The main issue i still see Smith needing to resolve is the inability to retain possession and control of the ball, especially in midfield. The players that have been bought in mainly will not improve that except maybe Buendia. The central midfield give the ball away too cheaply, and for a while now we have been unable to control games when pressed, especially when we are in the lead. Games like Burnley last season being a perfect example.
We will not compete with and beat the top 6-8 teams regularly until we can maintain possession and impart our ability on the opposition. We have attacking talent, but that is nullified if you cant get the ball to them in spaces where they can take defenders into areas they do not want to be in. Maybe Sanson can help, but he will be some way off full 90 min fitness for a while.