TheBigToePunt
Member
- Country
England
I cannot fathom the preoccupation with squad depth. For one thing, we'll be in Europe until the group stage ends, perhaps a round more, but certainly it won't be a regular event. To try and have two proper senior players for each position is total overkill the moment we exit Europe.
Moreover, as you point out, our best XI is very weak. It doesn't matter how often you can swap players around without reducing the standard of the team if that standard is too low.
It feels to me like these two things are connected. Take Munoz as an example. We've cashed in and seem to have replaced him with two players effectively in Mingueza and Khalaili, both of whom are younger. Great, but are either actually as good? Depth is not the same as quality.
Finally, I really think that squad depth is overrated. Playing every week is a massive part of a players development. It's why Guehi, Olise etc signed for us instead of one of the big clubs. For us to have two players we rotate for any given position rather than one clear first choice is not only a questionable use of resources, it hinders that players growth. It also stops them taking ownership. There are far too many footballers floating around counting their "minutes' these days, mugging themselves off that they are important because the manager uses them for the finish of the game. You get far more from a person who feels depended upon and responsible for the results, rather than only part involved. That needs to be weighed against tired legs and fatigue.
I'd rather we just had a good XI with a bit of cover than a strong squad. That's how we did well under most of our previous managers.