Agger as a holding midfielder

[dizzycat]

If we get stiffed this summer we may need emergency cover in this position. Could be an option. Reads the game well, tidy passer, looks to move forward quickly. I know he's not experienced there, but he could be ok if push came to shove.

[red g]

yep and dirky as an emergency right back

[Lee]

I'd rather play Agger as a holding midfielder, rather than at left back as mentioned previously.

Yeah, possibly actually. Would be interesting to see how he did for a few games.

[Shanks]

If we get stiffed this summer we may need emergency cover in this position.

I would be seriously worried if it actually got to that stage.

I'm sure Rafa and his team are working hard behind the scenes, to ensure this doesn't become an issue.

[saj]

Rafa's holding midfielders tend to be very mobile, highly energetic, strong tacklers and quick (Sissoko and Mascherano). Agger does not have a single one of those traits. Sorry, but it's a fact. Skrtel would make a better holding midfielder than Agger but the truth is I'd have neither ever play that postition.

[Joe King]

Rafa's holding midfielders tend to be very mobile, highly energetic, strong tacklers and quick (Sissoko and Mascherano). Agger does not have a single one of those traits. Sorry, but it's a fact. Skrtel would make a better holding midfielder than Agger but the truth is I'd have neither ever play that postition.

Skrtel is a bit too headstrong to play that position. The only player I can see who can play if there was an epidemic would be Aurelio given his performance down at Fratton Park.

[RedReet]

Skrtel is a bit too headstrong to play that position. The only player I can see who can play if there was an epidemic would be Aurelio given his performance down at Fratton Park.

That would have been an interesting call before he got injured.

[el matador]

of all the defenders at the club I think Carra would be the best defensive midfielder because he has played there in the past and has the best mobility of all of them.

He is also a good passer of the ball and reads the game very well.

If masher left he would be my choice if another replacement couldnt be found.

[saj]

Skrtel is a bit too headstrong to play that position. The only player I can see who can play if there was an epidemic would be Aurelio given his performance down at Fratton Park.

Aurelio is more like Alonso than Mascherano. Our 2 holding midfielders have completely different roles. One is a playmaker (Alonso) and the other is a destroyer (Mascherano and before him Sissoko). There's is no way Aurelio could play the role of Mascherano, ever. I think the only guy who could possibly play that role in our squad is Spearing - he's quick, strong, good passer and has great set pieces. Unfortunately he's unproven at 1st team level

[saj]

of all the defenders at the club I think Carra would be the best defensive midfielder because he has played there in the past and has the best mobility of all of them.

He is also a good passer of the ball and reads the game very well.

If masher left he would be my choice if another replacement couldnt be found.

Good shout actually - completely forgot about him.

[RedReet]

Aurelio is more like Alonso than Mascherano. Our 2 holding midfielders have completely different roles. One is a playmaker (Alonso) and the other is a destroyer (Mascherano and before him Sissoko). There's is no way Aurelio could play the role of Mascherano, ever. I think the only guy who could possibly play that role in our squad is Spearing - he's quick, strong, good passer and has great set pieces. Unfortunately he's unproven at 1st team level

I though that's who the original poster meant.

IReads the game well, tidy passer, looks to move forward quickly.

[saj]

I thought that's whom the original poster meant.

Ahh, are talking about a replacement for Alonso or Mascherano? I assumed Mascherano. Sorry everyone

[RedReet]

I don't know, that's just what I thought, although I was just out of the Alonso thread. Maybe both?

[dizzycat]

Saj is spot on with his comments, but I was thinking more of someone sitting off in Alonso's position who can provide strong defensive cover on our weaker left side. I'm in no way suggesting that he would be a serious long term solution, but I think he seems to have that bit of time when he takes possession of the ball and a bit of directness about him. Anyway when we sign the new Jan Molby all will be well.

[Joe King]

Jay Spearing is no way in the same league as Mascherano. He may be robust and hard in the tackle however Mascherano is in a very small league of world class watercarriers. It's a specialist role, one which would take a huge amount or fantastic scouting in order to buy to replace or challenge Mascherano.