The Tielemans shout is sound - but we aren't going to get him. So whenever thats brought up i try to gloss past it. In my opinion he would be a starter for us pretty soon after joining and getting to the pace of the league, but we won't get him.
I don't know who the answer is to our centre mid problems, the one thing i know is we need a top class midfielder in there. Besic has potential, but right now i feel he flutters in-between great and poor and his injury record isn't filling me with great optimism for a 50 game a season midfielder. Am not sure the answer, but I am sure the scouting system at the club can uncover that midfielder, especially with potential funds we should have this summer.
I would like to bring Cook in anyway, we should still be looking at the top young players across Europe and bringing them in.
Exactly mate. If he comes to PL tbh I think it'll be City or Chelsea. Personally see Pep bringing him in due to his similarities to Xavi.
Tbh mate I think with Besic he hasn't been poor at any point he's played this season. In fact he's been excellent in every game bar the first half vs Barnsley. His problem as you point out has been injuries.
However, we have a whole end of this season and pre-season to sort that out. I don't like the idea of spending huge amounts of money on a player who may or may not work out when we've got a 23 year old international player who has it all to make it to the top and be what we need.
Remember, we've got Barkley to be the main creator and that's why I'd liek another playmaker to come in and help - and then also add in the likes of Del and Lennon etc.
That means for me we need a box-to-box midfielder with power and an eye for a pass to get us forward at pace - not vital that they provide loads of goals and assists. That is Besic.
Put him next to McCarthy and see how it works out because on paper and vs W.Ham it worked excellently even with 10 men and Besic playing a role that he also had to go out wide right at times in.
Barry as back up and to oversee and come in when needed, and then Cleverley as well (he's fine in centre mid as long as he has a player like McCarthy or Besic next to him who have the pace to cover the gaps), and also Barkley depending on the situation.
I'd rather us get a top young player like Calhanoglu (sp) and bring him in as another attacking outlet and nurture Besic under the guidance of Barry, while also having experience as back up and potentially a youngster like Cook who wouldn't (relatively speaking) cost too much.