14 Aug 2014 14:10:47
Take it however you like, but the new kit numbers are missing a 5, 7 and a 9, with the rest of the "first team" numbers all being allocated, sometimes to new players. At the very least shows that behind the scenes they are working on SOMETHING.

1.) 14 Aug 2014
You would certainly hope they are, maybe Hummels or Benatia for the number 5, Di Maria or Reus for the number 7. Then number 8 for Vidal, with Anderson being released. That would be a dream summer if true. Get on it Woodwoody!

2.) 14 Aug 2014
Five would be Benatias if he was brought in or Rojos maybe 7 could be Vidals and 9 could be Di Maria

3.) 14 Aug 2014
There has of course to be something to that. Those are significant numbers.I suppose it does not necesserely mean they will be filled this window though!

4.) 14 Aug 2014
Gilly, I'm sure Mata wouldn't be happy if his number was given to Vidal.

I expect to see the No.5 given to one of Blind or Rojo maybe Vidal if he signs but unlikely as I would expect him the have the No.7 given that he will be our big signing if he signs.

Then if we sign both Rojo and Blind then the other one will get the number 15 shirt. No.9 will stay empty this season with maybe Wilson taking next season it if he steps up this year.

5.) 14 Aug 2014
14 Aug 2014 16:24:26
Mata is number 8 Gilly

6.) 14 Aug 2014
Sorry guys, completely forgot Mata had number 8, for some weird reason I thought Anderson still had it. I agree that Wilson is most likely the future number 9. I know Evans has the number 6 at the moment, but I often feel that 6 is a centre mids number, bit like Xavi for Barca.

7.) 14 Aug 2014
Disagree. In England number 6 is a centre back.

8.) 14 Aug 2014
Traditionally 2, 3, 4 are defenders numbers, 8 is a midfielders number, 7, 9, 10 and 11 are forwards numbers.

number 5 and 6 are interesting as different cultures have a different view on them.

In Argentina for example No.5 is the key number and the number given to the most important midfielder the one who will control the tempo of the team. With the number 6 dropping into defence.

Yet in Europe that is the other way around with the No.5 in defence and the No.6 as the controller in midfield.

Essentially they are just numbers on the backs of players so that officials and fans can tell them apart from a distance. The role given to each player isn't in direct relation to the number on his back.

9.) 14 Aug 2014
5 and 6 are centre backs for me, too old fashioned for a 19 year old I know.