Originally Posted by
JuliquE
Funny you say that about Osorio, as there was a defensive burst he made, at one point (forgive me for not remembering when; was late, here, and I was tired), where I made a double-take, shocked at the speed he managed.
You're right, though: it is a tough one; I think he's struggling for fitness, and, as a result, lacking confidence, in the absence of a respectable body of work, this season. I still think, if utilized properly, he can pull his weight (even on his salary)… but it's a difficult one, to be sure, and Vanney's not much time to figure it out.
It is very strange and worrying that all our attacking TAM players started on the bench—like, that's got to have prior been unprecedented in the league.
Something's definitely off, and I think, as much as we've been relatively underwhelmed by the signings, so has Vanney, even if he tries, at times, to make lemonade with what he's given (more often seems to be making a statement about the quality he's got at his disposal).
Spot on; this was the game—that shot was the moment, when I really had to scratch my head at where Bradley fits in, anymore, and if we couldn't do better with a TAM signing.
That said, and when I came down from the disappointment, it was clear to me Bradley's still got quality in him; there's something to be said for him not getting reps further up the field in recent years (read: he can't just turn it on, at will). I think, if, going into the off-season, we rework Bradley's roll into being more two-way, and, as you say, having Delgado or someone else we maybe sign, play a DM, we might be able to get more out of him, at this point. The only problem is that leave's Osorio as the odd man out (which I wouldn't be happy with).
The growing sentiment seems to be that one of Bradley and Osorio must go, as we're rather unbalanced; it will be harder to move the latter, and so we might just be seeing the end of an era, with Bradley likely playing out his last season with us. Something about the wording, over the broadcast, when they brought up his contractual situation, had a feel like that surrounding Kawhi—like he's already decided to go, but doesn't want to be a distraction (especially as club captain). I mean, if he were staying, you'd think they'd be happy to announce it, A.S.A.P. and switch focus from things off the pitch; there's obviously a chance he stays, but I don't feel it's the likeliest outcome.
Willian would be a dream.