Victor Osimhen | out of options | goes to Gala on loan

[Rozay]

He is though, @Rozay is mistaken.

I’m very anti-stats in general, but I even recall that when he was linked last summer those spider web thingies even showed he was low in progressive carries. And then of course, just watching him, you can see within minutes that he’s not a Brennan Johnson, H.M. Son etc. His performance thread is literally full of complaints about him getting the ball, stopping and then passing sideways or backwards and a refusal to run with it. If he is what is called a good ball carrier then heaven knows what someone like Son is or Giggs was. He plays like a number 10. Unless we’re not all talking about the same player here, our Brazilian winger Antony?

If the ball breaks on the edge of our box after a corner, I’d want Rashford, then Shaw, then Fred then Wan Bissaka to carry it forward before I’d want it falling to Antony personally.

 

[Ramshock]

I’m very anti-stats in general, but I even recall that when he was linked last summer those spider web thingies even showed he was low in progressive carries. And then of course, just watching him, you can see within minutes that he’s not a Brennan Johnson, H.M. Son etc. His performance thread is literally full of complaints about him getting the ball, stopping and then passing sideways or backwards and a refusal to run with it. If he is what is called a good ball carrier then heaven knows what someone like Son is or Giggs was. He plays like a number 10. Unless we’re not all talking about the same player here, our Brazilian winger Antony?

If the ball breaks on the edge of our box after a corner, I’d want Rashford, then Shaw, then Fred then Wan Bissaka to carry it forward before I’d want it falling to Antony personally.

You dont like facts? Okay.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Rashford's explosion should make a goalscoring CF much less of a priority. Looking at the way you're set up now, I think you need an upgrade on Weghorst more than anything(well, that and good backups for Case and Rashford). Off the top of my head i can think of Milinkovic-Savic, who basically plays the same role for Lazio as a hybrid attacking midfielder/target man/workhorse. Bellingham is intriguing but not sure he has it to act as a target man

What? The Weghorst thing is out of necessity, it's not how we are determined to play. Ideally Rashford can come off the left but we've basically played without a striker all year with Ronaldo being finished and leaving, Martial never being fit (although this has been when we've looked most effective the little he's played), and Weghorst being poor upfront so now playing that withdrawn role.

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

How exactly would he score as many goals as he does in a completely dominant PSG side against absolute garbage defences? That's not going to happen. He would of course score tons of goals and assists but not as much as he has done for PSG in Ligue 1 over the last seasons.

The same reason Haaland has made a joke of the PL goal scoring rates this year.

Stop thinking World class players won't destroy whatever league they play in. It's like the idiots that argued Messi wouldn't be able to do it in the PL for the longest time. If Mbappe was playing for Arsenal/City/Liverpool/Utd he'd have just as many goals as he currently does for PSG (maybe not Liverpool they've been crap most of the year)

 

[Rozay]

You dont like facts? Okay.

It’s a fact to me that Antony isn’t a good ball carrier. Everyone gets to watch the same football match, surely I don’t require another person to tell me that Antony is good at something I think he isn’t good at.

 

[eire-red]

Who is a player you think has that kind of potential? 9s are really scarce. Not talking about world-class strikers, just good strikers. It's hard to find options out there. Seems the whole 9s being able to contribute with scoring opportunities has result in a lack of proper goal scorers.

Yeah that's the problem isn't it. The market is pretty barren for that profile of player once you exclude the unattainable. Kolo Muani ticks some of the boxes, but I'm hesitant on judging attacking talent from the Bundesliga with the high pressing, helter-skelter football they play. You don't get those crazy open spaces in the PL.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Rashford's explosion should make a goalscoring CF much less of a priority. Looking at the way you're set up now, I think you need an upgrade on Weghorst more than anything(well, that and good backups for Case and Rashford). Off the top of my head i can think of Milinkovic-Savic, who basically plays the same role for Lazio as a hybrid attacking midfielder/target man/workhorse. Bellingham is intriguing but not sure he has it to act as a target man

This set up wasn't the initial set up of how ten Hag used Weghorst. It was different set up until vs Leeds home. The change of set up is probably because ten Hag has realised what are Weghorst strength and weakness and he came out with this set up to get the best out of him and at the same time benefits the squad. So it doesn't mean ten Hag himself wants to play the same set up in the longer term for his ideal main set up.

