walworthyid
David Ginola
- Oct 25, 2004
- 7,059
- 10,242
Standing still while rivals improve
- Thread starter Hoops
- Start date
sundanceyid10
Well-Known Member
- Aug 22, 2013
- 3,379
- 8,319
There is some frustration from fans, it is fair enough. I agree with you though really early in the season to panic though. Alot can change in football fast. One really good performance from us and the confidence returns and players find form at which point things start to look different.
to quote a Spurs legend Football is a funny old game
lukespurs7
Well-Known Member
- Feb 21, 2006
- 4,833
- 4,259
Perhaps but of our first XI where would you say we'd need to upgrade? Apart from a world class pacey tricky direct goalscoring player in our front 3 for one of Alli Eriksen or Lamela I honestly can't see an area that we'd be able to improve without getting someone from the very very top like barca or Real Madrids first XI.
The two things we needed were a back-up CM, we got wanyama and a back-up striker who can compete with Kane, we got Janssen.
We just need a bit of pace in attack and perhaps better back-up full backs but who better that what we have is going to come and sit on our bench?
You can't replace lloris he's world class and our captain. The back 4 we're superb last year and you'd struggle to find individuals better than them and why change an effective unit? Dier was as good as any DM last year. Eriksen and Alli were outstanding and Lamela is starting to hit better form and Kane was top scorer. How exactly do you improve that??
Don't agree were standing still I just think the other teams needed much more upgrading than us. Like I said, if we can get a top drawer pacey wide man in the front 3 which is what Son is supposed to be really then we'll be sorted.
Then we just need to wait for the team to kick into too gear.
Flashspur
Well-Known Member
- Jul 28, 2012
- 6,883
- 9,069
Not having a go at you mate but I am sick of all the talk about Dembele changing everything. He is one player FFS. We cant rely on ONE fucking player to turn things around. Seriously
am_yisrael_chai
Well-Known Member
- Feb 18, 2006
- 6,409
- 10,931
I don't think it is just about a pacy/tricky player in the 3 behind the CF, the reality is that all 3 of our starters aren't as good as their counterparts at our rivals. If we are being dispassionate then we would agree that all our main rivals have much more quality in those positions:
Goons - Sanchez, Ozil
Citeh - KdB, Silva, Sterling (I don't know enough about the new German kid)
Utd - Martial
Chelski - Hazard, Willian, Oscar
Pool - Coutinho
If we had any of the above players at our club they would start ahead of our current 3 of Eriksen/Ali/Lamela.
The problem is players in those positions are really expensive as the purchase prices of the players above (Countinho aside) proves.
Let's hope we get Isco.
We have a decent 1st 11 group of players. What we lack is 3-4 quality players to improve/ change a game. It is concerning that we are letting the likes of Chadli & Mason leave and no obvious real improvements to replace them.
Irrespective of what the "money clubs" (not bigger) spend we are in the CL and with that extra income being derived from it should be spending that money to improve our core group of 23-25 players, particularly our match day squad. We have missed the opportunity to improve our core group of 23 players granted that we have addressed 2 problems from last year that is cover for Dier & Kane.
Irrespective of the stadium costs this is not the season to be obsessing with NET SPEND (starting to hate that word). The CL money will be a bonus and should be spent if only to give us every opportunity to at least get 4th this season.
Clubs with new managers are off to a flyer and some have invested to fill the shortfalls in their squads( utd/Chelsea/ city etc) it is however a long season and they too could come short over the duration of the season. The difference is they have invested to give them every chance to qualify for the CL and this applies to Liverpool too. Based on our transfer activity our objective appears to compete for Europa League qualification.
We seem to suffer from small penis syndrome. some of our supporters epitomize this thinking with multiple excuses like " ffs it is only our 3rd game/ we can't compete financially with the big boys..read as small penis syndrome/we have a stadium to pay for etc etc etc."
Last paragraph i promise...we did very well buying the likes of Alli/Eriksen/Dier/Wanyama/Janssen etc for modest fees. We needed to continue on this path to improve our squad to compete this season and try for 4th as a minimum. Yes it is only 3 games into the season but i cant help but think we will not qualify for the CL next year.
Irrespective of what the "money clubs" (not bigger) spend we are in the CL and with that extra income being derived from it should be spending that money to improve our core group of 23-25 players, particularly our match day squad. We have missed the opportunity to improve our core group of 23 players granted that we have addressed 2 problems from last year that is cover for Dier & Kane.
Irrespective of the stadium costs this is not the season to be obsessing with NET SPEND (starting to hate that word). The CL money will be a bonus and should be spent if only to give us every opportunity to at least get 4th this season.
Clubs with new managers are off to a flyer and some have invested to fill the shortfalls in their squads( utd/Chelsea/ city etc) it is however a long season and they too could come short over the duration of the season. The difference is they have invested to give them every chance to qualify for the CL and this applies to Liverpool too. Based on our transfer activity our objective appears to compete for Europa League qualification.
