The Daily ITK Discussion Thread - 17th May

[eddiev14]

I don't think this will happen. I think that AVB wants to win the league and the optimistic part of me thinks that Levy is going to back him with the players that he wants to do it with.

(Thank god that 'optimistic' rating has gone from the site.)

Don't do it to yourself mate!

 

[Shea]

I don't normally read the comments on SSN but if you're looking for a chuckle there are quite a few scousers who don't know 7th is outside the top 6.

Had a bit of a look on YouTube and the guy looks pretty decent

Bale Ade Astu as a front 3 would look pretty dangerous - add to that someone like Benteke to rotate with Ade and we'd be stacked what with Lennon and Townsend

I wonder how much business we'll actually do this summer - AVB has had a whole year to work with and assess his squad now so he must have a pretty good idea of who he wants to keep and work with and who to release, more importantly what type of player we need and where to address the weaknesses

Will Levy back him? he's a new manager and he could well have proved himself by leading us to our highest ever points finish in the PL in his first season - surely signs that he's worth backing and if we make the time of young signings who will hold value it has to be worth a punt

LB or CB maybe

CM to replace Modric with Carroll getting more game time too

Striker and a wide forward

Its hard to envisage our club or MR LEVY should I say actually getting anything like that volume of business done what with all the players we'd need to sell as he asks for 3x their market value all summer

 

[Antilokhos]

The problem I see with Levy spending big this summer is that everybody knows we've got an extra £20 million or so as part of the new TV package. So a lot of other clubs will likely inflate prices for PL sides. And we all know our beloved Chairman isn't too fond of inflated prices. I could see this being a bit of a stumbling block.

That said, we're only 2-3 players of real quality away from being able to challenge for the top. And if we can consistently knock Arsenal out of the top 4 before their stadium debt is paid down, it could really put them in a rough place in terms of catching up again. Given the idiotic money that Chelsea, City, and United can bring to the table we are going to need to focus on keeping our more financially realistic rivals (Arsenal & Liverpool) beaten down.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

I think its pretty obvious we will be playing one central striker for the foreseeable future. I'd say then we need two out and out, plus one who can play wide or through the centre if needs be. Four is too many and you will never get them all games so is a waste in my opinion.

On the money there mate. Two out and out CF's, but both capable of playing the lone striker better than this year's pair. Three would be too difficult to keep match sharp if we continue to play one up top.
Throw in a youngster kept back with less expectation of regular gametime, like Kane for cup games etc, injury cover. Having just two has left us too short pf options when suspensions/injuries have hit at times this year.
Then a winger who can also operate through the middle if required. Dempsey was supposed to be that, but despite a half decent goal return, when he has played centrally on his own, we have lacked a cutting edge. Son has been playing that role for Hamburg, RW mainly, but then as a lone CF with VDV in behind.

Could be. Would be strange to take a punt on the relatively untested Atsu when we're about to welcome Andros Townsend back to the Lane. Andros always looked fantastic for the shittest team in the league. He's really earned his chance.

We want two players for each position. If either Bale or Lennon is out, (which seems to happen more than I'd like with Bale's ankles and Lennon's iffy hamstrings), we lack natural gas out wide. Townsend will come back to add some depth, but I feel we need another natural like for like replacement. Ideally we'll get Son, but if not, then Atsu could be that, covering the LW slot with Townsend switching to cut in from the right as he has done with some success at QPR (a poor mans Hulk from AVB's Porto formation).


I have to admit, I do buy into the theory this last season was a bedding in period for AVB and Levy. AVB had to get to know his squad and its limitations, now making an informed and educated cull of the deadwood, bringing in exactly what's required to take us to the next level. As has been said, in his previous guise he was a scout, so Levy may just place greater faith in his choices than the closing period under Harry's regime. AVB has event Levy's trust with his performance dragging us to our highest league points total, whilst not courting the press in the same way as his predecessor, he plays the club v media game nicely.
I think the players we are being linked with a generally younger than previous windows, maybe talk of this much vaunted 'project' is starting to come good.
As for Benteke, I think that ship has sailed, 20 goal debut season in a struggling side has moved him out of our range, so we need to go back out find our own Benteke type signing.
LB to replace Ekotto, Rose playing his part in rotation. CM to replace Parker/Hudd, more cultured than the former, more dynamic than the latter. RW to cover/compete with Lennon 2 new CF's. Done.