I like the idea of having Osimhen and Rashford as the two main goalscorers, while having Weghorst as the backup plan if we need to change the set up. Osimhen has the physical presence and work rate like Weghorst, while also has the exploit pace like Rashford. It's almost like if one is injured, there is replacement.

 

[Ramshock]

It’s a fact to me that Antony isn’t a good ball carrier. Everyone gets to watch the same football match, surely I don’t require another person to tell me that Antony is good at something I think he isn’t good at.

So basically it doesnt matter what the actual truth is and recorded stats says. Your wrong opinion doesnt make you right...obviously. What an odd way to go about life. Did you vote for Brexit? Trump?

Antony, as recorded, is a very good ball carrier whether you agree or not.

 

[Rolaholic]

Having him and Rashford possibly interchanging on occasion on the pitch along with potentially Bruno and Sancho would be absolutely lethal for opposing backlines

 

[SAFMUTD]

Yeah that's the problem isn't it. The market is pretty barren for that profile of player once you exclude the unattainable. Kolo Muani ticks some of the boxes, but I'm hesitant on judging attacking talent from the Bundesliga with the high pressing, helter-skelter football they play. You don't get those crazy open spaces in the PL.

Yes we've seen time and time again how exciting some players look in the bundesliga only to watch them fail in the premier league. It seems its forbiden to actually defend with more than 4 players in the bundesliga. All the scorers look eletric having acres of space but facing packed defenses they crumble.

 

[Strelok]

This set up wasn't the initial set up of how ten Hag used Weghorst. It was different set up until vs Leeds home. The change of set up is probably because ten Hag has realised what are Weghorst strength and weakness and he came out with this set up to get the best out of him and at the same time benefits the squad. So it doesn't mean ten Hag himself wants to play the same set up in the longer term for his ideal main set up.

I like the idea of having Osimhen and Rashford as the two main goalscorers, while having Weghorst as the backup plan if we need to change the set up. Osimhen has the physical presence and work rate like Weghorst, while also has the exploit pace like Rashford. It's almost like if one is injured, there is replacement.

As much as I like WW don't think he has the quality to even be our #9 backup.

If we sell Martial this summer imo we'd need to buy two #9. Osimhen and a big, strong, good aerial thread and can finish a bit like Mitrovic.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

As much as I like WW don't think he has the quality to even be our #9 backup.

If we sell Martial this summer imo we'd need to buy two #9. Osimhen and a big, strong, good aerial thread and can finish a bit like Mitrovic.

That's still Osimhen

 

[Strelok]

That's still Osimhen

So we'll buy two Osimhen then

 

[RedRonaldo]

Unfortunately I think so too, and it's too steep in my eyes. Rashford at the moment is playing out of his skin and arguable a better player.

I think we still need a CF, and if you asked me 3 months ago I would have said either Osimhen or Kane of course. But if we already have a guy scoring potentially 30+ do we need to break the bank?

Maybe we can risk on a younger prospect and fix the midfield? Can EtH keep Rashford scoring the goals, and get more goals from Sancho, Bruno, Antony and Garnacho? Can we sign an 8 like Bellingham instead who can pitch in?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love if we did sign Kane or Osimhen in the summer, but only for reasonable money and not at the expense of solving our other problems when it seems that a lethal forward is no longer a need currently.

I do get the idea or Rashford off the left and still smashing them in alongside a clinical CF, but I think only Kane can play that role of creator that can still score 30 himself. Osimhen is more of a predator in the Napoli team reliant on Kvaratskhelia supplying the ammunition to him.

I would be surprised if Rashford's form has not at least triggered a rethink for what exactly we need in the summer.

If Rashford is injured or loss his form, we have to rely on injured Martial or Weghorst to score the goals for us.

Imagine that.

