On one hand, I agree we're allocating resources in a way that reduces our chance to win at times.
On the other, I disagree our recruiting emphasis on centre halves and fullbacks proves we're not interested in offence.
We spend big on ball-playing defenders because they let us play a front 5 or 6 with security, leading to the hallmarks of our game model: aggressive pressing and territorial domination.
Spending big on defenders does mean we're not shelling out that cash on ball striking unicorn wingers and strikers. It doesn't mean we're not interested in offence. As the story goes, we're scoring more goals than ever before, yada yada.
The weakness in our game isn't that we struggle to mount attacks in open play. The weakness is that we struggle for the highest peak of unstoppability against defences comparable to our own for talent and organisation.
With our recruitment we've sacrificed that sharpest possible cutting edge and invested in domination and control everywhere on the pitch. We destroy on stats-nerd artefacts like "field tilt" or "final third touches" without always getting three points to match.
If just one of Martinelli, Jesus, Trossard and Havertz was in any sort of scoring form we might not even be noticing the goal problem. Just one of the four. Unfortunately those four names are now respectively a developmental crisis, parasite, passenger and enigma that regularly go onto the team sheet.
We need a "Rice" up front or on the left, preferably both. I would put any of these four on the market to get in these signings if we have to, but I'd probably flog Jesus, Martinelli, Trossard then Havertz for priority.
