Popular Post Philosopher Posted July 20, 2022 Popular Post Share Posted July 20, 2022 21 minutes ago, ciggiesnbeer said: Agree. But going only off pre season (regular season may change this) I think he is our third best CB behind Carlos & Chambers. Going from the Premier league matches last season, Chambers looks like he can be got at (even though he quite well). Defensively Chambers is our weakest centre IMO. Preseason means very little. People are saying that Leeds friendly was competitive, but in a competitive game Leeds aren't going to give us as much time as they gave us in that friendly. But Chambers ball playing ability is probably the best. pace and power will leave him floundering. Hause defensively solid, beast in the air, quite quick, but fragile, and poor ball playing, lacks composure when playing the ball and when defending. Konsa, when one on one is our best defender, but, makes mistakes when asked to be a ball player, doesn't take only any responsibility beyond his own specific requirement to defend the goal. Needs to show more before he can be considered a quality centre back. For me.Mings takes on too much, but he hasn't had the choice. Now we have Carlos he finally has a partner that can take some of the weight off his shoulders and provide proper support. 5 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delphinho123 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 53 minutes ago, Philosopher said: Mings is at least our second best centre back (only Carlos can be consider better and that's unproven). Selling him would be silly. Last season he was constantly trying to cover for everyones mistakes. Yes he makes mistakes, but he takes on most of the responsibilty in that defense. He is the ball player and the stopper (both roles which necessitate taking more risk). He also somehow manges to almost always be the last man as well. He is second only in speed to Bailey in the whole squad. He is the captian, he is vocal and organises the defense. He gives his all for the team, and does more than any other player for the team, and takes on the hardest jobs a centre back can take. Out of all the players i have seen in a Villa shirt in my 41 years, this man is one of the few that truely deserve respect and admiration for being a real man, and a real leader, never hiding, always giving his all, and always take responsibility. Mings gets far too much disrespect on here! McGinn, I agree with, not because i don't like him or think he is shit, I just think he lacks a little in terms of technique and intelligence to play the football we are trying to play, and also want to see. I’m not saying we should sell him! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OLDVILLAIN Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 21 minutes ago, maqroll said: My hunch is that we are going to be very surprised with two more massive signings and outgoings. Striker and ACM with Ings or Watkins being sold. You can only wish for that miracle lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philosopher Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 27 minutes ago, Keener window-cleaner said: If Dwight McNeil is available for £15M I think we should consider him, I think he could do a job as a no 8 or as a cover for the wide forwards if we play that way. He wasn't super last year, and I think he has been a bit hyoed before, but at 15M I think it would be a good deal, and he is also only 22. he has got a sweet left foot and good technique, seems to create a lot. Being drilled under Dyche I think he could do his defensive duties as a no 8 as well. He is a good crosser, be we rely on our fullback to cross the ball, but I guess we could convert him to a left back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicRic Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 2 hours ago, Pez1974 said: Top 10, maybe top 8. We lost twice to Watford - 6 points right there, which would put us 9th (I know it doesn't work like that(, but we threw away so many points (Leeds, Wolves, Burnley, Palace, Brentford) - I think the team is almost there. Carlos and Kamara are huge signings, and improve our defensive capability massively. Ramsey is another year on, and with Kamara, we won't have our midfield flogged to death. Digne for a full season instead of Targett; Coutinho with a full pre-season, alongside Buendia, a fully fit Bailey. Plus the youngsters like Iroebunam, Archer, Kessler all have something to bring to the squad, and more experience. I understand that fans want us to push on - but we can't spend silly, and have to build. I still haven't heard the name of the centre forward to replace Watkins and Ings, who would come here and definitely make us better. Definitely not top 8 if you dont want to invest in another top level CM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RicRic Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 5 minutes ago, Philosopher said: Going from the Premier league matches last season, Chambers looks like he can be got at (even though he quite well). Defensively Chambers is our weakest centre IMO. Preseason means very little. People are saying that Leeds friendly was competitive, but in a competitive game Leeds aren't going to give us as much time as they gave us in that friendly. But Chambers ball playing ability is probably the best. pace and power will leave him floundering. Hause defensively solid, beast in the air, quite quick, but fragile, and poor ball playing, lacks composure when playing the ball and when defending. Konsa, when one on one is our best defender, but, makes mistakes when asked to be a ball player, doesn't take only any responsibility beyond his own specific requirement to defend the goal. Needs to show more before he can be considered a quality centre back. For me.Mings takes on too much, but he hasn't had the choice. Now we have Carlos he finally has a partner that can take some of the weight off his shoulders and provide proper support. They dont call you philosopher for no reason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul514 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 36 minutes ago, Keener window-cleaner said: If Dwight McNeil is available for £15M I think we should consider him, I think he could do a job as a no 8 or as a cover for the wide forwards if we play that way. He wasn't super last year, and I think he has been a bit hyoed before, but at 15M I think it would be a good deal, and he is also only 22. he has got a sweet left foot and good technique, seems to create a lot. Being drilled under Dyche I think he could do his defensive duties as a no 8 as well. Steven Gerrard doesn't play wide forwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 So… who is definitely being sold then? After SG’s comments it sounds like we’re trying to trim the squad and then bring in a genuine upgrade or two to enhance the squad, in the same way Kamara and Carlos have done. But, we need a squad and worthwhile options off the bench. So it makes sense to keep both Bailey and Traore and give them time and a chance to show their worth. So, I think Sanson and Guilbert are goners. Kind of a shame but we can’t carry too many players who aren’t going to be regularly involved and need to bring in superior ones to improve as a team. El Ghazi is the most obvious sale, finding a taker and a decent fee seems difficult though. Davis and Nakamba probably the others. Just seems difficult to sell players and get decent fees but we do need to trim the fat and free up some finances, wages. