Not a vital player for the championship. Last time we were here we had Munari, Anya, Toszer, Guedioura, Watson, Abdi, Motta. With the exception of Abdi (and Toszers free kicks). Our midfield of Hughes, Cleverley, Chalobah, Quina plus any of the Udinese favours looks as good, if not better.
Standards are improving each year and last time we had a fantastic strike force in front of Abdi, Gueds, Watson, Toszer etc. That team was better than the one we will close the window with bar Sarr if we can keep him.
Completely disagree. Think the core of Abdi, Guedioura, Watson looks a lot stronger (and more importantly, better balanced) than Hughes, Chalobah, Quina.
But you'd swap Watson or Guedioura for Capoue right? Which is my point to those saying losing Capoue is a devastating blow, and we won't go up without him.
Guedioura and Watson both looked excellent in the championship, but were at least a yard off the pace in the premier league which is why we got rid. They then dropped down and looked like top players again. I could well be proven wrong, but it would not come as a surprise at all if Cleverly did the same. Hughes has loads of experience in the championship, was one of the better players for a decent side and then stepped up and performed in the premier league. I personally think he is someone we should be building the side round. Quina, Dele Bashiru and Chalobah are all a bit of a gamble as we haven't seen enough of them, but they have potential. I think that midfield is more than good enough IF we keep Capoue. If we don't I have concerns that our midfield is a bit lightweight and some of the cloggers will just bully it.
https://mobile.twitter.com/Sport_Witness/status/1300100494170390531 Not the same type of midfielder, but is this an alternative to Capoue?
It's only partially under our control! In any case, if Valencia hadn't expressed an interest, it'd be an absolute no-brainer for me, keep him, but if a move to a big club like Valencia, with Javi as manager, fell apart, would he be motivated for the Championship?
Lets not forget Chalobah was just 17 when we ripped up the championship first time around. Quina and TDB have similar potential and are 3 years older. Hughes played 165 games for Derby, Chalobah 69 games for us, Reading and Boro. Cleverley I'd consider making club captain. Yes Capoue makes us stronger, but the midfield is still really strong and with bags of experience without him.
Individually, they are good players, but a bit lightweight, we could really do with a physical presence like Capoue
Daily Mail suggesting that Valencia have failed in their attempt to sign Capoue, which is the reason that they have turned their attention to Guendouzi as an alternative option. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...rise-Arsenal-midfielder-Matteo-Guendouzi.html
Really, Cleverly as Captain? Can't see this happening and have seen no reason why they'd go that route.
Arsenal might sell him - but would want £25m + and that makes it all ridiculous - - why would they rent him out?
So maybe the club's Twitter account really did post the Capoue grinning photos as a riposte displaying their amusement at Valencia making a laughable loan bid for him?
Club captain, the role that Eustace had in his last season. I’m sure it won’t happen, I said I would.
I don't think they were garbage, but happily it looks at though Watford would not entertain a loan deal....and why would they. We'll be able to judge if Capoue is part of things when we play Spurs on Saturday. I would think the starting lineup for that match will give a lot of indicators as to how Ivic will set up against Boro.
... or perhaps it won’t and Ivic will continue to look at options? Over recent our side has taken final shape after the first international break
Agreed. Whoever becomes captain should be someone who will be part of the team for the next 2/3 years. If we get promoted, that isn't Cleverly. Similar argument applies to Cathcart.
Don't trust anything or anyone And don't get all emotional headless chicken about rumours and fill a football forum with depressing threads that marvin the robot would be proud of
of course but if he shows a lack of desire when 40k is his wage packet why would a financially ruined club like Valencia take the risk that 10k a week more would do it? at 32 he has to watch his step or his career which has not been stellar but has been full of 100% effort and no little skill will be tarnished - so I expect him to do as he is told and apply himself wherever he ends up after the window closes - even if that is Rotherham on a wet tuesday
If (massive if) he is considered a regular next season and can get some confidence back, I’d like to see Chalobah as captain. He seems universally liked and can dictate from his position. Hughes is the only other option really but it’s been said he’s quiet off the pitch and at times, on it. I think he doesn’t really need the armband to elevate his game. Reignite the interest in Gibson, and if he signs - I’d make him captain straight away.
Really? Chalobah and Cleverley share two knees between them, and neither have managed an average of above 30 appearance per season. I doubt they have the robustness of either Watson or Guedioura at Championship level. Quina has only made 12 senior appearances. A lot rests on the shoulders of Hughes in that lot. He again has a list of injury problems that make you feel a 46 game season will be a severe test. There are other options in the squad, but I hope my pessimism is not bourne out, and your judgement on our playing strength is the case.
Thats true about the injury prone (crocked) nature of a few of them. However I think that between them theres a decent midfield in there that can work without Capoues raking crossfield balls and nutmeg attempts. Think we need either one of the youngsters to proove they're good enough, a Watsonesque signing who can grind through the season or a new creative player who can take free kicks and corners. I suspect once Doucoure and Cappue leave someone will come in.
Chalobah and Cleverley may have had a few injury concerns in recent times but they are fit now and undoubtedly have more talent than Watson and Guadioura. I think Quina has the quality to rip the Championship apart with a run of games. Hughes is better than any midfileder that we had last time we were in The Championship. I agree that it is probably a better midfield than we had last time although I think we need to keep hold of Capoue and if we can bring in Besic in the Doucs deal then we would be much stronger than last time.
