He is still better than anyone we currently have in our current roster for those wing forward positions barring Vucinic.
Bringing him back, and having him rotate with Vucinic, and a new quality starting wing forward would be ideal. Vucinic, Gio, Shaqiri/Gotze/Ramirez/Ozil/Eriksen, and Pepe is good in terms of both quality and depth. We can keep two of Elia, Esti, and Giac for extra depth.
It makes sense to have 4 players competing for the two positions, if we are to stick with a 4-3-3. How well does vucinic or giovinco perform on the right flank, in a wing forward position? I have only ever seen on on the left and middle left channel. Same with vucinic. I just assumed we played mirko there so its easy for him to cut in on his right boot...he is far more flair than Pepe or giaccherini, and has a far more defensive fullback behind him. It evens out. On the other flank, lichsteiner is far more offensive a fullback, so we have a lot of support from the back in the final third, hence pepe being used there a lot, who has little flair and mainly performs well with tenacity and effort.
I am not sure we are strong enough to play with two mainly flair players on the flanks of a front three. And as far as I know, Elia can play comfortably on the right??? I hope to see more of him this year, for we spent a fair whack and not many players remain on the fringes of the dutch team if they lack quality.
So I guess I agree...Vucinic, Gio, mr X, Giacch and Elia/pepe. Would stand us in good stead, stick that Damaio in the middle and we will be flying...