Not sure at the point mate, it’s unanimous within the club they like Delap, I don’t see them signing just him personally, the question then would be whether they go for a goal scoring winger or another striker and allow Jackson to be play wide.
My guess would be the former, although I prefer the latter…..
Delap is good but CFC wont sign a mature striker to back him up. The second striker also has to fit the strange salary cap. I think Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz could make a 'budget' second striker and be ok playing second fiddle - he seems to be a bit under estimated. As Goalkeeper Pickford would be awesome - he can marshal the team from the back as captain and is English but CFC certainly wont buy him unless Clearlake sells the club. James Trafford would a good pick for the capabilities CFC is looking for plus he is homegrown and will fit the age and salary caps. Petrovic as second keeper and Jorgensen on loan. Every time Jorgensen dilly dallies with the ball at his feet trying to "play from the back" not only do his team mates have their hearts in their mouths, the fans are at the verge of having a stroke.
I like the fact that Pickford is vocal but if and it’s a big if we get a commanding and vocal centre back that will not be quite as important. I think Semenyo is better than Mateta but wouldn’t have either. Your picks for strikers is my preference. I believe just as important is an experienced holding midfielder because Lavia can’t stay fit and that’s an issue with a number of players. We do seem to buy injury prone players. The summer will tell us a lot about the owners.
Totally!!! And, why not do clever business finally? We've been in shopping spree for almost 3 years for NO REASON. Could've spent 3 times less to bring 3 times better players but that's another topic.
If Tah didn't happen, there are other alternatives too. Guehi could also be smart business give his clause when we sold him. Petrovic is ours and we need to give another chance unless we go for the best in class in that position. Rest of the keepers - can we find them new clubs please!
Lastly, Jackson would look good on the left wing (where we can save money too). Keep up his game time, release him from the dreadful task of no9 (which he's not).
There is always a chance, no doubt. I don't think aims PL as next step in his career. He's no 1 at Milan and no 1 for France. On top of that his salary is good enough to keep where he is at. Last but not least, we need to pay really big money for him if chances are there which I doubt it. Let's see what happens in the summer though.
Mateta is levels above Delap in each and every aspect. Delap will be a disastrous signing (I don't doubt it will happen by the way, unless we get someone competent in to stop us just buying all of City's ex-academy players).
Would be interested to hear your reasons behind Delap and Pickford comments Mitch?
Especially Pickfords baring in mind he is almost in the top 5% of goalkeepers across europe for every statistic. It's the reason is disnt disclose his name originally as I think the stigma around him diminishes his actual performances and ability.
Delap was unconvincing in the Championship (12 goals in 68 games across 3 loans). He reminds me hugely of flavour of the month signings who had a brief hot spell and then regressed (the likes of Piacek and Luka Jovic spring immediately to mind).
I just don't see his style of play, which is basically fouling anything that moves, working at CFC. He is not a threat in the air from crosses (5 headers on goal the entire season) and you're paying top, top, top of the market for a player on a 6 month hot streak.
Delap doesn't have the pedigree of an Evan Ferguson (for example), but I think Mateta is the absolutely ideal signing. Personally I'd have taken either Samu or Duran last summer, but Mateta is simply levels above Delap and would be a much better signing.
Delap's "bull in a china shop" approach might unsettle some teams, but how would it help us break down deep, packed defences?
As for Pickford, he's just too short, and atrocious on crosses.
I'd pick Pretrovic once again over Pickford. Pickford has shown so many rookie mistakes this season which is common for him. Otherwise, he's been a consistent goalie over the years but just an average one. He's not an upgrade to any of our keepers really. Either go big with that position and buy the best or stick with what you have. Enough to the average buys.
I'm also not a fan of Delap, just because he's unproven yet and his price tag (hugely inflated). Could just spend the money elsewhere without any hesitation. Mateta is def a better pick in the summer given our needs, the profile and experience.
GK - if we had the funds, I'd go for Costa, but more realistically, I'd go for Bulka or bring Petrovic back.
CB - I'd bring in two and sell Disasi and Chalobah will probably be sold too. I'd bring Hujisen in as a young centre-back alongside a more experienced option like Guehi or Dias.
CF - My preferred option is Delap. I absolutely adore him. If we want to bring in two strikers, I'd bring Mateta and Delap, as Mateta doesn't block Delap's development in any way. Additionally, Mateta's Prem proven.
I wanted to ask you if you could also make an article about LWs and possibly full-backs and midfielders that we could bring him, as it seems we'll bring players in there too?
I do think Jackson would be good on LW, but as wingers are so important for Maresca's system, I'd prefer to go in for a profer winger. My pick would be Gittens here.
Glad to say I guessed your mystery players! Pickford is obviously a good keeper, but I think there's a major sticking point when it comes to his passing stats: who he's passing to. Everton have giants in their side that we really don't. He can play long or medium and expect players like Calvert Lewin, Beto, or Doucoure to at least challenge for every ball.
