24/05/2026
FireSide
**Survival Meter- Attack"
This is one area I believe will need serious strengthening.
55-80- Natural Fits
Palmer & Estevao- They both love playing as 10's and half spaces. Preferred starters here when fit. They should both enjoy the one-two's and high mobility Alonso gives to his attacking players. Alonso's system also reduces the big spaces, wild pressing. It should help with injuries prevention they have been accustomed to in recent times.
Joao- Alonso wants his 9's to drip in between lines to link up plays as well as play in the defensive lines shoulders to exploit through balls. This is Joao's bread and butter. He should thrive.
41-50- Can Adapt
Delap - If he can get his head out of WWE and think more about soccer, he can adapt. Mainly because of how he plays on the CB shoulders and how he runs channels. If he doesn't, Ipswich are back in the Premier League.
Neto- I see his adaptability more as a wingback. He has the work rate, pace and a sprinkle of defensive attributes to do it. As a 10, his close dribbling technique is a sell out.
0-40 High Risk
Gittens- I see no defensive attributes for the wingback role. I haven't seen anything to see him as a 10. He should adapt or be amongst the first casualties
Garnacho- Have seen some things that you can use as a false 10. His liking for receive, run, pass, receive and shoot around and inside the box can be a weapon. But that's where the positives end. Must adapt or perish too.
WildCards
Quenda- His abilities are well known. He should do well in the half space role. Also ready made for the wingback role.
Satpaev- This kid reminds me of Lautaro Martinez and Kun Aguero. Elite movement, positioning and Finishing. I seriously rate this boy.
Emegha- Good movement and positioning especially around the back post areas. But I have some big reservations with him. Mostly his liking to make second touches before he can finish. Luxury strikers are rarely afforded in the EPL. We will have to see if he can be coached.
Jackson - Time at Bayern should have had him in retrospect of some of the kiddish attitude he used to have. If addressed, Nico is a potent tool that can be effectively used in a number of roles in attack. Half Spaces and Hybrid 10-9. Compound with his pressing and work rate, if no buyers are found you can slowly reintegrate him back into the fold.
The biggest mistake Alonso can make is to come in and try to fit our "big players wingers" in a dynamic formation.
First because they are entirely useless even in their "primary roles" and second because it exposes the weaknesses of other players who have key and working strengths.
We need :-
✓ covers for both Palmer and Estevao.
✓ Ball Playing Cover CB for Colwill
✓Another CB
These are the immediate ones that cannot be addressed from the Blue Co ecosystem.
✓ Left Wingback
✓ Right wingback
✓ Striker Cover...
These can be addressed from the ecosystem.
