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Looking to the Summer

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posted on 28/4/21

Kamara for some reason wants to overhaul a team that is likely to finish comfortably mid-table in their first season back. This is a similar attitude to what some said last summer, that the club didn't adopt. Continuing the development of players at the club is how Bielsa will want us to progress, with a few targetted additions to supplement that. Thinking we should sell anyone who doesn't start is ignorant of the fact that football is a squad game, and depth is something we don't have in abundance.

Its about quality in the positions we need, not quantity of replacements for players that are doing well. Why replace Harrison? He's having a very good season. His stats are not to be sniffed at. Raphinha is effective at RW, Harrison is effective at LW. Why upset that balance?

I am genuinely baffled by the number of people who aren't on board the Harrison train. These people aren't in line with Bielsa's thinking, in my view.

posted on 28/4/21

Where does everyone think we are weakest with the current side?

It sounds like most people are in agreement that our biggest weakness is LB. Hence our first priority.

Then CM, harder to decide if that's in the more attacking or defensive of the two in front of Phillips though. I think we need to replace Dallas in the current set up. We will have Rodrigo, Klich, Roberts who can all play the more attacking role.

Then be interested to see who everyone thinks is our next weakest. It's probably between the other CM, LW, CF, maybe even GK but think we can all agree that Meslier is not a concern given his age. There is also a lack of cover for Phillips.

I don't think there is any urgency to improve on those positions (CM, LW, CF) and so would it would come down to who's the best player available.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 37 seconds ago
Where does everyone think we are weakest with the current side?

It sounds like most people are in agreement that our biggest weakness is LB. Hence our first priority.

Then CM, harder to decide if that's in the more attacking or defensive of the two in front of Phillips though. I think we need to replace Dallas in the current set up. We will have Rodrigo, Klich, Roberts who can all play the more attacking role.

Then be interested to see who everyone thinks is our next weakest. It's probably between the other CM, LW, CF, maybe even GK but think we can all agree that Meslier is not a concern given his age. There is also a lack of cover for Phillips.

I don't think there is any urgency to improve on those positions (CM, LW, CF) and so would it would come down to who's the best player available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me it is dealing with LB and CM, then strengthening the depth of certain positions, be that CDM, RB, GK, ST whatever. Gradual progression, instead of reaching for the stars before we establish ourselves.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 5 seconds ago
Kamara for some reason wants to overhaul a team that is likely to finish comfortably mid-table in their first season back. This is a similar attitude to what some said last summer, that the club didn't adopt. Continuing the development of players at the club is how Bielsa will want us to progress, with a few targetted additions to supplement that. Thinking we should sell anyone who doesn't start is ignorant of the fact that football is a squad game, and depth is something we don't have in abundance.

Its about quality in the positions we need, not quantity of replacements for players that are doing well. Why replace Harrison? He's having a very good season. His stats are not to be sniffed at. Raphinha is effective at RW, Harrison is effective at LW. Why upset that balance?

I am genuinely baffled by the number of people who aren't on board the Harrison train. These people aren't in line with Bielsa's thinking, in my view.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it's really hard to decide which position is targeted for improvement after LB & CM. Hence my question above.

I do not see any urgency to improve beyond the two. But obviously if we can then great. But would not try to for the sake of it because we could easily end up with worse than we already have.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 37 seconds ago
Where does everyone think we are weakest with the current side?

It sounds like most people are in agreement that our biggest weakness is LB. Hence our first priority.

Then CM, harder to decide if that's in the more attacking or defensive of the two in front of Phillips though. I think we need to replace Dallas in the current set up. We will have Rodrigo, Klich, Roberts who can all play the more attacking role.

Then be interested to see who everyone thinks is our next weakest. It's probably between the other CM, LW, CF, maybe even GK but think we can all agree that Meslier is not a concern given his age. There is also a lack of cover for Phillips.

