Claudius a better test, though, is what makes for good football that wins trophies. I appreciate we have a magnificent defense, but we play to their strengths as well. There are other ways to get things done.

      Coombs most opposition fans I talk to are very high on Saliba, Gabriel and especially Raya. There is a ton of respect for these players. Part of why we have the strengths you highlighted is exactly because of these players. Arteta started with Leno, Sokratis, Luis Mustafi, in these positions. He could not play his football perfectly with that group for various reasons.

        MistaT I would throw Bastoni, Militao, Dias, Kim and Araujo into the conversation behind that 4

          Panda not if they’ve got a release clause. See Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth. Very good young defender, only 19/20.

              Be good to see how he does against Spurs. Don't think we will pivot from Sesko though 🤔

              flobaba Hmmm yeah he has been linked with Real Madrid and Newcastle. I'm hoping Madrid snap him up but I wouldn't want to replace Gabriel in his prime with a 20yr old.

              I just think we should be adding to our core not taking away from it. Agree with those that say Gabriel can have 1 more extension and then get his payday in Saudi at 30.

              The gaps are obvious in this team and there are plenty of options to fill them.

                  JazzG this is a crazy compilation. I love his speed on the counter. We just lack that right now. I would prioritise him if I was the new DoF.

                    Wtf was that at 42 seconds? Either the happiest accident of all time or the best piece of skill I've ever seen. No other possibilities.

                      Lukazan that’s what stuck out for me. Was skill. Not as fluid as Odegaard or Bergkamp, but certainly had a plan or reaction time to get past the defender.

                        Although I like this Hugo kid, he is not made in our (Arteta’s) current mold of striker. Physical strength, hard pressing ability, hold up play, aerial duel winning machine, those are our prioritized qualities. Sesko is the target I believe - for good or for ill. Arteta prefers to have workhorses upfront rather than thoroughbreds.

                        A whole set of clubs after him , we will have to be very convincing to land him.

                        Panda just trying to help make the math math. If he’s good enough, he’s old enough as the saying goes, and by all accounts this kid is another monster in the making. Saliba learned his trade on the job as well, and we were fine. He can be the mentor this time around.

                        Anyway, if I’m honest, I don’t know why I’m still advancing this conversation - I do like Gabriel and saw what he could potentially become early, kudos to him for leveling up his game and improving his focus. I guess I really just got triggered by the statement that without Gabriel the project was dead and that he’s irreplaceable.

                            flobaba . I guess I really just got triggered by the statement that without Gabriel the project was dead and that he’s irreplaceable.

                            As Arsène once said, "the cemeteries are full of useful people". Nobody is truly irreplaceable.

                            But maybe big Gabi comes close... 😃

                              Sound like it is imminent.

                              Quite a situation for Liverpool. Arguably 3 of their best 4/5 players are potentially going to walk for free this summer, after winning the PL with them. Salah and Van Dijk have both given their peak years to the club, both well into their 30s and I think the fans will accept that.

                              Trent is gonna sting like hell for them. Entering his peak and will walk away, local boy who has come through the academy on top. I don't blame him, he is 26 and a move like Real Madrid is a once in a lifetime opportunity, would be worse if he joined another PL club.