Most important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Hopefully Tete stays. I would like to keep Diop. We will also need a replacement for TC
Some sunny days will do me.
Quote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
Key thing is to retain our spine, and then improve our goal threat from the wings. I'd like us to sign two wingers with pace and good finishing, ideally one who is able to play through the middle as well.
Competition for Leno is also key, and another option in the middle who is as good or better than Berge, Lukic and who can chip in with a few goals. RB situation depends on Tete contract, but expect we need someone there.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
Quote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 05:07:11 PMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
While Anderson can distribute but is defending is 💩
Quote from: Nero on April 18, 2025, 05:23:48 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 05:07:11 PMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
While Anderson can distribute but is defending is 💩
Agree. He's not been the same player since before his injury. Plus he is slow! Would not mind selling him tbh. Otherwise I agree we need competition for Leno as we have been lucky not having to use Benda. Other departures could be Vinny, Reed (sadly), Willian (again). Hoping Tete and Bassey stay.
Quote from: Jules on April 18, 2025, 05:41:48 PMQuote from: Nero on April 18, 2025, 05:23:48 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 05:07:11 PMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
While Anderson can distribute but is defending is 💩
Agree. He's not been the same player since before his injury. Plus he is slow! Would not mind selling him tbh. Otherwise I agree we need competition for Leno as we have been lucky not having to use Benda. Other departures could be Vinny, Reed (sadly), Willian (again) and Nelson to go back after loan being mostly injured. Hoping Tete and Bassey stay.
Quote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 05:07:11 PMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
You need good squad depth, no reason to shed Diop unless he asks to go.
A solution for playing against packed defences.
Tactics/Recruitment or probably both.
The reason beside changing players for better options is we have to sell fringe players like diope is we pay 18 mil for him we have to sell to have some return as we have a poor return on our development squads with no end products we are a buisness not a charity.
This season we've struggled against the low block. We desperately need more creativity in the final third. At the very least we need better wide players than we currently have, another more gifted midfielder and a right back. I'm convinced with those players in the squad this season we would have accrued more points and a European place would have been nailed on by now.
A proper director of football.When silva was at Everton with their director of football they overspent on very average players.Some managers are good at making misfits play better, but give them money and they are poor.And it dont help having a wanaby family member wanting to be director of football buying Anderson too slow and extra contracts to cairney etc next season won't be europe could be relegation.
I feel a lot of the team are currently around peak age, we have a good year out of everyone still, what I would like is some younger players to come in and get a year of playing with the more experienced players, they can take the reins the season after.
Quote from: Willham on April 20, 2025, 05:14:02 PMI feel a lot of the team are currently around peak age, we have a good year out of everyone still, what I would like is some younger players to come in and get a year of playing with the more experienced players, they can take the reins the season after.
Silva just won't play them. He is only interested in the here and now, not the future...
R/B, L/B, attacking midfielder, L/W and forward, we really are that close to being a top side.
Perhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
Quote from: KJS on April 21, 2025, 09:11:53 AMPerhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
With five games to go, we are just five points from matching our highest ever premier league points total.
Quote from: Craven Mad on April 21, 2025, 09:28:31 AMQuote from: KJS on April 21, 2025, 09:11:53 AMPerhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
With five games to go, we are just five points from matching our highest ever premier league points total.
Whilst i don't think Silva has "reached his limit" with us in any way, the points total stuff is just meaningless vanity IMO, the real measure is where we finish in relation to peer clubs, ie Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Forest, Wolves, Palace, Everton, Wolves, West Ham.
I very much see this season as a missed opportunity to really progress. It's great to have had results against some of the big teams but we have consistently failed against teams below us which has cost us being in a secure euro spot. We look tired due to lack of rotation, we can't beat a low block and we don't score anywhere near enough goals especially from midfield. I really don't know why Marco ignores our youth players as we could have blooded a few of these for next year. I really can't see Spuds being interested in Marco as he isn't a big enough name to please the fans but if he does go he goes and we move on. I'm sure SK has done his homework on the next manager.