 

[ti vu]

As much as I like WW don't think he has the quality to even be our #9 backup.

If we sell Martial this summer imo we'd need to buy two #9. Osimhen and a big, strong, good aerial thread and can finish a bit like Mitrovic.

I don't think would sell Martial because from the point of view of the buying club, his wage, and injury record they would offer to pay us in peanut. May as well keeping him if that the case because when he plays, his talent level is really high.

Even with Martial, we still need 2 forwards because we don't know whether he's available when we need to rotate. The back up forward not necessary need to be any specific profile because being specific would cost more in this sellers' market. Just someone at the expected level that happy to be back up.

 

[RedRonaldo]

So basically it doesnt matter what the actual truth is and recorded stats says. Your wrong opinion doesnt make you right...obviously. What an odd way to go about life. Did you vote for Brexit? Trump?

Antony, as recorded, is a very good ball carrier whether you agree or not.

Actually I don’t see him as good ball carrier at Man Utd in PL either, at least not quite up to what I expect of him when we signed him, as back then he was regarded as one of best ball progression/carries in European league, so I do have certain level of expectation.

For example, from what I’ve seen so far at United, he seems can’t progress the ball well when opponents are actually defending in front of him in the final third. But saying that he might have carried the ball forward a bit when he has all the space to do so, hence the stats.

 

[Strelok]

Even with Martial, we still need 2 forwards because we don't know whether he's available when we need to rotate

Imo this is pretty much why we'd need to sell him. If he can't stay fit and be available when we really need him that just destroys any meaning of him staying as a backup. While his wages are reportedly 250k a week. Money supposedly shouldn't be an issue if the Qataris buy us however we'd still have to comply with FFP I think.

 

[ti vu]

Imo this is pretty much why we'd need to sell him. If he can't stay fit and be available when we really need him that just destroys any meaning of him staying as a backup. While his wages are reportedly 250k a week. Money supposedly shouldn't be an issue if the Qataris buy us however we'd still have to comply with FFP I think.

When we buy the back up forward in the way I suggest above, we can't be picky, so that forward may not be suitable for certain situation even when the main forward needs to rest. In that situation, by luck if Martial become available, his talent level and profile would be sufficient to start those games for us.

Selling Martial like this, I am afraid we don't even get 10 mil out of it. I don't think we're any close to red zone with FFP after getting some addition while keeping Martial on the book. Last season the wage bill was larger including Martial, but it's not an issue with FFP

 

[Strelok]

When we buy the back up forward in the way I suggest above, we can't be picky, so that forward may not be suitable for certain situation even when the main forward needs to rest. In that situation, by luck if Martial become available, his talent level and profile would be sufficient to start those games for us.

Selling Martial like this, I am afraid we don't even get 10 mil out of it. I don't think we're any close to red zone with FFP after getting some addition while keeping Martial on the book.

Yeah tbh I don't mind keeping him either. I simply resigned to the thought of any luck with him being fit when we really need him.

 

[andersj]

I’m very anti-stats in general, but I even recall that when he was linked last summer those spider web thingies even showed he was low in progressive carries. And then of course, just watching him, you can see within minutes that he’s not a Brennan Johnson, H.M. Son etc. His performance thread is literally full of complaints about him getting the ball, stopping and then passing sideways or backwards and a refusal to run with it. If he is what is called a good ball carrier then heaven knows what someone like Son is or Giggs was. He plays like a number 10. Unless we’re not all talking about the same player here, our Brazilian winger Antony?

If the ball breaks on the edge of our box after a corner, I’d want Rashford, then Shaw, then Fred then Wan Bissaka to carry it forward before I’d want it falling to Antony personally.

92nd percentile in CL and 88 percentile in Eredivise last year. So you must remember wrong.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

As much as I like WW don't think he has the quality to even be our #9 backup.

If we sell Martial this summer imo we'd need to buy two #9. Osimhen and a big, strong, good aerial thread and can finish a bit like Mitrovic.

First, I shouldn't call him backup. May be more like a player who we need as plan B or plan C. Someone who can offer something different to allow us changing tactic. His defensive aspects can benefit Osimhen and Rashford.

