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[Albion] Which squad?
- Thread starter Simster
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #3
I thought it was a reasonable question too, but the poll as it stands suggests otherwise.
I thought a few would say 2 years ago and put the "low" 6th place finish down to bad luck with injuries and managerial disruption.
- Sep 3, 2010
- 6,334
As you say. The old team was better. The squad is much better.
That said, we were all thinking a lad from Derby was just about to come on before half time. As ever, luck plays a part.
That said, we were all thinking a lad from Derby was just about to come on before half time. As ever, luck plays a part.
The peak first XI in 2022/23. I remember a R5 MNFC where they went through every PL position, deciding Estupinan was the best LB, whilst Ferguson was unbelievable. This midfield was the finished article, as good as any in the PL except say Abu Dhabi’s at the time.
But this current squad with its depth is better imho.
But this current squad with its depth is better imho.
I think you’re about right. Starting midfield in the split Potter / RDZ season was better. Attacking options and bench threats better now. Defence probably similar but neither defence world beating.
- Thread starter
- #7
How about the team that lined up and battered Man Utd 4-0 at the end of the season prior to that?
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As first XIs go, we won't see many better line up for the Albion than that.
The Grockle
Formally Croydon Seagull
We didn't have the strength in depth two years ago, our preferred 20 is much stronger now IMO.
Also, not taking away from the achievements of the 6th place team it felt like it was a weak season, lots of big teams struggled. It's almost a travesty we didn't secure CL. I think this team would have achieved top four two years ago personally.
We have an underrated and somewhat underappreciated manager and he's been backed with some real talent and even with some of the high profile departures I think there's an argument this is the strongest overall squad in our history.
Also, not taking away from the achievements of the 6th place team it felt like it was a weak season, lots of big teams struggled. It's almost a travesty we didn't secure CL. I think this team would have achieved top four two years ago personally.
We have an underrated and somewhat underappreciated manager and he's been backed with some real talent and even with some of the high profile departures I think there's an argument this is the strongest overall squad in our history.
The Grockle
Formally Croydon Seagull
How about the team that lined up and battered Man Utd 4-0 at the end of the season prior to that?
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As first XIs go, we won't see many better line up for the Albion than that.
That was some first 11, I'd forgotten quite how strong it was.
Our biggest problem was the gulf in class between our best 11 and our subs/second string, I think we've addressed that now and are collectively stronger as a result.
How about the team that lined up and battered Man Utd 4-0 at the end of the season prior to that?
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As first XIs go, we won't see many better line up for the Albion than that.
Imho Estupinan 2022/23 was better than Cuckoo 2021/22. Inexplicably Estupinan’s defending deteriorated soon afterwards starting at the Amex Aug 23 versus West Ham. Defensively, with pace and power … Caicedo and Estupinan dovetailed magnificently. Mitoma’s far better and more consistent than Trossard was. Colwill and Dunk had it all as a combo.
Brian Munich
teH lulZ
- Jul 7, 2008
- 665
Crystal tips wasn’t part of then 22-23 team. The tosser was upgraded to Pervis in August 22 and Tony Bloom made a net gain of 45m.
Brian Munich
teH lulZ
- Jul 7, 2008
- 665
To answer the question, this year’s squad is definitely stronger. We were running on vapours in 2-3 games during the 2023 run in as it was. I don’t think we’ll have the same issues this year - and that’s with more injuries.
Greg Bobkin
Silver Seagull
- May 22, 2012
- 17,193
It's gotta be the one from two years ago. I've been told on here that this one has £200m-worth of DROSS!
The strength in depth this season is phenomenal.
The strength in depth this season is phenomenal.
Last sentence is very debatable. The main partnership 2 seasons ago was dunk and webbo.
Nicky Rust Fan Club
Active member
i think if you're asking which team, the two years ago was brilliant with moises, alexis and pascal, but there wasn't the back up there is now. So the squad now is far superior, except for a lack of depth in defence.
Garry Nelson's Left Foot
Well-known member
Yep, this squad is definitely stronger IMO.
The team two years ago was excellent but the depth wasn't there. As I remember it our bench options were basically Ferguson, Undav, Enciso, Buonanotte, Lallana and Gilmour. Three teens with barely a game between them, a sicknote and two players who were used very sparingly. None of them are here now, four released(if that's the right word for loans...) under our current management.
The depth we have now is almost unfathomable.
The team two years ago was excellent but the depth wasn't there. As I remember it our bench options were basically Ferguson, Undav, Enciso, Buonanotte, Lallana and Gilmour. Three teens with barely a game between them, a sicknote and two players who were used very sparingly. None of them are here now, four released(if that's the right word for loans...) under our current management.
The depth we have now is almost unfathomable.
- Nov 15, 2006
- 5,758
The squad depth means this season shades it. The bench has won us games this season whereas the squad from two years ago made us weaker at the end of games and we ended the season struggling late in games. Time will tell but I think the squad depth will see us finish this season strong. 6th or better is on the cards….with a stronger division than it was two seasons ago imo.
Brian Munich
teH lulZ
- Jul 7, 2008
- 665
Lack of defensive depth? Yesterday we had Dunk, Igor, Veltman, Kadioglu and Lamptey all unavailable - a more than decent back 5. There’s no way the 22-23 squad would’ve coped with that.
Coldeanseagull
Opinionated
If you give yourself a moment to think that our midfield now have only just finished pubity, it'll frighten you to think where we could be in a couple of years time.....
I for one realise my dummy spitting after forest was borne from personal issues and childishness, this Fabian kiddy could have his name written in the stars if he doesn't potterise and jump ship.
I could have just said the team is quite young and will only get better
I for one realise my dummy spitting after forest was borne from personal issues and childishness, this Fabian kiddy could have his name written in the stars if he doesn't potterise and jump ship.
I could have just said the team is quite young and will only get better