What do we need in January?

We need a midfielder who has that vision to play the killer pass. As good as Hackney has been so far with his forward vision, I think we need someone who can unlock the most stubborn of defences with defence splitting passes. Like a Tomlin or Ramirez type of player.
 
The curious problem here is that we don’t know if Carrick can find a way to get more out of the likes of Mowatt, Bola and maybe Muniz and perhaps Clarke and not forgetting Luongo, who has yet to appear.

So, we’ll just have to wait to see if any of the aforementioned can impress and find a way to force their way onto the team. That, said I’d definitely look at bringing in another striker, and a left wingback.
exactly, there will have been plenty on here previously, myself included, saying we needs strikers and akpom/ forss/hoppe etc aren't upto the right level but, although early days, Carrick seems to have got extra out of these players and a system that seems to suit them. Maybe he can do this with Mowatt, Mcnair et al.
 
The more I'm seeing, the more I think it needs to be evolution rather than revolution. I think there will still be players Carrick wants to have a look at post-January, and it's always a tricky time to find VFM.

Some more "legs" in midfield would be welcome, depending on the role of Mowatt/McNair going forward.

I think the three behind the striker probably need a rebuild (at some point) but I'm not sure Jan is the time to do that. Mainly in terms of competition. I'd like to see options on left and right and cover for Akpom.

Watching us on Saturday, whilst Akpom was exceptional (again) I don't think we're far from seeing him being marked out of the game. If I was an opposition manager watching our games I'd be very tempted to stick a DM on him. Obviously that may work to our advantage as Akpom's role is designed to vertically disrupt the opposition defence, creating channels for McGree and Forss but it's effectiveness will be lessened if Akpom doesn't have time on the ball.
 
exactly, there will have been plenty on here previously, myself included, saying we needs strikers and akpom/ forss/hoppe etc aren't upto the right level but, although early days, Carrick seems to have got extra out of these players and a system that seems to suit them. Maybe he can do this with Mowatt, Mcnair et al.

Yep. At this point we don't really know who he rates beyond the starting 11. He's been able to pick the same side most matches and they've all performed for him. So it's not necessarily that he doesn't rate those not playing, it's just that those in possession of a shirt at the minute have deserved to keep them. He can only play 11.

It'll be interesting when we do pick up injuries/suspensions to see how the rest of the squad look when called upon.

Dijksteel, Bola, McNair have all been good for us in the past. Every chance Carrick can work his magic on them.

Clarke has obviously been excellent for other sides. Not really had a chance under Carrick in a back 4.

Hoppe seems to be more integrated more and now a proper member of the squad. Could be more to come from him too.
 
That actually looks like a good squad now that we know the teaM is being run by Michael Carrick. The only reservations I have on any member of the squad slotting in would be Matt Clarke who hasn’t impressed me up to now.
 
Nope got it wrong -again ! I will help you To many meaning to a lot. Trust this helps….
I think your the one that's got it wrong...

too many
Excessive (used with countable nouns).
  1. I think you served me a couple too many shrimp on my plate.
    Nowadays most children get far too many toys.
 
January is normally a difficult window to get what you want or think you might need. Not a time for making wholesale changes and I don't think we need to. We are playing well now so don't want to upset the apple cart by making too many changes. Only a couple in unless we release more than that. 'Tweaks' and small 'enhancements' are the order of the day for me. If we didn't do anything at all I wouldn't be that bothered.
 
Need to consider squad building and long term.

Should be looking at two players per position, and some utility spares.

GK - Steffan , Roberts, and Daniels.
Daniels will leave in the summer and we have Bryn and Hemmings to replace. Other than sign Steffan long term, we're good

CBs - Fry and Lenihan are now first choice. We have Clarke to return, that gives us McNair and Dijksteel. I don't think either will be here beyond next summer. Could be a 1 in, 1 out in this position in January? Would likely be a youngish (12-23 year old) player as backup and to pressure Fry and Lenihan.

RB - Smith is the now, Dijksteel I guess is backup. I think Carrick won't tamper with this until the summer.

LB - Giles and Bola. I'd expect Bola to go and a new first choice LB to come in, that is defensively minded

CM - Howson and Hackney are first choice. Mowatt could return to West Brom. Luongo will be released. Expect 1 or 2signing in this role to challenge Howson and Hackney. Crooks will be used sparingly in this position.

RW - Jones is first choice, we don't really have a backup Willis came on the other day in this role. Expect a signing for this position

LW - McGree right now, I would think that if we sign a winger it'll be someone that can play either side.

10 - Akpom, McGree can shift across as backup

Cf - Forss, with Muniz as backup is fine.

I guess looking at that, I'd expect a young CB, 2 CM and a winger in january.
 
He'll be going to the top flight if he's going anywhere.
Agree. Cov have surged up the table. They will be looking to keep him to help get them into the play-off positions, unless they get a silly offer. Same situation as the summer.
 
Need to consider squad building and long term.

Should be looking at two players per position, and some utility spares.

GK - Steffan , Roberts, and Daniels.
Daniels will leave in the summer and we have Bryn and Hemmings to replace. Other than sign Steffan long term, we're good

CBs - Fry and Lenihan are now first choice. We have Clarke to return, that gives us McNair and Dijksteel. I don't think either will be here beyond next summer. Could be a 1 in, 1 out in this position in January? Would likely be a youngish (12-23 year old) player as backup and to pressure Fry and Lenihan.

RB - Smith is the now, Dijksteel I guess is backup. I think Carrick won't tamper with this until the summer.

LB - Giles and Bola. I'd expect Bola to go and a new first choice LB to come in, that is defensively minded

CM - Howson and Hackney are first choice. Mowatt could return to West Brom. Luongo will be released. Expect 1 or 2signing in this role to challenge Howson and Hackney. Crooks will be used sparingly in this position.

RW - Jones is first choice, we don't really have a backup Willis came on the other day in this role. Expect a signing for this position

LW - McGree right now, I would think that if we sign a winger it'll be someone that can play either side.

10 - Akpom, McGree can shift across as backup

Cf - Forss, with Muniz as backup is fine.

I guess looking at that, I'd expect a young CB, 2 CM and a winger in january.
You also said a 1st choice LB which I agree with .The rest I agree with you again.
I think he will also get a poacher , which makes 6 for me.
Fisher - CH
Bola - LB
Luongo - CM
Mowatt - CM
Munce - Winger
Walker - CF
That is without sending Muniz back, Hoppe out on loan, and possible sales of Mcnair and Watmore if they feel they can get better in.
Big window .
 
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