Of those who left, who would you have back NOW?

[Clive 1960]

Being honest the only one from last season I would have back would be Pope Tarky and Mee I just feel are a yard slow when they get turned but strong in the air , McNeill to inconsistent, cornet injury prone .

[fatboy47]

Think people are getting ahead of themselves now. The difference between the leagues is huge and I’m sure kompany would happily take back Collins, Tarks, cornet, weghorst and maybe wood and McNeil. Pope and Mee simply wouldn’t fit our current style of play.

Why do we think the players we brought in are valued lower and why is weghorst playing for Man Utd, Tarks for Everton etc. Yes it’s an interesting call but imagine if Man Utd were playing barnes or jay up top - truly ridiculous compared to WW. To say we wouldn’t have any of them is a bit ridiculous.

Sure.... A team floundering around playing lump ball at the foot of the Prem, getting the p1ss taken and aiming for smash and grabs every week must have been way superior to one that's 20 points clear in the champ..winning 10 on the trot and dry bumming anyone that comes near.

[mikeS]

Ben Mee Nick Pope and Kieron Trippier.

[Colburn_Claret]

A fit Cornet would be excellent in this side.
The rest although brilliant, just wouldn't suit our system.
Nick will never be able to play as Muric, and Tarks and Mee, although better defenders, couldn't knock the ball about like Beyer, THB, Ekdal or Al-Khilal.

[Darthlaw]

Whilst it's all redundant because its pure fantasy, it's certainly and interesting concept that arguably the best GK in English football, proven over multiple seasons in the PL, who previously was a part of our team that got into Europe - wouldn't get into our side because he wouldn't fit our system of a quarterback style goalkeeper. Even more so when you consider Peacock-Farrell (hardly Pirlo) hasn't exactly inhibited our team when he's had the shirt. This backed up by the fact we've smashed the mighty likes of Birmingham City, Preston and Swansea (which we've only been doing for four months).

Akin to saying you'd knock back Messi, because he doesnt track back as well as Brownhill.

[daveisaclaret]

Burnley get relegated and are now top of a league at a much worse standard and it seriously seems like a majority on here have decided not just that Dyche's Burnley were crap but so is most of the Premier League.

I think we'll be fine next season and probably for as long as VK is in charge but I still think people are in for a serious awakening once they see us back in that league week in week out.

[HagridsHut]

When at their peak of playing for us - Ings, Gray, Trippier, Keane, Cornet, Defour

[Colburn_Claret]

Burnley get relegated and are now top of a league at a much worse standard and it seriously seems like a majority on here have decided not just that Dyche's Burnley were crap but so is most of the Premier League.

I think we'll be fine next season and probably for as long as VK is in charge but I still think people are in for a serious awakening once they see us back in that league week in week out.

Whether Dyches Burnley were crap or not, is irrelevant.
SD did what he had to do, and I'm glad he did, otherwise we wouldn't have enjoyed the last 10 years.
The question was would you take any of the players who left?
The only realistic answer is No.
Nick Pope is brilliant, and a better keeper than Muric, but there is no way he would play in VKs team, and with good reason. If you don't understand that then you haven't been watching. It isn't a diss of previous Clarets, they all did a fantastic job for us and the team. BUT, they couldn't do a job in this team.
It's true that the difficulties will be far greater next season, but it makes no difference. VK will not change his philosophy or style in order to compete in the Prem, just as he didn't change track when we struggled to get results over the line in those first few weeks of the season. He will stick with it, and make the players learn from any lessons we get.
I would have thought that after all this time, 10 wins in a row, 17 pts clear of third, that people would be with the programme.

[Lancasterclaret]

I can see the points being made by both sides here, but this side would need some reinforcements to do well in the premier league I feel

But it is impossible to tell until it happens

I understand the Muric/Pope argument, and it will be interesting to see how Muric fairs when the opposition aren't completely dominated all the time

[LDNBFC87]

I can see the points being made by both sides here, but this side would need some reinforcements to do well in the premier league I feel

But it is impossible to tell until it happens

I understand the Muric/Pope argument, and it will be interesting to see how Muric fairs when the opposition aren't completely dominated all the time

I'm excited for next season but also fear how Muric will cope with the opposition getting in behind us and whipping in crosses on the reg.

[Darthlaw]

I would have thought that after all this time, 10 wins in a row, 17 pts clear of third, that people would be with the programme.

