January Transfer Window - Rumours, Links, B*llsh*t and Made-Up Nonsense

[PaulTheVillan]

I'll never forget that day when Pompey beat us 3-1 at home and Muntari ran the show and scored 2 belters.

[pedro25]

Ireland plays centrally and Kranjcar wide, wouldn't want or rate either out of position so can't really compare.

[Monty]

I'll say this for Kranjcar: he has only turned 26 in August, so clearly has plenty left in him.

He's a versatile player, happiest when playing as a kind of inside-left, but capable of playing all across that sort of forward line. I'm not totally sure that his is a position where we particularly need strengthening, especially with the emergence of Albrighton and hopefully Bannan, but it's far from a mad idea.

[Dante Lavelli]

I really hope we give Ireland a go in his preferred and most effective position.  ...and soon.  If that means putting Young back on the left then so be it.  If we don't then the Milner deal suddenly looks very poor value for money.

Also until he is given a decent go we don't really know what player(s) we need to sign.

[Monty]

I really hope we give Ireland a go in his preferred and most effective position.  ...and soon.  If that means putting Young back on the left then so be it. 

I think Young's position would be exactly what I mentioned Kranjcar as preferring - a kind of inside-forward. I think with Albrighton as more of an out-and-out wide player we can have a system where we have one winger and one inside-left or -right, with Marc and Ash swapping sides around Ireland, who could play a little deeper than Ash is now thus helping out Petrov and NRC in keeping the ball.

[Mazrim]

Ireland plays centrally and Kranjcar wide, wouldn't want or rate either out of position so can't really compare.

They're both attacking midfielders who have played wide and in the middle so you can compare them and I compare Ireland favourably.
But as Monty says, we're alright for that role. Its the engine room we need overhauling.

[Dante Lavelli]

Monty - that's exactly what I would like to see. 

Get those players playing in that formation and see how they do.  Then we can identify which players should be improved on.

[Monty]

We could rotate as well. Downing vs. Albrighton would definitely be very competitive for the winger spot, and Bannan has shown that he has the skill and mentality to play in many positions in the midfield areas, so competition in the squad would be good.

[pedro25]

Downing, Young, Albrighton, Ireland and Petrov are all pretty short, if we do buy a new midfielder a bit of height would be useful, which Muntari would give.

[barrysleftfoot]

  Think we need more of a defensive midfielder than Muntari tbh.A Scott Parker kind of player.

  Did'nt Muntari have dicipline problems with Mourinhio, and his country's manager at the WC as well?

  Could be a bad apple.

[Mazrim]

Downing, Young, Albrighton, Ireland and Petrov are all pretty short, if we do buy a new midfielder a bit of height would be useful, which Muntari would give.

He's not that tall. No taller than Petrov anyway.
5'10 1/2"

[supertom]

Downing, Young, Albrighton, Ireland and Petrov are all pretty short, if we do buy a new midfielder a bit of height would be useful, which Muntari would give.

He's not that tall. No taller than Petrov anyway.
5'10 1/2"

I wouldn't say simply the height is an issue, we're very lightweight too. Muntari's quite beefy. Though in all honesty I do think we could do with a 6 footer in the middle of the park as well.

[Toronto Villa]

Muntari would be a great buy. Horses for courses is what I say. A midfield of NRC and Muntari as and when the need arises would bother most midfield pairings. Have them destroy things and then help set up opportunities for our more skilful players. I like it.

[brontebilly]

I think Pavluchenko is worth a bid in Jan. Spurs look like they will be playing with one up top or with two it will be Crouch and Defoe. He is quick, great touch, excellent movement, a bit shoot on sight but a good player. I know Carew tends to finish his seasons at Villa Park well but he looks so off the pace this season. If things dont improve before Jan I reckon he could be on his way. He is a 442 man anyway and going forward we arent going to be playing that system.

Muntari is a good call but I'd prefer a right footed player if possible. Gokhan Inler still for me.

[PaulTheVillan]

Pavyluchenko reminds me of Andy Cole. Some games he needs 5 clear cut chances to score. Other games he just has one chance and bags it.