Joao Teixeira

[Shaggy]

I like to hope it would be our horrible lack of squad depth in midfield.

Say Teixeira breaks into the match day squad. As things stand and with everyone fit we'd have seven players scrapping over three central midfield positions.

Henderson
Gerrard
Coutinho
Lucas
Allen
Alberto
Teixeira

[Fredo]

Do we really have a lack of depth in midfield? I think that's pretty debatable and pretty much exaggerated earlier in the season. Maybe the issue was a lack of balance in midfield, which we seem to have addressed in the last 2/3 games.

[RedReet]

Say Teixeira breaks into the match day squad. As things stand and with everyone fit we'd have seven players scrapping over three central midfield positions.

Henderson
Gerrard
Coutinho
Lucas
Allen
Alberto
Teixeira

It's unlikely we'll often have everyone fit though and they say you should have 2 players for every position, so I don't see the problem. I still think we are quite light and was surprised we didn't sign Hughes in Jan to offer some cover.

[Red_Polo]

I think we have a lack of quality in depth. It's definitely been eased by Gerrard's new role and Coutinho quite rightly coming back to the centre. Hendo's upturn in form and boundless energy as well. I think that's meant the first team midfield has operated much better, and the lack of midfield quality in the squad hasn't been something of concern lately. It is there waiting to rear its head though.

[I, Ravel Morrison]

At this stage of his development Teixeira is more suited for one of the wide, attacking positions than central midfield.

I'd say Allen's place is threatened more by the (eventual) arrival of Will Hughes. Any other addition to central midfield I'd like a bigger unit with skill and application, and a more defensive bent, like Fernando Reges.

[Shaggy]

Do we really have a lack of depth in midfield? I think that's pretty debatable and pretty much exaggerated earlier in the season. Maybe the issue was a lack of balance in midfield, which we seem to have addressed in the last 2/3 games.

It's unlikely we'll often have everyone fit though and they say you should have 2 players for every position, so I don't see the problem. I still think we are quite light and was surprised we didn't sign Hughes in Jan to offer some cover.

I think we have a lack of quality in depth. It's definitely been eased by Gerrard's new role and Coutinho quite rightly coming back to the centre. Hendo's upturn in form and boundless energy as well. I think that's meant the first team midfield has operated much better, and the lack of midfield quality in the squad hasn't been something of concern lately. It is there waiting to rear its head though.

I do think we're one all round CM powerhouse light, but I wouldn't say we have a horrible lack of depth. Suso to come back too who could easily play at the tip of a central three.

[I, Ravel Morrison]

I do think we're one all round CM powerhouse light, but I wouldn't say we have a horrible lack of depth. Suso to come back too who could easily play at the tip of a central three.

Agree It's encouraging to see, just like Coutinho, he's adding a vital physical and defensive side to his game.

[dww]

Say Teixeira breaks into the match day squad. As things stand and with everyone fit we'd have seven players scrapping over three central midfield positions.

Henderson
Gerrard
Coutinho
Lucas
Allen
Alberto
Teixeira

Realistically Alberto isn't competing at all for a starting spot at the minute. I think that we need to have two proper options per position and at the minute we have less than that. If Teixeira or Alberto improve that would be great. We also have the option (for some games at least) of playing an attacking midfielder as part of the more advanced three.

Also I think given the injury record of Lucas and Allen we need greater numbers than we have.

[Shaggy]

Realistically Alberto isn't competing at all for a starting spot at the minute. I think that we need to have two proper options per position and at the minute we have less than that. If Teixeira or Alberto improve that would be great. We also have the option (for some games at least) of playing an attacking midfielder as part of the more advanced three.

Also I think given the injury record of Lucas and Allen we need greater numbers than we have.

At the minute, no, but it appears the plan for him is to give him 12 months to acclimatise and strengthen. I'll be surprised and disappointed if he's not a contributing squad member next season.

[Red_Polo]

I do think we're one all round CM powerhouse light, but I wouldn't say we have a horrible lack of depth. Suso to come back too who could easily play at the tip of a central three.

I agree. It's the quality rather than numbers we're shy of. We just need that boost in quality. One more player who you'd be more than happy to trust as a first choice.

[Mattshark]

I do think we're one all round CM powerhouse light, but I wouldn't say we have a horrible lack of depth. Suso to come back too who could easily play at the tip of a central three.

Need more goals from midfield. With the exception of penalties, 2 goals for Gerrard (1fk and 1 from corner), 1 from Henderson and 2 from Countinho (1 from corner). That is only one more than Skrtel has between them. Basically our defence scores more goals than our midfield!

[cream]

Coutinho is now operating as a central midfielder rather than attacking midfielder, I expect Suso would be similar and Tex would get a few minutes here and there. Alberto as backup to Henderson and Allen back up to Gerrard. I can see Lucas being sold and an all round type midfieder coming in.

[Shaggy]

I agree. It's the quality rather than numbers we're shy of. We just need that boost in quality. One more player who you'd be more than happy to trust as a first choice.

Need more goals from midfield. With the exception of penalties, 2 goals for Gerrard (1fk and 1 from corner), 1 from Henderson and 2 from Countinho (1 from corner). That is only one more than Skrtel has between them. Basically our defence scores more goals than our midfield!

We sure do but I think Henderson, Sterling and Coutinho are going to add goals to their games. Coutinho is simply too good not to, likewise Sterling. Henderson is still only 23 and developing into a fantastic player. Gerrard didn't start scoring 10+ a season until he was about 25.

[dww]

Sterling has started doing it already. Somehow I'm not convinced Coutinho or Henderson will. Then again I didn't think Suarez would kick on and become the regular scorer he has.

[BigChief]

Coutinho was born to score goals, like Suarez and Sturridge. Its just a matter of time, maybe next season. He's more important as a creator this season.

Hendo I'm not sure about. If he practices ala Ronaldo/Bale he could be anything he wants. But you don't get Ronaldo/Bale every season so more a shot in the dark.