u/head_in_the_clouds69

Is it worth a watch? Did you watch it on OneFootball outside of italy?

Getting a lot of media shit-stirring now that we closed Curtis:

- Stankovic to maybe go on loan afterall - please no, Miki should be 7th choice. 7 midfielders is fine.

- LH swap with Nkunku - maaaybe, but would prefer 25 mil cash

- Sell LH to Roma and buy a dribbly, pacy second striker à la Lookman

Currently we have:

Gk:

Josep, Provedel, Di Gennaro

Defence:

Bisseck/Akanji/Basto,

Pavard/Stones/Carlos

RWB:

Diouf, Spence

LWB:

Dimarco, LH (he seems more comfortable on the left and links up better with his compatriot Carlos)

Midfield:

Barella/Calha/Zielinski,

Jones/Stankovic/Sucic

Mikitaryan

Attack:

Lautaro/Thuram,

Pio/Bonny.

Points of discussion are 3, including one suggestion.

1. Do we sell Luis Henrique and buy a replacement LWB , no one or an attacking midfielder?

a) We keep LH as LWB or buy a LWB replacement to cover Dimarco as we imperatively need 4 wingbacks in a 55 match season, especially with 3-5-2.

b) We sell LH and do not invest in a new LWB. This case would likely see Carlos covering for both Dimash and Basto. If short in defence Bovio seems to be ready to be 7th choice CB and pick up minutes here and there.

Alternatively, sell LH and get someone who can play between the lines (media rumour idea: Nkunku-LH swap, Malick Fofana from Lyon)

2. Send Stankovic on loan or make Miki 7th choice?

a) Very clear to me, but considering Calhas injury record, i would def keep him. Miki is on reduced wages and the focus is on youth. Stankovic will be a bit fed up with a third loan and will rightly be somewhat pissed at Inter. Despite media suggesting this, I think Chivu is the type of coach who keeps Stanko in the squad, no doubt.

b) Loan him out to CL team, but in that case he could have just stayed at Brugge for one more year

3. We want more unpredictability and dribbling, and rightly so, but numerically, where do we add it. We have added Spence, given Diouf the space to shine, have Bonny and Thuram in attack. Yes more dribbling in the final third would be great, but we have already made strides forward in this regard. Plus valid players here would cost at least 30mil. Would that be an 8th midfielder? Way too many. A 5th striker? Also a lot, taking valuable minutes away from Pio and Bonny. If we sell LH and shift Carlos, we cover in defence with Bovio, but it would still mean a big expence and someone who would want to play if moving for that pricetag.

So my idea:

Keep Massolin. He can thread a pass, is 2m tall, has excellent ball retention but not good in defensive work. Positionally and skillwise similar to Nico Paz (obviously not at that level) with a lower workrate.

He would be amazing to bring on the last 20 min for extra unpredictability or chaos if we need to chase a goal. 3-4-2-1 behind the striker to not request too many defensive duties of him. Doesnt cost anything, is already in the squad, has impressed with his technicality and doesn't expect to be starter or first back-up. In case of several (!) midfield injuries can play RCM vs low level opposition.

a) Keep Massolin for unpredictability, low-budget, locker room friendly solution

b) Splurge for quality player that will raise the level much more but will likely demand to be starter or first backup, similar to Curtis. This would take away minutes from Pio/Bonny

c) Do not buy any attacking mid and loan out Massolin.

Lets discuss and reply your choices (e.g. 1a, 2b, 3c) and reasoning below!