Not my first choice purely because of his height, but he definitely brings vocal leadership at the back, which can only be a positive.
Mateta I like, but I think he'd be overpriced. He's very important to Palace who are already likely to lose Guehi and Eze this summer so won't be pressured to sell. He's the sort of Ground/Guirassy signing that I'd really like us to make though. If he came in at that sort of <20m range, I'd be happy.
I see your Pickford point but if we make the right signings he would have outlets to play to.
He has an ongoing contract debate (Mateta) I believe, Palace are reluctant to let him go into next season with only 2 years left, effectively leaving them in the position they were in with Guehi a year or so ago where now they will lose so much value on it, could be an opportunity to seize.
Oh that's interesting. No doubt someone will take a stab at it then. Have a feeling we'll only move for Delap up front though, unless someone offers us decent money for Jackson and he decides he's had enough for whatever reason.
Great article and interesting view of what could be the future.
Interestingly, I have been speaking to some of my friends/CFC supporters about the forward situation and we have come to the conclusion, following my leadership! 🤣 moving Jackson to the left is ideal and meets our need for additional LW player and I agree with your two number nines upfront
I like a goalkeeper to be big and have a presence Luke.
For me Korbel and he comes with good experience as well.
Defenders id want Tah, doubt he'd come though. As a free transfer, did I see he's off to Barca.
Guehi next, just for stability at the back.
Then Delap & Oshimen. Push Jackson out to the LW.
Oshimen would be the real game changer for me.
Gyokores will go to Utd.
I like Mateta as well., a right handful .
Some good points and a good read Luke
Just out of interest Luke, any news on whether it would just be Delap. Or would we go for a proven striker as well.
Not sure at the point mate, it’s unanimous within the club they like Delap, I don’t see them signing just him personally, the question then would be whether they go for a goal scoring winger or another striker and allow Jackson to be play wide.
My guess would be the former, although I prefer the latter…..
Delap is good but CFC wont sign a mature striker to back him up. The second striker also has to fit the strange salary cap. I think Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz could make a 'budget' second striker and be ok playing second fiddle - he seems to be a bit under estimated. As Goalkeeper Pickford would be awesome - he can marshal the team from the back as captain and is English but CFC certainly wont buy him unless Clearlake sells the club. James Trafford would a good pick for the capabilities CFC is looking for plus he is homegrown and will fit the age and salary caps. Petrovic as second keeper and Jorgensen on loan. Every time Jorgensen dilly dallies with the ball at his feet trying to "play from the back" not only do his team mates have their hearts in their mouths, the fans are at the verge of having a stroke.
I like the fact that Pickford is vocal but if and it’s a big if we get a commanding and vocal centre back that will not be quite as important. I think Semenyo is better than Mateta but wouldn’t have either. Your picks for strikers is my preference. I believe just as important is an experienced holding midfielder because Lavia can’t stay fit and that’s an issue with a number of players. We do seem to buy injury prone players. The summer will tell us a lot about the owners.
Bring Petrovic back, tah on a free, then sign Gyokeres/osihmen, stop mucking about with kids
Yes yes yes, let's just bring big mentalities rather than keep buying the "world biggest prospects"!
Also means we'd only be "spending" on the striker, given Tah is a free agent and we already own Petrovic....
Totally!!! And, why not do clever business finally? We've been in shopping spree for almost 3 years for NO REASON. Could've spent 3 times less to bring 3 times better players but that's another topic.
If Tah didn't happen, there are other alternatives too. Guehi could also be smart business give his clause when we sold him. Petrovic is ours and we need to give another chance unless we go for the best in class in that position. Rest of the keepers - can we find them new clubs please!
Lastly, Jackson would look good on the left wing (where we can save money too). Keep up his game time, release him from the dreadful task of no9 (which he's not).
Amen to all of that brother. If we can see it though, you can guarantee dumb and dumber will do completely the opposite
I voted for Petrovic to be bought back as goalie because frankly he should have been this seasons number 1 and Sanchez should have gone to Strasbourg.
You got me on the mystery goalie because being devious I thought perhaps those were Kepa’s stats. lol
CB has to be Tah with Guehli a close 2nd.
Striker well Jackson is too good to drop so would be a nailed on LW starter but I went for Gyko and Delap upfront for the contrast in approach.
I did think about adding Kepa's in, but when I saw the stats from mystery GK I was so pleasantly surprised I had to share!
Kepa!!!
No thank you!
Nobody is suggesting Kepa, Darren. It was a joke around the mystery goalkeeper
I know that Luke!👍
I'd still have Sanchez over him anyday and im NOT joking!🙂.
The temptation must have been incredible lol
Maignan, Tah, Osimhen. Done.
Maignan will sign an extension with Milan if he didn't do it yet.
Probably, but if they don’t get CL and our SDs get a lobotomy it could happen
There is always a chance, no doubt. I don't think aims PL as next step in his career. He's no 1 at Milan and no 1 for France. On top of that his salary is good enough to keep where he is at. Last but not least, we need to pay really big money for him if chances are there which I doubt it. Let's see what happens in the summer though.