Happen its from those who have a memory which extends further than our most recent 4 month run of form?

Considering how intrinsic Muric is to our play It's a wonder we picked up any points at all when BPF played, let scored 7 and conceded 1 in the 4 league games he's appeared in this season.

If you think this very poor division is a barometer of how our players will perform in the PL, I'd suggest it's not us who are 'not with the programme'

[Lancasterclaret]

One thing I would say that the ball to the centre midfielder from Muric, who then switches it out wide would be something that would be very hard to pull off in the premier league

The extra pace and know how would make that a hell of risky play

But we will see!

[Colburn_Claret]

Happen its from those who have a memory which extends further than our most recent 4 month run of form?

Considering how intrinsic Muric is to our play It's a wonder we picked up any points at all when BPF played, let scored 7 and conceded 1 in the 4 league games he's appeared in this season.

If you think this very poor division is a barometer of how our players will perform in the PL, I'd suggest it's not us who are 'not with the programme'

You should try reading my posts before you reply, instead of reading what you think I said.
I said it was going to be difficult, I also said that VK won't change our style even if we struggle.
You cannot put Nick Pope, or Tarks, or Mee in our team without having to change our system, and if we tried to keep to the system with them in, we really would struggle.
Horses for courses, and they wouldn't fit in.

[claretspice]

Wood, McNeil, Collins, Tarkowski I'd have back in seconds. They'd all get in this team. The Championship is a competitive league but it's miles weaker than the Premier League. Those 4 players are all operating at a higher level and would all improve this team right now. You can make a case for Cornet but his fitness record is a concern, and Mee is coming towards the end of his career.

As Lancaster says, there are lots of things about the way we play which will need to both adapt and step up significantly to make it work in the Premier League. Otherwise we'll end up like Norwich - I can recall the time Norwich came to Burnley 3 seasons ago and were pressed to the point of not being able to get the ball out of their own back third without Burnley pinching it because of exactly the issue Lancaster identifies with balls across the back 4. That means we'll have to adapt the way we play, and it also means being realistic about the standard of the Championship and what it needs to compete. If he doesn't sign for Forest permanently, we could do a lot worse than Wood on a season long loan next season. The other 3 mentioned are probably out of reach, but they're the sort of calibre we'll be looking for to improve us for the challenge of the Premier League.

The interesting one is Pope. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, but there's no way he'd be able to play the way we're playing now and I suspect Muric's longer range distribution will be key to us adapting next year (much like Raya has been super important to Brentford playing longer effectively).

[Denno97]

Nick Pope as a BPF replacement. That’s it

[RVclaret]

Wood, McNeil, Collins, Tarkowski I'd have back in seconds. They'd all get in this team. The Championship is a competitive league but it's miles weaker than the Premier League. Those 4 players are all operating at a higher level and would all improve this team right now. You can make a case for Cornet but his fitness record is a concern, and Mee is coming towards the end of his career.

As Lancaster says, there are lots of things about the way we play which will need to both adapt and step up significantly to make it work in the Premier League. Otherwise we'll end up like Norwich - I can recall the time Norwich came to Burnley 3 seasons ago and were pressed to the point of not being able to get the ball out of their own back third without Burnley pinching it because of exactly the issue Lancaster identifies with balls across the back 4. That means we'll have to adapt the way we play, and it also means being realistic about the standard of the Championship and what it needs to compete. If he doesn't sign for Forest permanently, we could do a lot worse than Wood on a season long loan next season. The other 3 mentioned are probably out of reach, but they're the sort of calibre we'll be looking for to improve us for the challenge of the Premier League.

The interesting one is Pope. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, but there's no way he'd be able to play the way we're playing now and I suspect Muric's longer range distribution will be key to us adapting next year (much like Raya has been super important to Brentford playing longer effectively).

Wood next season? No thanks. Usually rate your football contributions but that’s a stinker. Forest fans right now are describing him as a useless lump who just stands there all game, Newcastle fans said the same, to me his last season with us was exactly that too.

Also, Collins is decent but who’s to say he’s better than what we have now? He did well in the Championship for Stoke but by no means was any better than THB and Beyer have been.

McNeil wouldn’t be playing on the wing in this system, probably as an advanced 8 on the left where Brownhill / JBG play, but even then you’d lose Brownhill’s athleticism and pressing. I don’t think it’s as clear cut as you and others are suggesting tbh.

