comment by Kern (U4664)
posted 27 minutes ago
Right footed wingers tend to play well on the left as they cut in onto their right. And vice versa. Left footed right footed, not bothered, as long as they're of the quality of Raph & Jack.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Think that's quite clearly the plan. We have an abundance of left footed players...actually must be a world record for proportion of left footers. Harrison is a winger that loves the touchline as will most left footers on the left wing. But we would obviously like a right footer there that will cut in and create space for the new left back to overlap.
Would be nice if this player could also play in the centre as the more attacking 8. I see no reason to replace Harrison as the first choice left winger.
Would also give us the option to play a right sided player on the right, which means you have different approach, and can pick and choose how you setup your attack.
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 3 hours, 8 minutes ago
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 4 minutes ago
Names I have seen today include Gabriel Veron, a Brazilian wunterkind, and Oscar, the former Chelsea 10, currently playing out in China.
Might be nonsense though, and no official articles on either.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Veron is a right winger, a position Raphinha, Costa and Poveda all play in. As a transfer rumour that seems a bit of a non-starter to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Think the idea is that we just want a right-footed wide player, to provide alternative options in the attacking approach. Raph and Costa are both also capable of playing LW, so its not like wing is a position we lack cover. Its more to do with having different kinds of wingers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Still sounds strange to me, we have Raphinha, Costa and Harrison all of whom can play on either flank and Poveda who can play down the right, glaring holes and a finite pot of money and yet we are rumoured to be in for Veron who may give variety but also gives us more of the same. Of course we may sign him but nobody is talking about the elephant in the room, we could also sell which creates a need, Raphinha maybe.
Would rather have two quality players than loads of squad players
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think its pretty clear that by midfield I wasn't referring to wing, and that to try and pick flaw there is just you being contrarian for the sake of it
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 2 hours, 16 minutes ago
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think its pretty clear that by midfield I wasn't referring to wing, and that to try and pick flaw there is just you being contrarian for the sake of it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrarian - opposing or rejecting popular opinion or current practice. OK.
It was a genuine question, do you want to strengthen in Kalvin's position, box-box midfielder, creative replacement for Pablo or engine room midfielder.
Midfield is a broad church can cover any position across the middle of the park.
The management of the club are on record as saying they will replace only if it improves the side. If the plan is to bring in a player who will start, what position and who drops out.
If I said I think we should bring in a defender, two legitimate questions are to cover what position? and who to replace?
Why is it contrary to ask those questions about the midfield?
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 3 hours, 27 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Who am I dropping .... Klich as a squad player for me. Roberts is a squad player at best unless we start playing 2 up top. Dallas starts in midfield with a new CM.
Meslier
Ayling
Llorente
Koch
3
Phillips
Dallas
8
Raphina
10
Harrison or someone better
Bamford or Rodrigo
It's all I asked.
I wonder whether we might see Bielsa reverting back to a line up close to the one that started last season with Dallas moving back to left back, I believe that was the plan. If Klich can rediscover his early season form from last year, personally I think he starts ahead of Dallas. Would agree that on his form post Covid, Dallas gets the nod. That's Dallas for you though, I think he will continue to do a job where-ever.
I think we do need a proper left back but don't think it's a disaster if the right signing doesn't happen because of Dallas, last year, I think the plan was for Davis to eventually graduate to being the starter at left back but he simply hasn't come on enough, I would look to moving him out on loan to see whether he does have what it takes, at the moment I don't think he does.
I don't understand your line-up though, it appears you have 12 players, I suppose it is 11 from these 13 dependent on the opposition.
I think Harrison will continue to improve and Bielsa will be happy that that position is covered.
Elsbels,
Where do you think we have glaring holes?
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 56 seconds ago
Elsbels,
Where do you think we have glaring holes?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Maybe glaring hole rather than holes (left back).
Other than that I would change very little.
It would be nice to add a bit more depth but I think we have a good squad and lots coming in would likely be counter-productive.
My big wish for next season is players being brought through, I would love to see minutes for Drameh, Huggins and Gelhardt. No big shopping list.
Our squad might be good enough for midtable, but if we want to progress then we need to be callous and replace some of them.
So you would just sign a left back?
I think we are desperate for a left back and that’s about it. Would like to see us strengthen the 8’s in midfield too though.
