Its now two and a half months since I took the reigns at Dynamo Moskva so thought I would share how things have been going so far. Sitting in 4th spot in the league and 5 points off top spot is decent and I probably would have taken that before the season started. Form is a little up and down but that is to be expected in a division where most of the teams are very evenly matched and teams will always pinch points off each other.

My nateral instincts when taking over a team is to trade/sell off all the older players for younger lower rated players but with a higher ceiling. The uniquness of T100 and the contract situation meant I had to look at the task in a different way as lowering the rating of the first team could lead to me failing to meet the “top 15 finish” and getting the sack after only 1 season in charge.

Signings so far:
Andrea Belotti (91 rated – 28 years old) – Fran Beltran, Reece Oxford and £7m
This is my most important signing to date. I felt a 91 rated forward could be the difference down in division 4. He hasn’t set the world alight so far and hoping for a much better 2nd half of the season from him.

Jesus Gallardo (87 rated – 27 years old) – Jordan Amavi
Came as part of a deal for Jordan Amavi to take over the starting LB spot. A down grade by 1 rating point but felt it worth while to recieve the other players that came as part of the deal.
Mohammed Bayo (85 rated – 23 years old) – Jordan Amavi
Came as part of a deal for Jordan Amavi. Has a good goalscorring recordin the French league for a struggling Clermont. Has been linked with the likes of West Ham and fingers crossed he gets move in the summer.

Adamo Nagalo (78 rated – 19 years old) – Jordan Amavi
Came as part of a deal for Jordan Amavi. A graduate from the Right to Dream Accademy and playing for Danish top tie club Nordsjaelland. Already established as a starter and I have high hopes he moves on to a stronger European league.

Ebrima Darboe (76 rated – 20 years old) – Jordan Amavi
Came as part of a deal for Jordan Amavi. The young Gambian international was a part of the first team int he African nations, getting to the Quanrter Finals. Hasn’t seen much in the way of minutes for Roma this season, only really getting a chance in the European games but its always going to be difficult under Mourinho who doesnt often give youth a chance. Been linked with a move to big European clubs. One for the future!

Theo Bengona (86 rated – 26 years old) – Danny Da Costa
Right back Danny Da Costa was level 4 concerns when I arrived and I felt I needed to find the best deal I could for him. I had a few offers and this was the one I accepted. Bengonda is having a decent season for Genk scoring 10 league goals in 28 appearences from the wing. An out side chance of a ratings increase but good depth in the main.

Moussa Wague (82 rated – 23 years old) – Danny Da Costa
This was the 2nd part of the deal for Da Costa. Picking up a 23 year old Barcalona player sounds good but this lads career has stalled dramatically. A mixture of serious injury, loan spells and Covid has meant a once promising talent is in the wilderness. He isnt going to make it at Barca so will be important to see what club he terms up at next.

Jordan Beyer (82 rated – 21 years old) – Diego Costa
Having picked up Belotti I had no need for Costa. Central Defence is the weekest part of my team so was able to pick up a young prospect getting regular game time for Monchengladbach.

Chidera Ejuke (86 rated – 24 years old) – 2.4 mil
Picked him up for depth mainly and felt he had a chance at rising looking at his real life numbers and he did get a plus 2 up to 86 in the Russian review.

From External
James Trafford – young Man City keeper impressing on loan at Bolton.
Shea Charles – young Man City academy prospect
Oscar Bobb – young Man City academy prospect. Impressing and not far from the first team squad.
Marko Ilic – 24 year old Serbian GK playing in Belgium. Capped by his county and with luck hopefully a bigger club will take a chance on him in time.
Osvaldo Rodriguez – Playing in the Mexican League. Simply sighned as depth as he can play right and left back.
Tom Van de Looi – Young Dutch midfielder playing for promotion chasing Brecia. If he is playing in the Italian top flight next season he could see a significant rise.
Sargis Adamyan – just picked him up as he has scored 5 in his last 5 for table topping Club Brugge. Probably too old now to progress much but adds to the squad depth.
Vincent Aboubakar – Took a punt on him when he was ripping it up at the African nation hoping a European team would sign him. He is too old in truth though and he will be shipped out once his transfer ban ends.
Bradley Dack – Super talented player currently making a come back after some terrible injuries. When I signed him it was looking like Blackburn were Premiership bound but the wheels have come off. I will hold on to see if he is a Premiership player next year.
Aleix Garcia – Ex-Man City player. Still young and playing for promotion chasing Girona. If he is playing in the Spanish top flight next season I would hope his rating will improve.
Jacob Murphy – Has been a regular under Eddie Howe in what is a much improved Newcastle team. Currently 85 rated but a rise to 87 must be a possibility looking at his numbers and if so will become a good option.

In summary I am pleased with the way things have been going. I have a chance at promotion if I can stick around the playoff picture in division 4 but it tough as a lot of the teams are a much of a muchness. A bit of luck and keeping my better rated players bit will be the key.