[BFC5]

Brentford fan in peace.
Always had a soft spot for the clarets. You’re storming the champ and look destined for a return back to the Prem.
Interesting views on Ben Mee, he has literally been amazing for us, battler, leader, not the quickest but undroppable at present. His form will probably spell the end of Pontus Jansson’s career with us.
I wonder how you will go in the Prem if Kompany persists with your current style of play?
I must admit Brentford in the champ played a very similar style to you and could walk through teams, but as you know the prem is totally different; there is no way we could out-football most teams in this division, we have really had to adapt our style of play, we are a lot more direct, still try to play a bit, but we have to play to our strengths and admittedly we have had a lot of success from set pieces etc.
Be interesting to see how you go… all the best Burnley!

[PremierLeagueClass]

Wood is past it now at that level. Very poor last season and he hasn’t shown anything since to suggest it was just a temporary loss of form.

[Darthlaw]

The interesting one is Pope. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, but there's no way he'd be able to play the way we're playing now and I suspect Muric's longer range distribution will be key to us adapting next year (much like Raya has been super important to Brentford playing longer effectively).

This is fair, however I think the key difference is Raya's shot stopping ability which is still unproven in Muric. As you've said, we're likely to be more pressed at the back in the PL, so the current ability to play 3-5-3 with Muric effectively being a third centre half will be useless in the PL. That's where I'd take Pope for his far superior ability to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

IMO had Kompany started the season with Pope and had the option to keep him, we'd be playing a not too dissimilar passing game (albeit without the passing from the GK), we'd still be annihilating the Championship and Muric might not even be a BFC player.

[CoolClaret]

Wood, McNeil, Collins, Tarkowski I'd have back in seconds. They'd all get in this team. The Championship is a competitive league but it's miles weaker than the Premier League. Those 4 players are all operating at a higher level and would all improve this team right now. You can make a case for Cornet but his fitness record is a concern, and Mee is coming towards the end of his career.

As Lancaster says, there are lots of things about the way we play which will need to both adapt and step up significantly to make it work in the Premier League. Otherwise we'll end up like Norwich - I can recall the time Norwich came to Burnley 3 seasons ago and were pressed to the point of not being able to get the ball out of their own back third without Burnley pinching it because of exactly the issue Lancaster identifies with balls across the back 4. That means we'll have to adapt the way we play, and it also means being realistic about the standard of the Championship and what it needs to compete. If he doesn't sign for Forest permanently, we could do a lot worse than Wood on a season long loan next season. The other 3 mentioned are probably out of reach, but they're the sort of calibre we'll be looking for to improve us for the challenge of the Premier League.

The interesting one is Pope. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, but there's no way he'd be able to play the way we're playing now and I suspect Muric's longer range distribution will be key to us adapting next year (much like Raya has been super important to Brentford playing longer effectively).

In regards to the Norwich similarities/critique - we’re a world apart imo.

Our systems are different, they were still heavily reliant on one player to bag (Pukki) and had players like Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson & Tim Krul to beat our well drilled press.

Muric and co are quicker of mind, better technically and more assured on the ball than any of them guys.

Oh and I think Josh Cullen is better than Billy Gilmour who was playing as their pivot

[Lancasterclaret]

Its also worth bearing in mind that our players will be wanted in the premier league after this season

We won't be keeping all of them, and if we get insane offers, we will be selling them

Thats just the way a club like ours has to be run

As Spice says, we aren't the first club to runaway with the championship, and its not a guarantee that we'll automatically do well in the premier league

The one thing that the premier league teams do that championship team do not (or just can't) is they are ruthless at exploiting both space and mistakes

We can get away with that at this level to a certain extent, but not at all in the next level

Saying all that though, we have a very good team indeed that might well fit very nicely into the prem, but not without significant reinforcements (and that is before you assume we can somehow keep all the loanees)

[PremierLeagueClass]

I probably wouldn’t take any of the players that left back, but that’s not to say they’re not good enough, just not the right fit.

To flip this question round, under Dyche a couple of years back before things deteriorated, how many of the current players would you take? Muric, THB, Beyer, Maatson, Benson and others would all have been totally wrong for the style of play.

[RVclaret]

In regards to the Norwich similarities/critique - we’re a world apart imo.

Our systems are different, they were still heavily reliant on one player to bag (Pukki) and had players like Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson & Tim Krul to beat our well drilled press.

