I was just wondering what everyone's thoughts are on the defence at present and if we should make some wholesale changes to the back 5 in the summer?
Last month I would have definitely said that we need a new GK and CB due to Lovren and Matip being unable to put a string of games together. I would also have said we need a Centre Mid too. But Migs and Can have been outstanding in the previous few games and Lovren and Matip have been outstanding when fit and playing together. Even Lucas has played well when called for.
It's got me thinking that maybe there is some hope for Mignolet. Maybe the penny has finally dropped because he looks like the keeper we had hoped when we signed him a few seasons back. You could argue that Henderson and Lallana took a while to get going and the same maybe true of Mignolet. But maybe Migs is past the point of no return now.
Also the stats that show we have never lost when Lovren and Matip have bee fit together make me think that we possibly don't need a CB as a priority as we have Gomez and Klavan to deputise. The only issue is keeping Lovren and Matip fit for an entire season - which hasn't happened yet.
One things for sure, is that we need a natural left sided left back. I'd be happy fo Milner to move back into the middle and act as cover in LB should we need it.
So I'm wondering if Klopp will just go all out an by attacking players this summer because getting a GK and CB to improve on Mignolet and what we currently have could take quite a bit out of the kitty in the summer. If we could bring in another wide player in the Mane mold I think we'll be scary as an attacking unit next season.
Thoughts?
Defensive Decisions
posted on 19/4/17
A top centre back is a must ofr me, would happily see 50 million spent on Van Djik really liek him, IMO you need 3 quality centre backs and then Gomez 4th choice and I want us to keep Lucas who can do a job there is we are really stuck.
Need a proper let back too, Milner can do a job there but is beaten by pace on the outside and still turns inside too much, he's been good overall this season and deserves massive credit for performing in a position he wasn't used to.
Clyne and TAA are good options for rigth back so would be ok not seeing money spent there this summer.
I'd take Bertrand from Saints too if we could get him but there are probably other options out there I've never heard of, seen some players from Germany linked to us, they sounded good on twitter.
posted on 19/4/17
Van Dijk. Just pay whatever it takes, he's one of the best around and it's a realistic move.
We definitely need at least one CB, a quality one. The ones we have currently are injury prone and we are going to have a lot more matches next season.
We've done incredibly well to get to where we currently are with all the injuries we've had but it's clear this squad needs big investment in the summer. Nowhere near the depth required to compete on multiple fronts.
posted on 19/4/17
comment by kneerash-23 Cara Gold (U6876)
posted 20 minutes ago
A top centre back is a must ofr me, would happily see 50 million spent on Van Djik really liek him, IMO you need 3 quality centre backs and then Gomez 4th choice and I want us to keep Lucas who can do a job there is we are really stuck.
Need a proper let back too, Milner can do a job there but is beaten by pace on the outside and still turns inside too much, he's been good overall this season and deserves massive credit for performing in a position he wasn't used to.
Clyne and TAA are good options for rigth back so would be ok not seeing money spent there this summer.
I'd take Bertrand from Saints too if we could get him but there are probably other options out there I've never heard of, seen some players from Germany linked to us, they sounded good on twitter.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I heard you also like the Southampton tea lady?
posted on 19/4/17
I think we will persist with Milner at left back for another season. He has that playing clause rumour and Klopp does not trust him in midfield. We might go for that kid at Fulham as backup (he does look very promising).
We need to go for VVD. We ideally need 4 good CBs baring in mind we are in Europe next year and hopefully a good cup run.
Mig I wanted gone a few months back but he has done so well of late. I still don't trust him though and still feel a mistake is possible but as I would like a new number 9 i'd rather spend money there.
posted on 19/4/17
Bertrand, Van Dijk, Zaha would be good for me.
No idea about players from overseas anymore...
Breel Embolo looked like a good youngster a couple of years back?
posted on 19/4/17
If the Saints tea lady is better then ours I'll have her too
posted on 19/4/17
What ever happened to us being heavily linked to Jonas Hector the German LB? He looked tidy and wasn't rumored to be costing that much. I think he'd be an upgrade on Milner.
I'd take VVD all day long too.
Surely the sales of Sakho and Markovic would cover a fair bit of the transfer fee required.
Ive also been banging the drum about getting Alexis Sanchez if we make CL next season. He's unhappy, wants to move and has no CL footie by the look of things. Chelsea seem to be the only club that I've seen interested.
While I'm not holding my breath on stellar signings this summer - If Klopp can bring in another 3 outfield players to the calibre of Mane, Gini and Matip, I'll be delighted.
posted on 19/4/17
comment by If anyone can, Emre Can... Britain just failed its IQ Test. (U3979)
posted 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
Bertrand, Van Dijk, Zaha would be good for me.
No idea about players from overseas anymore...
Breel Embolo looked like a good youngster a couple of years back?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I would be delighted with those three along with a mobile striker to replace Sturridge, who I reckon is going.
A DM is needed to replace Lucas too. That's five players who would add real depth to the squad.
posted on 19/4/17
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 22/4/17
Issues.
Matip has a clear ankle issue which is an issue
Mingolet is capable of a clanger.
Lovren let's guys run Off him.
Clyne is inclined to let guys go and rarely jumps with anyone even to put them off.
Milner has an issue with positioning.
But....
If matip and Lovren are fit they work OK.
If mingolet is in this form.. he seems to mean business
If clyne and milner have that platform to go forward.
It's OK. It's not going to win titles but it's OK.