26 Apr 2018 11:39:25
This season had it's lows but we certainly have improved a lot (though I'm still pissed off at the way we crashed out of CL) . But I can only wonder if we had proper full backs we would have been 1 step above our current level.
Valencia and young have been great for our club for years but haven't really offered much offensively this season. Valencia just can't cross and having a left footed LB is much more preferable than young as he would provide more support to the winger ahead of him.
Does anyone know of fullbacks we're linked with for the next season. Media has linked everyone with us but is there any solid interest in any particular players?

{Ed002's Note - Yes, lots. Read the posts.}

1.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 13:31:20
Found your list of potential targets. Thanks Ed.

2.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 13:57:17
Sailor, I feel our squad is missing two elements to be complete.

The first is better more consistent full backs. Players who are solid defensively but offer an extra offensive dimension when teams sit deep.

The second is we struggle to control games against to top teams. We've had a mixed bag of results against the other top 6 contenders. We lack a player who can sit in the middle and control the tempo of the game, speeding it up when we need a goal or slowing it down when we need to take the sting out of the game.

If we can solve both issues for next season I expect a strong title challenge.

3.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 14:07:06
Hi Ed I know ...................

{Ed002's Note - Stop asking about random players you seemingly have the hots for. This is the Manchester United page.}

4.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 14:21:44
We need proper center backs too. Someone who can play football. Not just act like a rock and panic under pressure. We are going to be in same position if we have Jones or Smalling in the center unless Bailly stays injury free or Lindelof fixes up we desperately need upgrades on center backs.

5.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 17:23:26
The biggest weakness has been the central midfield area. Apart from Matic that part of the pitch is empty. In my opinion Pogba cannot play there and Herrera is not good enough. We need at least 2 for next season and also 2 full backs, I think Danny rose is nailed on and Luke Shaw will go in the opposite direction.

6.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 17:38:37
Singh, I don't think we NEED a new centre back. If a world class option becomes available such as Alderweireld for example then we should explore it as an option. However, for me a new CB is a long way down the list for three reasons.

Firstly, I am a big fan of Tuanzebe and feel he should start to have a role in the team on a regular basis.

Secondly, we have 5 first CB's in Bailly, Lindelof, Rojo, Jones and Smalling. Plus the aforementioned Tuanzebe along with players such as Blind and TFM who can cover there. Meaning we have 8 players for two positions. We will need to shift quite a few of them before we need to bring someone else in.

And finally, and probably the most relevant point. There are very few great CB's around atm. So spending a king's ransom ona player probably only marginally better than what we have, and in a position where teamwork, understanding and communication are as important as ability I see little to be gained from spending such a huge sum.

I've mentioned Alderweireld, but beyond him we are looking at players either past their best (Godin), not good enough/ overrated (Hummels) or young talent that might be good enough but they are still learning such as Upamecano. In which case I would rather give Tuanzebe a chance.

7.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 18:25:38
The 4 cb’s that ED002 has mentioned are, Alderweireld, Varane, Umtiti and Lopez.

The 1st 3 would be major upgrades.

8.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 18:43:19
Totally agree. City have spent a fortune on otamendi mangala stones and laporte and still haven't found anyone better than kompany. Like varane but why would he want to leave RM.

9.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 19:50:54
Tuanzebe will play for villa on loan next season i believe. The plan is for him to go on our tour and if not needed then he will go back to villa on loan.
Ive very high hopes for him too shappy.
I watched the full juve napoli game the other night and jorghino was head and shoulders above every other player. Dictated the tempo of the game great In defence and awesome passing going forwards. Ed002 reckons he is city bound but that we are very keen and are trying to do a deal but the players first choice is city.

10.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 20:06:39
Mangala has failed but he got his chances so can't complain. Lindelof needs to up his game or else he could be the same as Mangala.

Laporte has been good and stones is a good player but he went to City too early and Guardiola isn't going to exactly help.

Otamendi has been good this year. Any center back apart from kompany will look very poor.

That is because when uou get teams that pressures them and puts them under cosh their center backs don't know what to do becauase of Guardiola not paying any attention to defending like it doesn't exist.

11.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 22:33:00
I like jorghino can understand why Jose would want him we need a playmaker in there to set the tempo.
But would he handle the EPL.

12.) 26 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 22:33:47
He reminds me of veron.

13.) 27 Apr 2018
26 Apr 2018 23:54:39
Jorginho was very good the other day against Juve ran the show. Had more passes than Matuidi and pjanic combined. To an extent I agree with jred but if he joins city he will take them on another level due to the way they play. Not sure our style of play would suit him.