09 Apr 2021 04:47:14
Looking at the future of leadership in the midfield, post the Henderson and Fabinho eras, I don't think you can go wrong bringing in a player like Ryan Gravenberch. Mature beyond his 18 years, tall (6'3"), technically gifted (they usually are from the Ajax academy) and the ideal box to box player. Can fire a 30-40 yard screamer into the net too, once in a while. Very similar to Pogba in most respects. And can provide the perfect link between the first team and the academy players who will make it.

Downside (for me) is his agent, "Mr. Superagent". Mino Raiola usually has his best clients ending up in Real, Barca, the two Manchester teams or Milan by the time peak career has approached. I would prefer having a player or two assuming the "club anchor" role, give us 8-10 years or so, as Henderson has done so well.

{Ed0666's Note - Gravenberch has all the talent in the world but I’d still take Bissouma over him. Already on the cusp of greatness and premiership ready.

09 Apr 2021 05:04:40
Curtis jones please. What does the lad need to do!

09 Apr 2021 06:13:16
Tall 🤦‍♂️ How tall was Xavi, Pirlo or Matthaus? How tall is Kante, Krooos or De Jong? Stop obsessing over the physical attributes of footballers and start looking at what they can do. For the record I think Bissouma would be an excellent signing.

09 Apr 2021 07:56:38
Lebron James has shares in the club and rumour is he’s tall. I think he’s about 5 foot 9 in heels. Perhaps he might have a game for us 😜.

09 Apr 2021 08:08:35
Oh, so your formula is short and stout and everyone should follow it because you cleverly pulled out some short people's names out of nowhere? And please, I don't obsess about nothing, little boy. Just a post expressing an opinion. And if you want yours respected, learn to respect other peoples opinions first.

{Ed077's Note - FYI not only does RG have similarities to Pogba in playing style, he also shares agents with PP.}

09 Apr 2021 08:25:18
Oh you funny JK23. In a very sad way. Pardon my inability to laugh. I tried very hard.

09 Apr 2021 08:30:03
Yes, I know Ed077, that's why I made the comparison about Gravenberch eventually being moved on if he joined us. But apparently some people on here prefer short and stout. That's the real criteria of footballing ability. 😂.

09 Apr 2021 09:00:49
"here's my handle, here's my spout"

Jones is part of the future of our midfield for me, but I'd like to see who comes with him. Gravenberch looks like a promising prospect on paper. Bissouma I've seen play and also looks good.

Bissounam would be very good cover for Fabs IMO, and Fabs has got the potential to be bossing our midfield for at least 5 more years, whereas Hendo only has maybe 2-3 at the top level (guessing, albeit he may surprise us like Milner has) .

I noted that Neves is potentially up for sale - there's another player I would love in our midfield.

09 Apr 2021 09:18:06
ArAy1969, had me in stitches there with your response to JK23's post. He's really got jokes for days, haven't you heard?

Back on topic, Bissouma over RG all day for me. He is very versatile in CM and a very talented football who is about to blow up with the right coaching and environment. Ed02 said that we have contacted his representatives (ED02, you are free to correct me) so hopefully something can be done.

{Ed002's Note - Yes, a while ago.}

09 Apr 2021 09:45:52
Aray it’s a banter site. I actually like your shout of Gravenberch and think he would be a top signing. Obviously someone got out of the wrong side of the bed this morning. Good luck finding that dummy you spat out.

09 Apr 2021 10:06:18
Oli I have as many jokes as you have user names 👍.

09 Apr 2021 10:16:52
JK23, sadly I always get out of the bed from the same side, so I take what I get. Yes, of course it's a banter site. So there's no problem being on the receiving end, since we are so proficient in giving, all the time, right?

09 Apr 2021 10:18:13
JK23, that's an old one, man. Don't quit your day job, bro.

09 Apr 2021 10:29:05
Cheers for that Red meister 🤦🏻‍♂️.

09 Apr 2021 05:20:41
Yes, agreed Ed0666, Bissouma is the real deal too. But I wasn't looking at exactly the present but down the line in the future (Bissouma is already 25) once Hendo and Fab were moving on. Can you imagine if we already had a player like either Bissouma or Gravenberch in place of Wijnaldum, now, though? Yes, Thiago is there but he is nowhere as mobile as these two, nor exactly the true box to box player we need. Empasis being on "box to box' and not "side to side". 😁.

{Ed0666's Note - imagine having Gravenberch and Bissouma that would solve a few headaches. It won’t happen but we can dream.