 

[SandroClegane]

Bale Ade Astu as a front 3 would look pretty dangerous

Based on Atsu's limited minutes and lack of goals, I'd say Bale Ade Lennon as a front 3 would look just as dangerous...

 

[Antilokhos]

On the money there mate. Two out and out CF's, but both capable of playing the lone striker better than this year's pair. Three would be too difficult to keep match sharp if we continue to play one up top.
Throw in a youngster kept back with less expectation of regular gametime, like Kane for cup games etc, injury cover. Having just two has left us too short pf options when suspensions/injuries have hit at times this year.
Then a winger who can also operate through the middle if required. Dempsey was supposed to be that, but despite a half decent goal return, when he has played centrally on his own, we have lacked a cutting edge. Son has been playing that role for Hamburg, RW mainly, but then as a lone CF with VDV in behind.



We want two players for each position. If either Bale or Lennon is out, (which seems to happen more than I'd like with Bale's ankles and Lennon's iffy hamstrings), we lack natural gas out wide. Townsend will come back to add some depth, but I feel we need another natural like for like replacement. Ideally we'll get Son, but if not, then Atsu could be that, covering the LW slot with Townsend switching to cut in from the right as he has done with some success at QPR (a poor mans Hulk from AVB's Porto formation).


I have to admit, I do buy into the theory this last season was a bedding in period for AVB and Levy. AVB had to get to know his squad and its limitations, now making an informed and educated cull of the deadwood, bringing in exactly what's required to take us to the next level. As has been said, in his previous guise he was a scout, so Levy may just place greater faith in his choices than the closing period under Harry's regime. AVB has event Levy's trust with his performance dragging us to our highest league points total, whilst not courting the press in the same way as his predecessor, he plays the club v media game nicely.
I think the players we are being linked with a generally younger than previous windows, maybe talk of this much vaunted 'project' is starting to come good.
As for Benteke, I think that ship has sailed, 20 goal debut season in a struggling side has moved him out of our range, so we need to go back out find our own Benteke type signing.
LB to replace Ekotto, Rose playing his part in rotation. CM to replace Parker/Hudd, more cultured than the former, more dynamic than the latter. RW to cover/compete with Lennon 2 new CF's. Done.

To be honest I'd rather have our 3rd striker be an older sort willing and able to fill in on occasion (like Gudjohnson did with us?). I'd rather our youngsters (i.e. Kane) be out on loan playing week in and week out to speed up their development.

Then again, Saha.

F*CK! I want 3 £20m strikers!

 

[Krafty]

Can someone get on the @SCITK twitter feed - I didn't have the internet for a couple of hours (had to use my imagination instead) and the latest ITK is not up there. That feed kept me going at times

 

[Gedson100]

Based on Atsu's limited minutes and lack of goals, I'd say Bale Ade Lennon as a front 3 would look just as dangerous...

I can't have Lennon as any part of a front 3, he's scared of shooting & doesn't score enough and I think he's possibly the player that's casing most anguish for Villas Boas as he clearly likes his workrate and discipline but he's a right winger pure and simple, which doesn't tally with his 4-3-3. Despite this, along with Bale, Adebayor and Dembele, Lennon is one of our 4 attackers that has consistently been picked to start when fit; arguably hampering any potential move to 4-3-3.

 

[Snarfalicious]

I honestly think that Lennon could be offloaded. And, while others have knocked my thoughts on it, I think Villa may be an option as our LF in a 4-3-3. He's perfect for the role and could bag 15+ goals there. If we add a striker up top that can score goals, we could have 55+ goals between our first-choice front 3 next season.

 

[Gedson100]

I honestly think that Lennon could be offloaded. And, while others have knocked my thoughts on it, I think Villa may be an option as our LF in a 4-3-3. He's perfect for the role and could bag 15+ goals there. If we add a striker up top that can score goals, we could have 55+ goals between our first-choice front 3 next season.

