21 May 2025 10:16:31
Ed001 could you please help us understand how Witz if he were to sign would play for Slot's and what the possible formation might look like? Would it be similiar to how Klopp used Firmino? Cheers.
{Ed001's Note - Wirtz could take the role Szobo has, he can cover either wing, or be used as a new Bobby. I believe the idea is for him to be used like Firmino was. That would then allow both Gakpo/Diaz and Salah to play closer to goal, where they are most dangerous.}
21 May 2025 11:04:17
Ed I get how that works, but mo has shown that his most dangerous position this year is actually in that inside half space with the play in front of him, allowing him to pick a pass, lay it off and one two into the box or try to take on a defender himself, pretty much our entire attacking play relies mostly on him being the primary facilitator as well as the chief finisher.
Do you think next year we're really going back to the bobby mo sadio style trident with none of the three being primary playmakers or scorers but each of them being capable of occupying those functions at any given time? Wirtz has been the axis of bayer for so long, and mo has occupied that position almost exclusively this year while taking up an almost fixed place on the field, would be interesting to see two players used to bossing the attacking play adopt a pretty different way of playing, especially when mo in particular has had a historic season as a sort of right sided 10.
{Ed001's Note - Slot has shown he likes to constantly evolve the way his teams play mate.}
21 May 2025 11:25:00
I suppose that makes the Frimpong signing make more sense if he is going to be providing the width as Salah comes inside.
21 May 2025 11:34:33
Frimpong is going to be a cutback and crossing god this year, livered, mark my words!
21 May 2025 11:44:05
I think I would prefer an out and out striker (well actually I'd prefer both but if it was a choice between the two) . It's remarkable that we've won the league with our centre-forward position being anonymous almost all season. That's maybe a bit harsh, Jota and even Nunez came up with a couple of key goals at important moments in big matches, but their contribution through the season hasn't been what you'd expect you would need from your central striker in order to win the league.
If we had a player like Isak or Kane (just using the example, not suggesting we want Kane) down the middle they would score a hatful, and I think it would be as well as the goals Salah, Gakpo and Diaz score, not in place of.
21 May 2025 11:45:02
Ya I get that for sure ed, my question, and we won't know until we see it in practice, is whether wirtz and mo can evolve their own games to suit slot's ideas, when the two have been among the most devastating players in world football being allowed to dictate the attacking play. They'd both have to sacrifice something for the greater good of the team, maybe.
{Ed001's Note - Mo already did evolve his multiple times and has got better each time he has.}
21 May 2025 12:10:17
That's actually true ed, people don't often consider that when evaluating just how great of a player he has been.
21 May 2025 12:33:45
I think Wirtz would be the best signing we could make this summer, but we’d still need an out and out 9 that could play with Wirtz or rotate in and out of the team. Wirtz to replace Jota as someone who can play up front wide or even behind the striker then we’d still need a Nunez replacement. I don’t even think it has to be an Alvarez, Isak, Osimhen as long as you get Wirtz I think a Wissa, Strand Larsen type player would be fine as cover.
21 May 2025 12:40:07
I really hope we don’t just buy wirtz as a CF. Arsenal have highlighted this season the need for a real number 9 to win things. Great to have him as an option to play false 9 in certain games but goals win games and I’d rather have someone like isak who guarantees 20 goals a season for that much money.
21 May 2025 13:13:46
And to add, Ed01. If we are in for Wirtz and he wants to or is considering coming to us which is the case now (fingers crossed), it could mean that the club don't like the options at CF out there right now esp. if Isak is not available hence, they have shifted their focus to going back to the false 9 "Bobbie regen" with rapid widemen out wide with Salah cheating into the half space closer to goal, just like Diaz and Gakpo. What say you, sir?
{Ed001's Note - maybe, but I think it is more likely Slot has decided this is the way he wants to play.}
21 May 2025 13:23:34
@brummy red. Psg are doing OK without one.
21 May 2025 15:45:10
Slot has played most of this season without a recognized number 9, using Diaz instead, and it hasn't done us any harm Brummyred.
21 May 2025 16:22:48
Cheers Ed001! enjoy the parade Monday mate!
{Ed001's Note - thanks mate, you too!}