19 Aug 2026 09:59:28
Does anyone think we need a versatile centre forward option while Hugo is out? Is the idea to use Chiesa? Isak is the only obvious choice for the CF role, especially if Gakpo leaves. Is Darwin still an option?
19 Aug 2026 10:24:08
I personally would rather use the tea lady upfront than Chiesa, he is that bad.
19 Aug 2026 10:30:09
Versatile enough to cover at right back and defensive midfield?
Absolutely.
19 Aug 2026 10:30:33
Spot on, ArneSlotsBarber,
Chiesa is woeful, and there are still some who are stuck in a time warp in 2020, who think he will come good. All he is doing now is blocking a non-homegrown place in the squad.
19 Aug 2026 10:43:16
Chiesa? Nunez?? Nunez was useless first time around. Chiesa is currently useless. There's better than those 2, most definitely. It's a pity we didn't buy Lauturo Martinez. That's the level of player we require, not those other two.
19 Aug 2026 10:53:27
I'm not saying I think Chiesa is the answer or that we should bring Darwin back, just discussing options, and right now, Chiesa will have to play a role, especially if Gakpo leaves. Isak is injury-prone, to say the least. My point is that we look light in that area.
This is completely separate from the discussion on what is needed elsewhere on the field. There are clear gaps, and I'm not confident they'll be filled in the next two weeks, but maybe there is a plan.
19 Aug 2026 10:54:38
Nunez was crap, we really need to get over this wanting exes back and Chiesa is not it, rather give one of the kids a go, definitely can't be any worse.
19 Aug 2026 11:03:34
Koumas should be the one to replace Isak late in games. Isak should be doing the business in 60-70 minutes, if not more, and Koumas can come on and play cup games. He is good enough.
19 Aug 2026 11:08:32
@Shankly, what on earth did Federico do to you except give his best in the few opportunities he was given? When our squad is a little thin, and with no obvious replacements, especially with Heki injured, why would you be rubbishing them?
19 Aug 2026 11:22:35
Darwin wasn't crap. How dare you.
He was nowhere near that good.
19 Aug 2026 11:41:48
We've got Ronaldo, he can fill in up front.
19 Aug 2026 12:23:06
Far too much disrespect to Nunez!
How quickly we forget. He played a big part in some big games, granted, he also played no part in some games, even when selected.
But crap?
To instantly dismiss, when the other option is maybe to do nothing, seems daft!
19 Aug 2026 12:27:30
Kloppers, the problem is not coming off the bench... yeah, sure, Koumas can do a job for the last 20 mins as a sub but the problem is who plays there if Isak is out injured for an extended period of time. You can't rely on Koumas to be that player, that's insane.
To the OP, I personally think Iraola will convince Gakpo to stay for one more season.
He'll be an important player rotating between the wing and CF, and will contribute a decent amount of goals.
He's still of good age and with enough years left in his contract to be sold for top money at the end of the season if he wants to change clubs then.
Keeping him is a no-brainer with the little time we got left in the window.