21 May 2014 21:57:17
A question about the center backs. We could sign up to two, but suppose we sign one, who do you think LVG would prefer out of the current crop of Evans, Smalling or Jones?

1.) 21 May 2014
Personally I'd say Evans as first choice partnering the new CB but I reckon it will be Jones who gets the nod first.

2.) 21 May 2014
I think Jones could develop a lot under van Gaal, and hopefully he will learn a more technical style of defending that cuts out the recklessness that is injuring him every second game. Evans, I suspect, will be kept as back up. Not sure about Smalling though. He's such a poor ball player that he just doesn't seem to fit with van Gaal's style of play.

3.) 21 May 2014
Depends on who we sign. If it's Hummels who's good at playing out from the back then you'd think he'd need a dominant aerial player next to him so I'd say Smalling (who had the highest win aerial win rate in the PL this season). Hopefully LvG could help develop Smallings ball play as I think that's his main downside at the moment.

Jones worries me as he's generally clumsy / dumb and whilst Evans has been reliable for us over the past seasons I still not 100% convinced by him.

4.) 21 May 2014
Tough question: mostly depends on who we sign as the other CB. Is it fair to say the following:
Smalling is the quickest, strong in the air, but poor on the ball.
Evans is the best on the ball, but vulnerable to physical strikers.
Jones has great potential, and can develop if he is no longer needed at CM and can stay injury free.

5.) 21 May 2014
More like which bugger is fit

6.) 21 May 2014
Evans. His passing is superb and LvG likes a ball playing CB

7.) 21 May 2014
21 May 2014 22:45:28
Evans due to his passing ability, Smallings days could be numbered with LvG in charge.

8.) 22 May 2014
Come on guys this is so obvious! Jones will partner the new centre back bought in. Probably Indi or Badstuber, although Hummels will certainly not join for sure.

9.) 22 May 2014
If we sign a CB who is good on the ball then we need someone like vidic alongside him. so I guess it would be Jones/smalling
Remember Rio and Vidic partnership when they were at their best

10.) 22 May 2014
Lots of evidence about LvG being able to see best player for each position - even if they don't know it themselves (ie Shweinsteiger LW to CM)

I think he'll see that Jones, with some coaching, will make a great CDM and maybe play a similar holding role to Lahm or even Martinez when he was at Bilboa.

Also I think that he'll also convert Valencia to an attacking right back (will give rafael competition, even though LvG should improve him even more)

Convert Rooney into a CM (or let him go)

Convert Powell into a striker

Improve Welbeck

Bring in Angelou Henriquez - had amazing reputation when he arrived with us

Develop Michael Keane (another defensive option?)

Bring in and develop Wilson, Perriera, Lawrence Pearson and Varela (who has immense potential at RB)

Plus Shaw, Kroos, Robben and maybe Cesc/Martin/classie/Hummels

Can't wait for the new season!

11.) 22 May 2014
It has to be Evans, he can play a pass and if he improves under LVG he can also start our attacks just from the back, the way that LVG prefers.