If what I have just read is correct, and we have agreed to pay a total of around 25m sterlings for Diego, its a wonderful acquisition. And it makes a huge difference to our capabilities in terms of ATTACK. Its a lot of money, but we HAD to avoid another summer of chasing a decent player, like Alonso, and settling for another poulsen or tiago or almiron...
Del Piero can last another season. We must hope that whoever comes in as manager is able and willing to include Giovinco more...
The futures of Iaquinta and Trezeguet are far less clear presently...ANyone have any more definite news on these chaps???
Nedved is gone. Camo is capable of giving us a decent season, but that depends on his fitness and also his mentality. Like several other players, he has unfortunately not had the chance to have a decent run in the first team, too many injuries and needless disciplinary lapses...but still...he has proper talent.
I hope that Marchionni is sold, or used in a part exchange deal...but who would want him???? Either way, he is more damaging to the team, and squad as a whole, than a useful element, and he must be culled.
With Marchisio, Momo, Zanetti and Poulsen ( who I will give the benefit of the doubt) we have enough sluggers in the middle of the park.
Tiago...he has had enough time to prove himself, and he has proven only that he can't offer us anything other than a name, and a past reputation of quality. He must be sold, or used in a part exchange deal.
With the arrival of Diego, surely we are changing our tactics to include playing our new star player in his best position, which is as a centrally attacking midfielder, close to the forwards.
We have the muscle to protect the defence and allow our brazillian wonderboy to strut his stuff in peace. Yes, he will get mauled, but he can rest assured that behind him, and buzzing around him are very capable, and mobile in Momo's case, Musclemen.
DP, Giovinco, Amauri, Iaquinta, Trez, Diego, Camo...that attacking unit is lovely.
already discussed the dogs of war...they are fine.
in defence...Cannavaro can play with Chiellini. Keep Legro but will we bring in a promising centre back??? Or push on with the development of Ariuado???
The flanks...those damn flanks...Zebina looked OK against Siena, and I would not be amazingly disheartened if we stuck with him and Grygera as backup. Still...its clearly and area which needs investment, for the Now and Future.
The situation is more dire on the left flank at the back. Paolo De Ceglie is nowhere near sturdy enough to be a first choice. He should be loaned out, or in the least given a rigorous pre season playing second fiddle to NOT MOLINARO but Criscito perhaps...is Criscito coming back????
Molinaro can not be allowed to continue, to play or live...
I am sure we are going to sign more players. Its likely that the attack will change, with Iaquinta and Trezeguet perhaps going...and who coming into the squad to replace them??
thats a shame because they are both decent strikers.
and if anywhere is lacking decency, its our defence, clearly...
I have no idea who else are set to sign...but would be happy-ish with the following squad:
Buffon
Manninger
RB:
Zebina/ Grygera
CB:
Canna
Chiellini
Legro
Ariuado
LB:
Criscito
CM:
Momo
Marchisio
Poulsen
Zanetti
Wide Men:
Camo
AM:
Giovinco
Diego
Strikers:
Trez
DP
Iaquinta
Amauri
Looking at it like that, as a squad listing, and the quality level drops massively in defence. Our central pairing could be very strong. And Criscito could give us something solid on the left...but the right berth levels of quality, as well as the current Molinaro/De Ceglie Left berth, is woefully below the standard of the rest of the team.