I agree with you, every point counts. But I actually see it completely differently with the “boys”. I think you can tell a Gruev and a Buchanan are ready. I’m even willing to say that you can tell from a Chiarodia that he’s ready for more time (not starting XI but just a few minutes more and more every game). Especially since Lee and Gruev aren’t in their absolute teens anymore either. They have to take the next steps now, otherwise it will be difficult. And if you deny them every chance because you think you have to put a tall (as romantic as his path to pro was and I don’t begrudge him that) or a young in the positions that have zero potential for development and their market value at best stays the same instead of increasing. Grosso can usually be substituted after 25 minutes because he picked up the first yellow card and then he can no longer properly engage in duels. Jung is too often away from his own man or cancels the offside (both situations were in the game against Bayern) and thus conceded goals.
Speaking of which, I always liked Grosso when he was substituted on. Because: when he comes in fresh and most of the players on the field are already “flat”, then his slow steps in the head and with the legs are not so blatantly noticeable, which also makes him look much better.
Again I have nothing against any of our players and support everyone. I just wish there was a little more competition. And this is not missing in many positions because, as OW recently claimed, the squad is too thin (even if I agree with him in principle), but simply because OW doesn’t seem to trust our young players or not much, and that’s why they play not.
But that is absolutely counterproductive and he only limits himself.
But to return to Mittelstädt:
Despite what I have written here, that would be a good transfer. But I can hardly imagine that we will spend 3 million for a LV. Rather to replace the ugly birds.
ttn-38