Lotus

Tbf Joelinton is quite the exception. Most players don’t contribute THAT much more then normal when played in an unfamiliar role.

Media ‘links’ are largely nonsense. Any rational mind can see that.

Did Mitchell buy Wilfred Singo for Monaco? Often plays at RB but has experience at CB. Quick, good on the ball and 6’3”…

I agree and we have, Isak was big money and arguably had not shown recent form to be worth the amount. Proved to be a very sound purchase. But the notion that it’s Guehi or no one. A big name or bust, that seems to me to be a strange idea that’s crept up on the forum.

It’s a complete fallacy to suggest we have to pay through the nose for players who would improve the squad and have genuine potential to develop into very, very good players. The fact that we did it twice with Bruno and Botman, good age, plenty of experience and good ceiling (it’s more than possible we didn’t expect Bruno to become the monster he’s become) proves this.

We lacked cohesion before the sending off. No doubt we had a plan for with and without the ball but the players were just that 5% off that makes all the difference. Once Schar walked we became very determined and once they fucked up, and to my mind they were always going to fuck up at least once, we pounced. After that and especially after half time every move, every decision and every effort became dedicated to that one plan. That kind of made it easier for us. I know EH likes to get the ball forward asap and is not in favour of possession without clear fret but I do feel there will be times when it would be handy if we could just keep the ball for a bit, even if it’s just to stop the other team having it. I mean, stats said we had 16% possession yesterday, not sure if that’s just the 2nd half but that is atrocious any way you cut it.

Strong reports Sporting would let Diomande go for less than that.

He looked very good when we sat deep.

Yeah, I hope he'll watch that back and make the necessary adjustments. Still a top baller.

Put in a good shift. Run around loads and supported the defence well.

Agree. He looks a very good signing. Can see him playing LB in the old Dan Burn-really-a-CB role until Schar is back or an adequate CB signed.

Got really loose with his passing. Played us into trouble a few times.

MotM for me

Trippin

Gotta be honest, I was glad when Kelly came on for Hall.

I thought there was contact? If not, like no contact at all then VAR sending him off is scandalous. I would then also expect it to be overeturned.

We have to stick to our valuation, surely. Guehi is not a multi season transformative player like VDV or Rio Ferdinand from what I've noticed. There's more than one CB who could improve the squad in all of world football. I'm sure we'll find one.

Unfortunately I think the red will stand. Schar did enough to earn one by today's interpretations. Hoping it gets overturned, obvs.

Can only imagine the alternatives are not presenting themselves as absolute bargains either. Otherwise I doubt we’d contemplating overpaying (which is sometimes justified) for Guehi.

Sporting have already bought Debast who was rumoured to be Diomande’s replacement.

Reckon he’ll be excellent on his first run out due to the adrenaline rush. Then he’ll quieten down for a few games as he gets his sharpness back and then fully integrated after around 6-10 starts.

Didn’t Mount move for £55+5 with only one year left on his contract? Didn’t Rice only have one year left on his contract. Guehi could have a standout season and still go for big money next year.

It’s Parish’s job to look after Palace. I’m not convinced their end of season form continues into the 24/25 but that’s just my opinion. I'd also be shocked if Guehi was the best CB we could buy for that money, but a) I don’t know exactly how much ‘that money’ is and b) no one should regard my opinion over EH, PM, SN and whoever else is involved. When EH says it’s hard to find players who improve the first 11 a couple of things come to mind. Schar > Guehi imo. Schar is aging though. There a multiple players with better stats than Miggy, Murphy, Longstaff and, if we’re just talking numbers Joelinton. JL clearly does a lot of good stuff in the middle though that doesn’t involve crucial shot stopping blocks, tackles and interceptions in and around our penalty area, goals, assists or line breaking passing up the other end. So, the normal stats we see on the usual websites don’t really illuminate JL’s contributions. However, the other 3 can clearly be improved upon. Once Tripps phases out of the team and his creativity with it, we’ll need a player on that side that makes things happen. Tino looks very good running with the ball but he doesn’t look like he’s got a wand of a right foot like Tripps or TTA, for example.

I understand how easy it is to start running with a train of thought, especially a negative one in light of the window being a damp squib so far. But, let the window close first and then see how the squad looks like for this year.

I’m not sure Mitchell’s M.O. is to bid above sensible amounts for a player already established in the league from a club known to be difficult to deal with. It was said that this window wouldn’t be affected duly by the incoming DoF and it may be that Eddie’s got his wish on the primary target and it’s simply Mitchell’s job to try and get him without spending money we haven’t got. Unfortunately, spending the quoted amounts does impact our ability to shop in the markets that Mitchell is known for in the search for development players. Tough balancing act.