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAMAICAN-VILLAN Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, paul514 said: Steven Gerrard doesn't play wide forwards. I'd go less " he doesn't okay wide forwards " and more " even if he did, we've got 4 players already capable of doing it " Where would you say Bailey is played, when he plays? Genuine question, as I assumed " wide forward " but possibly as a wide 10? If such a thing exists? Edited July 20, 2022 by JAMAICAN-VILLAN 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 I just feel that our activity will be unpredictable, still wondering whether we are going to stick with the majority of players and actually try to get the best out of them (haven’t even come close) or discard who we can and bring in better alternatives… could we sell a highly paid striker and splash out on someone better than what we have? No idea.. lots of time to do business yet… Midfield will hopefully be upgraded further at least… we could really do with some physicality (and more quality on the ball and in the pass), we continue to look lightweight. More players of the ilk of Kamara and Carlos and we could genuinely have a really good season… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 Assume Hause will eventually be moved on but he’s just had surgery… We could sell another 4-5 players and loan out some youngsters… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAMAICAN-VILLAN Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 In random transfer news, apparently Wolves want Benteke ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foreveryoung Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 16 minutes ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said: In random transfer news, apparently Wolves want Benteke ... Wolves are skint, need to sell first, they were hoping Neves would go for 50 mill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allani Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 13 minutes ago, Jas10 said: So… who is definitely being sold then? After SG’s comments it sounds like we’re trying to trim the squad and then bring in a genuine upgrade or two to enhance the squad, in the same way Kamara and Carlos have done. But, we need a squad and worthwhile options off the bench. So it makes sense to keep both Bailey and Traore and give them time and a chance to show their worth. So, I think Sanson and Guilbert are goners. Kind of a shame but we can’t carry too many players who aren’t going to be regularly involved and need to bring in superior ones to improve as a team. El Ghazi is the most obvious sale, finding a taker and a decent fee seems difficult though. Davis and Nakamba probably the others. Just seems difficult to sell players and get decent fees but we do need to trim the fat and free up some finances, wages. I remain unconvinced with Traore - whilst at times he can be sublime and do things that few others can - he is kind of hero or zero type player. Either he'll do something incredible or he'll do something incredibly poor. I don't think that "rogue" nature fits with what we need most - which is basically to retain / control more of the ball and build pressure to create more / better opportunities. I do think we need to see more of what Bailey can do - especially in a slightly narrower role. AEG played a big role in our return / remaining in the PL but he has reached his ceiling (unless one of our 5 subs is a specialist penalty taker!). However, what I think is interesting is that the other players you mention are being "forced" out through the arrival of our youth players if not this summer then certainly next. Tim for Nakamba, JJ for Sanson, KHH for Guilbert, Archer for Davis. Those four players have really made a claim for their places since the end of last season. Whether they are ready to be the main back up options this season remains to be seen. I think that the strengthening of the first team and some shrewd experienced options on the bench also gives those 4 players a better chance of getting significantly more minutes and PL experience. We might decide that one or two could benefit from "guaranteed" senior appearances on loan but I do think they've all given the management team some serious pause for thought with the way they have performed in the last few weeks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul514 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 48 minutes ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said: I'd go less " he doesn't okay wide forwards " and more " even if he did, we've got 4 players already capable of doing it " Where would you say Bailey is played, when he plays? Genuine question, as I assumed " wide forward " but possibly as a wide 10? If such a thing exists? It's all niches I would say Bailey is a wide forward or winger. Personally I think he could become a striker. He isn't a number 10 that is for sure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, allani said: I remain unconvinced with Traore - whilst at times he can be sublime and do things that few others can - he is kind of hero or zero type player. Either he'll do something incredible or he'll do something incredibly poor. I don't think that "rogue" nature fits with what we need most - which is basically to retain / control more of the ball and build pressure to create more / better opportunities. I do think we need to see more of what Bailey can do - especially in a slightly narrower role. AEG played a big role in our return / remaining in the PL but he has reached his ceiling (unless one of our 5 subs is a specialist penalty taker!). However, what I think is interesting is that the other players you mention are being "forced" out through the arrival of our youth players if not this summer then certainly next. Tim for Nakamba, JJ for Sanson, KHH for Guilbert, Archer for Davis. Those four players have really made a claim for their places since the end of last season. Whether they are ready to be the main back up options this season remains to be seen. I think that the strengthening of the first team and some shrewd experienced options on the bench also gives those 4 players a better chance of getting significantly more minutes and PL experience. We might decide that one or two could benefit from "guaranteed" senior appearances on loan but I do think they've all given the management team some serious pause for thought with the way they have performed in the last few weeks. I just think, with all the talk of ambition (and grand plans including stadium expansion) and mentions of Europe… as well as the money we have been spending… the intent is there to finish comfortably in that top half and set our sights higher if possible. Last season was very disruptive and too many of our players were either out of form or injured. We simply have to do a lot better and if we don’t it quite simply will not be tolerated… CP said it: “continual improvement” is required… I’m curious to see what convinced such high profile and talented players such as Kamara and Carlos (Coutinho more understandable with the SG link) to join us… what promises were made etc… and what actions will be taken to back that up… If we really want to get ahead of the teams in that midtable scrap, although it’s an obvious point, it’s going to take a combination of coaching the best out of these players but also genuinely enhancing the team with intelligent buys. We’ll need to continue to spend but try and offset that with outgoings, increased revenue and a higher standing in that league table… we need more success and progression, we can’t sustain our expenditure otherwise… It’s worth remembering how good Traore was in his debut season… what an entertainer and what a threat he was to the opposition. It’s nice to have a maverick or “outrageous”/unpredictable talent in the squad too. I don’t understand why we’re so quick to write off players that haven’t been with us for long and had difficulties with injuries… many fans don’t seem aware that he’d been carrying an injury and needed surgery on it. He’s an asset when fit and firing and we need options and quality backup for our South American no. 10s… after putting up with players like Trez and El Ghazi for so long, it’d be nice to give much more technically proficient players some time to show what they can offer… As for the youngsters, it’s such a positive but also easy to overhype/overrate them and we have to be careful with them… how much quality/tough opposition have they faced yet? Easy to jump the gun… I see Kesler has been getting some rave reviews after the Brisbane game but how will he handle being challenged defensively? The PL is brutal and he will have to face some of the finest attackers around. Massive test, he won’t get to be making marauding, attacking runs all the time. It’s one of the things I greatly admire about Cash, he is a massive help defensively! Really gets stuck in and fights for possession of that football! However, as someone like JJ has proved, if you perform and are good enough, the opportunities are there. Edited July 20, 2022 by Jas10 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 1 hour ago, paul514 said: It's all niches I would say Bailey is a wide forward or winger. Personally I think he could become a striker. He isn't a number 10 that is for sure. I don’t know how capable or adaptable he is but I’ve just had a feeling that he could do well up front and maybe be better at finishing chances and running onto through balls provided by Buendia and Coutinho… something I’d like to see us try maybe… his pace (I know, I know ) would be an asset on the counterattack too… But we have two strikers on big wages who would be pissed off at losing their place to him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jas10 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 We really lack a skilful, cultured striker… someone who can easily run on to through balls (Buendia and Coutinho can provide so many chances) and be deadly and varied in his finishing. Chips, lobs, easily go round the keeper, volleys, sidefoot finishes - the lot. Most people probably thought Ings could be that guy but he hasn’t shown it, not for us anyway. And I think most feel that Ollie is not a natural finisher but makes up for it with hard work and tenacity. Neither of them have displayed much technical prowess… they work hard but the style, flair or skill… seems lacking… Maybe some of our players aren’t on the same wavelength… a young Suarez kind of player would be amazing with our no. 10s…. The link up would be amazing. I don’t think Ollie and Danny quite have that in their locker… maybe they can surprise us or…. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul514 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 1 hour ago, Jas10 said: I just feel that our activity will be unpredictable, still wondering whether we are going to stick with the majority of players and actually try to get the best out of them (haven’t even come close) or discard who we can and bring in better alternatives… could we sell a highly paid striker and splash out on someone better than what we have? No idea.. lots of time to do business yet… Midfield will hopefully be upgraded further at least… we could really do with some physicality (and more quality on the ball and in the pass), we continue to look lightweight. More players of the ilk of Kamara and Carlos and we could genuinely have a really good season… As fans I feel we should be more patient with players. Almost everyone we have brought for a few seasons now is a good player. Now whether we play the right system for them, coach them well or play to their strengths is another matter. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul514 Posted July 20, 2022 Share Posted July 20, 2022 9 minutes ago, Jas10 said: I don’t know how capable or adaptable he is but I’ve just had a feeling that he could do well up front and maybe be better at finishing chances and running onto through balls provided by Buendia and Coutinho… something I’d like to see us try maybe… his pace (I know, I know ) would be an asset on the counterattack too… But we have two strikers on big wages who would be pissed off at losing their place to him I have nothing to base my feeling he could play there other than his attributes. We have to do something with him, he is a very effective player when played right. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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