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So… if it happens. Imagine… would a Hourihane or a Knockaert fit the Farke bill?

So… if it happens. Imagine… would a Hourihane or a Knockaert fit the Farke bill?

2nd March 2021 By Mike Taylor 18 Comments

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Fantasy Football.

No, not John Motson purring over Mark Bowen in the Olympiastadion. Fantasy armchair football this summer.

In my mind, this team is going to be promoted with a less capable squad than last time. Hear me out.

Grant Hanley and Ben Gibson. Yeah, but come on, last time we had a world-class Ben Godfrey.

Dimitris Giannoulis and Xavi Quintilla. Sorry, but Jamal Lewis was on a different level.

Kenny McLean and Lukas Rupp. I’m a fan, but without Oliver Skipp? Few goals, little passing.

Jordan Hugill or Jordan Rhodes, Zimbo or Timm Klose. You tell me. Head, not the heart.

Back to Fantasy Football. The squad needs help this summer, and it needs to come from players capable of facilitating a change in base formation when necessary.

Conor Hourihane? Central midfielder or as a 10? Hashtag Stuart Webber!

Anthony Knockaert? Because Emi and Todd can’t do it alone.

Famara Diedhou? Excellent technique, aerial ability, fast. He’s free this summer.

And Skipp on loan again. Obviously.

One thing is for certain, my “frustrated-with-Farke” sentiment of five months ago is well and truly egg on my face but I still think 4-2-3-1 is another Premier League disaster waiting to happen.

Don’t let it be down-played or under-estimated… Just ask yourself if we are competitive without Buendia, then remember just how bloody good the Premier League is.

Daniel Farke needs better players than he has now if he’s to impose a Plan B, C or D.

Starting with a midfielder on loan at Swansea.

Hi to the HK Canaries.

OTBC


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Filed Under: Column, Mike Taylor

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ady says

    2nd March 2021 at 1:56 pm

    Loved Jamal Lewis but truth is Sam Byram had displaced him in the team and had he stayed fit, I doubt Jamal would have got back in the side so not sure what other level you mean. With Giannoulis in the team we’ve only conceded a couple so maybe he’s the one. Agree though a few additions of the right calibre will be welcome.

    5
    Reply
    • Midfield Mike says

      2nd March 2021 at 2:45 pm

      I liked Byram too. But the lad hasn’t kicked a ball in year, that’s a career risking period of time.

      I think people are giving Giannoulis a fair crack, but I saw better deliveries from Quintilla straight out of the summer. My biggest worry with Giannoulis….. watch him carefully…. his is positioning as a defender first and foremost is errrrrm, erratic. Where was he for the Birmingham goal from the misplaced pass and for umpteen seconds before the tapi-in, for example.

      But benefit of the doubt, hopefully he’ll be okay. But I still think he’s a long way off of the level of Jamal Lewis!

      Enjoy the match tomorrow and thanks for the comment Ady!

      Reply
  2. Stephen Godbold says

    2nd March 2021 at 3:18 pm

    Have to say that I disagree with most of this, but that’s the beauty of football. I think this squad is much more capable than the last one. Krul is a better keeper than two years ago. Gibson is a much better defender than Godfrey, who is nowhere near world class, but that did make me smile. Giannoulis is also a better defender than Lewis, is much quicker at recovery and is still improving. Even Hanley is better; quicker into his stride and benefitting from coaching which gets him creating space. Aarons is much better at stopping crosses and contributing even more going forward.

    Sorensen has shown enough already to suggest that he could take on the Skipp role, and Maclean is showing a lot more to his overall game, despite the occasional rickett. Cantwell is much better; Buendia more consistent, and Pukki is fit and firing again. Our fringe players like Rupp, Hugill, Mumba etc have shown they are capable.

    We also have a number in the under 23s or currently on loan who could play a part.

    I agree about Diedhou – class player if he can be motivated, but Knockhaert wouldn’t get in the starting 11 now. Hourihane is a maybe for the 10 role – a slightly more capable Stiepermann, but as has been shown in Swansea’ last 3 games, mark him tightly and he isn’t mobile enough to get free. I don’t think he’s good enough – I’d rather wait to see what Dowell is capable of in that role.

    There are plenty of potential buys out there to make us stronger, I’d mention Brooks and Danjuma from Bournemouth if they don’t make it; Perreira from West Brom if they come down and Lookman from RB Liepzig in particular, but Placheta, Martin and Idah all have the potential to be eye-catching in the Premier League, as Cantwell was. Hernandez could be another Traore if he can stay fit and find a final ball.

    As you can see, my glass is a bit over half full……!

    3
    Reply
    • “Midfield Mike” says

      2nd March 2021 at 6:16 pm

      Cheers Stephen, I’ve posted a reply to all the comments below! OTBC

      Reply
  3. Bruce C says

    2nd March 2021 at 3:59 pm

    To my mind so much depends on what happens with Emi and Max – If they go it will be for decent money and that allows Farke a lot more freedom in signings (obvs I’d rather keep them). A fair chunk of the budget for next year will already be committed with signing Gibson and Giannoulis (or Quintilla) plus the inevitable promotion bonuses and wage uplifts.