We seem to suffer from small penis syndrome. some of our supporters epitomize this thinking with multiple excuses like " ffs it is only our 3rd game/ we can't compete financially with the big boys..read as small penis syndrome/we have a stadium to pay for etc etc etc."
Last paragraph i promise...we did very well buying the likes of Alli/Eriksen/Dier/Wanyama/Janssen etc for modest fees. We needed to continue on this path to improve our squad to compete this season and try for 4th as a minimum. Yes it is only 3 games into the season but i cant help but think we will not qualify for the CL next year.
Shadydan
Well-Known Member
- Jul 7, 2012
- 38,247
- 104,143
Once again, it was nothing to do with the fee - it was the wages, hence why he's being paid £90k a week by Chelsea
dontcallme
SC Supporter
- Mar 18, 2005
- 34,405
- 83,869
I think the OP has a valid question.
We saw Chelsea stagnate last season after not improving. But they had an ageing squad whereas we have a younger squad that we hope will improve with experience rather than standstill.
With Dembele injured we have the hardworking but uncreative midfield duo of Wanyama and Dier. In central midfield they both feel more comfortable sitting deep and playing it simple. Personally I felt Alli played better in the deeper role and been disappointed we have played it so safe this season.
The other position I'm concerned about isattacking midfield. Eriksen is not playing well, Chadli offers goals and assists but isn't being used, Son and Njie appear to be struggling to settle so we are relying on Lamela.
Maybe the signing from Marseille will help.
Not sure there's necessarily a quick fix in the transfer window for this position.
We saw Chelsea stagnate last season after not improving. But they had an ageing squad whereas we have a younger squad that we hope will improve with experience rather than standstill.
With Dembele injured we have the hardworking but uncreative midfield duo of Wanyama and Dier. In central midfield they both feel more comfortable sitting deep and playing it simple. Personally I felt Alli played better in the deeper role and been disappointed we have played it so safe this season.
The other position I'm concerned about isattacking midfield. Eriksen is not playing well, Chadli offers goals and assists but isn't being used, Son and Njie appear to be struggling to settle so we are relying on Lamela.
Maybe the signing from Marseille will help.
Not sure there's necessarily a quick fix in the transfer window for this position.
double0
Well-Known Member
- Aug 29, 2006
- 14,423
- 12,258
Our central midfield is a block at the moment and tbf they have been pretty solid and kept us is the games...the creativity within the team should come from Eriksen and Lamela and if that's not possible then we need more pace which we really don't have . Eriksen hasn't hit form just yet but I bet his not far off top form I'm expecting better after the international break . Dembele has a unique way of playing that opens space and of course Harry Kane hasn't yet started.
All in all we've not been great and still unbeaten
All in all we've not been great and still unbeaten
sunnydelight786
Chief Rocka
- Jan 7, 2007
- 6,075
- 4,243
And once again you have to pay the going rate if you want quality.....
This morning we are being linked with Isco, does anyone genuinely believe he's going to join us for a pack of M&M's & vouchers for our megastore....? His wage demands will be in the region of what 'Top Quality' players get paid, around £100k a week. That is reason enough to know this links BS as we refuse to pay the going rate!!!
slartibartfast
Grunge baby forever
- Oct 21, 2012
- 18,320
- 33,955
We haven't been standing still. We've already brought in 2 to strengthen our weak spots and a third is as good as done.
Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea have bought far more players and expensive players because a) they can and b) because frankly they were all utter shite last season.
We were not so don't need wholesale changes.
We were missing our world class goalkeeper and Dembele who bosses the midfield. Any team will not be as good with those missing.
Add to that Walker not being fit and going off.
Playing this system your full backs are your width and pace. Without them, like AVB when he didn't have the players to do it (but persisted anyway), you slow down to a virtual stop and get over run in midfield as you have no outlet.
Add to that Poch making a mistake by not having Trippier come on as a direct replacement (where was he?) and you're now playing an unfamiliar system with new players in Janssen plus Kane, Alli, Dier are now all out of position. No wonder it looked a mess.
So imo buying players isn't the problem.
Yesterday was a managerial cock up right from the start playing Walker when he wasn't fit, leaving out Trippier or cover, and then replacing a rb with a striker.
You experiment like that when you're 3:0 at home against a shower. Not when you're struggling against a team you haven't beaten in the last 7 attempts.
Its early days so people need to calm down.
We didn't exactly start fantastic last season.
Some of us are starting to sound like gooners.
Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea have bought far more players and expensive players because a) they can and b) because frankly they were all utter shite last season.
We were not so don't need wholesale changes.
We were missing our world class goalkeeper and Dembele who bosses the midfield. Any team will not be as good with those missing.
Add to that Walker not being fit and going off.
Playing this system your full backs are your width and pace. Without them, like AVB when he didn't have the players to do it (but persisted anyway), you slow down to a virtual stop and get over run in midfield as you have no outlet.
Add to that Poch making a mistake by not having Trippier come on as a direct replacement (where was he?) and you're now playing an unfamiliar system with new players in Janssen plus Kane, Alli, Dier are now all out of position. No wonder it looked a mess.
So imo buying players isn't the problem.
