We had worse strikers in 2005 and that ended not so bad .
The midfield looks way better than last year .
We still have a defence .
Those strikers in 2005 you are talking about included Baros, who by his own international record was one of the best in Europe, and served us well for what he cost, and we also had Cisse for the early part and last few games of the season. In any case it didn't matter too much then as Rafa was always going to play one striker with little Luis behind the striker somewhere. It may not matter much this season - I think BR will use the youth quite a bit for cup games and when necessary for the league games.