for a bit of balance:

1) Kuyt was excellent last season and i think that was him at his best. Asking for improvement is a huge ask IMO.

I tell you what, just watched a video about his goals and it's incredible the amount that either enabled us to take the lead or equalize, as well as last minute winners!

I remember when I didn't think he'd come good. How wrong I was!

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2WDDi3U8ME&feature=related"]YouTube - Dirk Kuyt - all goals 2008-2009[/ame]