A few years back, we had a song that stated "we've got the best midfield in the world"
Now, none of those players are here, apart from Gerrard, who is in the twilight of his carreer and seems more that a little injury prone.
This means we have (had) to rebuild an entire midfield, replacing 3 world class players. So far we have completely failed to do this. Taking Gerrard out of the equation, and lets pretend we are using 433, with strikers playing on the wings (meh), as this seems the preferred formation these days.
We had 3 central midfielders. Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard seemed to be the perfect mix. It nearly took us to the title. I believe we should try to emulate this line up. So how close are we now?
I dont think any of our midfielders (ignoring Gerrard) are anywhere near good enough. Perhaps Aquilani could have played in Gerrards position. Lucas is useful as a utility player on the bench. I personally dont see a place for Meireles in the starting line up. He is not really a playmaker, a dribbler or a ball winner. He reminds me of Platt or Wark. Times really great runs to score goals, but wont take the game by the scruff of the neck when playing possesion (although it is early days, and he has had to adapt his game this way and that way, so perhaps he needs more time).
It does not look like we will get Aquilani back, despite some great promise toward the end of last season. So where does this leave us realistically?
Charlie Adam is a must buy. I believe he can fit into the Alonso role, which may be the most difficult to fill. Unfortunately, Slur Alex back to his old tricks trying to sign our top targets.
For a ball winner, we need someone with bags of energy, who can time his tackles. I am tempted to say Scott Parker, despite his age, as he can also distribute, and this would leave us with two good all rounders.
For the Gerrard role .Well, hopefully Gerrard can get fit, otherwise I have no idea. I would perhaps go 442, and get Nzogbia on the left
Now, none of those players are here, apart from Gerrard, who is in the twilight of his carreer and seems more that a little injury prone.
This means we have (had) to rebuild an entire midfield, replacing 3 world class players. So far we have completely failed to do this. Taking Gerrard out of the equation, and lets pretend we are using 433, with strikers playing on the wings (meh), as this seems the preferred formation these days.
We had 3 central midfielders. Alonso, Mascherano and Gerrard seemed to be the perfect mix. It nearly took us to the title. I believe we should try to emulate this line up. So how close are we now?
I dont think any of our midfielders (ignoring Gerrard) are anywhere near good enough. Perhaps Aquilani could have played in Gerrards position. Lucas is useful as a utility player on the bench. I personally dont see a place for Meireles in the starting line up. He is not really a playmaker, a dribbler or a ball winner. He reminds me of Platt or Wark. Times really great runs to score goals, but wont take the game by the scruff of the neck when playing possesion (although it is early days, and he has had to adapt his game this way and that way, so perhaps he needs more time).
It does not look like we will get Aquilani back, despite some great promise toward the end of last season. So where does this leave us realistically?
Charlie Adam is a must buy. I believe he can fit into the Alonso role, which may be the most difficult to fill. Unfortunately, Slur Alex back to his old tricks trying to sign our top targets.
For a ball winner, we need someone with bags of energy, who can time his tackles. I am tempted to say Scott Parker, despite his age, as he can also distribute, and this would leave us with two good all rounders.
For the Gerrard role .Well, hopefully Gerrard can get fit, otherwise I have no idea. I would perhaps go 442, and get Nzogbia on the left
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