2017 Roster Discussion
- Thread starter NYCFCfan
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I agree with you about a replacement CB. Chanot controls that backline. I'm assuming here that Iraola leaves (he may stick around - I hope he does). If we replace Iraola with "Ned" Brillant, than I am intrigues as to what Chanot could do in the pivot. He has ball skills and can pick a pass. He's much more athletic than Iraola and could provide more assistance moving up the field as well. Really intrigued by him. I miss Poku, but if the Poku sale allowed us to get Chanot, it was the right move.
What do we pay for Mendoza? He has two more full years on his contract. Those guys usually aren't cheap. I think he has slotted in well as a secondary striker in our 3-5-2 formation.
If we continue to play the way we have, it's apparent that RJ Allen is the weak link in possession. I'm not saying he is a bad player, but our other defenders (Eirik included) REALLY tried to not play the ball through him. He has a poor first touch.
I think we didn't play it through RJ as much (we did do it though) because a turnover on that side opens up Meram who is far more dangerous than Martinez filling in on the right side for Finlay. But when we did go through RJ he was picking out guys with long passes - had Villa on a cross field pass that was whistled offside but was a sure breakaway if a split second sooner.
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Good questions. I don't actually think we sell anyone this off-season. I think Mata is at least a year away from really having maximum value to a European club. Harrison a year or two away as well. Don't know who else we would sell at this point.
Chanot is an ace CB and you want to move him from that spot? Are you Jason Kreis?
And Pirlo is under contract while Lampard is not, so there is no decision to make between them.
For a defensive signing, I'd love an upgrade for the role Hernandez tried to play this year - a hybrid CB/FB that could also step into CDM. For example, a Geoff Cameron (pipe dream). This would allow a defensive lineup with a defensive RB, and depth at CDM and CB. Or, we sign two people to fill those roles if we can't find one versatile player.
Offensively, replace Lampard with another attacking DP. I'm ok witb bringing back Mendoza, but not on his reported $1 million buy option. Renegotiate that.
And Pirlo is under contract while Lampard is not, so there is no decision to make between them.
For a defensive signing, I'd love an upgrade for the role Hernandez tried to play this year - a hybrid CB/FB that could also step into CDM. For example, a Geoff Cameron (pipe dream). This would allow a defensive lineup with a defensive RB, and depth at CDM and CB. Or, we sign two people to fill those roles if we can't find one versatile player.
Offensively, replace Lampard with another attacking DP. I'm ok witb bringing back Mendoza, but not on his reported $1 million buy option. Renegotiate that.
We already have moved Iraola from RB to CDM/CB. I don't see why you wouldn't move Chanot into the Sweeper role that Iraola plays? Again, if you are backfilling behind him.
Pirlo is under contract but he has a player option.
Iraola was pretty bad at RB because of the speed of play in MLS on the flanks, hence his move was easy to keep him off the bench.
Chanot and Brillant are the CB tandem we've never had and could develop into the best in the league. I don't think we mess with that unless we have another similar CB in our back pocket itching to come onboard. Lockdown the positions we have that we know work, and then go out and find the missing piece if Iraola retires.
Iraola essentially plays as a Sweeper. Yesterday was just PV admitting that. I'm talking about Chanot playing the Sweeper position defensively and working out of the back offensively. That's all. I want him to touch the ball more than someone like Fede Bravo.
Am I missing something?
Why is everyone talking about Iraola retiring?
Why is everyone talking about Iraola retiring?
His contract expires. I don't know where the retirement came from. I hope he stays.
I would like to see Ventura Alvarado explored. He's not playing in Mexico right now. He's known for being able to play out of the back. I think he is overrated from a USMNT perspective, but he's better than Mena, Hernandez and White.
You don't sign him for depth. It either moves Chanot to RB or you commit to playing a Back 3 with a double pivot.
You don't sign him for depth. It either moves Chanot to RB or you commit to playing a Back 3 with a double pivot.
Transfermarkt says he's played some LB/RB too. Obviously I'd only look at him if we can get him for TAM, but he could be the Hernandez replacement as the starting RB and backup CB.
Alvarado is a better shout for fullback than Chanot. He's only slightly less fast than Matarrita. Kid is a burner. But I think the move for him would be an apprenticeship with AI.
I think we have to re-sign AI above and beyond anyone. The only way that lessens as a priority is if Pirlo opts out, and we bring in an ace holding mid.
At $200k, AI is the most underpaid player in the league. The way he plays his new role, he could start for half La Liga or Serie A as a pivot.
This is absolutely true. All of it.
I don't think it's possible to overstate how many points AI has won for us. I would venture to guess that without the change, we finish below or alongside NER in the standings. He is absolutely crucial to everything we do.
Agreed with all of this, except the slight over hype of AI. He plays a vital role in our system well, but that doesn't mean he can go back to La Liga and be brilliant there too.
Alvarado would be an amazing signing as starting RB and backup CB/CDM/Sweeper. He could take over for Iraola in 2018. Give him Mix money.
Come to think of it, that may be Alvarado's chance to get back in with the NT. CB is loaded for the US and right now, what are the other RB options besides Yedlin? We've also seen JK toy with moving Yedlin up as a RW, so moving to RB may be the way Alvarado could get back in the NT picture.
To add some fuel, this article from SI says his contract with Club America expires in the summer of 2017. He could be had on a free, or for cheap over the winter if CA just wants to get rid of him.
http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/04/26/ventura-alvarado-us-soccer-club-america-ccl-usmnt
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