27 Dec 2014 20:15:36
Alright guys, new user to the site.

Would anyone like to see us sign a new central midfielder next Summer? I'm sure most would like Pogba including me but it seems very unlikely to happen. If that doesn't happen then I personally don't mind keeping the same squad.

There's talk of Mikel and Romeu probably leaving end of the season. I'd sell Romeu but Mikel has become handy and has been playing very well next to Matic. I'm a big fan of Ake and Loftus Cheek but for squad depth I think keeping Mikel would really help the development of Ake. I know some might think the opposite but it would give Ake the extra protection knowing Mikel's there next to him holding. I Really like what Mourinho did at Stoke with Matic and Mikel and in cup games I think we should do the same by playing Mikel and Ake together to give the attackers a bit more freedom. It would help to give Matic and Fabregas a bit more rest too. That's why I'm unsure on signing Pogba. Loftus Cheek has everything for his age power, pace etc and signing Pogba would hinder his development as well as Ake's. I'd personally like too see Loftus Cheek start against Watford because I rate him that highly. Play him next to Mikel with Ramires right wing for protection and watch him flourish.

A lot of talk is Reus too which is unlikely. Personally i'm a fan of Schurrle I think he needs a good run of games. I said the same last year and he went and scored an hat trick against Fulham. Willians good but if he's not guna run at players he might as well play next to Matic. I love a direct winger that's why i'd like to see Schurrle play more. Ed's mentioned interest in Salah from Spartak Moscow, if he does leave I'd promote Boga to the first team as a utility man for the cup games. Why not? Yes he's young but he'd probably show more than Salah. If Willian or Schurrle were to leave though I'd personally like Cuadrado. A true winger who has everything including a great work rate even though we seem to hold no interest in.

Anyway first post there. Cheers guys.

27 Dec 2014 23:58:51
Cheers kingeden. My input on transfers is unless they're going to be a first team regular i'd far rather use our academy to reinforce the squad. In midfield I would eventually like to see Chalobah perform mikels role. He's got the size and he's also got more mobility and work rate. It's kind of disappointing to say you want him in that role after the heights he reached at Watford. I would expect Loftus Cheek to go on loan next year and maybe even the second half of this one although I've heard nothing so most likely not. As far as Salah I'm right alongside you with replacing him with boga. I Can't imagine he's played 10 games this year and the times he started was in cup games which is a role that Boga can fulfill and will give him a nice introduction.

Quality post mate! Agree with everything you have said

Agree with about everything you've said, man. Good post.
Ed mentioned that interest in Koke might be renewed. However he was mentioned as a central midfield solution. I don't watch a lot of Atletico, so does anybody know whether he plays more as a winger or deeper in midfield?
Cheers guys

PS: all I want for the new year is Pogba and/or Varane.

He's been playing wide, but I feel he's so much more suited to centre midfield. Presses well, passes brilliantly and can play in the pivot (lol).

I reckon he's barca bound though

Koke is a central midfielder and probably the only other one I'd take over Pogba, he is more or less a more physical type Favreau player, obviously Fab. Is better in those killer passes but Koke has an eye for passes too and works really hard. He does play right midfield a times for Athletico and plays very well there too. He could also slot into the number ten role if need be. So yeah he's a pretty versatile player. That's pretty much all I know about his style of play Jack.
Glad we are showing interest in him.

Thanks Aron and ELI. The fact he's versatile is nice, however like Aron I think he probably won't end up at Chelsea. I'm not going to hold my breath over this one ;-)

Definitely agree with Kingeden, Mikel is starting to show a bit more about him and I think any huge signings would just stop Loftus-Cheek and Ake pushing on. Saying that, if someone comes available who would make the team better you have to try for them. I think the only big names you will see coming in are replacements e.g. if Ramires, Salah etc go. Although, you never know what Mourinho is going to do.

. haven't seen much of Koke either so couldn't comment but the consensus seems to be him or Pogba and a right winger and we are golden!

The thing about Koke is that he could play both right wing and deeper in midfield apparently. So maybe he could provide depth for those 2 positions at once.