On a more serious note, it looks like our January business will be 1 out (Coutinho) and 1 in (VVD). I'm happy enough with that considering we are still very potent in attack without Coutinho. If VVD can tighten up our leaky back line, then we will be better off in the long run.
Obvious problem areas still remain though....
GK -- Nothing really needs to be said. The 2 clowns are not good enough. We need a top class GK in the summer.
RB -- The absence of Clyne has been felt recently. Dropped points against Arsenal and the slide started with a Gomez mistake. He is a promising player, but he isn't a RB. Maybe a long term partner for VVD in the middle, but he isn't suited to the flank. TAA is still too young to be counted on regularly. Depending on if/when/how Nat comes back, we may or may not need to strengthen here in the summer.
CB -- Matip is good, but seems injury prone. Lovren is alright, but has his nightmare games (Spurs) far too often. Klavan is a decent 4th or 5th choice to have in case of an injury crisis. Gomez is a long term fit, but not ready yet. We probably need to dip into the market and get a partner for VVD. Keep Matip as 2nd choice, and let Gomez gradually grow into the role over the next 1-2 years.
CM -- This depends on the Can contract saga. If he signs an extension, then we are all set. If he goes, we need to replace him. Emre, Gini, and Hendo all play the deeper role. Ox, Keita, and Lallana will all be more of the attack minded options. In open games, we will likely play 2 of Hendo/Gini/Emre and 1 of the other. In games against bus-parkers, we will likely play 1 holding mid and 2 of Ox/Lallana/Keita.
CF -- It is interesting that our greatest strength (our attack) is also one of our biggest concerns. If one of Mane, Salah, or Bobby do an ACL, who do we have in reserve? Who do we have to rotate with them if one of them needs a break? Ox or Lallana could play out wide, but not to the level of the current group. Solanke can play at ST, but not to the level of Bobby. We really need a player who can play anywhere across the front 3, and do so at a similar level that the current front 3 bring. This won't be an easy find, but surely there has to be a player out there who fits the bill, and with 140M in the bank from selling bi*ch-boy, we should be able to afford just about anyone JĆ¼rgen wants.
So, definitely need a GK, CB, and versatile CF. Possibly a RB and CM.
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