Yep, the importance of experience can't be overstated, especially for a squad in transition (in terms of both quality and winning mentality). Alonso would be great addition for the #6 spot behind Pogba and Ander - perfect tactical fit and massively experienced at the highest levels (including experience in a José team), but I guess my only concern is his suitability to the relentlessness of the PL game at this stage of his career. Sometimes he looks a bit out of gas at Bayern, though playing him behind a terrier like Ander and rotating him with Carrick could work - and crucially, allow us more leeway to procure the eventual/long term Carrick successor in 2018.
Players Available on a Free
- Thread starter Cheekiey
- Start date
Witsel
Aduriz
Lichsteiner
Fernandinho
Witsel and Fernandinho could be first 11 CDMs.
Aduriz and Lichsteiner could be great backups to Ibra and Valencia.
Aduriz
Lichsteiner
Fernandinho
Witsel and Fernandinho could be first 11 CDMs.
Aduriz and Lichsteiner could be great backups to Ibra and Valencia.
If we can't procure a Carrick replacement in the summer market (eg. Weigl will not move before the 2018 World Cup at the earliest), then someone like Motta would be a top addition to the squad on a one year deal - as a plug and play relief given their similar deep midfield skillsets.
That's almost exactly how Carrick plays as a holder - in terms of metronome passing ability, cleverly intercepting the ball instead of needlessly lunging into reckless tackles, and shielding the back 4. Plus, he's reportedly missed only 15 games with injury issues over the last 3+ seasons.
I can't disagree with you
Not a coincidence that Krychowiak is on the bench despite the facts that he was acquired for €33m and played with Sevilla under... Unai Emery.
Free agent who is certainly looking for a new challenge. A no-brainer for me.
1 game per week max and he will do the job another one season, especially since he is retired from international football.
Quaresma on a free
Imagine if we could have Alonso's passing accuracy and Berba's magnificent first touch in the same team.
Do you really think any of those players will be able to have a significant impact on our team in AUGUST 2017 and beyond? You might have me more convinced if we could sign the 2007 versions of those players. Time to trim the excess from the current squad and sign younger players.
With Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger and probably Fellaini leaving, Witsel and Alonso would be good additions
Robben is a no brainer
Wouldn't mind Sagna or Zabaleta as a back up
Robben is a no brainer
Wouldn't mind Sagna or Zabaleta as a back up
As a Roma supporter you can forget about that ever happening.
None of them.
I already had hence my use of the past tense.
Torres. Just to wind up the dippers and renties if he rediscovers his form.
Gossip in Germany that Guardiola is looking to sign Badstuber on a free.
If we can't procure a Carrick replacement in the summer market (eg. Weigl will not move before the 2018 World Cup at the earliest), then someone like Motta would be a top addition to the squad on a one year deal - as a plug and play relief given their similar deep midfield skillsets.
That's almost exactly how Carrick plays as a holder - in terms of metronome passing ability, cleverly intercepting the ball instead of needlessly lunging into reckless tackles, and shielding the back 4. Plus, he's reportedly missed only 15 games with injury issues over the last 3+ seasons.
there seems to be a lot of talk about Motta heading to mls
Don't want De Rossi as he gets sent off many many times.
Why does everyone want Robben? He would be on huge wages and can't play 3 games without getting injured for 3 months. He was out for about 6 months last season, all injuries combined. Cracking player, but an injury waiting to happen.
In fact, I wouldn't want any of that list. With Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Zlatan, Mata.. we have plenty of experience in the squad. It's much more exciting to go for the Martial type of players, relatively unknown and possible world beaters in the future.
In fact, I wouldn't want any of that list. With Carrick, Valencia, Rooney, Zlatan, Mata.. we have plenty of experience in the squad. It's much more exciting to go for the Martial type of players, relatively unknown and possible world beaters in the future.
Don't worry. Robben is staying at Bayern.
Gossip today having us looking at Pepe (free agent) for next season. Not too bad if you ask me. Experienced at highest level who wouldn't be first choice for long and help guiding our still young/inexperienced CBs
For anybody wanting Robben, he signed a one year extension at Bayern: https://fcbayern.com/en/news/2017/01/press-release-robben-signs-one-year-contract-extension
What is the reason then?I can't disagree with you
Not a coincidence that Krychowiak is on the bench despite the facts that he was acquired for €33m and played with Sevilla under... Unai Emery.
Free agent who is certainly looking for a new challenge. A no-brainer for me.
1 game per week max and he will do the job another one season, especially since he is retired from international football.
Thiago Motta:
- has better passing skills and a better vision
- is more comfortable with the ball: we are talking about a guy who learned the job at La Masia (FC Barcelona player between 99 and 07)
- shares with Verratti the same understanding of the game (great complementarity).
Yeah this and the fact that Emery changed formation to 4-3-3 and preferring Matuidi and Verrati as box to box and Motta as CDM.
Alonso. Please.
You're right regarding the tactical change occurred during the season.
For Emery, a ranking of the midfielders would give something like that:
1. Verratti
2. Rabiot & Motta
4. Matuidi & Nkunku
6. Krychowiak who played 10 games (mostly as a sub)
You think Krychowiak could become available at the end of the season?
I think so. Even if Motta is injured, it's Rabiot who will operate as a DM with Matuidi/Verratti as CM.
If PSG fails to recruit a world-class defensive midfielder next summer to replace Motta, then he would stay as a back-up.
Fair enough. Weird seeing a lot of similarities between PSG and United this season: changing from 4231 to 433, being unable to replace an ageing CDM, striker scoring the majority of the goals, etc.
Alonso will apparently [Sportbild] retire after this season.