I don't think there is any urgency to improve on those positions (CM, LW, CF) and so would it would come down to who's the best player available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me it is dealing with LB and CM, then strengthening the depth of certain positions, be that CDM, RB, GK, ST whatever. Gradual progression, instead of reaching for the stars before we establish ourselves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not too keen on strengthening depth., cover for Phillips possibly only exception. But I still think if we can sign a midfielder that will play in front of him but can also play Phillips' role it would make sense. Just because if we sign a straight cover for Phillips the player will hopefully hardly be required.

We also have a number of youngsters that need to see a possibility of minutes. Drameh, Geldhert, Greenwood, Huggins, Cresswell. Even Shackleton, Poveda & Roberts are all players that will improve minutes.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 37 seconds ago
Where does everyone think we are weakest with the current side?

It sounds like most people are in agreement that our biggest weakness is LB. Hence our first priority.

Then CM, harder to decide if that's in the more attacking or defensive of the two in front of Phillips though. I think we need to replace Dallas in the current set up. We will have Rodrigo, Klich, Roberts who can all play the more attacking role.

Then be interested to see who everyone thinks is our next weakest. It's probably between the other CM, LW, CF, maybe even GK but think we can all agree that Meslier is not a concern given his age. There is also a lack of cover for Phillips.

I don't think there is any urgency to improve on those positions (CM, LW, CF) and so would it would come down to who's the best player available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me it is dealing with LB and CM, then strengthening the depth of certain positions, be that CDM, RB, GK, ST whatever. Gradual progression, instead of reaching for the stars before we establish ourselves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not too keen on strengthening depth., cover for Phillips possibly only exception. But I still think if we can sign a midfielder that will play in front of him but can also play Phillips' role it would make sense. Just because if we sign a straight cover for Phillips the player will hopefully hardly be required.

We also have a number of youngsters that need to see a possibility of minutes. Drameh, Geldhert, Greenwood, Huggins, Cresswell. Even Shackleton, Poveda & Roberts are all players that will improve minutes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As said before, I would be tempted to look for loans for Gelhardt, Greenwood, and Poveda. I think they would benefit from more regular game time.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 8 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 1 minute ago
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 37 seconds ago
Where does everyone think we are weakest with the current side?

It sounds like most people are in agreement that our biggest weakness is LB. Hence our first priority.

Then CM, harder to decide if that's in the more attacking or defensive of the two in front of Phillips though. I think we need to replace Dallas in the current set up. We will have Rodrigo, Klich, Roberts who can all play the more attacking role.

Then be interested to see who everyone thinks is our next weakest. It's probably between the other CM, LW, CF, maybe even GK but think we can all agree that Meslier is not a concern given his age. There is also a lack of cover for Phillips.

I don't think there is any urgency to improve on those positions (CM, LW, CF) and so would it would come down to who's the best player available.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
For me it is dealing with LB and CM, then strengthening the depth of certain positions, be that CDM, RB, GK, ST whatever. Gradual progression, instead of reaching for the stars before we establish ourselves.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not too keen on strengthening depth., cover for Phillips possibly only exception. But I still think if we can sign a midfielder that will play in front of him but can also play Phillips' role it would make sense. Just because if we sign a straight cover for Phillips the player will hopefully hardly be required.

We also have a number of youngsters that need to see a possibility of minutes. Drameh, Geldhert, Greenwood, Huggins, Cresswell. Even Shackleton, Poveda & Roberts are all players that will improve minutes.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
As said before, I would be tempted to look for loans for Gelhardt, Greenwood, and Poveda. I think they would benefit from more regular game time.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Makes sense. Be interesting to see what Bielsa thinks. Will the club make the decision that the increased quality of competition and training close to the first team will be more of a benefit than first team football outside the club?

Obvious positive arguments for both

posted on 28/4/21

comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 23 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 5 seconds ago
Kamara for some reason wants to overhaul a team that is likely to finish comfortably mid-table in their first season back. This is a similar attitude to what some said last summer, that the club didn't adopt. Continuing the development of players at the club is how Bielsa will want us to progress, with a few targetted additions to supplement that. Thinking we should sell anyone who doesn't start is ignorant of the fact that football is a squad game, and depth is something we don't have in abundance.