I've posted recently that FFC needs to get younger, bring in some youth. I know a club such as FFC has some challenges in so doing, sacrificing some experience perhaps. But with all the outgoings (Willian, TC, Reed, Jimenez?, Vinicius, Tete?, Pereira?, Traore?, Wilson? et al) there is plenty of room for getting some forward players with some spring in their legs. We still have some experience and good players in the back four and midfield. Do we have any youngsters ready to make the jump? King? Any others? We see all the time on many teams players in their late teens/early 20's getting plenty of pitch time. Would like to see FFC bring in some youth/speed at those forward spots and even forward mids.
Quote from: cookieg on April 21, 2025, 04:15:36 PMI very much see this season as a missed opportunity to really progress.
Yep, totally agree. And that's the most frustrating thing about this season. Sure, some great results, but mostly missed opportunities to really progress/grow.
Quote from: Angus Telford on April 21, 2025, 04:04:18 PMQuote from: Craven Mad on April 21, 2025, 09:28:31 AMQuote from: KJS on April 21, 2025, 09:11:53 AMPerhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
With five games to go, we are just five points from matching our highest ever premier league points total.
Whilst i don't think Silva has "reached his limit" with us in any way, the points total stuff is just meaningless vanity IMO, the real measure is where we finish in relation to peer clubs, ie Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Forest, Wolves, Palace, Everton, Wolves, West Ham.
Okay, that's fair enough.
From your list we're currently third; one point behind Bournemouth (whose net spend in the past two years is nearly £140m more than ours) and nowhere near this season's biggest overachievers in Forest.
That's not too bad IMO.
I just hope those behind any transfers are more ambitious than many fans.
Not wishing to have a dig at others but it is frustrating to be told players are out of our league and will go to a top club but then these players are linked with West Ham, Everton, Palace, etc. I understand we need to be realistic and consider FFP but surely those clubs also have similar restrictions.
I think this has been a very good year but perhaps we feel underwhelmed because Forest have done so well with their ambitious signings taking them to another level.
I know a lot of people suggested him a few seasons back, but I still think Hamer would be a fantastic signing and diversify our midfield. Works really hard and presses well, loved a forward pass, loves a shot so definitely something our current midfield seen partly afraid to do. We need more goals from our central midfield.
Overall, we need a good clear out of the back end of the squad, some exciting young players to fill that some of those slots and trying to keep our big performers.
Most importantly, keeping Silva, and give him what he needs to close those fine margins we've been close but too far away from.
Quote from: Craven Mad on April 21, 2025, 04:29:42 PMQuote from: Angus Telford on April 21, 2025, 04:04:18 PMQuote from: Craven Mad on April 21, 2025, 09:28:31 AMQuote from: KJS on April 21, 2025, 09:11:53 AMPerhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
With five games to go, we are just five points from matching our highest ever premier league points total.
Whilst i don't think Silva has "reached his limit" with us in any way, the points total stuff is just meaningless vanity IMO, the real measure is where we finish in relation to peer clubs, ie Brighton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Forest, Wolves, Palace, Everton, Wolves, West Ham.
Okay, that's fair enough.
From your list we're currently third; one point behind Bournemouth (whose net spend in the past two years is nearly £140m more than ours) and nowhere near this season's biggest overachievers in Forest.
That's not too bad IMO.
Don't disagree.
I think if we finish 1st (albeit now impossible to catch forest) or 2nd out of that lot I might call it a "great" or "excellent" season.
As we are, 3rd, "not too bad".
If our form now tapers away and we finish 4th/5th of that group then it'll be a totally mediocre or "ok" season at best IMO.
And in those latter scenarios the points total is therefore just a bit of a red herring.
Quote from: Nero on April 18, 2025, 05:23:48 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 05:07:11 PMQuote from: Bassey the warrior on April 18, 2025, 04:24:41 PMQuote from: RAY Rock ???? on April 18, 2025, 01:10:31 PMMost important thing is Silva staying or going we do not need a dragged out scenario where he goes a couple of weeks before the season starts hopefully behind the scenes we have plans for both scenarios.
