Fair enough. Maybe I’m being harsh on you but it’s annoying to be called a bed wetter and accused of flapping (I’ve had both) just for giving an opinion that deviates slightly from the party line. My opinion is that right at this moment we’re no better than we were last year, which I think is massively disappointing. By the end of tomorrow we could have signed £100m+ worth of players and I could think we’re miles better. If that’s the case I’ll say so. It’s not negative to question things or not be sure on a player, but some people shout you down for suggesting things are anything less than fantastic.
No that’s fine, I get that. I’m not making concrete assertions about our new signings either way until I’ve seen them play. I do however think Kean is more or less guaranteed to be a success. Here’s my red hot takes on our summer improvement or lack of:
Goalkeeper
Obviously remains the same and will do so for many years. We have stronger backup than last season however.
Right back
Assuming Sidibé is announced today, we undoubtedly have stronger backup than last season. He may even be an upgrade on Coleman, we’ll see.
Centre back
Assuming Mina stays fit we are no weaker than last season. However if Mina or Keane do get injured, we instantly become weaker. I’ll give you this one.
Left back
As per.
Centre midfield
This is the one that’s up in the air. Gomes is as you were, the toss up is between whether Gbamin is equal to or better than Gana, this will define whether we’ve improved in this position or not. Delph means we have stronger backup than last season.
Winger
As it stands exactly the same. Could skyrocket up the improvement chart if Zaha lands in L4.
Attacking midfield
As you were.
Striker
I think only an extreme pessimist could deny we’ve made a huge improvement in this area. Without even needing to see the boy Kean play, he’s one of the most highly rated youngsters in Europe and could be an absolute game changer of a signing. DCL is a better backup than Niasse or Tosun. Think this one goes in the “improved” box.
I hope you appreciated that as I had to sit down at a computer to type it!