aggi wrote:I'd say the opposite. We can't afford to keep expecting that players will be able to perform at 100% week in, week out, season in, season out.
There's no pressure on Cork, if he plays badly we can't drop him, there isn't another player in the squad who does what we need him to do. You're right that Cork was OK after Christmas, but you can't just ignore the first half of the season (even though some posters seem to believe you can).
Personally I'd like to see us spend £20m on a central midfielder who would improve our midfield. I'd say it's probably the most important position to improve on in this transfer window.
Like I said, be delighted to see us spend £20 million on a midfielder compatible with both Westwood and Cork this summer. Just not sure it's realistic whilst we've got a highly paid former Belgium international in the squad - I'm surprised there hasn't been more talk about him moving on, and it makes me think he won't, and if he doesn't I'm not convinced we'll prioritise a central midfielder.
Not the case to say we've no-one else who can play Cork's role, by the way. Hendrick's done it. And whilst I agree with the general sentiment that Cork was below his best before Christmas last season, I suspect the reason we've seen less of Hendrick in the middle is less because Dyche doesn't rate Hendrick (he clearly does), and more because Dyche does rate Cork.
For what it's worth, my biggest priorities this summer - apart from a first choice midfielder if Defour does leave - would be an injection of pace in the shape of soemone capable of operating either out wide or up front, and a link up striker to provide a cuter option than either Barnes or Wood, plus another full back option. And if one of those players can also operate in midfield to add depth, so much the better.