This article makes sense. Our baseline best XI is:
Martinez
Cash Konsa Torres Digne
McGinn Onana Kamara Rogers
Tielemans
Watkins
On the basis that the holy trinity of Onana Kamara and Tielemans are rarely fit at the same time, and Rogers is better in the '10' role I'd say a decent left sided midfielder is the priority to improve the starting XI, preferably someone quick.
Secondly, as Unai likes a turbo charged McGinn for 70 mins, a pacy right midfielder would be my second priority.
Thirdly someone who can cover Cash and Konsa would be ideal, Lindelof can then cover Torres/Kamara.
After that depending on outgoings I'd be looking to reduce the age profile of the squad and start succession planning for key positions.
I agree with much of that. I agree our ideal team right now is probably:
Martinez
Cash - Konza - Torres - Digne
Kamara
McGinn - Onana - Rogers
Tielmans
Watkins
Which leaves a second team of:
Bizot
(Garcia) - Lindelof - (Mings) - Maatson
(Luiz)
(Bailey) - Barkley - (Sancho)
Buendia
Abraham
With the guys in (parens) being guys where if you plug them into the first team, you get a noticeable drop in quality. I'd argue that Lindelof could almost play that Kamara role, so maybe Central Defense is where we really need some more cover. Mings, sadly, I don't think can cut it anymore at the level we're aiming for.
I'd agree with needing wingers though, as Rodgers would probably be best in the 10 role and Tielemans could move to more of a CM role. That would give us a lot of flexibility. Then we don't have anyone else on the wing behind McGinn and whoever draws the short straw between the attacking midfielders.
Then I'd look for an upgrade over Abraham. Cover for RB is needed too, as that's been the case since I started rooting for this team in 2006.
