Here is the first in a series of articles talking about Squad changes.

At this time we should all be aware our current squad has deficiencies in terms of makeup, numbers of reliable squad players, player positioning and a preponderance of injuries. Our current deficiencies are:

1. Lack of height in the DMF and at CB.
2. Lack of a true, pacey winger who can score goals consistently.
3. Many players playing out of position.
4. Lack of all round veteran leadership to steady the “Young Guns”.
5. A Medical/Conditioning staff which seems unable to keep our lads on the field and who seems to lack ability in diagnosing and remedying seemingly innocuous ailments.

First things first, let us overhaul our Medical staff and add a few fresh faces with new ideas and innovative treatment technologies.

Subtractions:

a) Get rid of Hoyte, Kerrea Gilbert and Gilberto. Let Flamini go and Lehman also if he so desires.
b) Send Walcott (Mixed feelings about this), Djourou, Traore and Merida out on loan for half a season to get daily playing time and monitor their progress to see whether they will show they are worthy of a permanent squad position.

Squad and possible replacements/additions:

GK: Almunia, Fabianski, ??????
Note: If Lehman leaves we will have to find a replacement. Should we bring up Vitto Mannone as the third GK or should we go all out and find a world class starter.

Wing Backs: Sagna, Clichy, Eboue, ??????
Note: Gallas can cover at LB if needed until Traore rounds into shape so we may not need to get additional cover.

Central Backs: Toure, Gallas, Senderos, ??????, Djourou (After loan spell )
Note: Maybe we go after Wheater or Dawson

Defensive MF: Song, Diaby, Toure (as needed)
Note: Beefs up our height in midfield and adds pace for counter attacks.

Attacking MF: Rosicky, Hleib, Fab, Denilson, Eboue as cover on the right

Wingers: Vela, Walcott (when he returns from loan), ????????, Eduardo (as cover when he returns from injury)
Note: Could Modric be the answer here, or why not Juan Román Riquelme?

Strikers: Adebayor, Bendtner, Van Persie, Eduardo, Vela and Walcott as cover when needed.

Old Heads: Thuram, ??????, ??????
Note: Give me an “Old Head” like Ray Parlour and Thuram who will show up to play when called upon and provide leadership on an everyday basis. Who knows, maybe Pires would be interested in returning to offer leadership and support in his twilight hours.

Youngsters: Merida, Randall, Traore, Gavin Hoyte, Barazyte, Havard Nordtveit

The only question which remains is whether we should bite the bullet and bring in a “Game Changer”? Do we need someone like a Thierry Henry in his day, Ronaldo, Kaka, Ronalddinho or Robinho who can single handedly create a magical moment to individually score an unassisted goal and create awe and inspiration in his fellow players and on looking spectators alike.
– Barcelona has their Messi, Ronaldinho and Eto’o with up and coming stars Giovani dos Santos and Bojan Krkic biding their time.
– Inter Milan has their Kaka, Seedorf and Pirlo with Gourcuff and Pato waiting in the wings.
– Manu has Ronaldo, Tevez and Rooney with Nani and Anderson looming in the near future.
– Real Madrid Has Robinho, Robben, Sneijder and Van Nistelroy.
– Chelsea has Drogba, Lampard, Essien, Joe Cole and Petr Cech (Although being a GK manages to win a few games on his own every year).

Arsenal has their oft injured Van Persie and Fabregas (Who could surely become an impact player if he is allowed to concentrate on the offensive end). With all the talent assembled around us, could you imagine what the addition of another one or two impacts players could have on the team.

Having said all this lets have some healthy and constructive feedback without the epithets.