Back up keeper 💯 needed we have been lucky with Leno staying fit
Replacement for Diop
Replacement for Tete
Replacement for Vinicius
Replacement for Reed
Replacement for Andreas
Possibly a replacement for Robinson
Also rumours Bassey is wanted by Newcastle,Villa, Spurs and Untied
Muniz new contract
Going to be a busy summer with loads of rumours and business to be done.
Why's Diop being replaced, are there rumours he's leaving?
He can't get in the squad for some reason I like him he probably is our best defender when it comes to defending but his distribution is 💩
While Anderson can distribute but is defending is 💩
spot on.do think diops concentration on the pitch has improved 100% though
Some midfield players who can score goals.
I'm not sure I agree with the position that an overhaul is needed. I think we need to prioritise two primary targets: a new box-to-box midfielder (to replace Reed and compete with Lukic) and a new winger (to replace Adama and compete with Wilson/Sessegnon/Iwobi). If Tete leaves then we would need a new RB and any unexpected departure (e.g. Robinson) would also need to be replaced; the only player I potentially wouldn't replace would if Andreas left, with Josh King and Smith Rowe obvious contenders for that gametime.
For the squad I'd like to see a new experienced goalkeeper (to compete with Benda) and then whatever young/upside players we can can find to fill out the squad (and replace/back-up Nelson/Robinson/Muniz).
Of course, if the mythical 20 goal a season striker is available then we should do it. But I think a continuation of our steady evolution strategy of 2-3 established signings and 3-4 squad players (incl. loans) each summer is sufficient for us to continue pushing on.
Quote from: KJS on April 21, 2025, 09:11:53 AMPerhaps the best thing we could get this summer is a New Manager as I believe Marco may have reached his limit atvFFC
Not sure what to say to that whilst also staying within the posting parameters for this forum.
Quote from: legana on April 21, 2025, 06:40:08 PMI just hope those behind any transfers are more ambitious than many fans. Not wishing to have a dig at others but it is frustrating to be told players are out of our league and will go to a top club but then these players are linked with West Ham, Everton, Palace, etc. I understand we need to be realistic and consider FFP but surely those clubs also have similar restrictions.
I think this is a terrific point. At what point does FFC put the big boy pants on and go after really good players, spend the money if necessary, and try some salesmanship? Why do we seem so confined as to only entertain players "on the cheap"? Willian, Traore, Jimenez, Sessegnon, Solomon all players obtained most likely because of the costs involved rather than the quality of player obtained. You can't tell me that there aren't any quality players out there that would welcome a 'challenge' on a team pushing for Europe and the chance to play regularly on a team in a great league, even if European football isn't presently available nor can be guaranteed in the future. Is the recruitment team salesmen at all? Play in the Prem, on a competitive team, in a great city and location. This can't be sold to players of quality? And yes, as you pointed out, how do the teams around us seem to get some of these great players? They have the same FFP restrictions to comply with as we do.Â
Ha...speaking of getting players "on the cheap"...Would there be any interest in a player like Hojlund? Can probably be had for 25m-30m. Still very young (22). Maybe all he needs is change of scenery and a different coach. Just a thought.....
Quote from: WindyCity on April 23, 2025, 03:53:38 PMHa...speaking of getting players "on the cheap"...Would there be any interest in a player like Hojlund? Can probably be had for 25m-30m. Still very young (22). Maybe all he needs is change of scenery and a different coach. Just a thought.....
No doubt that Man Utd have some decent players who are underperforming, and I was I calling for us to sign Antony before his Betis move, but Hojlund genuinely looks out of his depth in this league and I really don't think is up to the required standard tbh...
Quote from: Craven Mad on April 23, 2025, 04:51:03 PMQuote from: WindyCity on April 23, 2025, 03:53:38 PMHa...speaking of getting players "on the cheap"...Would there be any interest in a player like Hojlund? Can probably be had for 25m-30m. Still very young (22). Maybe all he needs is change of scenery and a different coach. Just a thought.....
