Smirking_Saint

Alvarez is the Rice replacement, McTominay is absolutely the type of player JWP is, Utd just tried to utilise him as a 6

As a surprise to absolutely nobody… it was rejected

Yeah Id say McTominay is probably the midfielder they want in the position that JWP would play So if they get him Id agree

In his position yes Rice is pretty much in the top two DMs in the premier league, its either him or Rodri… but considering JWP has an entirely different skillset its a lazy comparison 35m is a fair price for JWP imo, Id of liked more due to his obvious value to us is probably more than his appropriate market value

He’s also injured… well.. back now, I expect him play Tues

Perraud will be gone soon I think

Apparently Boro want 8m for Akpom…. Seems very cheap that

For a strong Norwich side, was woeful in the prem and Germany

We’re more dynamic than that, and to be fair Adams wins his fair share of aerial balls but also adds a lot more For me its Adams or a new signing, with Arma being available if the game gets stretched

Ive not really seen anything from him that suggests he’s capable His passing game for a start is awful unfortunately

Saints analysis did a breakdown of him pre SW, and, in the whole I do like that account BUT Armas game is based entirely about making late runs in behind… SW set up specifically as an extremely low block to stifle any space in behind them.. unfortunately I think it’ll be a common theme this year We’ll be better playing off a striker in the mould of Che Adams who can occupy one of the oppositions CBs and contribute more in possession Arma worked hard, but I don’t think he fits these tactics

Wanted him for ages. Surprised he hasn’t moved tbh Probably 20m+

I think the core is fine to stay, losing any of our first 11 last night, and even Arma/Che will probably need a replacement… the rest can be trimmed So it does beg the question… why sell if we don’t have to ? Tantalising offers or players downing tools aside.. it makes more sense to maintain what we have I think the finances are likely ok enough, certainly for now, like I said it can be revisited in Jan if we are floundering

In fairness after last night and after taking best part of 100m from Lavia, Tino and Salisu Id be inclined to say… thats it, we’re done We’ve started the season now, promotion is now more valuable to us then the extra cash, we can always sell in Jan if it looks like our push isn’t going to plan

He’s a DM, not the same position as JWP so not sure it means much

I genuinely do not want Ings… unless free on significantly less wages

It’s intelligent because 90% of the teams we play this year will likely look to frustrate us, sit back and attempt to break.. our older style pressing tactics just won’t be effective The change we’ve seen this quickly is insane and it’ll only improve

He’s a good player, an efficient technical dribbler that isn’t afraid to take on a full back and draws so many fouls.. if the set piece coach can nail his brief we’ll benefit from it He switches off defensively too often (not so much yesterday) and his final ball can be a bit iffy but potentially he is a very good player

Certainly makes you wonder what the fuck Jones did for 6 weeks

😂 This pass map is insane The ‘GET IT IN THE MIXER’ merchants are going to have a coronary this year

Smallbone is like a carbon copy of an early JWP for me, technically proficient but isn’t particularly great in an attacking or defending POV He is effectively only really suitable to a 3 man midfield, so hopefully he’ll add to his game like a matured JWP did but all in all, he’ll do well this year in our system

What a performance, of course there were a couple of negatives but who cares.. after the crap we’ve been through last two seasons its refreshing to see a real identity and a team on the front foot We nullified Wednesday to essentially long balls and set pieces, unfortunately got done by a very well worked corner but overall, defensively and in possession we were excellent… we passed and moved exceptionally well, and out of possession we hunted brilliantly Edozie and Tella were excellent at stretching play and running at their back line.. their final ball was a bit off, but its going to be like that against packed defences Arma I thought tried hard but I just dont think it’ll work for him, he can’t hold the ball up and he just won’t be able to utilise his pace if we build up this slowly, Adams, or a player like him occupies/disrupts defenders better, and that creates opportunities The back line was excellent, both Manning and KWP look brilliant and JS/JB didn’t really look troubled much, they should be comfortably one of the better partnerships this year, a defensive addition for me would be welcome but not completely necessary The midfield is where we will win the majority of games, Smallbone and JWP are insanely classy players at this level. Alcaraz was quiet but pops up in some great positions… as I said previously we may need a solid ball winner against tougher opponents but from a passing unit, this is exceptional To finish… im excited again, its been a long time coming, there will be ups and downs, but I have so many reasons to be optimistic

I really like Smallbone, he really is silky on the ball, and fits almost perfectly in RMs system But thats what I was talking about.. a couple of times the ball broke and we’d of benefited by having a steely ball winner in there.. against better sides we could of been caught out

We look dominant, reallh dominant The only things that worry me are JS/JB passing is dodgy at times and Smallbone just isn’t a DM, we need some steel in there