Muric and co are quicker of mind, better technically and more assured on the ball than any of them guys.

Oh and I think Josh Cullen is better than Billy Gilmour who was playing as their pivot

Completely agree, comparisons to Norwich are poor. They recruited poorly both times they came up too, let’s not forget we’ve got a summer window awaiting with PL and VK pull. As for playing out, Muric is closer to Ederson, Krul is closer to Pope.

[AlargeClaret]

It’s a silly question really , though like others a fit Cornet and Collins as both would ( imo) slot in at prem level . While this season has been beyond brilliant, the huge difference in class
in the prem ,matched with what could be a team of almost “ prem virgins “ and an unpredictable loan situation could make for a very tough season .

[CoolClaret]

Brentford fan in peace.
Always had a soft spot for the clarets. You’re storming the champ and look destined for a return back to the Prem.
Interesting views on Ben Mee, he has literally been amazing for us, battler, leader, not the quickest but undroppable at present. His form will probably spell the end of Pontus Jansson’s career with us.
I wonder how you will go in the Prem if Kompany persists with your current style of play?
I must admit Brentford in the champ played a very similar style to you and could walk through teams, but as you know the prem is totally different; there is no way we could out-football most teams in this division, we have really had to adapt our style of play, we are a lot more direct, still try to play a bit, but we have to play to our strengths and admittedly we have had a lot of success from set pieces etc.
Be interesting to see how you go… all the best Burnley!

It’s one of them - I think much is made of us being a ‘possession based team’ but it’s not possession for possessions sake - if an opposing team sits in we aren’t going to give the ball away unnecessarily and cower away - we will get on the ball and be positive but we do go direct when the option is on (just like Liverpool do/did).

A lot of football analysis imo is fairly crap and over emphasised to fill articles. The aim is always to get the ball into positions to create chances.

I personally believe our transition game is our strong suit and against teams that will try and get a result from us we will have opportunities to score.

As for the Bees - probably one of the only London clubs I like. Up the bees

[claretandy]

Wood, McNeil, Collins, Tarkowski I'd have back in seconds. They'd all get in this team. The Championship is a competitive league but it's miles weaker than the Premier League. Those 4 players are all operating at a higher level and would all improve this team right now. You can make a case for Cornet but his fitness record is a concern, and Mee is coming towards the end of his career.

As Lancaster says, there are lots of things about the way we play which will need to both adapt and step up significantly to make it work in the Premier League. Otherwise we'll end up like Norwich - I can recall the time Norwich came to Burnley 3 seasons ago and were pressed to the point of not being able to get the ball out of their own back third without Burnley pinching it because of exactly the issue Lancaster identifies with balls across the back 4. That means we'll have to adapt the way we play, and it also means being realistic about the standard of the Championship and what it needs to compete. If he doesn't sign for Forest permanently, we could do a lot worse than Wood on a season long loan next season. The other 3 mentioned are probably out of reach, but they're the sort of calibre we'll be looking for to improve us for the challenge of the Premier League.

The interesting one is Pope. He's an outstanding goalkeeper, but there's no way he'd be able to play the way we're playing now and I suspect Muric's longer range distribution will be key to us adapting next year (much like Raya has been super important to Brentford playing longer effectively).

Rubbish, Wood is past it, Mcneil is to one footed and has no stamina, Collins maybe as back up.

[Quicknick]

McNeil and Collins for the bench. Cornet is never fit.

[claretspice]

Wood next season? No thanks. Usually rate your football contributions but that’s a stinker. Forest fans right now are describing him as a useless lump who just stands there all game, Newcastle fans said the same, to me his last season with us was exactly that too.

Also, Collins is decent but who’s to say he’s better than what we have now? He did well in the Championship for Stoke but by no means was any better than THB and Beyer have been.

McNeil wouldn’t be playing on the wing in this system, probably as an advanced 8 on the left where Brownhill / JBG play, but even then you’d lose Brownhill’s athleticism and pressing. I don’t think it’s as clear cut as you and others are suggesting tbh.

Folk were saying Barnes was a lump who was finished 2 months ago. He's recovered his mojo, got a bit of confidence from things going his way, and suddenly is playing with the air of a man re-born. Don't underestimate the power of confidence, particularly when it comes to strikers. At his best for us Wood did anything but stand still - he ran the channels effectively, had intelligent movement around the box and occupied defenders as well as scoring goals. There's of course no guarantee that a player of Woods age regains his mojo, especially not at Premier League level, given the price that even Premier League potential costs, we're going to have to take the odd gamble and I did only say a loan.

