29 Jul 2024 09:39:12
From pre season it seems as though Nuno will primarily go with a 5 1 3 1 with 3 centre backs, 2 wing backs, 2 wingers, 1 number 10 ( MGW) and one up top. He may be more conservative with a 4. 2. 3. 1 against better opposition. I guess we will get a better idea with his selection against Villarreal and Olympiacos.
To give him options, priority is another striker as the Taiwo situation is problematical and Woody, bless him, is 33 and won't do a full season of being kicked from pillar to post by at least 2 centre backs.
We are reasonably ok with wing backs (Aina, Moreira, Williams, Toffolo, Richards ). However, we might be one centre back short. Assuming first choice 3 will be Boly, the Serbinator and Murillo that leaves only Obamidele as cover. However Nuno may go with the young lad Zach Abbott or retain Joe Worrall. He's even tried Toff there and he did ok. Nunos call on this one.
Midfield is ok especially as Sanghere is showing signs of coming to the party. Anderson, Yates, MGW, Danillo and Dominquez is pretty strong, especially re inforced by the likes of Murillo stepping into midfield and attacking from deep.
We probably need a winger as Nuno has stated as cover for Elanga and CHO ( although Anderson can play out there).
Goalkeepers seem ok. I don't know about the Ramsdale rumours especially at £50 million, a ludicrous price.
It's a versatile and young squad with definately another striker and fast winger to find. That would give Nuno a small but effective squad of around 22 core players and 2 or 3 optional extras.
As for the bomb squad, I don't think O Brien has done himself any favours pre season. Likewise Bowler and Dennis.
29 Jul 2024 13:29:59
Looks like O Brein is packing his sunglasses and is off to LA.
29 Jul 2024 16:45:41
I think Bowlers done alright when he's played minutes in these friendlies. Seeing as every time he shows up at the City Ground, there's a taxi waiting, and he's sent to another club on loan!.
29 Jul 2024 17:09:52
Fair point Vespa. It’s just that Nuno let slip that his only wingers were Elanga and CHO which must be demoralising for Bowler to know he’s not part of the plan.
29 Jul 2024 17:19:27
He's championship at best.
29 Jul 2024 17:38:56
Well you don't really know that, seeing as he's never been given a chance?. And the argument that he was brought if we was relegated, Mr M thought we would finish about 12th that season. There was too many players brought in, and Bowler was never given a chance.
29 Jul 2024 19:06:44
Like I said he's bang average. See him play on a couple of occasions, the EFL is full of people like him. i'm not getting into a argument about it, just remember we all have our own opinion.