25 Jul 2017 16:07:36
Looking at Europa league squad, I think we are still short in a number of areas and could do with 4 more signings:
Left sided CB (especially with Mori out - maybe Martins Indi? )
Left back (capable of challenging Baines)
Target man (Giroud would be the dream)
Lacey ST/ WG.
25 Jul 2017 16:31:20
southern_toffee: Martina is a right-sided defender, so we probably could do with a left-sided centre-back - unless RK sticks with Besic.
It looks like Connolly is RK''s backup for Baines.
RK likes Calvert-Lewin, but we he needs time to develop as a Premier League target-man, so another recruit is likely.
A pacey forward would be nice, but RK has said he doesn't want a large squad and prefers to use the youngsters as backups - which surely means that Lookman and Dowell will get chances.
25 Jul 2017 17:02:31
Martins Indi - Porto defender who did well at Stoke last season, not Cuco Martina.
Connolly as back up for Baines is ok.
Dowell has been excellent in pre season but doesn't have the pace to stretch a team. Also with him, Klaasen, Sandro, Rooney and Mirallas all capable of playing 10 just off the main striker I really don't think we need Gylfi (disregarding debates about price and quality)
Would much rather spend the 50mil on Giroud and Dembele.
25 Jul 2017 17:19:21
I agree fellow Southern Toffee Martins Indi would be a great addition and I would keep an eye on the Ben Gibson situation.
For me LB should be fine for this season more likely to reviewed next season.
Giroud has to be the stand out striker, if the press are to be believed then perhaps some swap deal with Barkley might be on the cards.
If I was seeking a bit of pace I would also want some trickery perhaps a Ryad Mahrez, Ryad Boudebouz or Jonathan Vieira type?
This would be once Gylfi is signed and sealed
Just my thoughts but I don't flash the cash for the signings so will sit back and see what happens.
25 Jul 2017 17:51:54
Connolly is more like a left sided midfielder, even though his position is left back, if he is cover for Baines, I would be afraid, he got skinned a few times for England u20s and Everton U23s, hence not playing in the last few games for England U20s, Garbutt would have been a better option there, Connolly needs either another season on loan or left in the U23s but that's just my opinion and excellent analysis from a mate who follows Wigan Ath stating the same, Connolly played attacking down the left and played well but is no left back, switch the guy to left midfielder and you have a decent player there was his reply.