The club have mentioned 5 signings. I don’t think we need that many. But the rumours suggest this will be a left back, a couple of central midfielders inc cover for Phillips, a right footed winger & a keeper.
I would like to see us sign a right footed player than can play the wing but also as the more attacking 8 or 10. Ryan Kent is someone that can do this.
The other 8 I would like to be able to cover for Phillips too. So similar in style to Forshaw and will be the more defensive of the two in midfield.
And obviously a top quality left back.
A cheap experienced keeper on less wages thank Kiko would give us everything we need.
Of course we want to progress but I think it will be a difficult window due in part to Covid but also the Euros might make it a bit fractured. If we started next season with our current squad it wouldn't be the end of the world.
There is no doubt that some of our our Under-23’s are ready to step up. Greenwood at Manchester United, Sahko at Arsenal....both have not only been given the chance but they have shown they are capable of competing at the highest level when integrated with the 1st XI.
I certainly don’t have a problem of Bielsa let’s them showcase their talent early on in the season.
If you stay still in this league you then you actually move backwards.
look at liverpool and sheff utd this year.
we have to improve otherwise when others do then we are poorer in comparison.
comment by Mattyp (U8926)
posted 7 minutes ago
If you stay still in this league you then you actually move backwards.
look at liverpool and sheff utd this year.
we have to improve otherwise when others do then we are poorer in comparison.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
liverpool's a bad example. they were decimated by injuries. i think our second half of the season when we had our full team shows we could compete for top six.
i agree we can't know how much the other teams will improve but i would only want to bring in 2 or 3 quality players. it's so good to be able to trust our management to make the right moves. last summers buys were the best iv'e seen at leeds in my time following them.
I think top half will be another very good achievement next season. Won't be easy to repeat what we have just done. But the target has to be to get into Europe doesn't it? And we want to achieve this in the next few seasons.
Which will mean seeing some of our favourites end up not being good enough for what we need. It's going to be a really hard process and quite sad but I think it's unavoidable. I want to do it with Bamford, Dallas, Klich, Cooper, Ayling etc but realistically either better will be available or age will catch up with them. If I had a choice of not signing anyone, letting some youth come through and knowing that in 3 years we would finish 6th, I would take that every day of the week over signing 3 or 4 form the continent and making it 2.
But there is a very real risk that we go backwards doing that and with the constant danger that one day Bielsa will not be our manager is a very scary thought. We need to be in as strong a position as possible when that happens....hopefully not for 10 years.
All this leads to difficult arguments between head & heart that we will probably never manage to settle. We saw the embodiment of this on Sunday between Berra, Pablo & us fans.
What we do know though, is that the club will sign around 5 players, one will be a left back, one will be a central midfielder. It's very unlikely any of them will be De Paul. We all just hope the club makes the right decisions and until we know any different we will speculate till the cows come home.
Of the current regular first team members - while they have all played their part - the weak links are:
Costa
Alioski
Roberts
Cooper
Casilla
All of them have had their good games (some more than others - Cooper especially) but we need improvement and a consistent high level of performance in those seats.
If there are any additions to the squad, those are the positions which will be targeted.
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 8 minutes ago
Of the current regular first team members - while they have all played their part - the weak links are:
Costa
Alioski
Roberts
Cooper
Casilla
All of them have had their good games (some more than others - Cooper especially) but we need improvement and a consistent high level of performance in those seats.
If there are any additions to the squad, those are the positions which will be targeted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
It sounds like Costa will be replaced this summer.
Alioski almost certainly will be.
Casilla will be if he leaves, if he doesn't he won't be used anyway.
Roberts has loads of potential that I hope he can fulfil at the club. Whether he gets the chance we will see.
Cooper has perfect competition in Struijk already.
Think we will be looking at signing a player to do Dallas' role in midfield too. Closer to Forshaw's skillset.
I think you're pretty close to what will happen.
The Phil Hay Show podcast released tomorrow has Voctor Orta as the guest interviewee.
They have had Angus Kinnear on before which was really good and I expect this with Orta to be the same.
Hopefully will get some more insight into the clubs plans but obviously it will be limited as it's in the clubs interest for negotiations to keep the cards close to the chest
I keep seeing links in the press/media, similar to last year. Think we were linked to 2 young Argentinians plus a whole host of others.
Then Koch, Rodders, Llorente and Raphie turned up. Never saw much of any of them before interest was either well advanced or they'd actually signed.