Collins is 2 years older than the last time he played in this league and is still only 21 - he's only 9 months older than THB. I suspect his ceiling is higher than any of the centre backs we've had this season and the fact he's moved for such big money twice at a time THB is still doing Championship loans underscores that.

As for McNeil - done to death. For me, he'd be effective across the 3 positions behind the striker, and could probably slot in as an 8 in this system. He's just a good footballer which is why he's played all his football, at a tender age, in the Premier League.

This all boils down to being realistic about the gap between the leagues. It's really, really big. So if players aren't looking great at Premier League level, it doesn't mean they're worse than players who are looking good in the Championship. It just means they're playing at a class above.

[CoolClaret]

Collins imo was way to highly rated by folks on here.

Made some massive blunders and did the same for Wolves early season and from there he’s regressed in a poor side.

Wood was good for us when he was 3 yards quicker and played on the last shoulder of a defender - in terms of build up play and his ability to make accurate passes to our wingers he was really poor.

He could not play the role in which Barnes/Jay is doing right now, Barnes has always been very technical as well as physical - played that deeper/second striker/pressing forward role exceptionally well for us in the Dyche years

[claretspice]

In regards to the Norwich similarities/critique - we’re a world apart imo.

Our systems are different, they were still heavily reliant on one player to bag (Pukki) and had players like Grant Hanley, Ben Gibson & Tim Krul to beat our well drilled press.

Muric and co are quicker of mind, better technically and more assured on the ball than any of them guys.

Oh and I think Josh Cullen is better than Billy Gilmour who was playing as their pivot

I was referring to the first Norwich team that came up - the one that got 94 points and 93 goals. We might be better than them, and we might play a bit differently to them (every team is different) but the parallel is reasonable - they were a team that built from the back, didn't change much at all (although neither Hanley nor Gibson played in that Turf Moor game I mention - Ben Godfrey was the mainstay of that defence), and paid the penalty. It all comes back to the point that we'll need to recruit well if and when we go up to compete, and we shouldn't be naïve about the gap.

[CoolClaret]

I was referring to the first Norwich team that came up - the one that got 94 points and 93 goals. We might be better than them, and we might play a bit differently to them (every team is different) but the parallel is reasonable - they were a team that built from the back, didn't change much at all (although neither Hanley nor Gibson played in that Turf Moor game I mention - Ben Godfrey was the mainstay of that defence), and paid the penalty. It all comes back to the point that we'll need to recruit well if and when we go up to compete, and we shouldn't be naïve about the gap.

Well actually in the promotion season their mainstay In defence was Christoph Zimmerman, the following season when they got trounced Zimmerman and Hanley split time more or less next to Godfrey.

But the point remains, Krul is not Muric, Zimmerman/Hanley/Gibson/Klose aren’t the same as Beyer, THB or Ekdal; a better comp would be when Chaz is playing there, he’s perfectly serviceable and does well but his ability to pick a pass quickly and efficiently, or drive forward into space (that isn’t the left touchline) is a fair bit off the other lads

[quoonbeatz]

As Spice says, we aren't the first club to runaway with the championship

Good point. Sheffield United did it this season.

[KRBFC]

I think anyone saying Pope and Tarkowski don't quite understand how VK's teams play. As good as Pope is at commanding his box and keeping the ball out of the net, his first touch is stinking, he lacks the composure on the ball, his passing range is non existent. Just look at Muric's heat map from last game, Pope can not do that.

Tarkowski cannot defend unless it's inside his own box whilst surrounded by team mates. He's way too slow to play a high line, exposed. I've heard pundits complain about Everton's defensive line not pushing up, sitting too deep and inviting pressure, that's to cover the flaws of Tarkowski. Go watch the Liverpool game last night, Tarkowski made 3 fouls, he gets sucked out of position so easily when not inside his own box. he ends up committing himself outwide or high up in midfield.

If you need a solid defender who will stand up against crosses and aerial bombardment or if you need someone to block a shot, JT is your man. 1v1 ball playing defender he is not, way too rash, way too slow, poor on the ball despite his ego Hollywood 60 yarders.

[KRBFC]

Weghorst and Cornet fit this style, Mcneil in a central role would be interesting, I really liked Collins but he's been awful at Wolves. Chris Wood has barely scored a goal in like 3 years.