I agree but if, as has been said, Lennon is Levy's favourite player, then it won't happen.
Like I said though, I feel he hampers our transition to 4-3-3.
His role has been unchallenged for far too long too, we've all been crying out for wing cover or someone to challenge him for the RW and we've never signed anyone.

There's some things that's gone on that doesn't quite add up this year too.
Adebayor 'doesn't get on with AVB' yet has started nearly every match when fit
'AVB rates Defoe' yet he consistently picked Adebayor over him.

The players that AVB has trusted implicitly this year are Walker, Vertonghen, Bale, Lennon, Dembele, Sandro.
To that list i'd add Lloris (eventually), Adebayor (when finally fit), Dawson (over time), Parker (through circumstance)
He's trusted Dempsey more than most of us would have and other players have flitted in and out of favour.
Plenty of transfer talk has suggested Dawson, Parker and Adebayor moving on.

That leaves 4 guaranteed starting places up for grabs: CF, LB, CB & some kind of midfielder, system dependent.

Kaboul could be that CB, Adebayor could be the striker, Rose could be the LB; however you spin it, I think we'll be seeing a starting midfielder coming in & I hope it happens. Major surgery not required.

[minus points for rambling, apologies]

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

I honestly think that Lennon could be offloaded. And, while others have knocked my thoughts on it, I think Villa may be an option as our LF in a 4-3-3. He's perfect for the role and could bag 15+ goals there. If we add a striker up top that can score goals, we could have 55+ goals between our first-choice front 3 next season.

Or just keep the same system and just sign a better striker, Bale is thriving in that 'Free Role' behind the striker.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Or just keep the same system and just sign a better striker, Bale is thriving in that 'Free Role' behind the striker.

I think he'll be fine in either position, on the right cutting in or in behind the striker. Knowing AVB we probably won't be sticking to one set formation throughout the season. When thinking of some of Bale's goals this season, cutting in from a position on the right to his favored left foot comes to mind immediately. And, we've got another guy in Townsend who could provide very similar cover to the position.

 

[Joeyboey]

His role has been unchallenged for far too long too, we've all been crying out for wing cover or someone to challenge him for the RW and we've never signed anyone.
[minus points for rambling, apologies]

Both true and false (I agree with your views on Azza btw).

False = We signed a 16 million pound David Beckham wannabe. What was his name again?

True = he has remained completely unchallenged for far too long.

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

I think he'll be fine in either position, on the right cutting in or in behind the striker. Knowing AVB we probably won't be sticking to one set formation throughout the season. When thinking of some of Bale's goals this season, cutting in from a position on the right to his favored left foot comes to mind immediately. And, we've got another guy in Townsend who could provide very similar cover to the position.

Of course thats a possibility, and I'm not ruling it out. I just dont think there's a hell of a lot wrong with the system we are using currently. If we would have had a striker scoring goals consistently we would be in the top 4 looking forward to CL next season by now (obviously I'm still hoping we can scrape in). 4-2-3-1 suits the players we have currently, and Lennon's been our 2nd or 3rd best player this season, coming into his peak years, cant see him being "offloaded" at all.

 

[Snarfalicious]

Of course thats a possibility, and I'm not ruling it out. I just dont think there's a hell of a lot wrong with the system we are using currently. If we would have had a striker scoring goals consistently we would be in the top 4 looking forward to CL next season by now (obviously I'm still hoping we can scrape in). 4-2-3-1 suits the players we have currently, and Lennon's been our 2nd or 3rd best player this season, coming into his peak years, cant see him being "offloaded" at all.

I can understand that argument. But shouldn't we possibly tweak the "peak years" for Lennon a bit. He's been here since he was 18/19 as a contributor to the squad. Most players see their breakthrough around age 21-23. Their peak generally coming 4-5 years after being settled in. He's been here for about 7-8 years now. Couldn't these realistically be his peak years? I'm not sure if the best is really yet to come for Lennon.

And this is by no means me saying that I don't think Lennon is good. I think he's been fantastic this year and the amount of times he's broken up counters by pure hustle has been fantastic. He does much more than provide in attack. He doesn't score many goals, but he knows how to go on runs to pull defenders away, how to setup others, and how to exploit defenses.

