Schneiderin will go and I sense McCarthy will too. I also wouldn't rule out Gana going and us buying a powerhouse to play in their with Gomes. Then using Davies, Vlasic, Banningime and possibly Dowell as back up.
Zouma would be an excellent defender in a good defence that has a leader.
Keane would be an excellent defender in a good defence that has a leader.
Neither of them are leaders. Together it's a problem.
Powerhouse- Decoure of Watford?
Yeah thats my thinking aswell and I also beleive that to be the case with Mina.
Its why I wouldn't be against Keane being sold or Zouma not signed as we ideally need a CB who can command the back but also be able to give instructions.
It's a fair point, but most leaders aren't born that way. Other than Richard Gough I don't remember us signing a single player who was immediately a leader. It takes time.
Neither Jagielka or Distin were leaders naturally, and certainly not when they first came, but they formed a strong partnership where they both became leaders.
Keane needs to find his voice, he is playing very well and now needs to take that step. I don't see my concern with Keane about him not being a leader, but more his lack of pace.
I think we will go for a player in his mould, but maybe not him.
Jagielka could organise a defence to some degree though.It's a fair point, but most leaders aren't born that way. Other than Richard Gough I don't remember us signing a single player who was immediately a leader. It takes time.
Neither Jagielka or Distin were leaders naturally, and certainly not when they first came, but they formed a strong partnership where they both became leaders.
Keane needs to find his voice, he is playing very well and now needs to take that step. I don't see my concern with Keane about him not being a leader, but more his lack of pace.
Yesterday it seemed to me Keane was the one organising andbeing vocal at set pieces .he has improved massively not just from last season but from early on in the season .if he keeps improving I have no reason to think he won't be a vital player for us going forwardIt's a fair point, but most leaders aren't born that way. Other than Richard Gough I don't remember us signing a single player who was immediately a leader. It takes time.
Neither Jagielka or Distin were leaders naturally, and certainly not when they first came, but they formed a strong partnership where they both became leaders.
Keane needs to find his voice, he is playing very well and now needs to take that step. I don't see my concern with Keane about him not being a leader, but more his lack of pace.
Doucoure would be perfect for us, watched him yesterday and he was immense against Utd. Would be a terrific signing and one of the ilk we would need. Sadly i think he will go t a CL team.
A player of a different ilk i would have a sniff around would be Tielemans on loan at Leicester hes been absolutely class since coming to this league, wonderful player.
Jagielka could organise a defence to some degree though.
Most of the issues with Keane come when our full back isn't there. At Burnley, he had a abck four which were solid and defensive, full backs stayed back so he was never dragged out wide. Now he's got Coleman who is attack minded so he has to cover more ground. Which would be fine if we kept the ball well, but if we dont keep the ball well, it leaves him vulnerable.
Understandable.When he first came he was all over he was all over the place when he came.
Zouma would be an excellent defender in a good defence that has a leader.
Keane would be an excellent defender in a good defence that has a leader.
Neither of them are leaders. Together it's a problem.
It will be hard with Tielemans to convince him now I'd say. That being said, Brands has shown he's very keen to go for lads who were proteges who've lost their way, and he kind of fits that doesn't he?
As for Doucoure I am not sure we pay what Watford want or what the top teams would demand. I think we will look for the next equivalent. It's a shame Ndombele has really kicked on as it could have been him. There's a lad from Napoli we like too.
A lot will probably depend on Gana. If Gana goes I think we will look for more of a lad ready to come in immediately (and maybe we would go 50+ for Doucoure?). If he stays I can see us going for someone a bit younger and a bit cheaper and allowing them to bed in a bit.
You are right though, Doucoure is a fabulous midfield player, and if Gomes got consistency into his game, him and Doucoure would be one of the best partnerships in the league.