2024 January transfer window - hopes, needs, expectations and rumours.

[Risso]

The problem on Friday wasn't getting the ball from defence to the forward positions though. It was once the ball was with the likes of Luiz, Diaby or Bailey, they ran straight into defenders, gave the ball away, overhit long balls straight to the keeper, or crossed badly into the air for their six barn door defenders to head away easily. First half especially we were camped almost entirely in their half, I don't think Torres would have made that much difference to be honest.

[Nunkin1965]

The problem on Friday wasn't getting the ball from defence to the forward positions though. It was once the ball was with the likes of Luiz, Diaby or Bailey, they ran straight into defenders, gave the ball away, overhit long balls straight to the keeper, or crossed badly into the air for their six barn door defenders to head away easily. First half especially we were camped almost entirely in their half, I don't think Torres would have made that much difference to be honest.

Think I agree.
We lacked the craft that top sides possess when they face this type of defensive tactic.
It's so important to take opportunities when they present themselves.
Its going to happen more regularly now we are where we are.

[OCD]

Werned is fast, thats it.

Not a fair characterisation, he moves really, really well off the ball! I've never seen a player with such a disparity between how clever their footballing brain was and how shockingly off their finishing was. It was like a laser-guided missile that, on impact, would turn itself into a balloon.

It's much harder to train a footballer's intelligence than it is to coach their shooting ability. If there's any substance to the story, you'd think that Emery thinks him and his coaching staff can help improve that.

[andyh]

Werned is fast, thats it.

Not a fair characterisation, he moves really, really well off the ball! I've never seen a player with such a disparity between how clever their footballing brain was and how shockingly off their finishing was. It was like a laser-guided missile that, on impact, would turn itself into a balloon.

I think Mudryk is the same.
I think there is a very, very good player in there but it’s just not happening for him.

[LeeB]

Werned is fast, thats it.

Not a fair characterisation, he moves really, really well off the ball! I've never seen a player with such a disparity between how clever their footballing brain was and how shockingly off their finishing was. It was like a laser-guided missile that, on impact, would turn itself into a balloon.

I think Mudryk is the same.
I think there is a very, very good player in there but it’s just not happening for him.

I agree with that, I think with the right coaching and setup he could be devastating.

[olaftab]

I do hope we have made the deal with Bmounth for Solanke to join us next week.

[Brazilian Villain]

I do hope we have made the deal with Bmounth for Solanke to join us next week.

I've bad news for you, it's Toney joining us next week not Solanke.

[Richard E]

I do hope we have made the deal with Bmounth for Solanke to join us next week.

I've bad news for you, it's Toney joining us next week not Solanke.

Not both?? FFS, this club.

[Grande Pablo]

I read Tonev & nearly needed the local defibrilator.

[Brazilian Villain]

I read Tonev & nearly needed the local defibrilator.

Given I made it up, what you actually needed was a defibilator.

[Richard E]

Emery would have turned Tonev into an all time legend.

[CT Villan]

If Tonev is coming back the ISS will need to upgrade it's shielding.

January wish-list is RB to push Cash to the bench and a striker to pressure Watkins. If possible I'd also replace Donk with a CDM upgrade and replace Chambers with a ball-playing CB. Assuming Buendia is back in March we can probably hold-out without another AM for now.

Not sure about Duran, maybe send him out on loan if we can bring another forward in.

[SoccerHQ]

The problem on Friday wasn't getting the ball from defence to the forward positions though. It was once the ball was with the likes of Luiz, Diaby or Bailey, they ran straight into defenders, gave the ball away, overhit long balls straight to the keeper, or crossed badly into the air for their six barn door defenders to head away easily. First half especially we were camped almost entirely in their half, I don't think Torres would have made that much difference to be honest.

Think I agree.
We lacked the craft that top sides possess when they face this type of defensive tactic.
It's so important to take opportunities when they present themselves.
Its going to happen more regularly now we are where we are.

Tielemans was a masssive miss on Friday.

He's had to be patient but was starting to come into his peak Leicester form in the Man. City and Arsenal games. That quick pass to Bailey in build up to Man. City goal was excellent.

Hope he's not out for too long, apparently should be back early in the new year.

[AV84]

Couple of questionable links to Matt O'Riley at Celtic, and Romano says we're tracking Crysencio Summerville at Leeds, but they're not interested in selling.

[Monty]

'Crysencio Summerville'.