I just think that, if we want to go to AVB's preferred 4-3-3, that a creative CM in the trio would do more for the side than keeping the 4-2-3-1 with Bale in the middle and Lennon on the right.

And while I think it's easy to point to not having a good enough striker being the difference between CL and EL for us right now. I think having a midfielder that can unlock defenses that so frequently stymied us simply because they put more players behind the ball would be more beneficial. Adding a third midfielder who could do that, along with of course, a legit striker option would mean far more than just adding a striker to the 4-2-3-1 and keeping everything else status quo.

I really went off on a tangent there, but I hope I made a somewhat clear point.

 

[Hoddle&Waddle]

I can understand that argument. But shouldn't we possibly tweak the "peak years" for Lennon a bit. He's been here since he was 18/19 as a contributor to the squad. Most players see their breakthrough around age 21-23. Their peak generally coming 4-5 years after being settled in. He's been here for about 7-8 years now. Couldn't these realistically be his peak years? I'm not sure if the best is really yet to come for Lennon.

And this is by no means me saying that I don't think Lennon is good. I think he's been fantastic this year and the amount of times he's broken up counters by pure hustle has been fantastic. He does much more than provide in attack. He doesn't score many goals, but he knows how to go on runs to pull defenders away, how to setup others, and how to exploit defenses.

I just think that, if we want to go to AVB's preferred 4-3-3, that a creative CM in the trio would do more for the side than keeping the 4-2-3-1 with Bale in the middle and Lennon on the right.

And while I think it's easy to point to not having a good enough striker being the difference between CL and EL for us right now. I think having a midfielder that can unlock defenses that so frequently stymied us simply because they put more players behind the ball would be more beneficial. Adding a third midfielder who could do that, along with of course, a legit striker option would mean far more than just adding a striker to the 4-2-3-1 and keeping everything else status quo.

I really went off on a tangent there, but I hope I made a somewhat clear point.

Some very good points, but for me, I cant see Bale wanting to be out on that right side like Walcott is for the Scum. Bale wants to be on the ball, picking it up all over the pitch, sometimes coming from deep. And when Bale drops deep, our wingers can push right up, theoretically becoming a 'front 3'. Its subtle differences, but for me its about playing our best players in their best positions.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

Plenty of transfer talk has suggested Dawson, Parker and Adebayor moving on.

That leaves 4 guaranteed starting places up for grabs: CF, LB, CB & some kind of midfielder, system dependent.

Kaboul could be that CB, Adebayor could be the striker, Rose could be the LB; however you spin it, I think we'll be seeing a starting midfielder coming in & I hope it happens. Major surgery not required.

[minus points for rambling, apologies]

Agree in principle, not major surgery, but do think we need 4 maybe 5 players.
LB. Yes, we have Rose coming back into the mix, but as has been shown this season, without Ekotto, we look unbalanced playing a RB or CB out of position. We need Rose back fighting for the shirt, but we need a natural alternative there aswell to provide cover and guard against complacency. I genuinely believe we need two natural players for each position.
CM. Following on from that point, without either Sandro or Dembele we don't look quite as dominant in the middle. Holtby has grown into the role since arriving, but we need another to cover Sandro, as Parker lacks composure and guile, whilst Hudd appears to lack dynamism. Carroll is looming on the horizon, but we need another high calibre CM so we can seamlessly rotate and keep the squad fresh.
RW. Without Lennon, we lose a big out ball. Bale offers something similar, but when we have both playing, it makes it harder to double up. Townsend coming back gives us some like for like pace, but we need to add one more, preferably right footed since we have Bale and Townsend left footed.
CF. Really needs little to no explanation. Defoe is a trier, but a bit limited beyond 'drag and shoot'. When it works, it works, but to many times his tunnel vision fails to see teammates work their way into better positions. Whilst Adebayor has a more suited skill-set, he lacks any sort of consistency.

 

[Disconosebleed]

^ Someone's been playing FM too much recently.

 

[mill]

^ Someone's been playing FM too much recently.

The funny thing about these comments is that you can't just sign eveyone on FM, it is piss easy to win though

 

[WiganSpur]

This window sounds promising, but how many times have we said that before?