I genuinely think that if we managed to get hold of a badass DM enforcer - the next N'Golo Kante - we'd easily be in the hunt for European football this year. Our back 5 is as good as anyone else's in the division, with the possible exception of Man City and Liverpool, and our front three will do some serious damage. If we got someone who could hold the centre of the park on their own, in order to free two other AMs up, we'd be a match for anyone.
Tifo do some brilliant podcasts, with excellent reorters like Seb Stafford Bloor. Unfortunately now they are linked with the Athletic they tend to bring Gregg Evans in, which I think dumbs down the analysis they usually provide. Even so, a decent watch / listen of post Grealish Villa:
Quote from: Ad@m on August 11, 2021, 12:47:17 PMI genuinely think that if we managed to get hold of a badass DM enforcer - the next N'Golo Kante - we'd easily be in the hunt for European football this year. Our back 5 is as good as anyone else's in the division, with the possible exception of Man City and Liverpool, and our front three will do some serious damage. If we got someone who could hold the centre of the park on their own, in order to free two other AMs up, we'd be a match for anyone.Totally agree with this. I think we’re a little weaker than last years team with Grealish playing, and a fair bit stronger than last years team without Grealish. So without fixing CM we’re on course for something like last year, about 10-12th I’d say.But it feels like we’re one major signing away from really lifting this level significantly, up to top 6 type of side. It’s really strange that we haven’t sorted this, as I think it’s clearly our worst area and was last year too.
Quote from: Vegas on August 11, 2021, 01:01:09 PMQuote from: Ad@m on August 11, 2021, 12:47:17 PMI genuinely think that if we managed to get hold of a badass DM enforcer - the next N'Golo Kante - we'd easily be in the hunt for European football this year. Our back 5 is as good as anyone else's in the division, with the possible exception of Man City and Liverpool, and our front three will do some serious damage. If we got someone who could hold the centre of the park on their own, in order to free two other AMs up, we'd be a match for anyone.Totally agree with this. I think we’re a little weaker than last years team with Grealish playing, and a fair bit stronger than last years team without Grealish. So without fixing CM we’re on course for something like last year, about 10-12th I’d say.But it feels like we’re one major signing away from really lifting this level significantly, up to top 6 type of side. It’s really strange that we haven’t sorted this, as I think it’s clearly our worst area and was last year too. Echo this.A top draw DM will bring us into the top 6, but without one I fear we will drop a couple of places. It is a pivotal moment and I hope the club seize the opportunity.
Quote from: Monty on August 06, 2021, 09:30:23 AMArsenal and Spurs have actually strengthened so surpassing them will be especially tough. Gil and Romero will make Spurs better, while White, though overpriced, will definitely stop the Arse leaking so much.Arsenal's problem is they still have loads of underachieving senior pros all doing little. Last season we beat them home and away with likes of Willian, Auba, Lacazette and Xhaka all starting so same will likely play again as they haven't signed anyone yet in final third and they're incredibly going to give Xhaka a new 4 year deal!Spurs hinges on whether Kane stays or not. He goes and we have a big chance of finishing above them for what seems like first time since 1998. They haven't replaced Bale either and Son was pretty poor from Feb onwards so their attack is actually much weaker currently than last season so can see them having a slow start to the season and London press getting into a panic. Romero at the back is a very good defender though, someone Mourinho really needed when he was there.
Arsenal and Spurs have actually strengthened so surpassing them will be especially tough. Gil and Romero will make Spurs better, while White, though overpriced, will definitely stop the Arse leaking so much.
I think a 4-4-2 relying on a strike partnership, the creative talents of Anwar El Ghazi and Nakamba to be the new Kanté looks bottom half as all hell.