9 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

I think Casadei or Santos could be a real surprise next season. Caicedo vibes with little experience and just slotting in seamlessly into the Premier league. With the lack of older heads about Chelsea must be really exciting for the younger players to prove themselves now. 

What I'd give for one of these players to break out into a £80m worth talent next season. 

1 hour ago, bisright1 said:

What I'd give for one of these players to break out into a £80m worth talent next season. 

who was the last player we bought for pennies that became world class with us? Azpi? Courtois - but he snaked us.

I may blow a fuse if we go for Lavia for £40m + this summer. Trust the talents we've already brought in (like Casadei and Carney) and bring in some proven quality and experienced heads to accompany them. That's what we need to compete and also to take some of the pressure off the youngsters.

I'd forget any midfielder around the 40 million mark and spend the entire budget on Rice and potentially Paredes on a free. Enzo, Rice, Paredes as the seniors with Carney and Casadei as rotational options.

49 minutes ago, RIP Mourinho said:

who was the last player we bought for pennies that became world class with us? Azpi? Courtois - but he snaked us.

Cudicini. Only a few hundred thousand.

28 minutes ago, Zeta said:

Cudicini. Only a few hundred thousand.

Cue @Valerie incoming 

If we desperately need an actual DM that drops deep to become a CB, like Pochettino used Eric Dier for at Spurs, then he can use Ampadu or Chalobah in that role. Both have played many, many games as CDM and CBs,  and both are better than Dier.

A year ago we would have signed Rice, but that won't happen now. 

James played CM for Wigan. Maybe we can use him there.

14 minutes ago, Zeta said:

James played CM for Wigan. Maybe we can use him there.

Yes he could also do that role, he was excellent in midfield for Wigan.

16 minutes ago, Zeta said:

James played CM for Wigan. Maybe we can use him there.

Would probably help with his injuries too with less explosiveness needed. Gusto looks handy coming in so long as he settles it makes so much sense to use James at CM next to Enzo. 

I'd say Casadei and Carney deserve to be here next season. 

We still need arguably 2 defensively strong CMs. 

30 minutes ago, Sconnie Blue said:

I'd say Casadei and Carney deserve to be here next season. 

We still need arguably 2 defensively strong CMs. 

Santos and Hall do as well. 

Really do believe they provide us with 4 really promising options. All can play in more than just an 8 potion 

Klopp or Pep would have find a way to fit Casadei into the team, I think Pochettino will integrate him too, unless he's been told by the boss the top priority is to get the results and screw the process. If this is a repeat of the season where we had the transfer ban, maybe the perfect opportunity to integrate a few into the first team.

 

Needs to gain PL experience I feel he is ready. Best U20 player by a mile. 

On 09/06/2023 at 12:51, OriginalS said:

I may blow a fuse if we go for Lavia for £40m + this summer. Trust the talents we've already brought in (like Casadei and Carney) and bring in some proven quality and experienced heads to accompany them. That's what we need to compete and also to take some of the pressure off the youngsters.

I'd forget any midfielder around the 40 million mark and spend the entire budget on Rice and potentially Paredes on a free. Enzo, Rice, Paredes as the seniors with Carney and Casadei as rotational options.

Lavia is an exceptional talent, playing in arguably the toughest position on the pitch, in the best league in the world. He won't be in competition with Casadei and Chukwuemeka. Some would have been happy to rival Madrid for Tchouameni at 80m a year ago. He pretty much ticks every box the club would have for a player of his profile. Plus, I'd like to give City some of their own medicine after KDB.

Has my MVP vote against Wrexham.

Very good game. I understand why he stood out in the youth EU. 

Excited to see what he will bring against better opposition.

 

Imagine he'll be staying with the squad this season.

He seems very comfortable passing with either foot, which is such a an asset to have in the middle of the park

He’s a gem. Really positively involved yesterday, he’s got a goal threat and a physical presence as well. As it was low quality opposition, I’m intrigued to see what we do with him. In the 10 we already have Nkunku, Gallagher and Carney while he’s maybe still not press resistant enough to play in the pivot. Personally I’d keep him around and loan Cairney, but we’ll see who gets ample opportunity in the upcoming games vs Brighton/Newcastle

I like in that video that his first thought is always to pass forward, and I know we have to take into account the level of opposition but he looks a player able to constantly find space to play in, he was dropping of markers with ease.

13 minutes ago, dkw said:

I like in that video that his first thought is always to pass forward, and I know we have to take into account the level of opposition but he looks a player able to constantly find space to play in, he was dropping of markers with ease.

All true. Especially the factor of the quality of the oppo. Still, promising.

Could the sale of Gallagher, if it happens, open the door to him staying with our first team this season?

Definitely needs to bulk up. 

Gus Poyet lives