Versatility and Positional Depth

[Scutch]

It was interesting to see how much depth we seem to have now in every position. I thought it would be beneficial to highlight this and also which players can play in different positions (indicated by italics). For the purposes of this thread, I've included Chico, Lamela and Eriksen in the list, as well as Bale (oh go on, just imagine it).

Any changes or additions are welcome for this discussion, but we do seem to be strong in every department, and that will be even more evident if we do manage to bring in a player like Fabio Coentrao, who can play in any position down the left flank, too. I think and hope he'd be the final piece in our 2013/14 squad jigsaw.

Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris
Brad Friedel
Heurelho Gomes
Jordan Archer

Rightbacks
Kyle Walker
Kyle Naughton
Zeki Fryers
Younes Kaboul

Leftbacks
Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Danny Rose
Kyle Naughton
Zeki Fryers
Jan Vertonghen

Centrebacks
Michael Dawson
Younes Kaboul
Jan Vertonghen
Vlad Chiriches
Etienne Capoue
Sandro

Defensive Midfielders
Etienne Capoue
Sandro
Younes Kaboul
Vlad Chiriches

Central/Attacking Midfielders
Mousa Dembele
Paulinho
Christien Eriksen
Lewis Holtby
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Tom Carroll
Erik Lamela

Right-wing Forwards
Aaron Lennon
Andros Townsend
Erik Lamela
Danny Rose
Nacer Chadli

Left-wing Forwards
Gareth Bale
Nacer Chadli
Erik Lamela
Christian Eriksen

Strikers
Roberto Soldado
Jermain Defoe
Emmanuel Adebayor
Harry Kane

Would also be interesting to see how you guys rate these stables. I think the weakest part of our squad currently is both full back positions, maybe looking at 6/10 for quality and quantity. Perhaps a little harsh considering Walker is a full international and we still have Benny to come back but I still think it's the weak link of the squad.

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Could be wrong, but don't think we'd ever see Fryers at right back, he has played centre back for the u21s though. Also don't think Kaboul is an option in midfield.

Other than that though things are looking good, our squad is huge all of a sudden, the exact opposite of what Mourinho says he likes for his squads. So let's see how AVB handles that.

 

[Scutch]

Could be wrong, but don't think we'd ever see Fryers at right back, he has played centre back for the u21s though. Also don't think Kaboul is an option in midfield.

Other than that though things are looking good, our squad is huge all of a sudden, the exact opposite of what Mourinho says he likes for his squads. So let's see how AVB handles that.

Fryers played for United at RB, so I included him as an option, and Kaboul certainly has the ability to play DM too.

Our squad is huge, and we've also sold a fair few players. Just as well!

 

[DEFchenkOE]

Ok well never knew that Fryers played RB for United, don't know why but I hate seeing left footed players playing at rb, it just doesn't feel right (no pun intended).

Actually I'm confused why we fussed so much over Fryers, not a bad player by any means but it doesn't look like he'll get any look-in at all. With Rose appearing to be first choice for now and plenty rumours about a new left back, I'm not sure why we went to such lengths to sign him??

 

[chinaman]

Ok well never knew that Fryers played RB for United, don't know why but I hate seeing left footed players playing at rb, it just doesn't feel right (no pun intended).

Actually I'm confused why we fussed so much over Fryers, not a bad player by any means but it doesn't look like he'll get any look-in at all. With Rose appearing to be first choice for now and plenty rumours about a new left back, I'm not sure why we went to such lengths to sign him??

The time we went for him nobody expected we'd turn out to be such a force.

 

[robp135]

It appears that AVB, Levy, Lewis & Baldinis long term goal will be to have an elite squad of 16/17 outfield players that can rotate and all play a variety of positions to ensure that we always have cover, everybody gets playing time and everybody stays fresh. AVB will also be able to make tactical team selections based on the specific match were playing, rather than just trying to field our best 11 every match like last season and how we were under Harry. You would then have your 3 keepers, and 3-4 young players to back up the core group.

 

[pablo73]

I agree that fullbacks are currently our weakest link - hopefully that will be largely solved by Contreau...I also think we need better back up to Soldado - hopefully ship Adebayor out and replace him with a young, promising striker. As discussed to death on here, Adebayor certainly has the ability, just let down by his attitude, character or whatever you want to call it. I would also be very nervous if Lloris got injured for any length of time but I am being greedy now. Even if we sign no one else and sell Bale this will still have been an amazing transfer window with no net spend!

 

[theShiznit]

Hypothetical...

Everyone's fully match fit and on their best form for a massive game.

Pick the team.

I'll start

-----------------------Lloris

Walker-------Kaboul------Vertonghen--------BAE


----------------Sandro-------Paulinho

---------------------- Eriksen
--------Lamela------------------------Chadli

-----------------------Soldado

And who makes the cut on the bench