Second, At the moment, the only player that offers pace and goals in our XI is Rashford. If we lose Rashford, we won't have anyone with the same level of pace and goals. May be this is why we need Osimhen?

Hence why both Osimhen and Weghorst may be the signings to provide balance in our attacking squad?

 

[Strelok]

First, I shouldn't call him backup. May be more like a player who we need as plan B or plan C. Someone who can offer something different to allow us changing tactic. His defensive aspects can benefit Osimhen and Rashford.

Second, At the moment, the only player that offers pace and goals in our XI is Rashford. If we lose Rashford, we won't have anyone with the same level of pace and goals. May be this is why we need Osimhen?

Hence why both Osimhen and Weghorst may be the signings to provide balance in our attacking squad?

Playing with WW now is like playing with a defensive midfielder at the #9 or #10. You put McT there and imo he'd probably be even better than WW. And that worked to some extent in the last matches but imo it shouldn't be how we'd plan for next season. Even for plan C or D.

Tbf to WW imo he'd done pretty well so far but he's no where near the quality we'd need here. I like him but imo he's simply not good enough. He did pretty fine as a cheap emergency loan but that's it. With the supposed money we'd have this summer we can have much better options I think.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

Playing with WW now is like playing with a defensive midfielder at the #9 or #10. You put McT there and imo he'd probably be even better than WW. And that worked to some extent in the last matches but imo it shouldn't be how we'd plan for next season.

Tbf to WW imo he'd done pretty well so far but he's no where near the quality we'd need here. I like him but imo he's simply not good enough. He did pretty fine as an emergency loan but that's it. With the supposed money we'd have this summer we can have much better options I think.

Well, that's pretty much why I said we might need both Weghorst and Osimhen because Weghorst offers something that not many strikers out there offer. His defensive aspect, fitness, and stamina are just incredible that we might still need Weghorst type of striker for Plan B and Plan C.

 

[Strelok]

Well, that's pretty much why I said we might need both Weghorst and Osimhen because Weghorst offers something that not many strikers out there offer. His defensive aspect, fitness, and stamina are just incredible that we might still need Weghorst type of striker for Plan B and Plan C.

I just added in my post that shouldn't be even our plan C or D in next season.

Plus we already have McT. Who imo would be even better for that.

What we lack now is someone who can win the long balls which WW clearly fail to despite his height. Imo WW doesn't add anything to the squad aside from his workrate and energy and being super annoying to the opponent's midfield. Which imo we'd have plenty in McT.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

I just added in my post that shouldn't be even our plan C or D in next season.

Plus we already have McT. Who imo would be even better for that.

What we lack now is someone who can win the long balls which WW clearly fail to despite his height. Imo WW doesn't add anything to the squad aside from his workrate and energy and being super annoying to the opponent's midfield. Which imo we'd have plenty in McT.

Why shouldn't we have different plans? Manager needs to have different plan if the plan A doesn't work because plan A doesn't always work.

McT has never play in the role and if the news was true about making McT available in transfer market then I would rather cash in for 25m-30m while McT has his value. Good value to make profit.

Another thing you forgot is the fitness. The work rate and aggression for this role means the chance of injury risk of a player who plays in this role is high, but in Weghorst's case he very rarely get injured despite of the pressing and defensive work he does. I'm not sure if McT can stay away from injuries.

https://www.transfermarkt.com/wout-weghorst/verletzungen/spieler/228645

https://www.transfermarkt.com/scott-mctominay/verletzungen/spieler/315969

 

[Strelok]

Why shouldn't we have different plans? Manager needs to have different plan if the plan A doesn't work because plan A doesn't always work.

McT has never play in the role and if the news was true about making McT available in transfer market then I would rather cash in for 25m-30m while McT has his value. Good value to make profit.

