Who is the weakest player in our starting XI?

[New York Red]

I know we have a real squad rotation, but which is the spot where we could really spend our money most wisely?

 

LB? CM? LM?

 

Would it make the biggest difference to our future to break the bank to buy the best LM there is?

[allawee]

It is a toss between Arbeloa or Reira. I know this is harsh, but they are the 2 that are probably lesser than the other 9 and also areas where we lack world class cover. If I have to chose and this is based on our strong defensive record and lack of capability of breaking down small team in mid season,

 

I will go with Reira as the weakest link. Keep him as cover, but get a truly world class LM in his place. Not convinced however that the answer is Barry. I like pace, agility, skills and finishing. Everything arguable that babel has the potential, but failed to deliver.

 

Next year is pivotal and would like to go for a tried and tested world class LM rather than gamble on a mediocre option but I don't know the answer to that question!

[New York Red]

I still keep thinking that we need a fair amount.

 

RB to press Arbeloa

CB to replace Sami

LM to start in most games

CM to cover for Tommy and Xabi

RM to create and cover for Derek

F to cover for Nando

[allawee]

I still keep thinking that we need a fair amount.

 

RB to press Arbeloa

CB to replace Sami

LM to start in most games

CM to cover for Tommy and Xabi

RM to create and cover for Derek

F to cover for Nando

That's probably the same argument many of the pundits on tv put forward as the difference between us and Utd. XI vs XI, not much to choose between. But as a squad, we are thinner than them considerably. hard to argue with that on paper at least, but our points tally and considering that both us and the scum played around 50 games each having missed Gerrard and Torres playing together for a significant amount of the season does not reflect that in reality. You could even argue that if Pepe is injured long term then we are snookered next year and add that to the list.

 

I personally think that considering our finanical situation and the fact that we will not be able to buy 5-6 world class players in the positions suggested, should put our eggs in one (or 2 baskets) max and buy the best our money can get in 2 positions, RB and LM.

[floyd the barber]

ignoring those that dont really get a look in...

 

i have to agree with the above posts and say Reira....the one area where we really need a step up in quality, dont get me wrong albert is a decent player but certainly not good enough to be a first choice....i can see improvements being made on our left in the summer.

[Hassony]

our first XI are as close to perfection as you can get, no weak links

[allawee]

our first XI are as close to perfection as you can get, no weak links

So are you saying that for 15-20M you can't get better players than Arbeloa or Reira? I am sure you can, that would be an improvement and therefore we are not perfect. It is probably the difference between being a Mercedes or a Bentley

[Hassony]

So are you saying that for 15-20M you can't get better players than Arbeloa or Reira? I am sure you can, that would be an improvement and therefore we are not perfect. It is probably the difference between being a Mercedes or a Bentley

 

We can improve on every position apart from Pepe, Gerrard, Masch, Xabi and Torres

 

Reira is probably our weakest link but I still think he is a very good player who does a good job to the team, I don't get talks about selling him so soon, when only a few months back he was being hailed as the reason why we were top of the league

 

We lost the league this season because we didn't have someone to cover gerrard/ Torres when they were injured, this is where I would like to see our main signing

 

I will be happy with that and a cover for Arbeloa as our only two signings

[Maldini]

Arbeloa or Riera

[fyds]

We can improve on every position apart from Pepe, Gerrard, Masch, Xabi and Torres

 

Reira is probably our weakest link but I still think he is a very good player who does a good job to the team, I don't get talks about selling him so soon, when only a few months back he was being hailed as the reason why we were top of the league

 

We lost the league this season because we didn't have someone to cover gerrard/ Torres when they were injured, this is where I would like to see our main signing

 

I will be happy with that and a cover for Arbeloa as our only two signings

I would agree with that on the whole - we do need better cover in certain areas in case of sustained injury, but mostly I'd like to see David Silva in - anything else is a bonus.

[John am Rhein]

It is probably the difference between being a Mercedes or a Bentley

 

which one's better?

[Herbie von Smalls]

gerrard, closely followed by torres.

[David Hodgson]

All the flank positions are relatively weak. Decent players available in all wide areas, but all players who are only worth it when they're on their 'A' game. The minute the side's not functioning or they don't feel 100% they dip down a level too far, for me. I include Arbeloa, Insua, Aurelio, Riera and I'm afraid to say (albeit to a lesser extent than the others mentioned) Benayoun and Kuyt.

 

All of these players have contributed, but all are dispensable, if we're talking about possible 'world class' replacements.

[John am Rhein]

Carragher

[richwilks]

Has to be Riera really. Although we have looked weak at left back at times this season as well.

 

Clearly need a new right back as well, not necessarily to replace Arbeloa, but to cover at least.

[Rory Fitzgerald]

I would have to go with Riera

[Walrus]

Carragher

It's between him and Arbeloa.

[MFletcher]

On current form it's probably Carra.

[Swipe]

Yeah, have to go with Reira if pushed.

 

Left midfield will get an upgrade in the summer, i'm sure.

[New York Red]

Carragher

 

It's tough to admit that one...

[Jarg Armani]

Definitely not Arbeloa. Can't look past left mid for weakest position really.

[Chili Palmer]

Has to be left midfield. Arbeloa isn't a weak link at all.

[Hassony]

I would say that Arbeloa is better than whoever we have at left back as a first choice

[Chili Palmer]

I would say that Arbeloa is better than whoever we have at left back as a first choice

 

 

Probably right that Hass, Aurelio is a proper proper player when he is 100% fit tho. which isn't that often sadly.

[Mike]

yossi could do with a bit of gym work.