No doubt that Man Utd have some decent players who are underperforming, and I was I calling for us to sign Antony before his Betis move, but Hojlund genuinely looks out of his depth in this league and I really don't think is up to the required standard tbh...
The player at United with the lowest wage is likely to one of our top earners. Even if the players are underperforming at United, there is still the wage to be sorted and we shouldnt be paying through our nose just to get average players like Anthony or Højlund.
Personally I hope we go for players age 20-25 and keep off the finished articles for once. We desperately need to get younger players into the first team for them to gel nicely and be ready to fill any gaps in the future.
Leno, 33
Tete and Castagne, 29
Pereira, 29
Jimenez, 33
And also with Iwobi, Andersen, Lukic and Wilson are 28 and in their general prime age. Count Diop and Traore into that age group as well.
Not old by any means, but its definitely time to think 2-3 years ahead and now is a good time to replace one or two older, outgoing players with younger ones that can come in so they have time to develop and gel with the rest of the side
Surprising link from a journalist at Bild that we would like Palhinha to come back. I'd take him back in a heartbeat.
Quote from: hopper on April 23, 2025, 07:39:04 PMSurprising link from a journalist at Bild that we would like Palhinha to come back. I'd take him back in a heartbeat.
Not so sure.
I totally agree with those who say we must find a way to prise open teams that sit in a low block and play on the break. We also need defenders quick enough to live with quick attackers playing on the break!
I'd have Pal back in a heartbeat too but I'd it not time to look for younger players?
Quote from: Twig on April 23, 2025, 07:45:35 PMQuote from: hopper on April 23, 2025, 07:39:04 PMSurprising link from a journalist at Bild that we would like Palhinha to come back. I'd take him back in a heartbeat.
Not so sure.
Thing is if we have all three of Lukic, Berge and Palhinha that would give us three excellent midfielders that can be used for different situations.
I agree we've developed well without him, but there have been some match states where I still think he would be the perfect person to come on for us.
Quote from: Craven Mad on April 23, 2025, 04:51:03 PMQuote from: WindyCity on April 23, 2025, 03:53:38 PMHa...speaking of getting players "on the cheap"...Would there be any interest in a player like Hojlund? Can probably be had for 25m-30m. Still very young (22). Maybe all he needs is change of scenery and a different coach. Just a thought.....
No doubt that Man Utd have some decent players who are underperforming, and I was I calling for us to sign Antony before his Betis move, but Hojlund genuinely looks out of his depth in this league and I really don't think is up to the required standard tbh...
I wonder if Hojlund could be a player that comes back to life with a bit of confidence at the right club? Right now he's terribly ineffective though agreed and looks out of his depth, but confidence is a funny thing as we've seen with the transformations of Raul and Muniz.
Quote from: hopper on April 23, 2025, 08:02:01 PMQuote from: Craven Mad on April 23, 2025, 04:51:03 PMQuote from: WindyCity on April 23, 2025, 03:53:38 PMHa...speaking of getting players "on the cheap"...Would there be any interest in a player like Hojlund? Can probably be had for 25m-30m. Still very young (22). Maybe all he needs is change of scenery and a different coach. Just a thought.....
No doubt that Man Utd have some decent players who are underperforming, and I was I calling for us to sign Antony before his Betis move, but Hojlund genuinely looks out of his depth in this league and I really don't think is up to the required standard tbh...
I wonder if Hojlund could be a player that comes back to life with a bit of confidence at the right club? Right now he's terribly ineffective though agreed and looks out of his depth, but confidence is a funny thing as we've seen with the transformations of Raul and Muniz.
Maybe... he has youth on his side but I'm not convinced he's good enough.
Antony was total class at Ajax, was working hard at Utd but in a system that didn't suit him, and is now class at Betis.
