Dave has been a fantastic player for us but appears to be either on the decline or not suitable in Sarri’s formation while Alonso doesn’t have the ability to play outside of a wing back flanking a back three.
Most feel that we need two new full backs for next season but we look to have a problem with this in the form of a transfer ban. So do we have any options – I think so, at RB we are blessed with decent lads in the academy with Reece James the obvious candidate but also Sterling and Lamptey.
Left back, where we look weakest, with Alonso’s position looking most at risk, is more problematic. Emerson I’m unsure about as far as I can see Juan Castillo (although I’m not sure about his contract situation is) the only stand out candidate from the academy.
The only one I see being ready enough to possibly make an immediate impact is James and I don't see Sarri being adventurous to try the others .
Alternately the transfer ban may be suspended, pending appeal and we can persuade an adequate replacement to come to us without the carrot of CL football.
Either way, I’d still love to see James given his chance. Any other ideas?
Full backs and the transfer ban!
posted on 17/3/19
Do you really think an academy player has a chance at Chelsea though?
I’d love to see them given a go but you have to say it’s unlikely, surely.
posted on 17/3/19
why are people so concerned that without CL teams cant sign anyone decent. Arsenal although being shiite for years persuaded two of the top strikers in the league to join them.
I cant understand why when we have such quick widemen that we dont go after strikers like Aubemayang who would compliment their pace instead of stalling all our attacks.
posted on 17/3/19
comment by Winston (U16525)
posted 35 minutes ago
Do you really think an academy player has a chance at Chelsea though?
I’d love to see them given a go but you have to say it’s unlikely, surely.
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Under normal circumstances no but - in the event we can't sign any replacements there would be little option other than continue the way we are!
posted on 17/3/19
With Castillo, Lamptey, Sterling, Aina, James and Dasilva we actually have a ridiculous pool of potential PL standard ( at least) attacking full backs. However Dasilva and Aina are off. And not sure if you’ve seen Brummie but Castillo had some suspect quotes recently:
🎙Juan Familia-Castillo
💬Because of what I’ve seen and gained over the past few years, I don’t think I’ll break through at Chelsea. If you come in as a youth player, you’ll always stay that way. If a club buys you, they really see you as a player of the first.
With his contract up in summer he may also be gone
posted on 17/3/19
Dasilva would be my preferred choice at LB BK, I purposely didn't mention him and Aina as they look like they're off to Bristol City and Torino respectively.
I have heard rumours about Castillo as well but if we did replace Alonso and found a place for him in the squad he might be persuaded to stay put and see how it plays out if the ban is upheld.
posted on 18/3/19
I like Emerson, his ceiling may be no more than a back up but he hasn’t been given enough of a run to show what level he can reach. Alonso needs to go though, not good enough and won’t get any better.
posted on 18/3/19
Sad to say our defence is where most of our problems are this term
Dave has declined alarmingly in Sarri's set up - he was so much better in a three having little need to go forward whee his crossing is just woeful.
Emerson has been ok, would certainly have benefitted from a sustained run in the side
Alonso is a free kick specialist - he has no other skills, he'd be better as a wing back but like Dave can't cross a ball without either cutting back or hitting the first man
We haven’t used Christiansen enough and it's difficult to judge him
Rudi has been generally very good to excellent thankfully
Luiz barring a couple of brainfarts in games, his daigonal long balls have been very useful, I'd still advocate him in DM but it's not popular
posted on 18/3/19
Yep, defence is a big issue, except Rudiger none of them can play in a back 4. Fullbacks haven't got the pace to do both sides of the game. Luiz makes too many mistakes to play in a back 4.
We also never take our chances when we're on top and ultimately the opposition will get their openings and score.
When we are behind in a game it usually signals the end, the team have no fight and they just capitulate.