This was a very talented team which underperformed late in the season after a sudden wholesale change in the coaching staff, tons of injuries, and weird scheduling.
The roster has weaknesses like every other team in the league, but we dont need a total implosion.
First and foremost, we need to solve the Villa dilemma. Whether you think that is getting him healthy and dominant one more time, or replacing him with someone who could do what he used to do, that can be debated, but we need to sign or replace him by the end of January.
Now to the great Mata/Sweat debate. Sweat was fantastic this season for his anticipated role, which was to be a backup for a world class Mata who could spot start anywhere along the backline while taking up basically no cap space. Unfortunately, Mata did not perform as expected for various reasons. Next season Mata needs to get it together and stay healthy eo he can lock down the spot he shouldn't have lost, or be moved on. Sweat will apparently be getting paid far too much to continue in the "value bench player" role, and is generally accepted to be replaceable by a better starting player at his new salary. So regardless what happens with Mata, if the salary increase report for Sweat is true, then he should be gone either way.
Callens and Tinnerholm are lock down starters. Chanot's future with this team is a major question. Is he staying or going? He is an elite back in this league, and he makes Callens and the mids stronger. If he is not staying, how we fill that role probably becomes the most pressing question. Many will say we got a youngster ready to go, but can we take that risk? Do we go with an expensive starter from the CFG scouting system? This decision may make or break our season.
Yangel Herrera?
ITS