Hojlund was v average at Atalanta, looks lost at Utd, and I don't see that he has any of the raw materials needed to succeed at this level.
I've been wrong about other players that Marco's transformed though, so what do I know!
Hojlund would be a great move. There is a good player in there. Just need Marco to perform his magic.
Quote from: St Eve on April 23, 2025, 10:23:17 PMHojlund would be a great move. There is a good player in there. Just need Marco to perform his magic.
I agree with you 100%. The issues ongoing at Man Utd can't help a young striker like him. Not just the expectations put on him but a club where supporters are struggling to come to terms with their team no longer being a dominant force for now. Difficult to turn down a move to them even at an early age was probably told he was the future for years to come.
Would certainly be an astute signing at the right price if he was made available?
ESR is surprisingly absent from these interesting analyses.
If we can get him fit and firing - which we must - he would be like a new signing. And a marquee one at that.
He has about 3 or so months to get his act together and his backside into gear.
With the support of his conditioning team, and lashings of desire from the player himself.
Quote from: Woolly Mammoth on April 24, 2025, 08:47:02 AMHe has about 3 or so months to get his act together and his backside into gear.
With the support of his conditioning team, and lashings of desire from the player himself.
Totally agree with you and the post above yours. Said a month or so ago he needs to shed a bit of timber and pre season is crucial if he is going to fulfil potential which he has a lot of. I hope I'm wrong but he strikes me as not necessarily a roll up your sleeves type? Wants it to happen for him and trust his ability? That will only get you so far especially at this level. Been plenty of skilful players like him who have thrown their careers away knowing better? I really hope we see the best of him next season and not being in first team matchday squad should be ringing alarm bells. Fair play to Marco hopefully giving him some tough love. Saying that It would not surprise me if he starts at Southampton Saturday.
It's easier for fans to warm to Iwobi, all arms legs and effort. But ESR's ceiling is far, far higher. Arsenal fans didn't want him to leave, which says a lot to me.
You don't lose those skills, we need to see him express them in a formation built to let him do that. I believe he was injured so couldn't feature v Ch*lsea, but being in and out hasn't helped.
Quote from: Mickeyboro on April 25, 2025, 08:16:49 AMIt's easier for fans to warm to Iwobi, all arms legs and effort. But ESR's ceiling is far, far higher. Arsenal fans didn't want him to leave, which says a lot to me.
You don't lose those skills, we need to see him express them in a formation built to let him do that. I believe he was injured so couldn't feature v Ch*lsea, but being in and out hasn't helped.
One tactical change we could make is letting Berge and Lukic play more through balls instead of always recycling possession, they're both capable of it. ESR makes good runs, but all too often they're ignored due to us prioritising retaining the ball instead.
Keeping Tete would help too, as he's good at crossing to the back post, which suits ESR's inside-left position.
Oddly enough, if Robinson leaves, it could benefit ESR by giving him more of the ball if we stop focusing our attacks down the left quite so frequently. I'm not advocating that though.
Quote from: Bassey the warrior on April 25, 2025, 12:11:23 PMQuote from: Mickeyboro on April 25, 2025, 08:16:49 AMIt's easier for fans to warm to Iwobi, all arms legs and effort. But ESR's ceiling is far, far higher. Arsenal fans didn't want him to leave, which says a lot to me.
You don't lose those skills, we need to see him express them in a formation built to let him do that. I believe he was injured so couldn't feature v Ch*lsea, but being in and out hasn't helped.
One tactical change we could make is letting Berge and Lukic play more through balls instead of always recycling possession, they're both capable of it. ESR makes good runs, but all too often they're ignored due to us prioritising retaining the ball instead.
Keeping Tete would help too, as he's good at crossing to the back post, which suits ESR's inside-left position.
Oddly enough, if Robinson leaves, it could benefit ESR by giving him more of the ball if we stop focusing our attacks down the left quite so frequently. I'm not advocating that though.
To add to this, ESR also needs a bit more freedom to play risky passes as he's almost always making the safe pass. Maybe that's psychological.