    Defensive cover still worries me after the CB nightmare of last season, less so if some of the U23s are ready for the step up if needed.

    Less worries than some about Skipp going, he’s been terrific and yes I’d keep him if it was an option (can’t see it but with Spurs who knows? Jose may be gone by then and then its anyone’s guess) but having seen Sorensen playing so well out of position I have to at least assume he can do well in his favoured position.

    2
    Reply
    • “Midfield Mike” says

      2nd March 2021 at 6:16 pm

      Cheers Bruce, I’ve posted a reply to all the comments below! OTBC

      Reply
  4. Daniel says

    2nd March 2021 at 4:21 pm

    Hey Mike,

    I completely agree that we need strengthening. However, to imply the previous group were better is laughable. Although, it’s great looking back, I didn’t really appreciate being 3-2 down to Millwall or 3-0 down to Forest. Granted they pulled off the unthinkable but this current crop are at a different level. We haven’t even hit top gear this season, yet we’re 7 points clear.

    As for the player comparisons, no disrespect to Godfrey or Jamal Lewis but there’s a reason why we struggled defensively and they were largely to blame. Don’t believe it? Watch Lewis’ defending at Newcastle. It’s still the same. Godfrey has done well but Gibson is a far better defender, without question. In relation to Skipp, perhaps you’re forgetting Sorensen? Played out of position but still looked better than Lewis. Great future ahead of him. Rhodes I would agree with. Klose, not so much. He was massively at fault last season too.

    5
    Reply
    • “Midfield Mike” says

      2nd March 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Cheers Daniel, I’ve posted a reply to all the comments below! OTBC

      Reply
  5. Jonny Adams says

    2nd March 2021 at 4:46 pm

    I watched a rerun of the NC v Man C game from last season (3-2), if you look at the team in that game…

    1 Krul
    3 Byram
    24 Amadou
    4 Godfrey
    12 Lewis
    27 Tettey
    23 McLean
    17 Emi
    18 Stiepermann
    14 Cantwell
    22 Pukki

    There were only 3 players on the pitch that we don’t currently own, and IMO Amadou was poor cover for CB, Lewis wouldn’t have played if Arron’s had been available, the only player we don’t have a like for like replacement is Godfrey (who has been awesome for Everton)

    I think Dowell if an improvement on Stiepermann (just needs game time, but was strong in pre season and friends who are Everton fans rate him)

    We will lose Aarons, Buendi and possibly Cantwell, so a right back and a technically gifted AM are essential (like the idea of hourihane, something to prove in the prem?)

    We need to see how Placheta v Hernandez v Josh Martin work in those wide midfield positions (maybe another right mid option)

    We have credible backup from Krul now and Sorensen was brought in to replace Tettey (amazing if we can get Skipp on another year loan)

    Clearly we need another option to cover Pukki (will Soto or Idah get a chance if they perform in pre season?)

    So in summary we need first team options for the following:
    1 x Right Back (Sam Bryan can then be cover for both sides and sorensen if the worst happens)
    1 x Centre Defence (Gibson should be given a chance if we buy him, but need better competition then Zimmermann)
    1 x Midfield (Hourihane, Knockaert, Diedhou all good options – personally I like Hourihane)
    1 x out and out striker (if Brentford fail to get promoted then Toney. might cost a bit)

    so 4 new recruits (possibly a loan or two chucked in there), then hope that some of our youth players can break through…

    if the numbers being thrown around for Emi and Aarons are true then Farke should have a £60m budget to play with without even touching the promotional cash, but we know that won’t happen…

    Reply
    • “Midfield Mike” says

      2nd March 2021 at 6:17 pm

      Cheers Jonny, I’ve posted a reply to all the comments below! OTBC

      Reply
  6. JohnF says

    2nd March 2021 at 4:54 pm

    If and it’s a big if, we retain all our players and manage another years loan of Skipp I think we’ll need at least £50 million investment if we are to establish ourselves in the premiership.
    We need at least three or four players who are skilful and strong enough to compete at the highest level and these come at £10 million minimum.
    If there’s no investment it’ll be as embarrassing as last time and worse as I think Farke would move on.

    Reply
    • Ken says

      4th March 2021 at 9:18 am

      Furthermore more who would blame DF if he walked if not supported better than last season.he will be in great demand here and in Germany.

      Reply
  7. Midfield Mike says

    2nd March 2021 at 5:46 pm

    Thanks all for the feedback.
    I think that DF has changed the system, which is why we are better. Note I didn’t say this side was worse, I hoped what i wrote was that as individual players the squad has less man for man quality than the Premier League.

    The players last time were possibly better, but the system less so. The system now is much improved.

    Regarding the defence, Hanley for me is PoS and is pushed by Skipp. The difference in defence is that midfield screen is incredible this time with Ollie.