Happens every summer - even in the bad times - I'm like a kid at xmas waiting for santa (this time VO) to deliver the new stuff.
What's the betting all the names linked turn out to be red herrings and we sign hitherto unheard of players, not mentioned by anyone!!
comment by Estaremos Top Four For Real (U21471)
posted 6 hours, 13 minutes ago
There is no doubt that some of our our Under-23’s are ready to step up. Greenwood at Manchester United, Sahko at Arsenal....both have not only been given the chance but they have shown they are capable of competing at the highest level when integrated with the 1st XI.
I certainly don’t have a problem of Bielsa let’s them showcase their talent early on in the season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I mean, there is some doubt. Naming random other young players is creating a false equivalency, because they aren't the same footballers. If we had Mason Greenwood or Bukayo Saka then they probably would have got a chance by now.
Reality is that Bielsa sees Gerhardt, Greenwood, Summerville et al every day of the week. We don't. He has a much better idea of whether they are ready for the PL, and he has regularly preferred Poveda, Shackleton and Jenkins in his match day squads.
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Transfers & Rumours in Summer 2021
Page 3 of 10
6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Kern (U4664)
posted 27 minutes ago
Right footed wingers tend to play well on the left as they cut in onto their right. And vice versa. Left footed right footed, not bothered, as long as they're of the quality of Raph & Jack.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Think that's quite clearly the plan. We have an abundance of left footed players...actually must be a world record for proportion of left footers. Harrison is a winger that loves the touchline as will most left footers on the left wing. But we would obviously like a right footer there that will cut in and create space for the new left back to overlap.
Would be nice if this player could also play in the centre as the more attacking 8. I see no reason to replace Harrison as the first choice left winger.
posted on 26/5/21
Would also give us the option to play a right sided player on the right, which means you have different approach, and can pick and choose how you setup your attack.
posted on 26/5/21
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 3 hours, 8 minutes ago
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 3 seconds ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 4 minutes ago
Names I have seen today include Gabriel Veron, a Brazilian wunterkind, and Oscar, the former Chelsea 10, currently playing out in China.
Might be nonsense though, and no official articles on either.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Veron is a right winger, a position Raphinha, Costa and Poveda all play in. As a transfer rumour that seems a bit of a non-starter to me.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Think the idea is that we just want a right-footed wide player, to provide alternative options in the attacking approach. Raph and Costa are both also capable of playing LW, so its not like wing is a position we lack cover. Its more to do with having different kinds of wingers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Still sounds strange to me, we have Raphinha, Costa and Harrison all of whom can play on either flank and Poveda who can play down the right, glaring holes and a finite pot of money and yet we are rumoured to be in for Veron who may give variety but also gives us more of the same. Of course we may sign him but nobody is talking about the elephant in the room, we could also sell which creates a need, Raphinha maybe.
posted on 26/5/21
Would rather have two quality players than loads of squad players
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think its pretty clear that by midfield I wasn't referring to wing, and that to try and pick flaw there is just you being contrarian for the sake of it
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 2 hours, 16 minutes ago
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 13 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
I think its pretty clear that by midfield I wasn't referring to wing, and that to try and pick flaw there is just you being contrarian for the sake of it
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Contrarian - opposing or rejecting popular opinion or current practice. OK.
It was a genuine question, do you want to strengthen in Kalvin's position, box-box midfielder, creative replacement for Pablo or engine room midfielder.
Midfield is a broad church can cover any position across the middle of the park.
The management of the club are on record as saying they will replace only if it improves the side. If the plan is to bring in a player who will start, what position and who drops out.
If I said I think we should bring in a defender, two legitimate questions are to cover what position? and who to replace?
Why is it contrary to ask those questions about the midfield?
posted on 26/5/21
comment by Elsbels - Just Some Guy (U21658)
posted 3 hours, 27 minutes ago
comment by Lubo - Super Dooper Liam Cooper (U14008)
posted 12 minutes ago
comment by Shaun M - Everywhere you go, always take Rapinha with you! (U9955)
posted 1 hour, 21 minutes ago
Id go for
* Back up keeper to Meslier (Sell Kiko due to wages)
* Left back
* Box to box midfielder who can cover KP (Sell Forshaw)
* Number 8 (Key cog of midfield, competition for Dallas/Klich
* Number 10 (Pablo replacement)
Secondary transfers (if any become available)
* Right back
* Winger to replace Costa
* Sign Vestergard before a top 6 side does
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Vestergaard is a player we just don't need. We are sorted at CB. Spending another 20-40m there is unnecessary. Also, I may be wrong but I would say that an 8 is a box-to-box. A player to compete with Kalvin would be another 4, and the club seem farily happy that Struijk, Koch, and Llorente can cover there.
