Strengths:
Tactical Flexibility - Hull have recruited really well and this gives them the option to switch systems and players easily, making Hull an extremely difficult team to plan against. They can play 5 or 4 at the back, 2 up front or a fluid 3 with Snodgrass and Ince as wide men. This means that they can adapt and overcome any type of team they come up against.
Technically Gifted and Creative players - Huddlestone is amongst the most gifted midfielders in the league, Snodgrass and Ince are extremely dangerous and can create a lot of chances whilst Elmohamady is a fantastic crosser with pace and skill. This makes Hull unpredictable and means that with Long's pace and finishing they are a constant threat.
Quality Defenders - Harry Maguire is a very highly rated defender who Hull will be hoping can make the step up from League 1 to the Premier League. He has all the attributes to be a top defender but whether or not he can make the grade at an early age we shall see. However, Curtis Davies is a terrific centre-half who is good enough to play internationally but often overlooked, whilst Robertson is a superbly talented full-back with the world at his feet.
Weaknesses:
Lots of Games - With the added pressure of the Europa League, Hull might be stretched and struggle to be fresh for every game, which is where the fringe players come in. However, Hull may find themselves tired and struggling to play at their best for every game.
Possible Lack of Finisher - Shane Long is a wonderful player but isn't the most prolific of strikers, average about 1 in 4 over the last few years, which puts pressure on players like Jelavic, Aluko, Sagbo, Ince and Snodgrass to score enough goals. Jelavic is a good goalscorer if he can find his form but he has been patchy in the last few years, so Hull may not have an out-and-out finisher.
Signings:
Robert Snodgrass - A very clever signing from Hull to sign Snodgrass, who is a brilliant dribbler and creative passer who also scores goals. He is also a wonderful set-piece taker which with Hull's height at the back could come in very handy. Snodgrass will add goals to this Hull side and I'm a huge fan of his.
Tom Ince - Having watched him play a few times at Blackpool I've been impressed and am intrigued to see how he fits in at Hull. He's fast, direct and adept at carrying the ball, but he has end-product as well. Hull have done well to capture his services for the season and I imagine that Ince will do well.
Harry Maguire - Tall, strong and intelligent, Maguire has the attributes to be a top centre-half. If he gets game-time this year he could be one of the best signings of the season at £2.5m. Don't be surprised if he is linked with a big money move in 2 or 3 years.
Andrew Robertson - Very highly rated by Dundee United fans and expected to be a top full back in the near future. I'm very surprised that a top 4 team didn't swoop for Robertson, but Hull is a good fit for him as he will play a lot and develop well.
Who They Should Sign:
A Finisher - Somebody who can put the ball in the back of the net would possibly elevate Hull to the next level. Jordan Rhodes is in my eyes a perfect fit for Hull and I think would make them a regular top 8 team, however Rhodes has signed a new contract with Blackburn so it's unlikely to happen anytime soon. Jelavic is a good player but he isn't a top finisher.
A Central Midfielder - Hull need another player to play either off the striker or as a central midfielder more as back-up than a starter, but that's all else that is needed for them, really.
Final Thoughts:
I really like the look of this Hull side and think that they have recruited superbly well. They have a fairly young squad with bags of talent and variety. There's plenty of players who can score goals, though they don't have a 20 goal a season striker which may be their downfall.
Defensively, Hull are solid and have made good signings. Bruce has got his team well organised and strong at the back, giving the forward players room to show their talent. Hull have a team that could easily make top 8 if they have a good season and I think they will have a very successful season.
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