| Squad Imbalance 05:39 - Jan 23 with 1403 views | LA_Tractor_Boy |
Not a criticism as I trust MA and the process, but we've got a real squad imbalance at the moment.
1 fit RB
1 recognised LB
1 striker
Yet we have Broady, Sarmiento, Harness, Chappers, Burns and Hutchinson to fill 3 AM positions.
Really hope we can address this in January, as we saw against QPR how a few injuries/suspensions can derail our performance level. |  | | |  |
| Squad Imbalance on 06:16 - Jan 23 with 1282 views | PioneerBlue |
I make you right on all counts. In an ideal world we would be able to upgrade squad in several positions but it’s Jan and not ideal! KMcK also knows what is required in full back so I’m sure there is a plan for this.
The question is whether BW is returning or not. Everyone is coy on the subject and it looks doubtful he will come back at this stage but you never know. He as 1 player offers depth for 2 positions. If it’s confirmed and doesn’t return, arguably you are actually looking for 3 players. However as of today (with BW) we are at 25 qualifying squad players and some big decision will be made over players like Aluko, Ball, Donacien, Evo.
None of the following are perfect and lead to sub performance due to full back being so important
RB we’ve seen Tuanzebe step in and Donacien is to return
LB we’ve seen Humphries step in and Clarke cover
Striker we’ve seen how KJ and Broadhead can operate in the position
So we can free up one place if BW doesn’t return and we can replace a full back. After that it’s 1 in 1 out to creat space for a striker. | |
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| Squad Imbalance on 07:22 - Jan 23 with 1133 views | homer_123 |
Not entirely accurate.
Tuanzebe can play at RB.
Dom Ball has played a lot of football at RB.
Humph covers the LB position.
Broady can play the Striker role.
So, if in the interests of being fair, maybe better to say we'd like 'better' cover at the LB position and possibly the RB position (though I think we have ample cover there).
Striker, def need two in. |  |
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| Squad Imbalance on 07:32 - Jan 23 with 1078 views | Vic |
Here’s the reasons for the ‘imbalance’ (ie, more forwards than defenders)
“It’s a been a common thing since I’ve been here,” McKenna reflected. “I think the forward players in our team know that it’s very, very rare that they’re going to play 90 minutes.
“We try and play with an intensity that’s hard to maintain for 90 minutes and everyone in the squad knows that, especially in those forward areas, if you don’t start, there’s a very good chance that you’re going to come on in the decisive part of the game and have a big impact. |  |
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| Squad Imbalance on 08:13 - Jan 23 with 958 views | SheffordBlue |
Some of that is just down to where the injuries/absences are at the minute I think. Earlier in the season we were missing Burns and Broadhead for a few games while we had excellent cover across the RB/LB with a Prem player who could cover both along with other players who can also fill in there. | |
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| Squad Imbalance on 08:17 - Jan 23 with 932 views | Herbivore |
That's largely explained by the loss of Williams (probably permanently looking at McKenna's comments last night) who covers two of those positions, the loss of Scarlett back to Spurs, and Hirst getting a serious injury. As someone else has commented too, the way we play means we need lots of options in the wide forward and number 10 positions, partly because McKenna likes to have players with different attributes in those areas to suit different games, and partly because they put in a massive shift for us and we need quality options off the bench. Those bench options are game changers, see last night for the latest evidence of that. |  |
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| Squad Imbalance on 08:19 - Jan 23 with 913 views | textbackup |
| Squad Imbalance on 08:17 - Jan 23 by Herbivore |
That's largely explained by the loss of Williams (probably permanently looking at McKenna's comments last night) who covers two of those positions, the loss of Scarlett back to Spurs, and Hirst getting a serious injury. As someone else has commented too, the way we play means we need lots of options in the wide forward and number 10 positions, partly because McKenna likes to have players with different attributes in those areas to suit different games, and partly because they put in a massive shift for us and we need quality options off the bench. Those bench options are game changers, see last night for the latest evidence of that. |
Also see Brum away (Harness) and a few other games I’m sure where subs have changed things massively.
Bloody lovely isnt it |  |
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| Squad Imbalance on 08:30 - Jan 23 with 860 views | ElephantintheRoom |
Perhaps the manager thinks he has versatile players who can fill in at right back etc as and when required?
As to the striker you seem to forget that more than one signed striker is out on loan. | |
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| Squad Imbalance on 09:07 - Jan 23 with 780 views | positivity |
with a squad size of 25, we basically have 2 players for each position and we happen to have 3 injuries in the positions you mention. if we had 3 injuries amongst the attacking midfielder/wingers we'd have a similar issue there.
i was surprised we let ladapo go before we got a replacement in, but I'm hoping that's just because we weren't going to use him at leicester and we've got someone lined up.
another reason why km's so keen on players who can play multiple positions | |
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