1. striker - i agree we need one, but thinking about Ade and Defoe compared to last season there is definitely something missing. That something is a creative midfielder who can get them into better chances, we haven't replaced Modric or VdV.
We have creative players in midfield, that isn't the problem. Bale has created 85 chances with only 12 assists. We need proper consistent quality up front. We have done for a long time. A new midfielder isn't going to fix this problem, it's like putting sellotape over a hole in the wall..
2. a proper winger - I don't understand this at all. AVB wants to move to a 4-3-3. Dembele + Sandro + one more midfielder (hopefully being brought in). Then the front line will be ST + Bale + Winger. I don't see a need for another. We have Siggy, Dempsey, Townsend, Lennon, and a handful of youngsters. A winger is unnecessary, yet we could improve. I'd probably swap winger to number 5 and push everything up one on your list.
Not really surprised to be honest, but I'm not sure have you noticed this but currently we only have 2 actual wingers at the club. Now I don't know about you, but I would not consider that strength in depth. Especially if you want to be playing in the champions league, make shift wingers like Holtby and Sig aren't going to cut it, and with a bit of luck Dempsey won't be here next year.
4. Cover for Sandro, then Parker can go - I don't agree here. Let's say we have Sandro healthy and we do sign a creative CAM. Our midfield would consist of Dembele + Sandro + CAM. On our bench we would have Holtby, Siggy,Dempsey, Hudd, Livermore, Parker. I don't think Livermore will cut it so i don't see a point in him being on this. Parker is 32 and turning 33 in October, we wouldn't get much money and wouldn't clear a significant portion of wages. Parker could be a very, very good 3rd or 4th choice CDM.
Why did you include him then? But regardless, he mentions cover for Sandro and you reference Holtby, Sig and Dempsey. None of which are defensive midfielders. Great argument.
5. LB - BAE should be gone. We're left with Rose, Fryers, and Vertonghen. Unless we're going to get Baines on the cheap there is no point in buying him. Shaw, I'm very, very excited about, yet i'd rather buy a CAM and ST rather than getting Shaw. If we're buying a left back, I want Shaw or Baines on the cheap.
Why am I not surprised at all. Of course you want Baines. Why wouldn't you? He's knocking on 29 and is going to be well overpriced based on the fact he is English and playing in the Prem. Exactly the kind of player we want to go for right? Defiantly worth shifting out the LB we came fourth, twice with for.
6. RB - I see no need in a right back. Next season Adam Smith will be back and be the backup for Walker. Walker needs rest, considering he's played almost every single match.
I agree we need not sign another right back, but is Naughton not Walkers cover? Rather than a player who has never played at the highest level..