There’s something about Bodo that gets people talking, and it isn’t always down to an all-star squad. The organisation, the way they’re coached and how the team moves together is the headline. You can see why a player like Sjovold stands out — terrific on the ball, aggressive in attack — but you have to be honest about his defensive limitations. At that price tag people expect the full package.

Why structure beats individual names

To be fair, managers can elevate players. A clear system hides a few weaknesses and enhances strengths. Bodo are a neat example: discipline, pressing triggers, and quick transitions make their attackers look better. It’s not to say they don’t have quality, but context matters. A player who thrives in one setup can look a different prospect elsewhere.

The Sjovold conundrum

Sjovold brings genuine attacking threat — good for overlaps, carries and getting into the box. But he’s got a mistake in him defensively, and you can’t ignore that long-term. If he’s priced around £10m you’d want a right-back who can do both ends of the pitch reliably. The truth is we’ve seen that type of profile cost a lot more in other leagues, and that’s the rub.

Why Lissah makes sense as a pragmatic pick

It’s worth looking closer to home for balance. The young Swansea full-back Lissah, on loan at Falkirk, is the kind of pragmatic option that could slot straight into a system without too much fuss. Tall, comfortable on the ball, and reportedly solid defensively as well as forward-thinking — that profile fits a manager who wants a dependable right-back rather than a high-risk, high-reward winger masquerading as a defender. If the transfer fee is manageable, you’ve got cover, competition and someone who could grow into the role.

Ultimately, I’d rather sign a complete player for the position than gamble everything on one flashy outgoing option. The balance of defensive solidity and forward threat wins more titles than the odd dazzler.

Written by Rwn1978: 11 June 2026

Tags: tactics transfers