Agger as a holding midfielder

[saj]

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.

You've also gotta realise that a lot of attacking players end up becoming defensive/defenders. Sissoko being an example of this as well as Carragher. Spearing is a very physical atacking midfielder. He could easily be moulded into that role given his age. Yes 10 years ago you would have struggled to name any "watercarriers", but now thats not the case.

I'll give you another example - Essien. He's a good attacking midfielder but he is very good when he plays in that Makalele role.

[dww]

You've also gotta realise that a lot of attacking players end up becoming defensive/defenders. Sissoko being an example of this as well as Carragher. Spearing is a very physical atacking midfielder. He could easily be moulded into that role given his age. Yes 10 years ago you would have struggled to name any "watercarriers", but now thats not the case.

I'll give you another example - Essien. He's a good attacking midfielder but he is very good when he plays in that Makalele role.

The thing is though that Essien is a very disciplined and tactically aware player. Spearing doesn't particularly look that - in the same way Gerrard doesn't and so isn't a great defensive midfielder. I take your point though that he is young enough and if he is intelligent enough he could make the transition as he has some of the other attributes needed. It is not always easy to predict who will adapt, while Essien does a great job in that role for example Mikel is average at it at best despite having many of the necessary qualities.

Another point to note there seem to be two types of so called 'water carrier' players those who are effectively what would have been a sweeper but moved into midfield capable of starting attacks and with good close control and short passing and those like Phil Neville who are basically a centreback who is positioned a few yards further forward. There are many of the latter sort very few (good) of the former in my view.

It's a real shame Plessis has regressed so badly as his height would be a nice addition.

[Liverta 78]

Any buy back clause for momo?