KaKa

If we were switching formation surely we'd have used it more often in Pre Season by now?

True. Don't think Shelvey has been used off the striker in pre season at all yet. Guess we'll see.

"Benitez has recruited him to start games and he’s likely to be part of a double pivot midfield – one of two defensive-minded midfielders who can break up play, set up attacks and help Newcastle to dominate possession. It’s also good news for Jonjo Shelvey, who will be the creative force for Newcastle next season: the stage he craved when he left Swansea."

 

Great article from The Chronic, him and Hayden--seems a very young central pairing--with Shelvey on point. Not bad, but surely there's an older head coming in?

 

Probably McCarthy or Samaris to partner him? Both are more seasoned.

 

Then subs will be Hayden, and at this point ... Colback ... really wish we could get someone in to replace Colback as a back up. The idea of him being involved in any capacity is very upsetting.

 

We have De Jong and Diame as well. If we have 3 defensive midfielders in the squad next season, we could play one of these in the centre. Really can't see us buying two more central midfielders we still need a striker, left back and goalkeeper, and a number 10 would still be nice to keep our options open.

Yeah, good point. I really hope we keep a hold of De Jong because of this. However, if Shelvey is used further up, it might be less likely we keep De Jong as a sub, but I think it would be a good move tbh.

The talk tonight would have really been great for him too. Looked like the place was packed. Would have been nice for him to see the level of interest and appreciation of him.

Really good to hear that. Happy for Rafa. The guy has been putting up with so much nonsense.

"Benitez has recruited him to start games and he’s likely to be part of a double pivot midfield – one of two defensive-minded midfielders who can break up play, set up attacks and help Newcastle to dominate possession. It’s also good news for Jonjo Shelvey, who will be the creative force for Newcastle next season: the stage he craved when he left Swansea."

 

Great article from The Chronic, him and Hayden--seems a very young central pairing--with Shelvey on point. Not bad, but surely there's an older head coming in?

Probably McCarthy or Samaris to partner him? Both are more seasoned.

Then subs will be Hayden, and at this point ... Colback ... really wish we could get someone in to replace Colback as a back up. The idea of him being involved in any capacity is very upsetting.

Sandro Ramirez looks really dynamic. Some great runs. Would have liked us to have got him. Will be great value at that price of just over £5 million.

It's clear things haven't gone exactly to plan, but it seems he has made adjustments and is determined to push forward and move with different targets.

We are so lucky man. Really really appreciate this guy. Seems like he is really fighting to make things happen.

Maybe the Gibson transfer to Everton has smoothed things regarding our pursuit of McCarthy?

People being critical of a player they have never seen play is crazy to me.

 

.. he couldn't get a game for Dortmund.

 

What Dortmund, you mean that club that we're in the Champions League last year?

 

Yep them's the ones.

 

Let's consider if Dortmund even know what a Jack Colback is.

It seems quite evident that any permanent move for a player in that 20 to 23 year old range seems to go through really quickly.

Think the club is happy to sanction moves for these players with potential resale value, which was a big remit previously, and appears to still be a factor as far as the urgency with which deals are done.

Just hope Rafa can find some younger players that are gems, who can come in and really make the step up. Like the look of Murphy and Merino so just hopeful it pans out.

Benitez really does like to have left footers playing on the left side it seems. This guy is left footed, which is hugely encouraging in regards to the end of Colback.

This will definitely be one where Rafa's pull was the real clincher.

Xabi Alonso was a huge favourite of mine. Hope this young guy can emulate his style of play.

Can't imagine a more Arsenal player than Barkley!

Immensely talented but incredibly frustrating!

Arsenal were strongly linked with Barkley recently were they not? Could see him going there.

Really like his highlights. Nice range of passing and looks really comfortable on the ball. Hope it's not just a loan or at least has an option for a permanent transfer attached if it is.

Yeah, hit me. I'm in.

de Jong seems to be seeing a lot of action.

Going to be great for us this season if he stays fit. Really hope he does. Love him as a number 10 for Gayle.

Apparently Boro have just rejected a £21 million bid from them for Ben Gibson.

"We won't be signing Kieran Gibbs," Pulis told Sky Sports. "We have to look for players that fit what we want to do and the way we want to play.

 

"We have three or four other targets we are desperate for. We are juggling with two at the moment and that's not Gibbs.

 

"Hopefully by the time we get back home we will have done those two."

Get a bid in Rafa.

Ozil is always like this man. He stinks.

So Diame got  #10 and is now playing further back, while de Jong has a good shout of the #10 position it seems and got #10 taken off him

 

What number is De Jong wearing?

 

 

#15 - he's lost his number too.

They need to switch asap. That's unacceptable.

So Diame got  #10 and is now playing further back, while de Jong has a good shout of the #10 position it seems and got #10 taken off him

What number is De Jong wearing?

Diame deeper again. Wonder if this is a permanent thing.

Hope so. Think he has potential to be far more useful there for us than he was in the number 10 position last season.

Arsenal really should just let Ozil go man ... £280,000 a week for this guy? No chance.