Upgrades Needed: Identifying Positions for Improvement Across Top Football Clubs

There can be possible improvements across top football clubs that will make a significant difference. There is no such thing as a perfect team. Whether they are winning every game, a fan or coach can still point out certain positions where a better player could come in to improve.

Possible improvements across top football clubs

Some of the best clubs in the world right now are no different and could use upgrades in certain positions. Sit back and let us tell you what upgrades these teams can profit from.

1. Manchester United – Goalkeeper

possible improvements across top football clubs
Andre Onana

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We begin at goalkeeper and for this, we have Manchester United. Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has come under heavy scrutiny this season as his performances have left plenty to be desired. He has conceded an absurd number of goals and is a big reason as to why the Red Devils exited the Champions League so embarrassingly. There is also the possibility of his absence during the Africa Cup of Nations in January which would further hurt the squad.

possible improvements across top football clubs
Alex Meret

A month out would be a hard pill to swallow for United and we believe they would be better off securing the services of Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret. His contract is set to end in the summer and he has proven himself to be a great option. This could also lead to competition for the number one shirt which would prompt both to up their game.

2. Barcelona – Fullback

Barcelona have had to contend with a string of injuries as both Ter Stegen and Gavi have been sidelined for plenty of time. This has led to this dip in form. Despite this, the position Barcelona should focus on strengthening this January should be their full-backs.

João Cancelo and Alejandro Balde are good, but Sergi Roberto and Marcos Alonso have not been. Given the volume of games they will have to play, the backups will have to be heavily involved and they could cost them massively. One player we believe should be on their list this winter has to be Juan Foyth. It may be tricky to acquire his services but no task is too tall for the great Barcelona.

possible improvements across top football clubs
Juan Foyth

3. Bayern Munich – Centre Back

Centre back is a position in very high demand in today’s market and that is reflected on this list. The first team that could do with improvement there has to be Bayern Munich. Despite buying Kim Min-Jae in the summer, the club is going to suffer from a lack of proper planning. In January he will be off at the Asian Cup while Noussair Mazraoui will be off to Afcon. Bouna Sarr also recently suffered an ACL injury while the club sold Benjamin Pavard and loaned out Josip Stanišić. 

Upamecano and De Ligt

This means that for a period of time, Tuchel will only be left with Upamecano and De Ligt to work with. These players have underperformed on multiple occasions and could end up costing the German champions at some point. They’ve been previously linked to Trevor Chalobah and may go back knocking on Chelsea’s door sooner rather than later.

4. Real Madrid – Center Back

The next club in need of strengthening at the back is Real Madrid. In the wake of their resounding 4-1 victory over Villarreal, a shadow loomed over Santiago Bernabéu. David Alaba succumbed to an ACL injury, further worsening the club’s defensive woes. This injury marks the third ACL setback for Los Blancos this season, following Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao. With the club plunged into a defensive crisis, the winter transfer window is coming at a perfect time for them.

Madrid should therefore turn their sights to three promising players this January: Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio, and Leny Yoro. Whichever one they get, it will surely help relieve their defensive woes.

5. Liverpool and Manchester City – Center Defensive Midfield (CDM)

Liverpool have found themselves in a title race due to City’s recent form and will not want to let that momentum slip. With Joel Matip ruled out for the season with an ACL injury, central defense may well be a priority for them this coming January. Youngster Jarell Quansah doesn’t seem ready yet, while Ibrahima Konate is the only other viable option to slot in alongside Van Dijk.

Many people argue that the most important position on a field is actually the CDM and without a proper one, teams are less likely to succeed. A team that used to be lucky in this department has been Man City but their luck may be running out. They have lost and drawn a large number of games recently in the absence of Rodri.

The Spaniard has arguably become City’s most important player and their struggles without him are clear to see. It’s clear that Pep does not rate Kalvin Phillips.

The club therefore may need to dip into the market so as to not be over-reliant on one player. Paulina at Fulham would be a welcome addition as would Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi.

6. Newcastle- CDM

Newcastle are another team that could profit from acquiring a CDM. The Magpies were ecstatic when they bought Sandro Tonali in the summer. Little did they know he would later be banned for 10 months leaving them without proper cover in that position. 

Sandro Tonali

They clearly need extra cover in the area and they should look no further than Conor Gallagher at Chelsea. The Englishman would bring plenty of depth to their midfield and help them cope without their star summer signing. He would also make Newcastle’s midfield one to fear once Tonali returns.

7. Inter Milan – Winger

Higher up the field we have Inter Milan who may need to go into the market to buy a winger. They are currently top of the table and doing quite well overall. They were able to purchase Juan Cuadrado in the summer but that has not worked out well.

The Colombian is set to undergo surgery to repair an Achilles tendon issue that has been plaguing his campaign. He will therefore miss several months of action. This leaves the club short of options unless they go back into the market.

8. Arsenal and Tottenham – Striker

It’s rare for North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham to ever see eye to eye on anything but the common ground they now share is their need for a number 9. Beginning with Arsenal, they are once again in a title challenge and will be hoping to go a step closer and win the title this season. Despite having both Jesus and Nketiah, none of them look lethal enough. Look no further than Brentford ace Ivan Toney who returns from suspension in the middle of January, the perfect time to acquire his services.

If they intend to win the title and try for the Champions League they will need to pay big money to get the Englishman to the Emirates.

Tottenham on the other hand lost one of their greatest-ever players Harry Kane over the summer. Now they have an overreliance on captain Son for goals with Kulusevski and Richarlison chipping in every now and again. They also have Brennan Johnson but he is young and unproven as of now. Postecoglou has a tough decision to make as he could either stick with how things currently are and hope they get better or he could dip into the market to get a proven goalscorer.

Once again, look no further than Ivan Toney who would thrive with Son, Kulusevski, and Maddison feeding him chances. It would be a crazy window if both Arsenal and Tottenham rivaled each other for his signature.

Are there any other clubs that could use an upgrade in a certain position?

Let us know in the comments, even if it’s one of the teams on the list already.

Keep reading: Goal 90’s Team Of The Year for 2023

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