Bamba did not play and was not injured. Held back so he’s not injured before a trade? Bamba out. Lewandowski and Casemiro in.
From Jan17th, the only thing I'd change/add is there is now justified 'growing concern' around Bamba...he clearly doesn't suck, but he also is clearly not playing/contributing at a DP level. Per bunge's post... Lewy + a DP CDM (like Casemiro) and we will not only be a 'top team in the East' we will be competing for the cup!
A DP player at DM may not be necessary if DM paired with another midfielder with offensive skills ( think recovered Franco). It may be as simple as a slight modification of positional duties by coaching staff.
OF course, but plug in a Casemiro, Pogba, Modric, etc quality vet and it would change everything for the better.
There are MLS rules limiting the number of DPs a team can have. There may be better uses for DP slot.
We both know those rules… What would you suggest is a better use of 3DP tags than Cuypers, Lewy, (Bambaout) Casemiro?
Nothing in rules stipulate Fire has to have 3 DPs now. Maybe wait and see how things develop over next 6-12 months.
We have 4U22s, an under performing DP, and transfer window opening to be able to improve our team…I sure hope GGG doesn’t sit on his hands!
Again, we all know the rules. "Have" to use is irrelevant. Why? We have been in "wait and see" mode for two decades. If we sign Lewandowski, that signals the "Win now!" attitude we have not had since 2017 (which did not work, unfortunately). It would be dumb not to capitalize on the opportunity.
Acquire Lewy -Great! Move- Bamba - perhaps Use a DP tag to acquire Casemire now- No! Wait until it is known 1) how fully recovered Franco is 2) how well it works playing Lewy and Cuypers together upfront and 3) what is most pressing need. Not suggesting doing nothing!
For the record, I am not favor of signing Casemiro. I really do not like him. The bigger point, of course, is that, if we do go with three DPs, we should use the three DPs. The only practical way to sign Lewandowski is to use three DPs, and bump up a U22. Unless we dump Bamba. That said, it would make little sense to dump Bamba without a suitable replacement in place.
Actually, that was exactly what you were suggesting. You said "wait and see how things develop over next 6-12 months"
Not my favorite either. Unless I am disremembering, OldCoach has been an advocate of dumping Bamba for months. I guess the thought is that MHS/ Dithejane would be sufficient replacement . ( Or maybe that would be a better use of third DP slot?)
Wrong-moving Bamba now would provide necessary DP slot. Untagging a U22 is another possibility. My wait and see comment related only to Casemire.
I know, but we have ZERO evidence we are dumping Bamba. We have quite a bit of evidence that are pursuing Lewandowski. I would be fine replacing Bamba. I just do not see him providing the value for the salary we pay him. I am not fine dumping Bamba to sign Lewandowski We should have three DPs: Cuypers, Lewandowski and a third. For this season, that is Bamba. As for having a Designated Player at DM, we had Gaston Gimenez!
Pretty much agree. I was addressing the idea of dumping Bamba now to get Casemire now. It. Is not necessary to dump Bamba to get Lewy.
I've been sceptical of selling Cuypers (younger, at or approaching the peak of his game, great chemistry with the team, etc.) to acquire Lewandowski. But to play both at the same time? I'm all for it. As for Bamba, he does seem off, but we don't know how the "personal reasons" for his absence are affecting him, and what exactly is going on. Plus, I would imagine with Lewandowski and Cuypers playing in tandem, Bamba's role changes. Who knows? It may be what he needs as well. I'm all for waiting and trusting in GGG.
It was rumored by a small number on xcirment that he was being shopped/offered/offers incoming. Normal business/agent/pundent shiz for a player of his caliber.
I perhaps used the wrong word. I was merely referencing earlier in the quite lengthy rumor process (which I only follow on this actual thread- certainly not "xcrement") when there was talk, or perhaps the assumption, that Cuypers would be moved to make room for Lewandowski. Or perhaps I misread that and it was "nonsense" as you say. At any rate, starting both would be fantastic.
New MIR97 5 Things we learned-point 5 - says acquiring Lewy will not help Fire win games. Wow! Not sure I agree but I do see their point. What do you think?