Latics squad lacks experience and quality?

Whiklst we have probably the biggest squad since our elevation to the Premeir League questions have to be asked about the quality and experience within the squad compared to last season

First area of concern is around the keepers. Whilst the three incumbents are the same as last season, Kirklands recurring back spasms and Politt’s age and uncertainty under crosses means that potentially Kingson is seen as the potential cahllenger to Kirkland’s mantle.

Kingson, who must be the smallest keeper in the Premeir League is no where near good enough if we are to remain in the P.L.

Conclusion.

Need Kirkland to remain fit.

Defence

The one area i’m happy with,three quality centre backs in Boyce, Scharner and Bramble the latter two being players of the season for the last two years.
Left back is well covered with Edman as support for Figueroa whilst another right back would be great there is always Boyce to fit in if required.
Only Amaya has been brought into to strengthen the defnece but its a big step up from the Spanishs econd division and he didnt show anything at Blackpool to indicate he can make that jump.

Conclusion

The backbone of the team is secure.

Wingers

The lack of a replacement for Valencia is a cause for concern. Koumas, Kapo and De Ridder don’t give me confidence in their ability to steop up to the plate, although Koumas seems to have improved when given the chance by Martinez.

N’Zogbia has the class but needs protection form his centre midfielders for him to produce the goods on a regular basis something he has yet to do.

Conclusion

Weak on one wing, heavily reliant on N’Zogbia remaining fit and in form.

Centre Midfield

Denuded since last season wirth the loss of the most underrated midfield pairign in the Premier League in Cattermole and Palacios. Add the loss of Brown the most experienced midfielder in terms of Premeir League games (excluding Scharner) is Hendry Thomas with four.

The other new signings Diame and Gomez look out of their depth and whilst Thomas shows promise he needs an experienced head alongside him sonething we don’t have.

Conclusion

Replacing Catt and Palacios with a second division Spanish league player plus a La Liga reserve just isn’t going to work. The solution of trying to sign yet another Swansea player didn’t come to fruition.

Strikers

A real area of concern since we came intot he Premeir League. last season we had Heskey replaced by Mido , Zakia nd Rodellaga. This seaosnw e have the raw potential of Hugo,and the aged and unproven King and Scotland.

With the club reportedly pulling the plug on at least one experienced striker due to wage demands,we find ourselves with only one quality striker and resorting to playing a centre half as a sole forward at Everton.

Conclusion

Only Middlesboro failed to score as few goals as us last season and it will eb difficult to beat that 34 with only Rodellaga unless the midfielders, none of whom have a record of being prolific at this level chip in .

Overall Conclusion

A lot is goping to rely on the back four to keep clean sheets and hope that Scharner , Gomez and N’Zogbia can chip in with goals to keep us in the pack, until hopefully the January transfer window enables us to bring in some quality.