Bernard

[Reclamation Project]

I would be concerned if we signed him, and not just because he was anonymous during the WC. We are potentially playing an XI that includes a centre-forward as well as Eriksen and Lamela. Adding Bernard to that threesome would make us very open indeed. I think it would be preferable to seek a hard-working, offensive but 2-way type player for that role.....

 

[$hoguN]

I would be concerned if we signed him, and not just because he was anonymous during the WC. We are potentially playing an XI that includes a centre-forward as well as Eriksen and Lamela. Adding Bernard to that threesome would make us very open indeed. I think it would be preferable to seek a hard-working, offensive but 2-way type player for that role.....

I have no problem with playing a 3 of Lamela, Eriksen and Bernard providing we can sort out our CBs and play the correct midfield combinations to compensate for them.

 

[Barry Mead]

I would be concerned if we signed him, and not just because he was anonymous during the WC. We are potentially playing an XI that includes a centre-forward as well as Eriksen and Lamela. Adding Bernard to that threesome would make us very open indeed. I think it would be preferable to seek a hard-working, offensive but 2-way type player for that role.....

I actually thought he was one of the few Brazilians who stood up to be counted at the WC, even when they were getting thumped he kept on trying to attack and carve chances. I was hugely impressed with the character he showed there especially when some more experienced players had given up.

As for a three man attack behind a main striker of Lamela, Bernard and Eriksen I think it would be brilliant for creativity and getting goals
Defensively and to a degree offensively too it really would depend on the quality of the two central mids and the defensive quality of the full backs. Both central midfielders need to be defensively strong yet have the vision and passing skills to get the ball quickly and accurately into the advanced areas.

Sometimes you might need to change the mix and add a third cm at the expense of an am but that is what having a depth of quality in your squad should be about, having strong first choice players to play the game and style you want to play but with some quality options to play how at times you may need to play

 

[Reclamation Project]

I actually thought he was one of the few Brazilians who stood up to be counted at the WC, even when they were getting thumped he kept on trying to attack and carve chances. I was hugely impressed with the character he showed there especially when some more experienced players had given up.

As for a three man attack behind a main striker of Lamela, Bernard and Eriksen I think it would be brilliant for creativity and getting goals
Defensively and to a degree offensively too it really would depend on the quality of the two central mids and the defensive quality of the full backs. Both central midfielders need to be defensively strong yet have the vision and passing skills to get the ball quickly and accurately into the advanced areas.

Sometimes you might need to change the mix and add a third cm at the expense of an am but that is what having a depth of quality in your squad should be about, having strong first choice players to play the game and style you want to play but with some quality options to play how at times you may need to play

Playing such an offensive line-up would indeed depend upon our passing ability and ball retention..... we are sadly lacking in that area.

 

[Barry Mead]

Playing such an offensive line-up would indeed depend upon our passing ability and ball retention..... we are sadly lacking in that area.

I'm more than happy with Capoue but I think we need a player like say Jordy Clasie alongside him

 

[Reclamation Project]

I'm more than happy with Capoue but I think we need a player like say Jordy Clasie alongside him

I don't know much about Clasie (although some have suggested on here that he is available for a relatively low fee), but we certainly have been lacking that deeper playmaker for some time....

 

[Snarfalicious]

I don't know much about Clasie (although some have suggested on here that he is available for a relatively low fee), but we certainly have been lacking that deeper playmaker for some time....

Absolutely fantastic little player. He reminds me of that typical Arsenal midfielder that gets so much more out of his body than you would think. Moves the ball quickly, can play excellent through balls in on goal and he's a tenacious fella. He also just turned 23.

 

[DaSpurs]

Just worth noting, Clasie just this summer specifically referred to us as an example for the kind of club he wanted to next move to, and also cited Eriksen's experience.

Personally I still have hope Holtby can do the role, but I do agree we very much need a player better at transitioning play from deep.