steveyrockstar wrote: ↑Sat Jan 15, 2022 1:06 am
What about if Antonio picks up an injury and is ruled out for 6 weeks, which covers our knockout rounds in the Europa?
What if Zouma's injury recurs leaving us with just Diop and Dawson for PL, Europa and FA Cup?
I think that's where a focus on youth or up&coming youngsters pays off. Players that don't expect to be regular starters, but hope to get a chance to be, and have potential to challenge the starting xi.
Sort of as we saw with Johnson. And as with Vlasic, who's had to be patient for his opportunity.
We are buying all these dev squad players for a purpose, and they're getting on the bench where they may well be called upon.
Some of them have been given a run out, but the question is, 'is the step up to Premier League, too big for them?"
If the answer is "Yes", then we might need to find a player a bit better or a bit more experienced that will take that role.
Diop is fine for a fourth choice, but if it's anticipated he's going to be a starter for half a season, then maybe we should consider bringing someone in for that position - unless the coaching staff have faith he'll rise to the occasion at the gritty end of the season. Likewise Dawson for that matter - great option on the bench, but I think there's definitely room for improvement for a regular starter.
As for Antonio, I think we'll move Vlasic or Bowen more centrally, and use Lanzini, Arthur, Frederick's, Fornals, Yarmolenko, and Benrahma in support.
Oko-flex, Odubeko and Chesters to fill bench.