ROLES FOR GEERTRUIDA/TRAORE

Regis Le Bris has explained the plan for both Lutsharel Geertruida and Bertrand Traore, suggesting that Geertruida will predominantly be deployed at centre back while Traore will be seen at the Patrick Roberts replacement at right wing.

GEERTRUIDA IS VERSATILE

“I believe that his best position is probably centre-back. I think that is his main target, but he is really versatile. When we speak about positions, we speak about different roles. He can play at centre-back, but he could also play a bit wider or even in the midfield. We will try to exploit this profile, and we will see what the opportunities will be in the next few weeks.”

ALL-ROUNDER

“I think he is a really well-rounded player. He can defend, he can attack and his versatility will hopefully help us to build up the play. He can manage different positions through possessional play as well. We will see how things develop with him because it is still only five or six training sessions that we have had with him now, as well as some sessions of video analysis. Now, he will start having different experiences with us, and hopefully that will help him add some different layers.”

SQUAD DEPTH

“It’s a question of momentum. We have many options now, which is really positive, but we know the journey in the Premier League will be long and will have different experiences. Hopefully not, but there will probably be injuries and suspensions to contend with. We know that with these eight or nine defensive players, they will all have opportunities. Now, the momentum is positive, so I think that the players who have been starting deserve to keep playing. Then, we will see during the game and then later whether something needs to change.”

TRAORE

“I think it could be close to the role of Pat Roberts for the beginning of the season. He has this profile. I think he can play in different positions but I like him as a right-winger, left-footed, creative with the ability to change the game. And in 1v1, in combination play, he's a good finisher. He can create against deep blocks and he can create in transition. We'll see after that if he can fit as a starter. Probably he can compete for this, because of his background and his experience. But at least, I think he has this ability to change the game."