I am optimistic for the season. Russo and Batlle are big losses, but I believe we have a good squad capable of challenging for honours. The other players who have moved on hardly played.
I'd say that we are very strong with GKs but a couple of bodies light in defence. Midfield is as strong as anyone's. I like our forward options but would still try to add a clinical goalscorer (Daly, please.)
I agree that we will see transfer activity after the World Cup. There are a few academy players who I would like to see get a chance too - Sofield, Ashton, Barry, Aherne look particularly promising.
Regarding the academy players - the previous very talented players never got their chances under Skinner, I don’t think that will change.
We have one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but the gk situation is still far from ideal. Earps’ contract runs out in 2024 and there’s already been rumours of her wanting a move. Ramsey for me had the potential to replace her long-term, don’t see that in Baggaley. In the case of Middleton-Patel, too soon to tell.
CB is probably our strongest department. In RB there’s a lot of pressure and expectations on Riviere.
CM I’m pleased with, although there might be a need for a strong, physical rotation option. Perhaps Naalsund can be that. Then again if our rotation is limited to Bøe Risa starting in cups, perhaps we don’t need any.
Very happy with our wing options. Parris & García on the right and Galton & Hanson on the left. The latter might want a move as she showed last season with Villa that she deserves so much better than the odd game here and there.
We definitely need a world class out-and-out striker. The biggest hole in the team currently.
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