What should we do for the right wing if we don't get Sancho in the upcoming window?

[Rasendori]

Marcus Edwards

He initially caught my interest with his impressive performances for Spurs and England at youth level.

This is taken from a post of mine in 2017


In this post I was proven to be incorrect when I predicted it was only a matter of time before Edwards was introduced in the starting berth for Spurs. Pochettino would reveal how he was disappointed by his attitude, and mentality. As illustrated below:



Marcus Edwards has admitted to having a questionable attitude -

However, it seems like going out of his comfort zone (currently plays in Portugal for Vitória S.C) has brought some much needed maturity.

One area which Marcus Edwards has matured in his game is his eagerness to receive the ball.

Spoiler: Actively trying to receive the ball

The above is from a game against Benfica this season.

Spoiler: Image 2

Here he receives the ball by the touchline, and his immediate reaction is to pick out his teammates, as opposed to dribbling with his head down in an attempt to do it all by himself. This has been a criticism of him in the past. To digress for a brief moment, it was very recently when Daniel James received criticism for playing with tunnel vision against Man City, going for goal when Bruno Fernandes was in a better position.

Spoiler: Nice idea by Edwards

I particularly liked this moment against Benfica. Nice vision here, tantalisingly close. It was put to a halt as the keeper came out. But the idea was good.


Before

Now against Porto, he once again has the ball up. This time its when he's moving at pace.

After

Perfect execution here as this defence splitting pass leads to one of the best opportunities in the game.


Marcus Edwards vs the big three in Portugal

Benfica:
It was an encounter where Vitória S.C. put in an admirable performances. Not a one sided affair by any stretches of the imagination. Without mentioning the instances of the pictures above, there was a moment of individual brilliance with a dribble in a tightly congested area. In terms of position, he was consistently situated in dangerous areas. Sometimes he was offering himself as an outlet by staying wide and providing width, other times he was finding himself in between Taarabt and Pires, other times positioned by the half spaces.

Porto:
So apart from the defence splitting pass which is in an image above, he had other noteworthy moments.The game against Porto offered a different dynamic to the one against Benfica, as Porto were very dominant. In any case, Edwards had a shot cleared off the line, with the keeper beaten. In the latter stages of the game he almost got a pre-assist,

Sporting CP:
• 5 of 7 dribbles completed
• 5 shot contributions
• 4 fouls won
• 1 goal

European Stage
Scored against Arsenal and Eintracht Frankfurt.



There was another moment against Arsenal I liked .... a flee footed dribble which started from his own half and ended by him advancing to the opposing box at a very high pace.

Areas he can improve

Sometimes he can be a bit soft. There was a moment against Benfica where Taarabt barely touched him, and he was on the floor. He did win a free kick, but I felt it was soft myself. Additionally, he's one footed, I remember him shifting his body to do an outside of the boot pass with his dominant left footed, instead of the much simpler option with just using his right foot. In the dying stages of the game against Porto, he did a fantastic job of trapping the ball dead, beat a player from that standing position, and then he spoiled it by attempting another a dribble. A dribble which wasn't neccessary, even if it was successful. The moment needed a desperate shot, or a last ditch pass. On that note, I'd like to see him shoot more.

How difficult would it be to get him?

He has a £13.6 million release clause to my knowledge. Potentially great from his perspective too, as I spotted numerous occasions where he was let down by his teammates.

Spoiler: Exhibit A,B and C

Ignores the run of Edwards, and squares it instead.
Edwards in space, full back turns around
Edwards free on the right, player dribbles to the left touchline and then gets dispossessed

Stats:
FWR (Forward right) - 4 goals and 1 assist in 7 appearances = 7.85 WhoScored rating
AMR (Attacking midfield right) - 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 appearances = 7.41 WhoScored rating
MR (Midfielder right) - 1 goal and 1 assist in 9 appearances = 6.90 WhoScored rating

 

[Teja]

Coutinho would never come here

Didn't mean Coutinho himself (he isn't a good RW at all) - just the type of deal which we should pursue. Someone with decent quality, but struggling to fit into a top side for various reasons. Happy to come here and rotate.

