Deano’s wishlist - the Jan transfer speculation/guaranteed nonsense thread

[Exeter 77]

I'm not sure Chester is completely fit after the injury he picked up with Wales but we have no other real option for the next month.

[aj2k77]

A decent goalkeeper would make all the difference. They wouldn't have scored 5 last night guarenteed. Nyland is like a mirage half the time.

[nrg72]

I’m with Footyskillz. A CB in and Tuanzebe in front of the back four. And a proper goalie. Tuanzebe sitting behind Grealish and McGinn would be awesome with Hourihane the rotation option for the more forward positions.

[SheffieldVillain]

Here's a thought I wouldn't be averse to playing Tuanzabe at defensive midfield if we did bring in a centre back.
He brings the ball out well enough and would be usefil in team and not dropped.
Chester as captain can't see being dropped .

I'd be quite interested to see how well that worked. I really like Tuanzebe.

[paul_e]

I think that's where Tuanzebe will play if he 'makes it' at the top level, he's not quite good enough at reading the play to be a top level central defender but that's less of a problem if he's in front of 2. Bring in the left-sided scottish guy, move Chester back to the right side, Axel in front and I think we'd look much better. Would be pretty easy for them to become a 3 if the fullbacks are up the pitch and we lose the ball as well.

[PeterWithesShin]

He's only just turned 21 with about a dozen first team games at CB in his career, it's a bit early to decide he won't learn how to read the game better.

[paul_e]

He's only just turned 21 with about a dozen first team games at CB in his career, it's a bit early to decide he won't learn how to read the game better.

I'm not deciding anything, I just think he looks like he'd be better as a DM. It's a bit like Barry, when he came through he was very good on the left of a back 3 but he always looked more suited to playing further up the pitch. Axel is quick, strong and can run all day which means he'll do a decent job in any defensive position with a bit of training though.

[PeterWithesShin]

I read "he's not quite good enough at reading the play to be a top level central defender" as you don't think he'll be a top level CB. I agree that he could be decent in midfield, could probably be a better version of NRC in time.

[themossman]

I think he can be a top level CB but in a partnership where he's the mobile player alongside a more solid and disciplined defender. I think he would have been great with Terry.

[Brassneck]

I am a firm believer that central defenders and goal keepers are like fine wines - They mature with age.  If I was picking a side, I'd want a central defensive pairing that were both minimum mid 20s.  However, I really like the look of Axel and have grown to accept a 21 year old playing there for us.  He is far from the finished article but he's impressed me so far and will only get better (unfortunately most likely to the benefit of Man U).

Anyone old enough to remember Ugo when he first broke into the first team will recall that he made many mistakes of the kind being discussed here.  As he matured, he became the quality player we all remember him as.

[garyshawsknee]

I am a firm believer that central defenders and goal keepers are like fine wines - They mature with age.  If I was picking a side, I'd want a central defensive pairing that were both minimum mid 20s.  However, I really like the look of Axel and have grown to accept a 21 year old playing there for us.  He is far from the finished article but he's impressed me so far and will only get better (unfortunately most likely to the benefit of Man U).

Anyone old enough to remember Ugo when he first broke into the first team will recall that he made many mistakes of the kind being discussed here.  As he matured, he became the quality player we all remember him as.

You're right Brassneck, I think Axel will develop into a great player just like Ugo, it's only natural that a young lad will make mistakes, these get magnified when the player is a defender. It just shows the complete ineptitude of the previous regime, lack of cover and a below average keeper, sooner Jan 1st is here, the better.

[IFWaters]

Huth in on a free ... now ... to give Chester a break and give us some options and experience in the big games coming up in December ?

[IFWaters]

David Villa available on 1st Jan ....

[wittonwarrior]

Without a doubt an experienced keeper and cb  plenty of fringe players as makeweights

[SoccerHQ]

I imagine we'll offer Collins a contract in the near future, he's still training with us despite the change of manager so to me it's a no brainer with the xmas period coming up.