| What do we need to take the next step? 08:41 - Oct 25 with 1456 views | ThatMuhrenCross |
With 8 games played, I’ve seen enough to think we’ll have enough to stay up this season. I think 10th is a slightly inflated position and would probably ultimately have us about 15th to 16th. Worst case scenario I definitely think there are at least 3 worse teams than us - Sunderland, Coventry and Hull.
But Forest got me thinking. They were in the relegation zone, and yet, they were miles better than us. Sure, we fought well and will be happy with the point, but the gap in quality was still vast.
Of course, that is to be expected. We’re a newly promoted side and to be competitive at all at this level is a good thing. But to continue our journey we need to get even better.
If I were to list players that I’d say were genuine Premier League quality in our squad, on what I’ve seen so far, I’d probably say the following:
- Palacios - our best by far. Wow, what a player!
- Enciso
- Ouattara
- Lukic
- Diop (just about)
- Davis
- Clarke
- O’Shea (just about)
Some others could feel aggrieved to be left out, but it’s not just about moments, it’s about consistency. I think Palacios is crying out for a player on his level. I’d suggest we make that our priority in January.
Interested to see if anyone can pinpoint exactly what we need though. What do we need to get us a little bit closer in all round quality to the likes of Nottingham Forest? |  |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 08:50 - Oct 25 with 1378 views | EddyJ |
IMO there are two main areas we should seek to improve in Jan:
1) Centre mid. Palacios and Lukic have been wonderful, but the drop off to the reserves is large. We know Palacios rarely plays more than 30 games a season and Lukic is currently injured.
2) Wings. Phillogene does not look suited to the premier league. He has a fantastic shot, but not much else to his game. In the Champ, he was able to get in shooting positions regularly. In the Prem, he isn't. Fatawu blows hot and cold. Clarke is a defensive liability. Maeda has shown more quality in the past 2-3 games, but is mainly there as a runner.
That probably looks like us selling and replacing Taylor and McAteer. |  | | |
| What do we need to take the next step? on 08:51 - Oct 25 with 1370 views | Scuzzer |
I dont think the gap between us is 'vast' at all. There is a difference between us but not to that degree, you have to remember that they have been an established premier league team now for, what is it, 5 seasons?
Our showing this time round does indicate we can compete at this level. To bring us on another level we have to look at our defensive line, make it more resilient. |  |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 09:23 - Oct 25 with 1240 views | Nutkins_Return |
There is a bit of a horses for courses thing with Forest though.
Their style is a big problem for us but not for the most athletic and top 10-12 established prem sides where they will struggle or against equally physical sides like Hull or to a lesser extend Coventry. Stylistically it's not the sort of team we do well against. It's why Hull could be tougher then we think but to be honest I fancy us there.
Add to that the conditions which played into a direct style and it was a tough game and a point earned rather than points dropped.
No doubt forest are better than their position though.
I do think we could do with RB, CB and LB upgrades/cover competition in the window. And also another top class RW.
See us to the summer and then it's about upgrading everywhere again where possible. I remember thinking we almost didn't need Palacios as delighted as I was such was our CM recruitment.
Would quite like upgrades to be young and big big prospects who can grow with us next. | |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 09:47 - Oct 25 with 1121 views | NthQldITFC |
I'd add Maeda, Fatawu and Emersonn to your list.
I can see why they might not be on it as they're not fully rounded, constant PL quality, but they all have attributes (Maeda's pressing and running, Fatawu's burst function and Emersonn's hold up play) which are PL standard already (but maybe not totally reliably so yet) and are developing into that role.
That gives us 11.
I think what we need is time, work-hardening and mostly equal backups more than replacements. |  |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 09:47 - Oct 25 with 1125 views | Blue_Heath |
Clearly our defence is not good enough, we could after today be only team not to have had a clean sheet in the league.
A keeper and real quality CB is the next step for us along with a top quality CF and then I'd be looking at the right wing. | |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 11:15 - Oct 25 with 961 views | Bent_double |
As others have already said, defence, defence, defence!
We currently have the worst defence in the league, we may get away with it this season, but hopefully it will be addressed as the season progresses, maybe with an addition or two in Jan. |  |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 14:23 - Oct 25 with 766 views | OldFart71 |
I think you also have to accept that Matusiwa may be in the list of players that could be good enough I must say I found GON's midfield against Forest a bit strange. If as was said Lukic was brought in because Matusiwa was out at the start of the season due his operation with no Lukic for two games I would have thought after the run out Matusiwa had in the City game he would have been first choice alongside Palacious. | | | |
| What do we need to take the next step? on 14:44 - Oct 25 with 714 views | Axeldalai_lama |
| What do we need to take the next step? on 11:15 - Oct 25 by Bent_double |
As others have already said, defence, defence, defence!
We currently have the worst defence in the league, we may get away with it this season, but hopefully it will be addressed as the season progresses, maybe with an addition or two in Jan. |
I completely agree, although I'm not sure what that actually looks like!!
Leif and Ouattara are two of our better performers
Dara, Diop, and Greaves are decent solid lower prem defenders.
Kipre absolutely can be swapped out.
Is it just a case of no sentiment and we need 2 or 3 top level centre backs? Similarly full backs?
Absolutely no argument that defence needs to be what we improve and our lack of depth is clear, furlong, kipre and a non existent reserve left back all need upgrading. Just not sure about the realities of replacing the centre backs. |  | | |
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| What do we need to take the next step? on 20:37 - Oct 25 with 560 views | FrimleyBlue |
| What do we need to take the next step? on 14:44 - Oct 25 by Axeldalai_lama |
I completely agree, although I'm not sure what that actually looks like!!
Leif and Ouattara are two of our better performers
Dara, Diop, and Greaves are decent solid lower prem defenders.
Kipre absolutely can be swapped out.
Is it just a case of no sentiment and we need 2 or 3 top level centre backs? Similarly full backs?
Absolutely no argument that defence needs to be what we improve and our lack of depth is clear, furlong, kipre and a non existent reserve left back all need upgrading. Just not sure about the realities of replacing the centre backs. |
I think for our defence to flourish it will happen with further tweaks in Jan
I think if we can get another RB then Outtara can be used as cover for cm or rotate the rb position depending on the rw choice made.
I think Fatawu needs a Tuanzabe type RB behind him
If theres a prem version of wes who has the engine to get up and down the pitch then thats where Outtara can shine.
What we cant do to much off is this leif or Outtara both being forward without the besr cover in front of them for when things break down.
Oh and maybe another 10 so we can rotate Enciso so hes not overused. [Post edited 25 Oct 20:50]
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