 

[croadyman]

Didn't mean Coutinho himself (he isn't a good RW at all) - just the type of deal which we should pursue. Someone with decent quality, but struggling to fit into a top side for various reasons. Happy to come here and rotate.

Oh see what you mean now

 

[Offside]

I think our depth as an issue is bad all over the team but it’s at it’s most extreme in attack. We needed a back up to Bruno/Pogba which we have in VDB. The real issue now is the front three.

Mason, Martial and Rashford are great and potentially an outstanding front three but when one of them is injured/needs a rest the only players who can come in are James or Ighalo. Across the whole front three. Shocking and look how it fecked us against Chelsea. We will end up resorting to Mata on the right again.

CB is a bigger priority for the best starting XI but our biggest priority overall now is getting depth for the front three. Sancho would be a dream as it would mean Mason could also compete down the middle and we’d have 4 of the most outstanding young forwards competing for 3 places.

However, if the budget is limited someone like David Brooks as a RW back-up would be a great signing.

 

[DON’T PANIC ™]

Didn't mean Coutinho himself (he isn't a good RW at all) - just the type of deal which we should pursue. Someone with decent quality, but struggling to fit into a top side for various reasons. Happy to come here and rotate.

Like Coman from Bayern perhaps.

 

[croadyman]

I think our depth as an issue is bad all over the team but it’s at it’s most extreme in attack. We needed a back up to Bruno/Pogba which we have in VDB. The real issue now is the front three.

Mason, Martial and Rashford are great and potentially an outstanding front three but when one of them is injured/needs a rest the only players who can come in are James or Ighalo. Across the whole front three. Shocking and look how it fecked us against Chelsea. We will end up resorting to Mata on the right again.

CB is a bigger priority for the best starting XI but our biggest priority overall now is getting depth for the front three. Sancho would be a dream as it would mean Mason could also compete down the middle and we’d have 4 of the most outstanding young forwards competing for 3 places.

However, if the budget is limited someone like David Brooks as a RW back-up would be a great signing.

What would be your solution to the starting CB problem?

 

[Offside]

What would be your solution to the starting CB problem?

Good question - I was liking the Upamecano links but there doesn’t seem to be much in that. For me, moving forward we should be spending silly money on a centre-back like Koilibaly and getting a cheaper back-up forward rather than the other way round as has been speculated (spending stupid money on Sancho and getting a cheap back-up CB like Gabriel).

However, I think the board will want to spend big money on Sancho but not a CB given how much we’ve spent in that position over the years. Still, if we get okay money for Smalling and Jones we could buy Sancho and a top CB. Let’s see.

 

[DON’T PANIC ™]

Gareth Bale on loan on deadline day.

 

[croadyman]

Good question - I was liking the Upamecano links but there doesn’t seem to be much in that. For me, moving forward we should be spending silly money on a centre-back like Koilibaly and getting a cheaper back-up forward rather than the other way round as has been speculated (spending stupid money on Sancho and getting a cheap back-up CB like Gabriel).

However, I think the board will want to spend big money on Sancho but not a CB given how much we’ve spent in that position over the years. Still, if we get okay money for Smalling and Jones we could buy Sancho and a top CB. Let’s see.

I think there could be something in the Upamecano links for next summer,however it's risky relying on Axel & Bailly as backups due to their injury history

 

[Dve]

Alot of people are hoping we can get Sancho this window to solve our right wing problems. But as experience has taught us, signing him this window is not a certainty and for a couple of reasons(virus, price or Sancho himself). So what should we do if Sancho decides to stay another year at Dortmund considering that this will leave the right wing as still the biggest hole in the squad.

I actually think it´s massively disrespectful to Greenwood to call the right wing the biggest whole in the squad. That was maybe true before the lockdown, but in my opinion, not any more. In his 16 starts as as AMR, he scored 11 goals, and 18 goals in total. How many right wingers in the PL scored more last season? People says he´s not a natural right winger, but as long as he continues delivering those performances from the right wing, who cares.

 

[croadyman]

I actually think it´s massively disrespectful to Greenwood to call the right wing the biggest whole in the squad. That was maybe true before the lockdown, but in my opinion, not any more. In his 16 starts as as AMR, he scored 11 goals, and 18 goals in total. How many right wingers in the PL scored more last season? People says he´s not a natural right winger, but as long as he continues delivering those performances from the right wing, who cares.