Yesterday was a managerial cock up right from the start playing Walker when he wasn't fit, leaving out Trippier or cover, and then replacing a rb with a striker.
You experiment like that when you're 3:0 at home against a shower. Not when you're struggling against a team you haven't beaten in the last 7 attempts.
Its early days so people need to calm down.
We didn't exactly start fantastic last season.
Some of us are starting to sound like gooners.
slartibartfast
Grunge baby forever
- Oct 21, 2012
- 18,320
- 33,955
Fyi all you Mane lovers out there, you're overlooking the fact he should have been sent off!
Shadydan
Well-Known Member
- Jul 7, 2012
- 38,247
- 104,143
You live in a bit of a fantasy world don't you.
Do you think it's a good idea to bring in a young, unproven player who would be starting from the bench in most games and pay him more than the likes of Kane, Lloris, Toby etc? Do you really think that we should have paid him £90k a week despite our current highest Warner on £10k less than that?
Seems to me Levy has given up and will not pay the going rate for top quality... He probably feels burned by the magnificent seven but I would agrue all teams should expect 50% success rate in transfers and we probably achieved that when you take into consideration we probably only lost money on Paulinho and Soldado...
Of the current players bought in that window Eriksen, Chadli and even Lamela are all worth more than what we paid if you look at today's market.
Of the current players bought in that window Eriksen, Chadli and even Lamela are all worth more than what we paid if you look at today's market.
The first eleven has not been improved and the bench is weaker than last season... If we have some injuries we are in deep dodo!!
Spurger King
can't smile without glue
- Jul 22, 2008
- 43,881
- 95,149
You only have to look at the stats to tell how much of a difference he makes. Have a go if you like, but with respect maybe you don't really understand the game all that well. Dembele makes a massive difference because he creates space and opportunities for our attacking players further up the pitch. He's virtually impossible to win the ball back from, and he carries it into spaces that allow a simple pass to be dangerous.Not having a go at you mate but I am sick of all the talk about Dembele changing everything. He is one player FFS. We cant rely on ONE fucking player to turn things around. Seriously
Sorry if you don't get that!
slartibartfast
Grunge baby forever
- Oct 21, 2012
- 18,320
- 33,955
I'm curious but can anyone tell me who, out of our starting 11 they want to spend money on to replace.
Not disagreeing just interested.
Kane, golden boot winner, and Alli were dynamic together so I'm wondering were do your 'should have bought Mane' type cries actually fit in.
Lloris- not imo
Walker- not imo
Toby- Seriously?
Verts- Nope
Rose- Er... no.
Dier- Don't be daft
Dembele- Hell no
Lamela- What? Now he's finally here?
Alli- Get to fk.
Eriksen- Under valued by most on here and I expect will be deemed most replaceable by some.
Kane- Oookay? Great idea
So, are we looking to break this lot up with mediocre players because imo unless we're going to break our transfer record and bring in a tried and trusted world class player we aren't going to get better than that.
We need cover not replacement.
Even Janssen imo was too much for what we need. I think we needed cover for Kane if he's injured or can come on if we're chasing a game but as Poch said you don't spend £20m on a player to keep him on the bench.
Not disagreeing just interested.
Kane, golden boot winner, and Alli were dynamic together so I'm wondering were do your 'should have bought Mane' type cries actually fit in.
Lloris- not imo
Walker- not imo
Toby- Seriously?
Verts- Nope
Rose- Er... no.
Dier- Don't be daft
Dembele- Hell no
Lamela- What? Now he's finally here?
Alli- Get to fk.
Eriksen- Under valued by most on here and I expect will be deemed most replaceable by some.
Kane- Oookay? Great idea
So, are we looking to break this lot up with mediocre players because imo unless we're going to break our transfer record and bring in a tried and trusted world class player we aren't going to get better than that.
We need cover not replacement.
Even Janssen imo was too much for what we need. I think we needed cover for Kane if he's injured or can come on if we're chasing a game but as Poch said you don't spend £20m on a player to keep him on the bench.
Colonel Dax
Well-Known Member
- Jul 24, 2008
- 2,954
- 12,293
I think FlashSpur's point was that yes Dembele is hugely important but we shouldn't be relying on him. Where is our plan B if Dembele is not available? We don't have one. Admittedly it's difficult to find a like for like rotation player, but we should at least have another progressive midfield option that can help alleviate the fragility caused by Dembele's absence.
TheHood
.................................
- Jan 17, 2006
- 1,671
- 2,104
Like we we did with Soldaldo, Paulinho, Bentley and even Lamela sand Son.
Why do some consistently ignore the fact that that most of our big money signings have been failures whilst our biggest successes have come from youth acquisitions and value tier 2 players.
What people like you really want is a marquee signing, you want the glamour, you want a statement, it is all about having the excitement of such a signing as opposed to whether that player is actually suitable. At least be honest about it
Spurger King
can't smile without glue
- Jul 22, 2008
- 43,881
- 95,149
Nah I don't think that was the point he was making. He was downplaying the influence Dembele has on our performances, despite all the evidence.
