Was a new high compression JanSpeed head. With the high lift cam it makes a lovely throbbing noise when ticking over. To get back on subject (unlike me I know). Yesterday's second half still didn't make me want to run to the market in panic. We need backups, but the first 11 is still IMO ok until the summer.
Yeah, I want to strengthen there regardless of Romeu. Rom is one of the few who I don't see has really discovered his best form. To the extent that at HT, when I was concerned about JWP's yellow card - against a counter attacking side like Wolves, the need to quickly chop someone down will often arise - I looked at the bench, saw only Rom, and decided I'd take a chance with JWP not needing to take such preventive action in the second half. He was awful under Hughes, and has barely improved under Ralph.
I've never been Romeu's biggest fan. Certainly competent enough, but lacks the attributes to be a Wanyama-esque anchor, and at the other end his forays forward are often pretty ill-advised. But still...if JWP/Hojbjerg get injured, I genuinely don't know who we even play. It's not Armstrong's role, and none of the kids strike me as "steady defensive hand" material.
Where'd you hear that? Romeu is already the only out and out defensive midfielder we have. If we sell Romeu without bringing in a replacement we are asking for trouble IMO. Relying on PEH and JWP being able to play every game is madness. And sometimes you need a defensive option to sit in front of the back four and Romeu is the best/only proper option we have to do that. I think the only way this happens is if we are lining up a replacement.
It really does sound like we are going to play ourselves into trouble. The gap isn't so big we can't get sucked back in. I'd like us to finish the season before allowing everyone to depart for pastures new.
I think Romeu doesn't suit Hassenhuttl's style rather than him playing poorly. He likes to slow the game down and play short neat passes. His best attribute is finding space. I think he is reliable for ball retention but not for speedy counter attacks. Not surprised that he might leave, though a good servant, but thought it would be in the summer. Can we recall Lemina or Reed?
I do think we will stay up but we are in no position to be taking risks like that. We are a couple of injuries from being right back down the bottom imo.
You could say this about any team outside the Top 6 though. You lose any major players to injury, a club will suffer.
For sure, and I wouldnt expect any other club in a similar position to sell their only back up DM. Seems as though he will be staying put for now anyway