Fiskmås
Well-known member
I'm a firm believer in the conveyor belt approach, but I wonder if it's now moving faster than even Mr. Bloom would have predicted? Even if we keep finding diamonds in the rough that truly make a difference, such as Caicedo, Mitoma and Ferguson, is it really sustainable if we don't get to keep them for at least two seasons in the club, preferably more? It's Moises' and Ferguson's first season, and Mitoma didn't break into the squad until October, and we all know the sharks are already circling.
Sure, the next generation with Kozlowski, Ayari, Gilmour, Enciso and Sarmiento (not to forget Moder and Alzate) already have their boots laced up, but is it reasonable to think that 2-3 of them will be able to step up and have the same incredible impact as the current crop of young starters? That's pretty much what it would take to be able to dream of European places next season again if we don't manage to keep hold of our gems (and yes, I'm considering Ali Mac to be more or less gone in the summer, and probably one or two more).
So weather we qualify for Europe or not, I do believe there has to be 2-3 first-team ready signings a lá Cucurella, Estupinan or Mwepu for us to be able to push on, and a comfortable mid-table finish next season would be a great result in my sometimes humble opinion.
Sure, the next generation with Kozlowski, Ayari, Gilmour, Enciso and Sarmiento (not to forget Moder and Alzate) already have their boots laced up, but is it reasonable to think that 2-3 of them will be able to step up and have the same incredible impact as the current crop of young starters? That's pretty much what it would take to be able to dream of European places next season again if we don't manage to keep hold of our gems (and yes, I'm considering Ali Mac to be more or less gone in the summer, and probably one or two more).
So weather we qualify for Europe or not, I do believe there has to be 2-3 first-team ready signings a lá Cucurella, Estupinan or Mwepu for us to be able to push on, and a comfortable mid-table finish next season would be a great result in my sometimes humble opinion.