Mole_Toonfan

Still convinced he'll be great as he was before this season just gone and Martinez is the main reason for his struggles imo. Expect him to prove everyone wrong come by the end of the season.

No because his technique and/or decision making won't allow it.

Gonna call bollocks on this until something a little more reliable than the International Business Times breaks a football story.

Don't worry, we will. Easy to forget that there's still over a month to go and a lot of teams still have a lot of business to be done. Rafa said we are " close " so i have no doubt that there will be a few more signings yet before September arrives.

The concern I have had all summer, it's only a pre season game but I do believe there's not enough creativity in the team. Especially considering we'll probably see 11 men behind the ball against most teams.

We have loads of DMs, not even bothered about it if i'm honest.

Oh would you look at that, another ex Liverpool player being linked to Rafa Benitez.

I'll be shocked if they keep him just because of the ridiculous fee for Higuain, although as for CL i think they have a chance regardless because Higuain and signings they have already made. Obviously depends on how they'd replace Pogba in that scenario but they are definitely one of the favourites IMO.

Why would he be? None of the other France players for other clubs are.

He's shite mate.

Shelves is a great passer, if instructed to do so he can move the ball forward accurately and quickly at this level. He's also a goal threat at this level. Which midfielder of the likes from the championship last year do you have in mind? I'm not denying that he is, i'm saying that him alone isn't enough. If Shelvey got injured or loss form would you be comfortable with Tiote and Colback again? because i wouldn't.

They were good enough and getting the ball forward to Mahrez and Vardy as quick as possible tbh, we don't have anyone like that or like those two really. Also based on the end of last season i doubt we are going to be playing anything like them for the comparison to be relevant.

so what type of midfielder are you talking about then? considering we have shelvey in the squad Shelvey by himself isn't enough, we need more than that. Same sort of type but hopefully someone who is better if not more consistent. Basically at the moment we are asking Shelvey to be the creative source from midfield all season long, we need more than just Shelvey.

Said this several times already but someone has to get them ball and in areas of the pitch where they can be effective without having to dribble 20 yards before you get close to the penalty area like Ben Arfa used to. Being physically competent and able to retain possession will be pointless, if the attacking players are forced to come really deep because our midfielders are not good enough to put them into positions where can cause problems.

Physicality and athleticism isn't the issue, we just have no one with an ability to pass more than 5 yards or has vision to open up defences. Well it would be an issue as well if we play Shelvey and Colback but I hope that isn't the case. Main issue is our most creative midfielder is Jonjo fucking Shelvey though.

Thought Santon left Inter?

Who says he's not going to?

Considering the constant reports that Rafa wants a midfielder and striker I don't doubt that he knows this. I'm sure he'll rectify it before the transfer window is over if not before the season starts, feels great to have complete faith in the manager knowing exactly how to make us better.

Wouldn't pay attention to any of the teams until the final one, whatever that is. Plus I wouldn't be surprised if there's signings to come before things start.

Almost forgot about that

Oh right yeah that makes sense.

Yeah the Wijnaldum deal should allow Rafa to do anything he wants to do tbh, the 25m should cover a striker and a creative midfielder imo. I doubt he actually wants anymore than that as well tbh.