I reckon squad looks pretty good..... Question is what is SD best XI....?

Squad looks stronger than ever......

Academy products Potter, RNL, Adam and Butterfield all look promising young players who could come in a do a job if called upon...... and new signings all look to be up to the job; Preece is experienced keeper with good distribution and a decent back up for Steele, Thompson is tall powerful centreback with international experience for Jamaica, Adam Hammill needs no introduction (excellent coup SD), Sodje is unknown quanitity but from what I have seen looks lievely and could be star buy, Hallfredson is also a great talent and may prove to be a regular feature. The only player missing is a target man, I'm still hoping Andy Gray will join but so far KO is playing out of his skin and filling the void (hope it continues and he proves all his doubters wrong, including me!).

Squad is now building and we have competition for places, and I'm not sure SD will know what his best XI are..... a nice problem to have!

My best XI - 4-4-2

Steele
Hassell, Foster, Thompson, Kozluk
Hamill, Anderson, JCR, Hallfredson
Bogdanovic & Macken

Comments: Thompson impressed in friendly against Man City and looks dangerous from set-plays, Hallfredson is big powerful winger who I reckon could prove to be fans favourite (see goal vs Juventus http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=590Msm93ZVA&feature=related) and JCR in central role. I know its not JCR's best position but I feel Hammill and Hallfredson are more than capable on the wings.

So come on whats your best XI?

 

I hate to be negative again but how do we know that this Hallfredson fella is going to be good enough to warrant a starting place?

People said the same about Kim Christensen & he only played 20 minutes football for the club, also JCR in centre midfield??? If that happens it just shows that Ravey Davey hasn't learned **** all from last season

 

On what basis do you think Thompson is better than Moore? He was immense on Saturday and we've only seen Thompson at CM

 

I'm all for this sort of question... but i'm glad you're not in charge of picking the team!

Firstly..... Thompson for Moore. If you were at Hillsborough you'll have seen that Big Darren was our MOTM. Yes, he'll not play every game.... but Moore over Thompson everytime. Thompson will be a good stand in.</p>

Next. JCR in centre midfield. I take it you didn't see any games towards the back end of last season when JCR played in there? No? Well, if you had... you'll have seen us get rolled over pretty much everytime he did. You'd have also seen us create absolutely nothing in any of those games too.</p>

This Icelandic fella.... time will tell. To throw him in straight away could pay off... but it might not. Hopefully a win tomorrow will see us progress in the cup and its nice to have strength in depth, should Hammill or one of the central midfielders pick up a knock.</p>

There's also the distinct possibility that Andy Gray will be a Barnsley player before the transfer window is over. We're not spending &pound;600k for him to sit about on the bench... i wouldn't have thought.</p>

Apart from that... its not bad, really.
</p>

 

Lee, couldn't agree more.

Darren Moore is a behemoth, and even at his age, still must be one of the best (not technically mind) defenders in the Championship. Thompson is a good player to have on board.

JCR; he HAS to play on the wing. Opponents HATE it. Even Shaun Wright-Phillips struggled against him last week. I think Hammill would do a much better role in the centre of the park/attacking midfield.

 

Only my opinion........ you have criticised my selection, but not suggested your own!

Moore is outstanding one game and then calamatus the next! I feel we relied to heavily upon him last season, still a great pro and good player to have around the dressing room. Thompson is a giant, and from noises I have been hearing a top player. Much as I like Moore I feel SD must pick and choose games he plays, he can outmuscle and outsmart opposition but struggles to deal with pace.

JCR is excellent winger and our most dangerous attacking player last season and therfore cannot be left out of the side. IMO if they can be accomodated in the side Hammill, JCR and Hallfredson should all start. Perhaps Hammill could play central role?

As for Hallfredson.... ok, he's my wildcard in the squad but from what I have read we have a to player. Scored an absolute screamer for Reggina against Juventus (proof he can shoot!).... has 22 full senior international caps for Iceland (so he's no mug, Christensen only had 9 U21caps)..... he 6ft 1" tall, stocky build and is described by the mail newspaper as a "powerhouse left winger" certainly talks a good game in this article. see link
http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/sport-n...purs-by-gunning-down-scotland-78057-21236487/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emil_Hallfredsson
http://vodpod.com/watch/1562037-hallfredsson-v-juventus
So from what I have seen and read about the kid, he is big strong, talented and has winning attitude...... IMO he would add height and bite to midfield that often lacked last season.

 

I can only base my strongest 11 on players i've seen play...

so...</p>

Steele</p>

Hassell
Foster
Moore
Kozluk (although i'd like to see us sign a new left back too)</p>

JCR
Colace/Butterfield (based on who were playing)
Anderson
Hammill</p>

Boggy
Macken (until Gray signs)</p>

If and when the Icelandic lad comes along, and he does indeed prove he's worthy of a first team place... then he'll dislodge whoever isn't performing.
</p>

 

the team is starting to look good and with one or two loans through the season we should have cover. The younger players should also be given a game but not game after game.

Steele
hassell foster moore kouzluk
Jcr anderson at home coalce away Hallfredson hammill. thats how i look at it know but i haven't seen Hallfredson so i wont comment much.
hammill jcr anderson/colace Hallfredson
macken odi/gray.