Strike

When you play a Midfield Duo tasked with containing the opposition midfield, there will be a lot of high-energy pressing required to cut-off the angles and close down the passes. Our CAM - Mata is no help, so it's down to the two in midfield. Mikel dropping so far back unbalances the midfield. Seen it happen far too many times.

Well it's not just Anderson but yeah, still unproven in that sense His best position is locked by Mata. It's either the wings/Attacking Mid or in the deeper midfield role where Oscar will get continuous starts.

He doesn't have the greatest physical strength but he's a hard-worker and has constantly surprised me by his balance and strength -remember him bullying Anderson shoulder-to-shoulder. Not saying it's great or anything but he isn't a passenger in midfield like Mata is. He can do a good pressing job. With defensive security alongside him, he will do well in the (ugh) pivot. I think CM is a better position for him than out wide

Romeu should get in the team ahead of Lampard, Essien

In Jose's initial 4-3-3 he would fit just fine. Just won't work in the midfield-two where there is a lot of high-energy pressing needed.

Yeah. 53 mil for one player is a lot and in 1-2 years after the buy out clause expires, his value will gradually go down and he will be sold for less. Much like what happened with Modric at Tottenham

Pretty stupid of Cavani to sign those terms last year if he really wanted to move. He's probably stuck at Napoli until there's 1-2 years left on the deal. Only Real Madrid can maybe afford him now

Oscar should be our playmaker CM if we don't sign any clear-cut midfield starters this summer. A midfield duo (because I hate that p-word people use too much) with Oscar will work well because he has the foot-work and balance to get past opposition mids and run at their defence. If we don't get an established playmaker, I think signing a DM and pairing him with Oscar can work. He's not in the Isco/Gotze mould who can be effective on the flanks. He's more in the Modric/Thiago mould who can operate well in a CM role

That Champions League QF's vs Arsenal was great. Wayne Bridge thumping in the winner but we lost our bearings in the semis. Should have killed Monaco off

Emergency keeper from Ivory Coast playing for Ivorian Premier Division club Jeunesse. He has played a few matches for our reserves and U-21's on non-contract terms. Seems like a weird signing but as long as he can do a steady job in goal, i wouldn't mind this. With the departure of stalwarts Hilario and Turnbull, the club is short of depth in the GK department. Other internal options are Jamal Blackman, Matej Delac and Sam Walker. Maybe the club wants an experienced backup to add to our young prospects Angban on his experience training at Chelsea "This is a good experience for me. This is very important to rub [elbows} with big guards like Petr Cech. We work together all the time. I've learned a lot from him. Afterwards, I must work individually to be a top keeper."

Rise of Bundesliga/Dortmund

true. actually the club needs both a beast DM and a playmaker but may have to compromise for a hybrid. someone established would be great but I have a sneaky feeling van Ginkel is the kind of player we will sign now

well.. you had a good run Tancredi. Now you are back to being one of those shit transfer accounts on twitter

firstrow is one of the few places who don't charge anything. but it's like the time mininova torrent site was closed. if one closes, 2-3 others will come up. I doubt the Premier League can do anything to stem the rot completely.

True.but this is based on what i think might happen rather than what i think should happen. van ginkel is a good midfielder but most importantly he's available for peanuts and he's at our feeder club

If we sign a major striker, Lukaku will be a great impact substitute to change the game. Maybe even play 4-4-2 with Cavani(?) and Lukaku. Imagine that!

Don't think he'll leave. He's our only proper DM right now

Pretty good to have a German International winger as 6th choice

Cavani - van Ginkel - Schurrle won't be a bad summer

Omeruo and Kalas may be candidates for a spot in the defence once Terry leaves. I think they should be given a much tougher loan assignment this time - Premier League perhaps

True. Keep forgetting that it's still June.

No news about a backup- GK coming in. A promotion for Blackman?

Pace whores work in the Premier League. Walcott/Bale are big examples

I think everyone always assumed that Cavani will go for a bit lesser money than his release clause. Now I don't think we should spend 63mil on this guy. We might have the cash but in deals like this with such huge amount of money involved, the price tag can weigh on the player

Confederations Cup starts today. This feels like Tahiti's year