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Wouldn't have been playing him all the time - would use the squad like many continental managers do. Would be the plan b we have lacked.
Also believe many are remembering with Coutts but without Aliison - Virgil and Fab. We were easy to walk through before Virgil became that rock we needed to build that title winning defence. Even with him before the keeper and Fabinho arrived we could get turned over.
Something, Something, Something, Dark Side
Did a stats break down in that January window, which showed how we performed better overall without Coutinho in midfield. That was before any of the 3 arrived.
He was missed in the CL final when Salah went off injured. A good option at lwf but not as a lcm in 433.
When he played at lcm, he was to weak a defender for the role and turned over the ball too often.
But Jurgen played him when fit - was desperate to keep him and made him captain.
He left us for Barca - and we might not be able to forgive, but he was a weapon for us and our most creative player. The point is we would have been stronger with him AND the players we brought in.. That's why I believe we have moved for Fabio
I think Keita will get a contract extension. Can understand why people will be divided on that prospect, but it's what I foresee.
A top striker and a top midfielder would be incredible. I am cautiously optimistic we will bring Núñez in.
As to Bellingham, I can't see Dortmund releasing him until next Summer, nor do I see us spending upwards of £160m on getting the two of them in one window without big sales. I think we will target Bellingham (or find a suitable alternative) next Summer.
Diaz - was meant to be a Summer signing.
Ramsay (?) - looks imminent, Trent cover.
Carvalho
Núñez (?)
That's already 4 changes to a 25-man squad if they all arrive. It could be our lot (Milner was extended, Elliott and Jones need more minutes) or we maybe add one more. Obviously the more sales we manage, the more we may spend - plus the more spaces it may open up. We don't want to have someone like Ox not registered and on £120k a week, so as much as money is a factor, simply having squad spaces and the Homegrown Quota are big factors.
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