Another thing you forgot is the fitness. The work rate and aggression for this role means you expect a player who plays in this role to have injury risk, but in Weghorst's case he very rarely get injured despite of the pressing and defensive work he does. I'm not sure if McT can stay away from injuries.

https://www.transfermarkt.com/wout-weghorst/verletzungen/spieler/228645

https://www.transfermarkt.com/scott-mctominay/verletzungen/spieler/315969

I didn't say we shouldn't have different plans. What I said was WW as a DM in the #9 or #10 shouldn't be even our plan C or D in next season.

McT hasn't played this position yet but with his workrate and energy it shouldn't be a problem. Plus he can finish a bit unlike WW. He's a lot faster as well.

And why we're discussing about injures and availablity like this will be our regular plan A next season is something I can't understand.

Anyway this discussion looks like going nowhere I guess. So we should agree to disagree then mate.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

I didn't say we shouldn't have different plans. What I said was WW as a DM in the #9 or #10 shouldn't be even our plan C or D in next season.

McT hasn't played this position yet but with his workrate and energy it shouldn't be a problem. Plus he can finish a bit unlike WW. He's a lot faster as well.

And why we're discussing about injures and availablity like this will be our regular plan A next season is something I can't understand.

Anyway this discussion looks like going nowhere I guess. So we should agree to disagree then mate.

We are right now having WW in that no 10 or no 9.5 role whatever you call it as our part of different plans. Because of that, we were able to change the games or even won the matches. Why shouldn't we have that as part of our alternative plans if the main plans don't work?

We're discussing about availability because this kind of role have high risk of getting injuries.

I raised valid arguments but you couldn't tackle the arguments. I just raised an argument that I believe is valid which is the reason why we may be need Osimhen and Weghorst.

 

[Cassidy]

We are right now having WW in that no 10 or no 9.5 role whatever you call it as our part of different plans. Because of that, we were able to change the games or even won the matches. Why shouldn't we have that as part of our alternative plans if the main plans don't work?

We're discussing about availability because this kind of role have high risk of getting injuries.

I raised valid arguments but you couldn't tackle the arguments. I just raised an argument that I believe is valid which is the reason why we may be need Osimhen and Weghorst.

I think we need Osimhen and a new young forward and to bin Weghorst

 

[AneRu]

Unfortunately I think so too, and it's too steep in my eyes. Rashford at the moment is playing out of his skin and arguable a better player.

I think we still need a CF, and if you asked me 3 months ago I would have said either Osimhen or Kane of course. But if we already have a guy scoring potentially 30+ do we need to break the bank?

Maybe we can risk on a younger prospect and fix the midfield? Can EtH keep Rashford scoring the goals, and get more goals from Sancho, Bruno, Antony and Garnacho? Can we sign an 8 like Bellingham instead who can pitch in?

Don't get me wrong, I'd love if we did sign Kane or Osimhen in the summer, but only for reasonable money and not at the expense of solving our other problems when it seems that a lethal forward is no longer a need currently.

I do get the idea or Rashford off the left and still smashing them in alongside a clinical CF, but I think only Kane can play that role of creator that can still score 30 himself. Osimhen is more of a predator in the Napoli team reliant on Kvaratskhelia supplying the ammunition to him.

I would be surprised if Rashford's form has not at least triggered a rethink for what exactly we need in the summer.

Rashford is streaky, he could go back into his shell like last season and we would be fecked. Remember this isn't his first breakout season, he had it before but didnt build on it but now he is matured having overcome last season's adversity and playing well in a better and happier team so maybe this time he will stay in peak form.

I know we need to sort out the midfield but I'd sooner have the top striker in now and make Sabitzer permanent for 20m odd. We have Eriksen to come back but I feel that Sabitzer in top form could provide us that balance alongside Casemiro and make us more physically imposing in midfield. Eriksen can start those matches against parked buses and Sabitzer comes in for the more combative ones. Then at times Bruno goes to the right and Eriksen plays in the hole. Perfect balance.

If I had a choice I'd choose Kane over Osimhen, the long term benefits of the latter notwithstanding. Why? Because Kane, as you said can feed Rashford whilst scoring a ton himself. Osimhen, Rashford and Bruno would be too many inconsistent passers in the front four for ETH's liking hence why I see him going for a younger striker to build up banking on the Rashford goals in the interim. A Martial type of striker would he ideal because he'd bring the best, in scoring terms, out of both Bruno and Rashford.

