Sleepy wrote:Raul signing is official? There's nothing on the Schalke homepage and transfermarkt.de doesn't have news on it either. I guess they're still haggling about the wages.
Germany doesn't really need a poacher for the national team. We got enough finishing from Podolski, Müller, perhaps Özil and Schweinsteiger. We could use a smart, hardworking guy, who, just like Klose, opens space and drags defenders across the box. Ivicia Olic would be great...
I don't like Mario Gomez. Patrick Helmes can take his spot if he finally makes it through a season without getting injured. For the more distant future, Mlapa and Sukuata-Pasu look like the best talents. In 2012/2014, I guess I'd start Podolski, Özil, Kroos and Müller and play 4-6-0, with Schweinsteiger and Ballack/Rolfes/Khedira behind them.
This, this and more this. I like both of the Leverkusener up top. As for your post I agree that we don't need pure poacher, but it's very important that whoever is up top is great at timing his runs, willing to drop deep to draw defenders out of position, be able to play a quick pass and when the chance presents itself bury the oppurtunities. This is why I loved Miro's play, he was forcing defenses to pay attention to him with his ruthlessness and using that to make room for the kids with his work rate. If Helmes is ever healthy he's that type of striker which is why I'd like to see him take the spot, if he's unable I'd agree with your 4-6-0 although I would use Mueller slightly more advanced as a false nine, kinda more like Bayern uses him.
I also have liked Keissling everytime I've seen him play. Now not watching him every week I might be wrong about him but he seems to have a good touch and makes good passes to go with that massive frame and solid athleticism. Plus the kid works hard and has a porn stache, win.
Foye wrote:It's not official but I read somewhere yesterday that he has definitely decided on Schalke.
In all honesty all our strikers suck at the moment. Klose, Gomez, Kießling, Helmes, Cacau and Kuranyi neither of them is a special player.
I think Klose was special, he's ruthless in front of net and has a great feel for the game which let him deliver those perfectly timed runs that force defenders to focus on him. Unfortunately he's done and unless Kiessling or Helmes can take over I don't think we have a good replacement.