Don't think we need more than a LB and midfield improvement personally, but if that leaves some money to get a quality option on the wing then happy to improve there, too.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
What do you mean by midfield improvement?
The website (disregarding Pablo), lists Forshaw, Poveda, Costa, Phillips, Harrison, Klich and Shackleton, add to those Dallas and Raphinha. Assuming a line up that could be Meslier, Alioski (for now), Cooper, Llorente, Ayling, Phillips, Rapha, Klich, Dallas, Harrison and Bamford. A line-up not including several key players, who are you dropping?
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Who am I dropping .... Klich as a squad player for me. Roberts is a squad player at best unless we start playing 2 up top. Dallas starts in midfield with a new CM.
Meslier
Ayling
Llorente
Koch
3
Phillips
Dallas
8
Raphina
10
Harrison or someone better
Bamford or Rodrigo
posted on 26/5/21
It's all I asked.
I wonder whether we might see Bielsa reverting back to a line up close to the one that started last season with Dallas moving back to left back, I believe that was the plan. If Klich can rediscover his early season form from last year, personally I think he starts ahead of Dallas. Would agree that on his form post Covid, Dallas gets the nod. That's Dallas for you though, I think he will continue to do a job where-ever.
I think we do need a proper left back but don't think it's a disaster if the right signing doesn't happen because of Dallas, last year, I think the plan was for Davis to eventually graduate to being the starter at left back but he simply hasn't come on enough, I would look to moving him out on loan to see whether he does have what it takes, at the moment I don't think he does.
I don't understand your line-up though, it appears you have 12 players, I suppose it is 11 from these 13 dependent on the opposition.
I think Harrison will continue to improve and Bielsa will be happy that that position is covered.
posted on 26/5/21
Elsbels,
Where do you think we have glaring holes?
posted on 26/5/21
comment by HaveFaithInLeeds (U8688)
posted 56 seconds ago
Elsbels,
Where do you think we have glaring holes?
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Maybe glaring hole rather than holes (left back).
Other than that I would change very little.
It would be nice to add a bit more depth but I think we have a good squad and lots coming in would likely be counter-productive.
My big wish for next season is players being brought through, I would love to see minutes for Drameh, Huggins and Gelhardt. No big shopping list.
posted on 26/5/21
Our squad might be good enough for midtable, but if we want to progress then we need to be callous and replace some of them.
posted on 26/5/21
So you would just sign a left back?
I think we are desperate for a left back and that’s about it. Would like to see us strengthen the 8’s in midfield too though.
The club have mentioned 5 signings. I don’t think we need that many. But the rumours suggest this will be a left back, a couple of central midfielders inc cover for Phillips, a right footed winger & a keeper.
I would like to see us sign a right footed player than can play the wing but also as the more attacking 8 or 10. Ryan Kent is someone that can do this.
The other 8 I would like to be able to cover for Phillips too. So similar in style to Forshaw and will be the more defensive of the two in midfield.
And obviously a top quality left back.
A cheap experienced keeper on less wages thank Kiko would give us everything we need.
posted on 27/5/21
Of course we want to progress but I think it will be a difficult window due in part to Covid but also the Euros might make it a bit fractured. If we started next season with our current squad it wouldn't be the end of the world.
posted on 27/5/21
There is no doubt that some of our our Under-23’s are ready to step up. Greenwood at Manchester United, Sahko at Arsenal....both have not only been given the chance but they have shown they are capable of competing at the highest level when integrated with the 1st XI.
I certainly don’t have a problem of Bielsa let’s them showcase their talent early on in the season.
posted on 27/5/21
If you stay still in this league you then you actually move backwards.
look at liverpool and sheff utd this year.
we have to improve otherwise when others do then we are poorer in comparison.
posted on 27/5/21
comment by Mattyp (U8926)
posted 7 minutes ago
If you stay still in this league you then you actually move backwards.
look at liverpool and sheff utd this year.
we have to improve otherwise when others do then we are poorer in comparison.