[NottsClaret]

As usual it's somewhere in between all our old players being useless, and all the new ones are great.

Interesting about Muric, with the best will in the world, he isn't going to be pinging passes around from the half way line in the Prem. Whether he's actually a decent keeper will be more relevant, and we know Pope is pretty much the best at that old fashioned stuff (keeping the ball out).

And while we won at Bournemouth, in that cup game at Old Trafford we were brushed aside fairly easily. We looked lightweight and slow. Couldn't really lay a glove on them, physically or otherwise. I think that's something we underestimate. Collins, Tarks, Wood and Mee all had the strength or size to make an impact. You've to be a hell of a player to do that in the Prem when you're 5'9 and 10 stone.

[RVclaret]

And while we won at Bournemouth, in that cup game at Old Trafford we were brushed aside fairly easily. We looked lightweight and slow. Couldn't really lay a glove on them, physically or otherwise. I think that's something we underestimate. Collins, Tarks, Wood and Mee all had the strength or size to make an impact. You've to be a hell of a player to do that in the Prem when you're 5'9 and 10 stone.

Pretty harsh assessment of the United game. We had several decent chances, as many as they did, just they were clinical on the night (we were missing some of our best players too). That game actually gave me great confidence we can play the way we do in the PL. Muric doesn't have to be playing a third CB at the Etihad/Old Trafford, that would be stupid, but his (or any other keeper that comes in) ball playing skills will certainly be just as useful as they are now, to beat a press / retain the ball.

[quoonbeatz]

No doubt there will be some adaptation of our current style in the PL, Vinnie isn't daft. Muric is highly unlikely to be laying down many heat maps like Saturday next season because we'd be far too open against way better opposition.

Pope, Tarkowski, McNeil and Collins would all fit in and have something to add to this team. Cornet is a crock and Mee is happy where he is and coming to the end of his career. Wood's career peaked a few years ago and good as he was for us, he's less of a footballer than Barnes is. Weghorst might fit but he's starting games for United now, I doubt his ego could handle dropping back to Burnley.

[quoonbeatz]

Pretty harsh assessment of the United game. We had several decent chances, as many as they did, just they were clinical on the night (we were missing some of our best players too). That game actually gave me great confidence we can play the way we do in the PL. Muric doesn't have to be playing a third CB at the Etihad/Old Trafford, that would be stupid, but his (or any other keeper that comes in) ball playing skills will certainly be just as useful as they are now, to beat a press / retain the ball.

We did well that night and it was a good game. Agreed they were more clinical than us. But I wouldn't read very much into what was essentially a pre-season game for them.

[CoolClaret]

I personally believe that the bottom 6-8 in the Prem isn’t that far off the top three or four teams in the championship.

Look at Fulham, came up signed one (admittedly brilliant) midfielder in Palinha and are flying.

I think we could easily go toe to toe against say, Palace who are sitting in 12th no problem

[Colburn_Claret]

Brentford fan in peace.
Always had a soft spot for the clarets. You’re storming the champ and look destined for a return back to the Prem.
Interesting views on Ben Mee, he has literally been amazing for us, battler, leader, not the quickest but undroppable at present. His form will probably spell the end of Pontus Jansson’s career with us.
I wonder how you will go in the Prem if Kompany persists with your current style of play?
I must admit Brentford in the champ played a very similar style to you and could walk through teams, but as you know the prem is totally different; there is no way we could out-football most teams in this division, we have really had to adapt our style of play, we are a lot more direct, still try to play a bit, but we have to play to our strengths and admittedly we have had a lot of success from set pieces etc.
Be interesting to see how you go… all the best Burnley!

It isn't that people don't appreciate Ben Mee, with a different manager I'd have him back in a heart beat.
Great footballers don't fit into any team. Just look how many world class players have failed at Man U over the last 8 years.
We play a different game to last season, and it wouldn't suit Ben, or many of the players that left in the summer.
Will we struggle next season, quite probably early doors, but VK won't be changing the system enough to accommodate Ben.

We're all delighted that he's doing so well at Brentford, and I hope you stick it to the big 6 for the rest of the season.

[Silkyskills1]

Mc Neil

[claretcarrot93]

This is fair, however I think the key difference is Raya's shot stopping ability which is still unproven in Muric. As you've said, we're likely to be more pressed at the back in the PL, so the current ability to play 3-5-3 with Muric effectively being a third centre half will be useless in the PL. That's where I'd take Pope for his far superior ability to keep the ball out of the back of the net.