That is a very valid point but think if the club had faith in Mason on that RW they would have just flattened the Sancho stuff straight away

 

[RedStarUnited]

I actually think it´s massively disrespectful to Greenwood to call the right wing the biggest whole in the squad. That was maybe true before the lockdown, but in my opinion, not any more. In his 16 starts as as AMR, he scored 11 goals, and 18 goals in total. How many right wingers in the PL scored more last season? People says he´s not a natural right winger, but as long as he continues delivering those performances from the right wing, who cares.

We care because the teams balance is off (creativty wise) and he is still 18 so he shouldn't be relied on.

 

[Dve]

We care because the teams balance is off (creativty wise) and he is still 18 so he shouldn't be relied on.

He´s 19 in a month, and he´s great "goal wise". And in the end, that´s what counts, isn´t it.

 

[DeGea]

Gareth Bale on loan with an option to buy. Ready to go, knows the league and will definitely score loads/assist loads. No brainer.

 

[Dve]

That is a very valid point but think if the club had faith in Mason on that RW they would have just flattened the Sancho stuff straight away

We need to add to the attack, so of course we want to sign Sancho, that´s not my point. And Sancho can play LW as well, while Mason can play up front. But looking at our starting 11 the last few months, I don´t agree that Mason has been our weakest link and the one we are desperate to replace.

 

[foolsgold]

I actually think it´s massively disrespectful to Greenwood to call the right wing the biggest whole in the squad. That was maybe true before the lockdown, but in my opinion, not any more. In his 16 starts as as AMR, he scored 11 goals, and 18 goals in total. How many right wingers in the PL scored more last season? People says he´s not a natural right winger, but as long as he continues delivering those performances from the right wing, who cares.

The club cares, because it's not good for Masons long term development.

He's too young to expect him to carry it all season, he can't play 60 games. It'd ruin him.

 

[RikRuud]

Gareth Bale on loan with an option to buy. Ready to go, knows the league and will definitely score loads/assist loads. No brainer.

Could be a shout. He gave an interesting interview last night. A 1 year loan would be decent and assess his contribution at the end of the season. I wouldn't go near him with a permanent contract though.

 

[croadyman]

We need to add to the attack, so of course we want to sign Sancho, that´s not my point. And Sancho can play LW as well, while Mason can play up front. But looking at our starting 11 the last few months, I don´t agree that Mason has been our weakest link and the one we are desperate to replace.

Oh yeah there is no doubt that Mason hasn't been the weakest link in our starting XI by a mile

 

[Valencia Shin Crosses]

Why not try Dalot as a RW? I have a feeling he will be fantastic in that position. He possesses all the necessary skills.

Does he? I've seen him score 1 goal, and he's not particularly quick or skillful on the ball

 

[Redcy]

We cant rely on mason as a 19yo to play 50 games a season and be consistent. We need to give him time to grow up or he will be ruined by his mid 20s. He is not a right winger either, yes of course he can play there, but we need to be giving him more time at CF. Whilst RvP and Henry both started out wide, they only really came into their own once they played in their real role.

 

[lsd]

What would be your solution to the starting CB problem?

That's the question to ask in a thread titled what should we do for the right wing ?

 

[StonedhamsterZA]

What’s Bale’s injury record been of late? (Football not golf)

 

[CG1010]

Doesn't look like we have a plan B to reinforce RW if Sancho doesn't come.

In that case obviously we would rely mainly on Greenwood (which is a great option to be fair). I wonder if Van De Beek could play as a right forward in rotation with Greenwood?

 

[Dve]

Does he? I've seen him score 1 goal, and he's not particularly quick or skillful on the ball

To be fair, Dalot is actually one of the fastest players in the squad.

 

[M16Red]

To be fair, Dalot is actually one of the fastest players in the squad.

Usain Bolt is also one of the fattest man in the world, doesn't make him a great footballer

 

[Dve]

Usain Bolt is also one of the fattest man in the world, doesn't make him a great footballer

Well, I agree with that, and personally I don´t rate Dalot much. Just pointing that he´s now slow, at least.