Its about quality in the positions we need, not quantity of replacements for players that are doing well. Why replace Harrison? He's having a very good season. His stats are not to be sniffed at. Raphinha is effective at RW, Harrison is effective at LW. Why upset that balance?

I am genuinely baffled by the number of people who aren't on board the Harrison train. These people aren't in line with Bielsa's thinking, in my view.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think it's really hard to decide which position is targeted for improvement after LB & CM. Hence my question above.

I do not see any urgency to improve beyond the two. But obviously if we can then great. But would not try to for the sake of it because we could easily end up with worse than we already have.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
same as me then?

posted on 28/4/21

you think we need 2, i think we need 3, hardly an overhaul lad

comment by Batty (U4664)

posted on 28/4/21

I agree with Faith. LB.

After that I'd say CM. What I hope we get is someone
who is better than we have (obviously). Who can do
the things that Pablo does, Tyler does, Dallas does,
Klich does. But in one top drawer player. Someone
who can boss a game, control a game, open up an
opposing team, and score. I have no idea who that
player is. But, they're out there.

After that, and assuming the club feel Greenwood
and Gelhardt are still a season away, a striker who
can spell Patrick.

And I hope the only departures (if any) are Alioski
for a big pay day. And Pablo for a well earned and
much deserved return home. Love them both.

comment by Batty (U4664)

posted on 28/4/21

It'd also be great if Forshaw returns to full fitness.
I liked him in the side when he was available.

posted on 28/4/21

we need forshaw fit so we can sell him

posted on 28/4/21

comment by Kern (U4664)
posted 1 minute ago
I agree with Faith. LB.

After that I'd say CM. What I hope we get is someone
who is better than we have (obviously). Who can do
the things that Pablo does, Tyler does, Dallas does,
Klich does. But in one top drawer player. Someone
who can boss a game, control a game, open up an
opposing team, and score. I have no idea who that
player is. But, they're out there.

After that, and assuming the club feel Greenwood
and Gelhardt are still a season away, a striker who
can spell Patrick.

And I hope the only departures (if any) are Alioski
for a big pay day. And Pablo for a well earned and
much deserved return home. Love them both.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

I think we are looking for someone similar to Forshaw. Who is good defensively, especially positionally and at reading the game....similar to Dallas. But good on the ball and capable of finding passes and definitely receiving the ball under pressure...similar to Klich.

Forshaw and Klich were brilliant together when Klich had the more attacking role.

Klich and Rodrigo have struggled together because there isn't enough awareness of defensive responsibility/pressing. Since Dallas has come in we have improved defensively but we are not able to control possession as well or be as creative.

A Forshaw that's fit and a step up would be brilliant.

comment by Batty (U4664)

posted on 28/4/21

Forshaw's a very tidy, intelligent player. Just wish
his body was more durable.

Sheff U are the cautionary tale. Finished 6th (?).
Relegated next season after poor transfer summer
and a slew of injuries. I know the club know that.

This summer will be huge for us.

posted on 28/4/21

comment by Kern (U4664)
posted 3 hours, 20 minutes ago
Forshaw's a very tidy, intelligent player. Just wish
his body was more durable.

Sheff U are the cautionary tale. Finished 6th (?).
Relegated next season after poor transfer summer
and a slew of injuries. I know the club know that.

This summer will be huge for us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ground hog day lad

posted on 28/4/21

it is great we all see things differently

posted on 28/4/21

comment by kamara's left foot (U21862)
posted 3 hours, 31 minutes ago
comment by Kern (U4664)
posted 3 hours, 20 minutes ago
Forshaw's a very tidy, intelligent player. Just wish
his body was more durable.

Sheff U are the cautionary tale. Finished 6th (?).
Relegated next season after poor transfer summer
and a slew of injuries. I know the club know that.

This summer will be huge for us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ground hog day lad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think Bielsa is unlikely to bring in players like McBurnie and Brewster.

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