01 Jan 2017 17:09:24
31 days to recruit. Hopefully a lot of prep has already been done and we won't have to wait until the last day to get deals over the line. Everyone has an opinion on where we need to strengthen but for me the priority has to be an attacking midfielder who has a bit of craft.

We need someone who can see a pass (forward) and not be tempted to turn around and pass backward. Someone who can weigh in with a few goals, who can strike from distance, a player who just wants to score or be part of a goal scoring move.

We have a 25 goal a season striker, but after that there is no one who can get near to double figures. This is sub standard for any team with European aspirations.

So I would be really happy with any new signings that can share the burden of goal scoring with Lukaku or any player that can make us more relentless in an attacking threat.

Hopefully over the next month we will see what Koeman, with the help of our DOF can achieve to make us a team that shows more going forward. Whilst of course not neglecting the back.

{Ed002's Note - Lookman will be a good addition TA. There is a CB potentially on the cards as I have mentioned and an enquiry has been made recently about Nicolas Pepe (which implies a Gerard Deulofeu departure) but there is much interest in Pepe with Lyon and Newcastle both looking for a January deal.}

1.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 17:42:22
This is what annoys me everyone saying we need a better creative midfielder barkley is that player but unfortunately every time he breaks forward he only has lukaku to pass to. Gerrard is right when he says our own fans our ruining barkley.

2.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 17:54:40
Thing is willy. Moyes didn't trust him, Martinez wasn't honest with him and Koeman is frustrated with him. So exactly what is it that these 3 managers failed to see that you see?

And if indeed he turns out to be the player you and Gerrard say he will be then brilliant. We have one homegrown number 10 and another for competition. Win win. Not so annoying now is it.

3.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 18:04:47
Cheers for the info Ed.

{Ed002's Note - You are welcome.}

4.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 18:27:58
Toffee Ace I see where your coming from.

The thing for me is no wonder Barkley comes across as confused. Just read your 3 line summary of the managers he played under. And he's still only 23!

Enough to make anyone think twice about what they are doing and how to do it.

5.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 18:28:17
Are we in for Memphis Depay?

6.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 20:43:59
Toffee ace I think the 3 manages u mentioned have failed to see that there is no one to support rossi barkley.

7.) 01 Jan 2017
01 Jan 2017 21:04:31
Very possibly Shakey. So would you support him with a creative midfielder and play Ross just behind Lukaku? I still think we need one.

8.) 02 Jan 2017
02 Jan 2017 13:40:32
There is a great will here wanting Barclay to succeed because he is local but let's face it he has allways flattered to deceive time to get rid I feel.

9.) 02 Jan 2017
02 Jan 2017 21:01:15
The main issue with Barkley is he is consistently played out of position. He is not and never will be a "No 10" he needs to be dropped deeper into midfield and creative players ahead of him for him to flourish. That's what all 3 managers have failed to do.

10.) 02 Jan 2017
02 Jan 2017 23:51:42
Ross has got ability but no brain! He's too slow to recognise a pass. He simply does think quick enough for the prem.