 

[dal]

Theres always room for improvement in any first team or squad however all we need is a CF and CM to challenge on all fronts. Ericksen and Sancho are more than good for excellent cover as a number 10 when needed.

Casemiro is brilliant but for me the signing of the season is Martinez, he has allowed the team to function and play the modern game, absolute masterstroke.

 

[jamesjimmybyrondean]

Rashford is streaky, he could go back into his shell like last season and we would be fecked. Remember this isn't his first breakout season, he had it before but didnt build on it but now he is matured having overcome last season's adversity and playing well in a better and happier team so maybe this time he will stay in peak form.

I know we need to sort out the midfield but I'd sooner have the top striker in now and make Sabitzer permanent for 20m odd. We have Eriksen to come back but I feel that Sabitzer in top form could provide us that balance alongside Casemiro and make us more physically imposing in midfield. Eriksen can start those matches against parked buses and Sabitzer comes in for the more combative ones. Then at times Bruno goes to the right and Eriksen plays in the hole. Perfect balance.

If I had a choice I'd choose Kane over Osimhen, the long term benefits of the latter notwithstanding. Why? Because Kane, as you said can feed Rashford whilst scoring a ton himself. Osimhen, Rashford and Bruno would be too many inconsistent passers in the front four for ETH's liking hence why I see him going for a younger striker to build up banking on the Rashford goals in the interim. A Martial type of striker would he ideal because he'd bring the best, in scoring terms, out of both Bruno and Rashford.

Agreed on this part. I think our major weakness is that we give away the ball too easily sometimes. But it's not just the front four responsible for this. I think a Bruno- Eriksen - Casemiro has too many risk takers for us to really control a game, so we need a midfielder that can also keep the ball. We should be able to get both CM and Striker though and if its a choice between either then a striker is priority. I'd like to see how Joao Felix develops at Chelsea. If his finishing improves then I think he's exactly what we need even though some will disagree that he can't play as a striker

 

[Bebestation]

Rashford is streaky, he could go back into his shell like last season and we would be fecked. Remember this isn't his first breakout season, he had it before but didnt build on it but now he is matured having overcome last season's adversity and playing well in a better and happier team so maybe this time he will stay in peak form.

I know we need to sort out the midfield but I'd sooner have the top striker in now and make Sabitzer permanent for 20m odd. We have Eriksen to come back but I feel that Sabitzer in top form could provide us that balance alongside Casemiro and make us more physically imposing in midfield. Eriksen can start those matches against parked buses and Sabitzer comes in for the more combative ones. Then at times Bruno goes to the right and Eriksen plays in the hole. Perfect balance.

If I had a choice I'd choose Kane over Osimhen, the long term benefits of the latter notwithstanding. Why? Because Kane, as you said can feed Rashford whilst scoring a ton himself. Osimhen, Rashford and Bruno would be too many inconsistent passers in the front four for ETH's liking hence why I see him going for a younger striker to build up banking on the Rashford goals in the interim. A Martial type of striker would he ideal because he'd bring the best, in scoring terms, out of both Bruno and Rashford.

Every time the team plays great so does rashford. When the team or manager is crap then rashford also turns to crap. He isnt streaky, he just cant do it alone.

 

[eire-red]

If Rashford is injured or loss his form, we have to rely on injured Martial or Weghorst to score the goals for us.

Imagine that.

Well in fairness, I think most teams will struggle a little without their main goalscoring threat. But yes, totally agree. If Rashford got injured for a spell, our season would be over.

For the record, I still want us to sign a CF. Before, I was all for Osimhen because we had nobody banging in the goals. But now we do, so I just see things a little differently. If Weghorst was taking his chances, he would be sharing the scoring burden with Rashford right now.

I guess I find it hard to believe we can't significantly upgrade on Weghorst without splashing hugely on Osimhen. But I can barely name a single player as an alternative.

