So, it looks like we’re not going to get Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. In some ways it’s commendable that he wants to stay at his boyhood club, but I think it shows a total lack of ambition. If he started at a club who were vying for top honours every season, then fair enough, but Sociedad?
I gather the club demanded he personally trigger the clause in his contract. They were playing him and it appeared that he didn’t have the bottle to call them out. I’d hope as an aggressive number 6 he’d be made of sterner stuff!
So what now for us? It appears that Arne Slot may be settling for having Ryan Gravenberch give it a go. To be honest, he’s not been awful in pre-season, but a number 6, really?
It’s such an important position. The ideal defensive midfielder should read the game beautifully and have the footballing IQ to enter Mensa. Gravenberch has shown intermittently that he can potentially play in the first team, mainly as an attacking midfielder pushing forward. He loses the ball far too often, and does not instinctively make all the right decisions. He is strong, and fast; attributes which are useful. I’m far from convinced, however.
At least, unlike last season, the attacking talent of Alexis Mac Allister is not being wasted in the role. Wataru Endo was a late bargain bucket buy last year and he did pretty well. He was never a Fabinho though, and it seems Slot doesn’t rate him. My real hope was that Stefan Bajcetic could have developed enough to start games this year. He showed such talent before his injury and has filled out this year. I understand he might need time and it would appear that he’s being sent away on loan. I love the excitement he brings and I think he’ll be a massive talent in the future. Maybe next season.
Haven’t FSG realised that a decent number 6 could be the final piece of an evolving jigsaw? I’m still hopeful that they can source a decent one in the transfer market. Maybe Michael Edwards is working his magic as we speak, and will unearth a gem that everyone seems to have heard of apart from me. Or go back in for Zubimendi, having bought him a Sociedad teddy to take to bed every night, and a San Sebastián snow shaker for his mantle piece. Or even Adam Wharton from Palace.
If we don’t buy, we’re looking at some type of Bob Paisley magic. He managed to turn Ray Kennedy into a top midfielder. I’m not sure Gravenberch has the skillset and understanding to succeed. I really hope I’m wrong.
We all want brilliant, exciting signings that whet the appetite for the new season. Whatever happens, let’s enjoy getting back to ‘real’ footy and cheer on every player that wears our famous shirt.
Come on you mighty Reds!
