12-23-2015, 09:44 AM
For the January window, I think we need to focus on getting players that are in good form right now. The reality of the January window is that very few true game changers ever change teams during this window. Teams usually use this window to fill in holes created by injuries, ineffectiveness or opportunistic signings. Given that any new signing would not have any training camp time with the team and only has half a season to help us collect points and impress, the form they are in while they come in is critical. We cannot afford to let a guy come in and spend 5-8 games rounding himself into shape as our season is basically over by then.
We are certainly being linked to some interesting names, as we always do. Ultimately, of course, we always end up bypassing the interesting names and end up with some half assed signings Galliani insist are better than our Plan A.
Ben Arfa is a tantalizing talent, but I don't think we are allowed to sign him. I think he had some issues being registered to too many teams in one year already when he tried to sign with Nice in the summer, and FIFA sure as hell won't let him change team again in January. He has the talent, but in a team where leadership is severely lacking, such as ours, do we really need another head case?
Banega is also a fantastic player who would certainly elevate our level of play in a critical area. I for one would love to have him on the team, but I do think we need to temper our expectations here. Banega has been a pretty famous name in the soccer world for more than a few years now. And yet, despite the obvious talent, name recognition and Spanish passport, this guy was sold by Valencia to Sevilla for 2.5M euros and only given a two year contract. We know it's not the talent that led to the low price, so we can probably all imagine just how bad his mental issues must be. He is what scouts like to call a "boom or bust" player. He could explode and make you look like a genius (like he is doing for Sevilla) or make you look like a complete moron (like Valencia). Again, good player to have, fills a huge need, but we need to temper our expectations here;
Boateng is useless, simple as that. Considering how much game time he has had the last couple of years, I doubt he is even in game shape right now. By the time he is fully fit to play a match, the season is probably already over. Classic Galliani "kiss the agent's ass" signing, and completely useless;
Caceres is actually a name that i was excited about. I know many fans thinks this guy is just another Juve reject who is not going to contribute a damn thing. But Caceres' problem at Juve is main disciplinary instead of skill based. The guy was at one point pushing for a starting spot at Juve. He is still fairly young, has skills, good athleticism and versatile. Our defense can definitely use his energy, athleticism, and ferociousness. I would like Matip better, but Caceres is a hell of a fall back option at CB;
Perotti is a player I am torn about. On one hand, i think he is an upgrade to what we currently have. But on the other hand, I think he has picked up more red cards this season than he has goals. I like his ability to dribble and create, but I am concerned that he is not in good form this year. I still remember how Cerci went from Serie A assist leader to complete crap over one summer. Lord knows we don't need another Cerci on this team;
Witsel is someone I have always wanted us to sign. I think it is difficult to sign someone that caliber in January and we shouldn't waste opportunity if we see it.
We are certainly being linked to some interesting names, as we always do. Ultimately, of course, we always end up bypassing the interesting names and end up with some half assed signings Galliani insist are better than our Plan A.
Ben Arfa is a tantalizing talent, but I don't think we are allowed to sign him. I think he had some issues being registered to too many teams in one year already when he tried to sign with Nice in the summer, and FIFA sure as hell won't let him change team again in January. He has the talent, but in a team where leadership is severely lacking, such as ours, do we really need another head case?
Banega is also a fantastic player who would certainly elevate our level of play in a critical area. I for one would love to have him on the team, but I do think we need to temper our expectations here. Banega has been a pretty famous name in the soccer world for more than a few years now. And yet, despite the obvious talent, name recognition and Spanish passport, this guy was sold by Valencia to Sevilla for 2.5M euros and only given a two year contract. We know it's not the talent that led to the low price, so we can probably all imagine just how bad his mental issues must be. He is what scouts like to call a "boom or bust" player. He could explode and make you look like a genius (like he is doing for Sevilla) or make you look like a complete moron (like Valencia). Again, good player to have, fills a huge need, but we need to temper our expectations here;
Boateng is useless, simple as that. Considering how much game time he has had the last couple of years, I doubt he is even in game shape right now. By the time he is fully fit to play a match, the season is probably already over. Classic Galliani "kiss the agent's ass" signing, and completely useless;
Caceres is actually a name that i was excited about. I know many fans thinks this guy is just another Juve reject who is not going to contribute a damn thing. But Caceres' problem at Juve is main disciplinary instead of skill based. The guy was at one point pushing for a starting spot at Juve. He is still fairly young, has skills, good athleticism and versatile. Our defense can definitely use his energy, athleticism, and ferociousness. I would like Matip better, but Caceres is a hell of a fall back option at CB;
Perotti is a player I am torn about. On one hand, i think he is an upgrade to what we currently have. But on the other hand, I think he has picked up more red cards this season than he has goals. I like his ability to dribble and create, but I am concerned that he is not in good form this year. I still remember how Cerci went from Serie A assist leader to complete crap over one summer. Lord knows we don't need another Cerci on this team;
Witsel is someone I have always wanted us to sign. I think it is difficult to sign someone that caliber in January and we shouldn't waste opportunity if we see it.