like for like without Torres

[Molby]

The old debate again

 

 

If Torres and Gerrard stay injury free, Xabi stays and Johnson beds in well and also stays injury free then I fancy us to win it

 

 

But that’s a huge ask

 

 

So, start with Torres – everyone bangs on about not taking Gerrard out of this new forward position he has, but what happens when Torres is injured? Gerrard is not a back to goal striker and nobody in our ranks can play up on his own to the effect that would make it worthwhile having Gerrard just behind

 

 

So what do we do?

 

 

1 play Kuyt and Ngog, with Gerrard back in midfield in a 4-4-2, or a 3-5-2

 

 

or,

 

2 find a like for like replacement

 

 

If it’s 2, the only viable and available replacement is Mr Kevin Davies

 

 

I have spoken

[psl]

As it stands, we're looking like going in to this year in a weaker position than last year numbers wise. No Keane, Arbeloa, Dossena and only Johnson in. Hopefully there will be a couple of additions.

Edited July 29, 2009 by psl

[Raj]

Voronin is back and Degen may actually stay fit

[Gerrardrules]

Voronin is back and Degen may actually stay fit

 

Thats to much to ask.

[Chili Palmer]

Voronin is back and Degen may actually stay fit

 

Voronin will frustrate the life out of us and never be a fans favourite but he will score goals against dross teams.

 

Degen looks s***.

[Raj]

I dont think we are in a bad position numbers wise, although we could question some of the quality.

 

We have 2 right backs, 3 centre backs and 3 left backs (soon to be two). These are senior players and doesnt account for Darby, San Jose, Kelly, etc.

 

We also have Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, Voronin, Babel, Ngog and Nemeth who can play upfront

[Mike]

can't understand how we haven't gone for a forward, hopefully we will once the alonso business is done.

[Falconhoof]

What concerns me is that we didn't really strengthen last summer and we haven't done much this summer. I'm pleased with Johnson but letting Arbeloa go leaves us with risks at RB and we'll need a replacement for Dossena.

We still need something on the left and a striker IMO.

Sami going leaves us lighter at CH and i'm not convinced that any of the young CHs are quite ready yet.

 

Thats all before the Alonso situation is resolved. On the face of it we had a good season last year but i'm worried that we overachieved with the squad we have got and we lack the strength in depth of Chelsea in particular.

[Molby]

so 7 replies on, nobody can answer the question:

 

do we have a replacement for Torres if we aim to keep the same formation when he's injured? (rhetorical question, the answer is no)

 

is there a replacement out there? (yes Drogba, is there an affordable one?)

 

that leave the prospect of Gerrard back in the midfield and Kuyt and Ngog up front probably

[Raj]

is there an affordable one?

 

When players like Darren Bent are moving for £14 million, it may explain why we cant buy an affordable striker.

[Knox_Harrington]

When players like Darren Bent are moving for £14 million, it may explain why we cant buy an affordable striker.

One of Big Kev, Ruud, Klose and Viduka are proven lineleaders. Ruud and Klose likely to be more expensive or tougher to acquire but are proven goalscorers. Both would be great options.

 

Big Kev can play anywhere along the three up front and may even be able to partner Torres. He's a great defensive forward who banged more in last year than any other English forward in the league (including the 14m Bent). He's the best in the country at doing what he does and whether we like it or not what he does is effective in this league. He's a club captain, an intelligent player who has serious balls. Under this manager balls and brains produces results. He'd be a great option.

 

Viduka has more issues but is out of contract.

Edited July 29, 2009 by Knox_Harrington

[Molby]

When players like Darren Bent are moving for £14 million, it may explain why we cant buy an affordable striker.

 

 

except Kevin Davies, who can perform Torres primary tactical function (note, 'being brilliant' is not a defined tactical function)

[Raj]

Viduka is s***.

Kev Davies and Klose would cost too much money.

I would take RVN, but there are still major doubts about his fitness

[Raj]

except Kevin Davies, who can perform Torres primary tactical function (note, 'being brilliant' is not a defined tactical function)

 

Bolton were asking for £5 million + for a 32 year old striker. That doesnt count as affordable in my book

[LondonRed]

man city have a few strikers that they probably need to get rid of: bellamy, benjani, bojinov

[Boca]

I think Davies signed a new deal lately as well.

[Bo Benn]

Huge risk with the current set-up of forwards. Lost a fair share of points in the league last season because of Torres' injury.

 

Had given up on Babel at the start of this summer after last season. Now it looks like he is staying and I pray to the lord I don't believe in he will finally come good for us. I think of the bunch of Kuyt, Voronin, Babel, Nement and N'Gog; Ryan is the only one with potential to really make a difference for us. Dirk I think is better left in his regular position. But then again Babel has disappointed me numerous times before.

[Molby]

Bolton were asking for £5 million + for a 32 year old striker. That doesnt count as affordable in my book

 

 

this season we may be so close that whether or not £5m is good value is neither here nor there

 

at £15m granted but not £5m for a player who ticks every tactical box plus has the other prerequiste PL qualities

[Raj]

this season we may be so close that whether or not £5m is good value is neither here nor there

 

at £15m granted but not £5m for a player who ticks every tactical box plus has the other prerequiste PL qualities

 

I dont want him anywhere near us. He's a yard dog with no pace.

And I suspect that both Rafa and the owners may think its s*** value too

[Knox_Harrington]

I dont want him anywhere near us. He's a yard dog with no pace.

And I suspect that both Rafa and the owners may think its s*** value too

Say that then. Don't bleat about the price.

 

He is a yard dog with no pace. He's also a very effective footballer.

[sean]

Obafemi Martins would do a reasonable job here.

[Knox_Harrington]

Obafemi Martins would do a reasonable job here.

Braindead. The braindead don't do well under this manager.

[Bo Benn]

Gudjohnsen would provide attacking cover for at least a season.

[Molby]

that term again:

 

LIKE.FOR.LIKE

 

Kenwyne Jones anyone?

[Chili Palmer]

that term again:

 

LIKE.FOR.LIKE

 

Kenwyne Jones anyone?

 

 

much too expensive.