by MatZam » Thu Apr 23, 2015 10:26 am
I think that it is time, with great sadness, to start bringing to a close Ribery's time as a regular player at Bayern Munich (injuries have already half-ensured that job over the last two seasons). Assuming that we are going for a like-for-like replacement (which is by no means certain under Pep Guardiola), in my opinion we would need someone who can step in and start performing from day 1, obviously not immediately up to Ribery's standard, but someone who isn't a 'talent' or 'has potential', but a young player who can step to the fore. Accordingly, my choices are as follows, in no particular order.
1.) Eden Hazard
Pros: Certainly the best like-for-like replacement for Ribery that there is, with great dribbling, vision and not afraid to go for goal.
Cons: Difficult and expensive to prise away from Chelsea, especially with Mourinho at the helm.
2.) Memphis Depay
Pros: Cheaper than Hazard, more easily obtainable and has shown he can turn in match-winning performances.
Cons: Unproven at the very highest level, and has had only one exceptional season, Also the least like-for-like replacement available.
3.) Marco Reus
Pros: Proven in domestic and international football, should have a good understanding with our players from the national team (and ex-Dortmund teammates), and is also similar to Ribery in terms of dribbling/skill.
Cons: Taking a third player from Dortmund in 3 seasons, as well as a very likely reluctance to move on his part due to Tuchel's coming in and a huge price if he does.
4.) Kevin de Bruyne
Pros: Proven in domestic football, has a great set of skills.
Cons: Unproven at highest level, has only had one brilliant season, has played more as a 10 than a winger, could end up being a Goetze mk 2.0 situation (a brilliant player as the focus of his team shines less when he moves to a superior team).