Since our transfer season is finished unless we get an unlikely suprise I decided to assess the entire squad since as an overall the transfer season was quite average but could still prove benefitial once the players peform.
Goalkeeper: Dida’s form was questioned on many occasions last season but he still remains our #1. The problem for our keepers lies in the lack of assured depth. Even when Dida made a blunder, Kalac + Storari weren’t particularly looked at because they do the same thing on a regular basis. Next season if a Primavera player, probably Facchin isn’t promoted we might have to look for a good backup.
Defence: In terms of sheer numbers, our defence looks quite good in depth but look closer and there is a lack of quality, especially in the fullback area. Jankulovski’s defensive abilities have been called into question often but tbh, he was one of our most consistent players last season and offered a good deal from the wings.
The partnership of Kaladze+Nesta looks good as it did two seasons ago and Bonera, Maldini and even Simic are good backups. The key flaw in our defensinve area is the substitute fullbacks. Cafu, Favali, Serginho are capable of providing the odd games rest but aren’t capable of playing 3 games a week on a regular basis or probably more than once as Cafu admitted last season. Injuries to our first choice fullbacks lasting more than 2 weeks could prove a problem.
Digao and Darmian are young players from our youth team. If they are given a decent amount of chances and impress during the time then that would be fantastic as we’d have good subs and won’t have to waste money bringing in new defenders, but unfortunately I don’t think it will happen.
If we wish to be seriously competitive in our major competitions this season then Nesta’s fitness will be key to our success. If the youngsters don’t prove good investments then the defence’s age would have caught up with us and we’re going to have to bring in about 3-4 new defenders next season, with at least one being world class to cover the expected retirements of Maldini, Cafu, Favali, Serginho.
Midfield: Emerson if anything has increased the depth in our midfield which was quite thin last season with only 7. Another thing he could possibly add depending on performances is competition for places as well as rest for Gattuso, Pirlo and Ambrosini which would be welcome addition given the competitions we’ll be involved in and would probably have to play something like 55 or so games this season.
One problem in our midfield is still the reliance on Kaka for that extra bit of quality but that’s not something that can be fixed as easily. The reliance on Pirlo+Kaka for creativity is dealt with provided Seedorf continues his good CL and pre-season form and Gourcuff gets his chances further up the field and considering we have 5 deep midfielders then that should happen.
The other problem is the lack of pace, which considering the way we played at times last season could prove to be a major game changing ingredient for us. There is the possibility that Willy once given chances and Pato can help as they both have the ability to play in an attacking midfield/wing spot.
Strikers: We didn’t buy a proven goal scoring striker last season, however we should still be able to do well with what we have. Ronaldo’s fitness is important as he looks as if he’s going to be the goto man to provide us with goals. Inzaghi’s age and Gila’s inconsistency/ lack of confidence mean we’ll need Ronaldo fit for most of the season. Although the latter did seem to have a nice chemistry with Ronaldo after his arrival in January and once all 3 are fit, although more likely when Pato is eligible then we might see 2 strikers played upfront despite Ancelotti’s preference for the Christmas Tree.
So basically within the next year or so I think we'll need to invest in a GK, a couple defenders and maybe a striker or attacking midfielder depending on what happens this season.