Mateta is levels above Delap in each and every aspect. Delap will be a disastrous signing (I don't doubt it will happen by the way, unless we get someone competent in to stop us just buying all of City's ex-academy players).
Pickford? Nope. Not in a million years.
Would be interested to hear your reasons behind Delap and Pickford comments Mitch?
Especially Pickfords baring in mind he is almost in the top 5% of goalkeepers across europe for every statistic. It's the reason is disnt disclose his name originally as I think the stigma around him diminishes his actual performances and ability.
Delap was unconvincing in the Championship (12 goals in 68 games across 3 loans). He reminds me hugely of flavour of the month signings who had a brief hot spell and then regressed (the likes of Piacek and Luka Jovic spring immediately to mind).
I just don't see his style of play, which is basically fouling anything that moves, working at CFC. He is not a threat in the air from crosses (5 headers on goal the entire season) and you're paying top, top, top of the market for a player on a 6 month hot streak.
Delap doesn't have the pedigree of an Evan Ferguson (for example), but I think Mateta is the absolutely ideal signing. Personally I'd have taken either Samu or Duran last summer, but Mateta is simply levels above Delap and would be a much better signing.
Delap's "bull in a china shop" approach might unsettle some teams, but how would it help us break down deep, packed defences?
As for Pickford, he's just too short, and atrocious on crosses.
Fergurson pedigree??
13 goals in 60 games for Brighton.
Delap 10 goals in 22 games in the Prem.
Fergurson has NO pedigree.
He's been injured for 2 years.
Been at West Ham for a month.
2 subs appearances.
Ferguson is a talent but he is way way overrated, I saw somebody call him the next Kane the other day😂
He has more pedigree chum than pedigree…
Ferguson is several levels above Delap.
No disrespect to Luke or anyone else.
I'd pick Pretrovic once again over Pickford. Pickford has shown so many rookie mistakes this season which is common for him. Otherwise, he's been a consistent goalie over the years but just an average one. He's not an upgrade to any of our keepers really. Either go big with that position and buy the best or stick with what you have. Enough to the average buys.
I'm also not a fan of Delap, just because he's unproven yet and his price tag (hugely inflated). Could just spend the money elsewhere without any hesitation. Mateta is def a better pick in the summer given our needs, the profile and experience.
Here's what I would do:
GK - if we had the funds, I'd go for Costa, but more realistically, I'd go for Bulka or bring Petrovic back.
CB - I'd bring in two and sell Disasi and Chalobah will probably be sold too. I'd bring Hujisen in as a young centre-back alongside a more experienced option like Guehi or Dias.
CF - My preferred option is Delap. I absolutely adore him. If we want to bring in two strikers, I'd bring Mateta and Delap, as Mateta doesn't block Delap's development in any way. Additionally, Mateta's Prem proven.
I wanted to ask you if you could also make an article about LWs and possibly full-backs and midfielders that we could bring him, as it seems we'll bring players in there too?
Of course Michael, I will do that for next week.
How do you feel about the Jackson LW shout?
I do think Jackson would be good on LW, but as wingers are so important for Maresca's system, I'd prefer to go in for a profer winger. My pick would be Gittens here.
Glad to say I guessed your mystery players! Pickford is obviously a good keeper, but I think there's a major sticking point when it comes to his passing stats: who he's passing to. Everton have giants in their side that we really don't. He can play long or medium and expect players like Calvert Lewin, Beto, or Doucoure to at least challenge for every ball.
Not my first choice purely because of his height, but he definitely brings vocal leadership at the back, which can only be a positive.
Mateta I like, but I think he'd be overpriced. He's very important to Palace who are already likely to lose Guehi and Eze this summer so won't be pressured to sell. He's the sort of Ground/Guirassy signing that I'd really like us to make though. If he came in at that sort of <20m range, I'd be happy.
I see your Pickford point but if we make the right signings he would have outlets to play to.
He has an ongoing contract debate (Mateta) I believe, Palace are reluctant to let him go into next season with only 2 years left, effectively leaving them in the position they were in with Guehi a year or so ago where now they will lose so much value on it, could be an opportunity to seize.
Seeing as I doubt we'd go for Delap AND Oshimen, as the way our club is run now.
Delap and Mateta would do me.
2 years left on his deal, would be a good time to move.
Oh that's interesting. No doubt someone will take a stab at it then. Have a feeling we'll only move for Delap up front though, unless someone offers us decent money for Jackson and he decides he's had enough for whatever reason.
I would imagine you are correct in terms of only one striker, but maybe we will be pleasantly surprised (he says with fingers and toes crossed)
Great article and interesting view of what could be the future.
Interestingly, I have been speaking to some of my friends/CFC supporters about the forward situation and we have come to the conclusion, following my leadership! 🤣 moving Jackson to the left is ideal and meets our need for additional LW player and I agree with your two number nines upfront
Cheers Craige, always love to hear your feedback!