[talkSAFT]

I really rate Claudio - don't get me wrong - but I wonder if his style of play, or lack of mobility, make him an automatic choice???

We look desperately light in creativity, and I wonder if Pulis has any thoughts on building a team without him. If we did get a new Left-back, and moved Johnny Evans back to his best position giving us a bit more mobility in breaking up attacks, we could use Fletcher just in front of the back 4, and got someone/anyone with a bit of flair into the spare shirt.
I can only twice remember seeing him contribute to the attacking force:
once last season when the ball bounced perfectly for him 25 yards out, inviting a swing of his leg....but he brought it down, and played it wide for Brunt.
the other time was last week at Palace, and the shot he hit was Junior School standard. Can't he practise his shooting?

As well as all this he always looks a red card favourite.

I'm a big fan, and he always gets 7/10, but I think we could maybe do with a different blend in midfield.

[wba1978]

Personally I'd keep Yacob in and get a replacement for Fletcher. The amount of tackles and play Claudio breaks up is pivotal, and Fletcher seems a bit over-rated to me.... not very strong in the tackle, not that great at forward passing, a bit slow also. We need a true box to boxer..... just my opinion though.

[Salopbaggie]

Tend to agree with WBA1978, I think Yacob is one of the most underrated players we have. His influence on protecting the back 4 is considerable and I dread to think how much extra pressure the back line would be under without him stood in front of them. Ok he does pick up the odd booking but in fairness that is to be expected from a player who sole purpose is to break up play. On Fletcher, he certainly shows a touch of class now and again, but not often enough for me to be indispensable (though I do not think we should be looking to get rid of him). What we are desperate for in my book is a good attacking midfielder, who in old money can play in the number 10 slot. Personally I would like to see that slot filled before a new striker, as I am convinced we are a long way from seeing the best of Rondon and someone providing the service to him along with wingers would bring out his best. We of course need a replacement for SB and hopefully for Lambert and a LB.