Burnley 2-1 Wolves: Verdict Thread

[prawnking]

In January I'd be looking at a forward and ball carrying midfielder first, but then maybe a quicker centre back who can play in a back four.

I agree, but I'd be flabbergasted if we're going for that many additions.

I'd be happy just with a decent, older striker option tbh

 

[Tony Towner]

I said at the end of last season that if Saiss and Donck aren't in out first 11 this then we've recruited well. I like them both, but would prefer them to be bench/injury options

 

[prawnking]

It's an old argument, but we've not been too successful at significantly upgrading our best starting XI (if anyone even knows what that is anymore!) since we came up.

Since our first Prem game I'd argue it's only really Costa we've improved on to any great degree

 

[Tony Towner]

I think the end of the Championship is a fairer benchmark. In which case you have Patricio, Moutinho, Jonny, Raul and Neto/Podence/Adama improving that 11

 

[prawnking]

No-one would deny that summer of 2018 was a good one, but I think two and a half years on and coming up to the fifth transfer window since is a reasonable period to assess progress?

 

[Premier Quality]

I agree, but I'd be flabbergasted if we're going for that many additions.

I'd be happy just with a decent, older striker option tbh

A ball carrying midfielder would revolutionise the way we play tbh. We would still be playing the ball on the ground but there would be much less need to be constantly playing the ball backwards because we would have someone that could keep us moving forwards, which would in turn open up space for others.

the only people we have that can move with the ball under pressure are the wide forwards - someone like Sanches in the middle would make a massive difference

 

[Del Woppio]

Aye, and appreciate we had loans to make permanent etc and all that came at a cost - but the best XI we could put out tomorrow isn't that much better than the best XI we were putting out in December 2018 really. Obviously the better you are, the harder it is to improve, but it seems like we've needed a class addition at centre back and centre mid forever

 

[YoungWolf]

A ball carrying midfielder would revolutionise the way we play tbh. We would still be playing the ball on the ground but there would be much less need to be constantly playing the ball backwards because we would have someone that could keep us moving forwards, which would in turn open up space for others.

the only people we have that can move with the ball under pressure are the wide forwards - someone like Sanches in the middle would make a massive difference

Wonder if Soumare (who it feels like has been wanting to leave for ages) would be available slightly cheaper now too.

 

[prawnking]

A ball carrying midfielder would revolutionise the way we play tbh. We would still be playing the ball on the ground but there would be much less need to be constantly playing the ball backwards because we would have someone that could keep us moving forwards, which would in turn open up space for others.

the only people we have that can move with the ball under pressure are the wide forwards - someone like Sanches in the middle would make a massive difference

There are a few on here who would agree, it doesn't seem to have been much of a priority for Nuno during his tenure though.

Could well be on his mind now with all the changes in the air, however.

Although, again, it does strike me as odd that we're talking about signing a ball carrying midfielder and striker when we signed both in the summer

 

[Tony Towner]

No-one would deny that summer of 2018 was a good one, but I think two and a half years on and coming up to the fifth transfer window since is a reasonable period to assess progress?

There's not been many misses though. Since then the recruitment has been aimed at squad depth and the future rather than the first 11. You can argue about whether that's the correct strategy, but that's how it's been Only really Vallejo and Semedo who were signed to go straight in that didn't/haven't worked out so far

 

[Premier Quality]

Wonder if Soumare (who it feels like has been wanting to leave for ages) would be available slightly cheaper now too.

You’d imagine so - and I really like Soumare, he’s physical, quick and really drives with the ball - but his goal scoring record bothers me, one goal in 65 league games (the equivalent of 32 full matches) isn’t inspiring (although that may be because of how Lille play).

I ideally want someone who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.

 

[Premier Quality]

Although, again, it does strike me as odd that we're talking about signing a ball carrying midfielder and striker when we signed both in the summer

They are both youngsters brought in to add squad depth and to develop for the upcoming seasons though, rather than players expected to drop in and be premier league regulars straight away.

(as you well know!)

 

[Paul]

Although, again, it does strike me as odd that we're talking about signing a ball carrying midfielder and striker when we signed both in the summer

Does it, does it really, you was doing so well and then you had to edit a veiled dig onto the end

edit; PQ beat me to it

 

[PuntsWolf]

Signing better players is always great, but our biggest problems are tactical not personnel.

 

[YoungWolf]

Who is the ball carrier we signed in the summer, Vitinha?? That isn't how I would describe him at all but maybe I am missing something.

 

[Tony Towner]

You’d imagine so - and I really like Soumare, he’s physical, quick and really drives with the ball - but his goal scoring record bothers me, one goal in 65 league games (the equivalent of 32 full matches) isn’t inspiring (although that may be because of how Lille play).

I ideally want someone who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.

The Keane/Vierra/Robson/Gerrard's are few and far between these days. Not sure there is one for anyside in the PL

 

[prawnking]

There's not been many misses though. Since then the recruitment has been aimed at squad depth and the future rather than the first 11. You can argue about whether that's the correct strategy, but that's how it's been Only really Vallejo and Semedo who were signed to go straight in that didn't/haven't worked out so far

Quite a glass-half-full way to look at it.

Alternatively...in the past couple of seasons we've needed a CB upgrade and a Doc replacement. At this point we could very well have a double failure on our hands.

In terms of a Raul backup, Cutrone didn't work either, and then we chose a talented kid who probably isn't what we want when we need him.

Donk has been in and out of the team doing generally OK in various positions, Adama is doing so well 3/4 of the forum want to sell him. Marcal is a solid Jonny stand-in, then we have half a dozen kids we're pinning our hopes on in 12-18 months.

So really, only Neto and Podence have really cemented any kind of strong claim at a first team slot. Very good individual players. But even then, questions of how they link with each other and the rest of the team remain.

 

[prawnking]

Who is the ball carrier we signed in the summer, Vitinha?? That isn't how I would describe him at all but maybe I am missing something.

Probably me missing something, I was under the impression that was the bill he fitted. Apologies if not!

 

[prawnking]

They are both youngsters brought in to add squad depth and to develop for the upcoming seasons though, rather than players expected to drop in and be premier league regulars straight away.

(as you well know!)

I do, but it's a dangerous game when one of them is the only cover you have for an important regular?

 

[prawnking]

Does it, does it really, you was doing so well and then you had to edit a veiled dig onto the end

It does interest me how value and worth in what people say is assessed on here sometimes

Say something neutral/vaguely optimistic and no-one remarks... mild criticism of any club practices and they're 'digs'?

Unless you're Jeff or Nuno's relative I'd say you're taking it oddly personally?