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liverpool's a bad example. they were decimated by injuries. i think our second half of the season when we had our full team shows we could compete for top six.
i agree we can't know how much the other teams will improve but i would only want to bring in 2 or 3 quality players. it's so good to be able to trust our management to make the right moves. last summers buys were the best iv'e seen at leeds in my time following them.
posted on 27/5/21
I think top half will be another very good achievement next season. Won't be easy to repeat what we have just done. But the target has to be to get into Europe doesn't it? And we want to achieve this in the next few seasons.
Which will mean seeing some of our favourites end up not being good enough for what we need. It's going to be a really hard process and quite sad but I think it's unavoidable. I want to do it with Bamford, Dallas, Klich, Cooper, Ayling etc but realistically either better will be available or age will catch up with them. If I had a choice of not signing anyone, letting some youth come through and knowing that in 3 years we would finish 6th, I would take that every day of the week over signing 3 or 4 form the continent and making it 2.
But there is a very real risk that we go backwards doing that and with the constant danger that one day Bielsa will not be our manager is a very scary thought. We need to be in as strong a position as possible when that happens....hopefully not for 10 years.
All this leads to difficult arguments between head & heart that we will probably never manage to settle. We saw the embodiment of this on Sunday between Berra, Pablo & us fans.
What we do know though, is that the club will sign around 5 players, one will be a left back, one will be a central midfielder. It's very unlikely any of them will be De Paul. We all just hope the club makes the right decisions and until we know any different we will speculate till the cows come home.
posted on 27/5/21
Of the current regular first team members - while they have all played their part - the weak links are:
Costa
Alioski
Roberts
Cooper
Casilla
All of them have had their good games (some more than others - Cooper especially) but we need improvement and a consistent high level of performance in those seats.
If there are any additions to the squad, those are the positions which will be targeted.
posted on 27/5/21
comment by LeedsFanFor46Years - Prem4harj (U6871)
posted 8 minutes ago
Of the current regular first team members - while they have all played their part - the weak links are:
Costa
Alioski
Roberts
Cooper
Casilla
All of them have had their good games (some more than others - Cooper especially) but we need improvement and a consistent high level of performance in those seats.
If there are any additions to the squad, those are the positions which will be targeted.
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It sounds like Costa will be replaced this summer.
Alioski almost certainly will be.
Casilla will be if he leaves, if he doesn't he won't be used anyway.
Roberts has loads of potential that I hope he can fulfil at the club. Whether he gets the chance we will see.
Cooper has perfect competition in Struijk already.
Think we will be looking at signing a player to do Dallas' role in midfield too. Closer to Forshaw's skillset.
I think you're pretty close to what will happen.
posted on 27/5/21
The Phil Hay Show podcast released tomorrow has Voctor Orta as the guest interviewee.
They have had Angus Kinnear on before which was really good and I expect this with Orta to be the same.
Hopefully will get some more insight into the clubs plans but obviously it will be limited as it's in the clubs interest for negotiations to keep the cards close to the chest
posted on 27/5/21
I keep seeing links in the press/media, similar to last year. Think we were linked to 2 young Argentinians plus a whole host of others.
Then Koch, Rodders, Llorente and Raphie turned up. Never saw much of any of them before interest was either well advanced or they'd actually signed.
Happens every summer - even in the bad times - I'm like a kid at xmas waiting for santa (this time VO) to deliver the new stuff.
What's the betting all the names linked turn out to be red herrings and we sign hitherto unheard of players, not mentioned by anyone!!
posted on 27/5/21
comment by Estaremos Top Four For Real (U21471)
posted 6 hours, 13 minutes ago
There is no doubt that some of our our Under-23’s are ready to step up. Greenwood at Manchester United, Sahko at Arsenal....both have not only been given the chance but they have shown they are capable of competing at the highest level when integrated with the 1st XI.
I certainly don’t have a problem of Bielsa let’s them showcase their talent early on in the season.
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I mean, there is some doubt. Naming random other young players is creating a false equivalency, because they aren't the same footballers. If we had Mason Greenwood or Bukayo Saka then they probably would have got a chance by now.
Reality is that Bielsa sees Gerhardt, Greenwood, Summerville et al every day of the week. We don't. He has a much better idea of whether they are ready for the PL, and he has regularly preferred Poveda, Shackleton and Jenkins in his match day squads.
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