 

[Bestietom]

Looks like Greenwood will play there for this season.....Unless Costa fee is cut in half...

 

[londonredmaniac]

Usain Bolt is also one of the fattest man in the world, doesn't make him a great footballer

Harsh mate, always thought he looked in great shape...

 

[Jezpeza]

Looks like Greenwood will play there for this season.....Unless Costa fee is cut in half...

I dont think that would be terrible, until we had an injury or need to rotate.

I just think we need depth. Ighalo isn't here long term and Mata will be gone next summer, and Lingard/Pereira look surplus to requirements.

I dont know why we havent signed Brooks from Bournemouth or similar. We need two attackers anyway - one for backup and one to start. Of all our backup attackers James looks the only one set to be here In the long term which means we have just MMM and James for 6 squad positions.

 

[drmuji]

Coman and Costa are poor options for cost/fitness/productivity reasons

Dembele would cost 70-80m+, is injured every 5-10 games and misses so many games its either a mind or physical issue

If we buy other players this year for the RW, I dont see us getting Sancho

Would you be happy if we get Osmane Dembele for 50 million or so. I mean, it would be a bargain, wouldn't it

 

[sp_107]

Could be a shout. He gave an interesting interview last night. A 1 year loan would be decent and assess his contribution at the end of the season. I wouldn't go near him with a permanent contract though.

Yes, just a loan option will do. May be 15M a year from us and rest of his wages should be covered by RM. No Loan fees nothing and just 15M for a year will do,

 

[iHicksy]

We really shouldn't be going into next season with Greenwood as our main right sided attacker. Not because he's not good, I think he's going to become one of the best centre forwards in the world. Which, if and when it happens will be as a central striker. I think for his development and the benefit of the team we need to be signing a natural right attacker. This allows us to rotate Martial and Rashford with Greenwood. This is perfect to keep all three players fresh, increase competition and not have to rush players back from injury. It would also give us quality bench impact which is something we massively lack up top.

 

[Chief123]

Didn't mean Coutinho himself (he isn't a good RW at all) - just the type of deal which we should pursue. Someone with decent quality, but struggling to fit into a top side for various reasons. Happy to come here and rotate.

I feel like Cavani on a free transfer is a steal. Much better option than Josh King who we’re being linked with.

 

[Ikon]

We cant rely on mason as a 19yo to play 50 games a season and be consistent. We need to give him time to grow up or he will be ruined by his mid 20s. He is not a right winger either, yes of course he can play there, but we need to be giving him more time at CF.

Exactly this.
Greenwood will still get plenty of game time, even if Sancho arrives, as he can play perfectly well in either a CF or RW role as required.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Exactly this.
Greenwood will still get plenty of game time, even if Sancho arrives, as he can play perfectly well in either a CF or RW role as required.

Agree, we definitely need someone for that RW, preferably Sancho. As you say Mason will get plenty of games and can also we used to give Martial a rest.

 

[Alemar]

Or Dembele or Bale on loan. We need something on the right this season and it's too big a burden for Mason.

Do we never learn?
- Dembele is overpaid injury prone football player with bad attitude.
- Bale is vastly overpaid injury prone golf player.

 

[Interval]

Shouldn't pay what they demand. Feck that. Clubs like Madrid and all are taking cognizance of economic realities. So should we. For years we have been held ransom for marquee players.

 

[Redcy]

Would you be happy if we get Osmane Dembele for 50 million or so. I mean, it would be a bargain, wouldn't it

If it was possible at that price maybe. I would still be concerned about his injuries though, I don't think he has strung together more than about 7 full games in a long time.

Barca are not going to want to do that though if we are honest, they shelled out nearly 80-90m upfront, and they are probably using his "value" on the books to prop up loans.

 

[DomesticTadpole]

Do we never learn?
- Dembele is overpaid injury prone football player with bad attitude.
- Bale is vastly overpaid injury prone golf player.

The way Ole is wanting good characters in his squad that particular Dembele shouldn't even be an option.

 

[Redcy]

Do we never learn?
- Dembele is overpaid injury prone football player with bad attitude.

Evidence?

I agree on injuries but no evidence of bad attitude.