 

[footballbite]

A Martial type of striker would he ideal because he'd bring the best, in scoring terms, out of both Bruno and Rashford.

Who would that be though?

Martial's ability to link up play in tight areas is very rare.

 

[footballbite]

Horrible comparison.

Do you think the Portugese league is on par with Serie A?

Obviously it's behind in quality, but its UEFA league coefficient is much nearer to Serie A than Serie A is to the Premier League.

Nunez was also banging them in and looking decent in his Champion's League games, which reinforced his reputation.

 

[RedRonaldo]

Well in fairness, I think most teams will struggle a little without their main goalscoring threat. But yes, totally agree. If Rashford got injured for a spell, our season would be over.

For the record, I still want us to sign a CF. Before, I was all for Osimhen because we had nobody banging in the goals. But now we do, so I just see things a little differently. If Weghorst was taking his chances, he would be sharing the scoring burden with Rashford right now.

I guess I find it hard to believe we can't significantly upgrade on Weghorst without splashing hugely on Osimhen. But I can barely name a single player as an alternative.

I’d say just splash big money on Osimhen. He looks like the type of player we need up front, and he is on fire this season. We are going to change owners soon anyway so I guess money wouldn’t be an issue.

 

[Varun]

Well in fairness, I think most teams will struggle a little without their main goalscoring threat. But yes, totally agree. If Rashford got injured for a spell, our season would be over.

For the record, I still want us to sign a CF. Before, I was all for Osimhen because we had nobody banging in the goals. But now we do, so I just see things a little differently. If Weghorst was taking his chances, he would be sharing the scoring burden with Rashford right now.

I guess I find it hard to believe we can't significantly upgrade on Weghorst without splashing hugely on Osimhen. But I can barely name a single player as an alternative.

Kvaradona from Napoli itself

 

[Siorac]

Well, that's pretty much why I said we might need both Weghorst and Osimhen because Weghorst offers something that not many strikers out there offer. His defensive aspect, fitness, and stamina are just incredible that we might still need Weghorst type of striker for Plan B and Plan C.

When you say "need", it's always worth asking the question how many top teams needed a Weghorst type "defensive striker" over the years. Who was Real Madrid's Weghorst when they won three CLs in a row; who was Manchester City's Weghorst when they won four out of the last five Premier League titles?

A top team that aims to compete for the biggest trophies doesn't need to have a Weghorst type "striker" who isn't really a striker.

 

[UNITED ACADEMY]

When you say "need", it's always worth asking the question how many top teams needed a Weghorst type "defensive striker" over the years. Who was Real Madrid's Weghorst when they won three CLs in a row; who was Manchester City's Weghorst when they won four out of the last five Premier League titles?

A top team that aims to compete for the biggest trophies doesn't need to have a Weghorst type "striker" who isn't really a striker.

In the modern days is about system. If the player fits the manager's system or player's aspects are required in the manager's system then it's not about being good enough or no but it's about whether the manager wants striker with Weghorst's profile to his alternative plan like Plan B or Plan C. Hence why I raised this argument whether ten Hag needs Weghorst type of striker as his Plan B or Plan C, while using Osimhen and Rashford as his Plan A. In fact, it doesn't need to be Weghorst but may be the similar profile like the following stats, someone who can do incredible defensive work non-stop. Basically having Osimhen and Rashford in the main XI but has different profile of striker like Weghorst for Plan B or Plan C.

 

[Grande]

In the modern days is about system. If the player fits the manager's system or player's aspects are required in the manager's system then it's not about being good enough or no but it's about whether the manager wants striker with Weghorst's profile to his alternative plan like Plan B or Plan C. Hence why I raised this argument whether ten Hag needs Weghorst type of striker as his Plan B or Plan C, while using Osimhen and Rashford as his Plan A. In fact, it doesn't need to be Weghorst but may be the similar profile like the following stats, someone who can do incredible defensive work non-stop. Basically having Osimhen and Rashford in the main XI but has different profile of striker like Weghorst for Plan B or Plan C.

Like I said in another thread, Weghorst is a DS, or a false 6.