Having watched visiting teams tower above a sometimes pint-sized City team over the last few seasons, things look set to change this year with the new signings providing a much bigger, physical presence across the park.
Psycho’s new additions, on the whole have added a new and much needed dimension to the squad, and that is of course height.
It struck me yesterday as I watched City for the first time this season during the defeat against Porto that we, at last, were significantly bigger and more physical than the opposition – yeah I know we got beat, but that was a meaningless game.
Although they were not all on display yesterday, our midfield ( Reyna aside – see my previous article ) look much more formidable with the likes of Barton, Hamman and Dabo mixing it in the middle of the park.
Up front, the likely first choice strike partnership of Samaras and Corradi are probably the biggest in the Premiership and opposing defenders will not relish the physical and arial challenge this will present. Ishmael Miller, although still a young, raw talent is a big strong lad whose presence will punch holes in defences. Dickov is the exception up front, but what he lacks in physical stature is more than made up for in tenacity and commitment.
Cole and Vassell for me are too small to be an effective strike force and their strengths need to be exploited in other ways, perhaps in different positions and formations.
With all this extra height in the team, it was clear yesterday that what we are now crying out for is a quality winger than can provide a stream of accurate crosses for the big guys. Too many times yesterday, we aimlessly tried to go through the middle which forced a frustrated Samaras to drift out to the left wing; a complete waste of his talents.
I just wonder now, whether we should have held on to Crofty, as that is the sort of player we need now to take advantage of our new found height. I don’t think Sinclair can do the job due to increasing injury problems and his coming towards the end of his career. SWP would also fit the bill, but I don’t think even Psycho can persuade Mourinho to let him come back; if it was ever going to happen, it would have happened by now.
Hopefully, Psycho is still busy trying to add more quality to the squad, but after yesterday it’s clear to me that in addition to a new ‘keeper, top priority is a winger. Anybody suggest someone who would fit the bill?
Now just what would Mike Summerbee be worth these days?
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