Quote (zarkadon @ Aug 14 2017 10:34am)
Yeah, we've been doing great business indeed, however we've also made some really unnecessary mistakes. Last season we had no backup for Casemiro, which meant we were playing with fire and we just got lucky he didn't have injury problems. It's great that we have Llorente now.
Most importantly, the overprotection of Karim is very counterproductive. Now that Mbappé seems on his way to PSG, I really hope we sign a good striker to cover for Morata's loss. The striker position isn't one you want to gamble with, even if you're Madrid and have an amazing attacking line behind the number 9. Florentino needs to stop protecting his boy and give him a player to compete with for a spot in the starting XI. Same with the RB position.
I'm also worried about how we've replaced some really good players (Pepe was still our best CB imo, James was absolute class and almost always found a moment of clarity to make a decisive move even if he barely played, Morata was an excellent backup striker and had a much better goal/minute ratio than Karim, Danilo wasn't great but at least he covered a position that is now vacant). The replacements have all been youngsters with no experience in the highest level of football. I understand they are promising talents and it's important to make these kind of signings, but imo it's too risky to go overboard with this and ONLY make these kind of gambles. Theo, Llorente, Vallejo and Ceballos all look really promising, but I'd be very surprised if they all worked out well, even if it's just out of probability (hope I'm wrong ofc). Most importantly, not having a backup striker and RB is a pretty big deal. Really hope we make a move in the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
And speaking of silly moves in recent years... we almost unnecessarily signed De Gea as well. Amazing keeper, no doubt; but not someone we needed or the fans wanted.
Yep. Also think about Morata and James as people who were there when we were level with a smaller team, and they were the ones that gave us the push to win tough games.
If I recall correctly, James' corner/cross was the one that lead to Ronaldo scoring a header to make it 3-3 against Las Palmas. If Las Palmas had won 3-2 there, we might not have actually won the title last year.
Also against Villareal, it was Morata who made it 3-2 after we were down. I'm really worried that not having them in our squad means that we won't be as sharp in these tough situations.
I obviously hope there won't be a time when we trail against Villareal, but chances are it might happen, and who will step up and score the crucial goals when needed?
You can't always count on Ramos to head it in in the 93rd minute..
This post was edited by Rehmos on Aug 14 2017 02:40am