IMO had Kompany started the season with Pope and had the option to keep him, we'd be playing a not too dissimilar passing game (albeit without the passing from the GK), we'd still be annihilating the Championship and Muric might not even be a BFC player.

We would be playing nowhere near the same football with Pope. Best shot stopper in the country but he would struggle like mad playing this football and to pretend otherwise is plain wrong. Muric is key to how we play like Ederson at City when Pep shipped Hart straight out.

[KateR]

I think this first choice team mixed in with the bottom 6 from EPL we would do well and be in the top half, as things stand today. However, out of our team I think there's a good chance we lose 3 of the back 4 defenders, and if we did I'd be happy to see Collins back. I think he's young enough and can improve under KV and play the role needed in that he would fit the system with Muric, I was a big Tark's & Mee fan, especially Mee for a long time but I don't think they're what we would need for the style we play. We have 2 new CH's and they look very good in the system BUT it's only been a couple of games, so need more time to be sure for me, having Collins with them, we have a good squad for those positions. Yet, I'd still rather have Bayer as a permanent player, Tark's is a no for me

I've never been a big McNeil fan and don't think he'd get in our team, as many say Cornet, yes if fit but I think he'd be a squad player, no way I'd want to see Wood back. WW maybe but not fussed either way and he would be a squad player and not first choice, but it would allow us a plan B, don't believe it's going to happen though

Pope, still a wonderful GK but as many said, simply can not do what Muric is doing, however, I do worry slightly regarding the style of play here will be much harder to replicate in the EPL, I'm forecasting we'll have some howlers in the beginning, and we will need to be patience as they adapt. Time will be of the essence, and we won't get much of it from the top half EPL teams, I'm sure we will adapt but I doubt I'll see Muric playing sweeper keeper & third CH again as he did vs Preston.

I don't think the squad of today would get relegated next season but it would be a continual battle to stop us falling in the bottom three and VK won't go with what we have today and I don't believe we will see and of our previous players coming back, if they didn't that would be just fine with me. Having said that, I know there's no way I'd have been saying the same to the question, if we were just starting the season off, the improvement is beyond belief for me.

[Culmclaret]

None of them. We’ve moved on. It is a different model now. I don’t think any of those who left last year would fit naturally into the way we play under Kompany.

[HiThere]

I'm excited for next season but also fear how Muric will cope with the opposition getting in behind us and whipping in crosses on the reg.

You worry too much. If anything, he's the one player you should have confidence in.

[PremierLeagueClass]

I personally believe that the bottom 6-8 in the Prem isn’t that far off the top three or four teams in the championship.

Look at Fulham, came up signed one (admittedly brilliant) midfielder in Palinha and are flying.

I think we could easily go toe to toe against say, Palace who are sitting in 12th no problem

The gap is huge. Even a lower table affair in the premier league is words apart from what you get in the championship. I’m not saying that we can’t emulate Fulham’s success next season, but most fans would regard that Fulham team last season as one of the best the championship has seen, the same goes for us this season.

For every Fulham that goes up and does what they’ve done, there’s countless teams who come straight back down.

[LDNBFC87]

You worry too much. If anything, he's the one player you should have confidence in.

Ok mate

[HiThere]

The gap is huge. Even a lower table affair in the premier league is words apart from what you get in the championship. I’m not saying that we can’t emulate Fulham’s success next season, but most fans would regard that Fulham team last season as one of the best the championship has seen, the same goes for us this season.

For every Fulham that goes up and does what they’ve done, there’s countless teams who come straight back down.

The gap is huge, correct. So is the gap between us and the rest of the Championship.

[Darthlaw]

We would be playing nowhere near the same football with Pope. Best shot stopper in the country but he would struggle like mad playing this football and to pretend otherwise is plain wrong. Muric is key to how we play like Ederson at City when Pep shipped Hart straight out.

Key bit of my post was in brackets. We'd have more of a keeper than a third centre half with a goalkeepers shirt on but with Ekdal and Beyer we would still be pinging it all over the place.

As for City - Pep decided to ditch an out of form Hart a year before they signed Ederson, who was possibly better with both his hands and his feet at the time.

[Andingle]

https://twitter.com/footballhotwire/sta ... 0JUBQ&s=19