    Aaron’s is still Aaron’s but I’m sticking to my opinion that Lewis is better than the current cover, and I’m sorry but Godfrey is world class. He’s going to be in the England team, and comparing he and Gibson is like comparing Maddison and McLean. Both capable, one better than the other!

    But as individual players, which was my point (if poorly made (sorry!)), I’d have Rhodes over Hugill anyday, Onel was better because he at least at the right side and Emi was more central, Todd is obviously a new lad on the block but he’s not a true left sided player, Pukki is 2 years older and his conversion rate appears to be less than it was, Marco had scored 1 in 12 before his illness and both he and Vrancic look very much the 2 years leggier than last time.

    I think a big underestimation is with Rupp, personally. I don’t contest how well McLean plays, I just prefer the slightly more technical ability in Rupp, although I’m happy with either. That’s literally a personal choice.

    But as for depth, I politely disagree with some of you…. my other example was Timm Klose was a 3rd or 4th choice, this season it is Zimbo (who is one of my favourite players)……. I also think Sorensen is brilliant, but he is nowhere near ready for the Premier League in central midfield, he needs a full season somewhere on loan, ditto PP and Idah. Tettey is out of contract, Dowell, if we are frank, isn’t showing enough to displace Vrancic as the central 10, which is weird.

    So sorry if I’ve waffled here everyone…. my point is more player for player we had more flexibility 2 years ago and some players were better then than they are now, whilst others are better now than they are then…..

    But make no mistake about the bigger debate, I think DF has engineered a more competitive platform this time around. If he gets the help from transfers that he needs, I’m more confident this time.

    But Pukki needs help in the #10 role and Stieperman wasn’t able to step up last time…. and that better defensive unit must have Skipp helping them if we are to stand half a chance!

    OTBC

    Reply
    • Stephen Godbold says

      3rd March 2021 at 3:43 pm

      It’s great when people have differing opinions and everyone can have a nice, balanced discussion rather than a social media insult frenzy. Most of your views I can see as reasonable and well argued – Godfrey as world class is the one which completely eludes me, I’m afraid. For a start if he’s suddenly world class we should have banked £100m for him rather than £25m, but that’s by the by.

      He’s clearly a very talented, strong, fast footballer and I would have him in my team every week – but what do you think he is world class at? It clearly isn’t being a centre back. All fans rate players who clearly try hard, and he gives everything, but he still doesn’t track near post runners, win enough headers or have good enough positional awareness; he is frequently “lost” in his own penalty area (watch his Everton performances and compare them with ours last season – he hasn’t improved) – plus, he still continually turns away from a block rather than towards it, which is a particular pet hate of mine where defenders are concerned.

      That’s why Gibson is a better centre back – probably not a better footballer, but definitely a better centre back.

      You’ll be telling me Harry Maguire is a world class centre back next.

      And playing for England is, as we all know, no guarantee of quality – apart from Kane, I can’t think of any world class English players i.e. players who are among the best in the world in their position..

      1
      Reply
  8. Tony says

    2nd March 2021 at 6:30 pm

    Fulham have only 1 player from their play-off side playing at the moment. They are looking a lot better than at the start of the season. We will need to do something similar as we know what happened last time – our worst ever performance in the top flight. We have been effective this season but will need to be far more robust to have any chance in the Premier League and we haven’t looked much better than when we were promoted in 2018-19, and how many scars will the current squad have from that experience? I think we will probably need 10 or 11 signings to compete, including a reserve keeper of quality for Krul. I doubt if the summer signings of Dowell, Placheta, etc, are of the right level, so we will probably have to start virtually from scratch.

    Reply
  9. Colin B says

    2nd March 2021 at 9:28 pm

    I think the current squad are stronger than the squad of 2018/19. We have the third meanest defence this time around. We will not score many goals in the Premier League so need the best defence we can afford. If we keep Aarons then realistically we only will get back up players to bolster those already here including Under 23 players.

    Defensive midfield looks likely to be Sorensen, McLean and Rupp assuming Tettey moves on. I think we need a big, pacy addition.

    It would be great to keep Emi and Todd as our two wide, creative players otherwise we need a couple of additions. Onel, PP and Josh need to provide more end product.

    We need another striker to add options in addition to Idah and Hugill. He needs to be similar in pace and movement to Pukki to fit into Farkeball.

    Whoever, we recruit they need the technical ability to fit into Farkeball. We need more physical presence and more pace.

    Reply
  10. Siwan says

    2nd March 2021 at 9:54 pm

    Without EMI I think we are ordinary. Look at the results when he was suspended. He will go on to bigger clubs and if we get promoted we will struggle badly. IMHO

    Reply
  11. Ken says

    4th March 2021 at 9:12 am

    Comparisons between our last Championship campaign and this in defence terms is very interesting.
    Last time we had a truly awful records in defence, bailed out by our excellent scoring record.
    Sold two of those defenders for around £40m. Now we are far better as a defensive unit. Having spent very little of that £40m on replacements.

    As Jimmy Greaves would say, “funny old game”

    Reply

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