05 Aug 2025 13:47:35
Was talking to the lad on the way up to the games yesterday, and I know its a squad game etc, but I reckon Gravenberch has more to worry about in the team rather than Szoboszlai. I have a feeling that Szoboszlai will play deeper, like he did in the match last night and maybe Gravenberch will play further forward.
I do like though that we have a few players that can play more than the one position comfortably, like Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac allister, Jones, Bradley, Frimpong, Endo, Robbo, Ekitike, Gakpo, Wirtz. Always good to be able to change formation in-game, or even making 1 sub but changing 3 positions without losing the quality.
05 Aug 2025 15:08:37
I'm actually enjoying the flexibility in midfield at the moment, it's great to have such high level options.
If we consider No 6, 8 and 10.
Wirtz is clearly the first choice 10. However Szobo can (and has) played there, as can Mac Allister, Jones and Ekitike. So can Elliot, but he may leave this window (I'd love him to stay to give options, but it will just stall his career) .
I think Szobo will be first choice No 8, but close with Macca and Grav can play there too, as can Jones.
Gravy will probably be first choice No 6, but Macca has played there, Szobo seems to have developed in that role too and we have Endo too. Also potentially Stephenson could develop into a decent option there as well as Jones.
I personally think Jones is a great player to have on the bench given he can do a job in all midfield positions and RB and costs very very little (current contract until 2027 on £15k/ w according to Capology) and is HG and CT.
I do agree we have exposure at CB, but I do think it will be fixed by the end of the window with 2 more coming in, 1 with PL experience in Guehi.
Otherwise, I think we have several players for each position, which puts us in a great place for the upcoming season, including some wildcards like Nyoni and Rio who I hope will have great futures with us.
05 Aug 2025 16:14:11
Gravenberch is nailed on to start in my opinion. Slot showed how he wants to use him when we are in possession the last few games of last season, slotting in between the center halves when the full backs push up.
05 Aug 2025 18:18:46
Grav is essential to the way we play and holds the centre ground when the opposition counters. He is also so good and breaking the lines when we play out. Dom is so energetic but doesn't have the defensive qualities that Grav has. Grav isn't so good going forwards or shooting but that's not his role in the team.