Ko Itakura

He honestly looks like the definition of an Ange defender. Get him in the door fs.

 

A new solid CDM is an absolutely must signing for me. Haven’t seen enough of this guy to know if he fits this mould.

One thing about him that would be really beneficial is his versatility.

 

The idea that the number 6 needs to be a tank is outdated nowadays anyway. Makalele, Kante, Gueye, Veratti, Fernandinho, etc. Ability to read the game & a good engine are the two most important aspects for CDM's

 

It isn't a must but we've got such a small squad overall that we could do with some big lumps in that can head a ball and won't be outmuscled..

Rogic and Bitton are/were probably the tallest player's in our first team along with Jullien and they weren't exactly powerhouses or good in the air..

It's an important part of the game. We stick a lot of ball's in from open play, corners and set pieces.....and only Jackie and Carter-Vickers are any kinda threat. Ralston as well sometimes..

 

FFS. Obviously nothing to do with Japanese specifically (other than the problem of non-UEFA international fixtures taking 5 first team players) but something about when clubs go all in on one nationality (eg Wolves now with Portuguese) I feel like at a point it becomes more cursory rather than purposeful and you maybe become too focused on one market and blind to other better options available.

FWIW though I've watched more videos of his now and he looks excellent.

 

I thought that only happened this season because they were delayed due to covid?

 

Obviously wouldn't be turning down Number 6's that are similar to the likes of Kante, Fernandinho etc, but a big issue with our midfield is it's very lightweight, it's been that way since Wanyama left.

Adding some much needed physicality there will help us majorly in Europe and against the huns.

 

Is that right? Didn't know that. Great news if true.

 

I get your point in terms of typical big build strength but I think we'd all be surprised at how physically dominant even the guys above are in their own way. Bet they're all tanks despite their size and have stamina/energy through the roof and an elite recovery time. That's what we're lacking in the centre of the park too, though a bit of height/strength wouldn't go amiss either.

 

Not against having a tank in the middle in the slightest, let me just get that out there. I just wonder if a tank would suit Ange's game the way a smaller, more technical ball winner would.

If you asked me whether we could have 2016 Wanyama or Itakura, don't get me wrong I'd be getting Wanyama back at Lennoxtown the next day, but I'm willing to give this guy a chance.

 

Alright * it, I'm on board. Bring him home

 

Couldn’t agree more. Again, nothing racial about it: it’s a case of wanting the best players available to us in the market; not just those that might be better known to our manager and/or those who’ve been involved with City Group clubs.
I find the Wolves-Portuguese and (to a lesser extent) West Ham-Czech thing a bit embarrassing for them tbh: just smacks of a total lack of imagination or real vision in their recruitment. Don’t want us to end up like that.

That said, if the guy can make the sort of impact that justifies the fee being spoken of for him, I’d be all for him signing. I just get the feeling that for that money, we could probably get a better rotation CB or first-choice DM elsewhere.

 

If he comes in it’s directly to fight between him and Starfelt for a place I think. As excellent as they’ve been since the cup final, I still think him and Taylor’s the obvious ones to replace.

As much as I want a powerful destroyer of a DM that can play a bit I think Ange is delighted with what McGregor does there and won’t want to seek another option.


I want a Bitton that has Wanyama’s build there but.

 

Schalke doesnt have the money and wont be triggering the buy-out clause.
https://www.transfermarkt.de/berich...en-ndash-kaufoption-zu-teuer/view/news/405145

 

Schalke won the league and promoted, I imagine this could hinder them in the future with clubs wanting to give them loans to buy in the future.

 

They did just get promoted but they're now going to have the lowest wage budget of any team in the Bundesliga, their financial situation is very bad. The only way they were ever triggering this buy clause was if they knew for certain they could flip him for instant profit. It's a bit sad to see a team that size so crippled financially.

 

If we can do a loan to buy that would be ideal.

Solid player in on loan and keep the cash to strengthen other areas.

But I would assume there will be interest from Bundesliga sides for permanent deal.

 

This one doesn’t excite me tbh

 

Do you trust in Ange?