I think all the midfielders could make that circular argument "It's not me, it's the other ones!" McGinn and Luiz are good central midfielders - probably good enough for the top half but only if they have someone else in there alongside them who is better. Barkley and Nakamba aren't and it's too early to say if Sanson or Ramsey will be. It's a key position we need to strengthen in the summer - a genuinely top-class midfielder who will walk into the team. Probably would help if he has athleticism and height too. I hope Lange has been scouting someone like Soucek.
As I've said a few times now the issue is that the balance of the midfield isn't right. A fit and in form Barkley ahead of McGinn and Luiz looked easily top 6 standard but Barkley just isn't capable of playing at that level consistently. On that basis the first signing this summer needs to be a replacement for him, someone with pace, strength and a good shot on them who wants to boss the midfield and take advantage of the space that Jack creates.I'd like to see McGinn, Luiz, Ramsey and Sanson playing alongside someone like that before we change anything else in there. I also think Chukwuemeka will break-through as the backup for that player pretty soon so someone he can learn from would be fantastic. The problem is I have no idea who the right player is, I haven't watched any European football this year and I've only half-watched domestic games other than ours (usually as something in the background whilst I'm working).Quote from: eamonn on April 11, 2021, 07:12:21 PMI think all the midfielders could make that circular argument "It's not me, it's the other ones!" McGinn and Luiz are good central midfielders - probably good enough for the top half but only if they have someone else in there alongside them who is better. Barkley and Nakamba aren't and it's too early to say if Sanson or Ramsey will be. It's a key position we need to strengthen in the summer - a genuinely top-class midfielder who will walk into the team. Probably would help if he has athleticism and height too. I hope Lange has been scouting someone like Soucek.This mostly covers it but I don't agree with the bold bit. Midfield is all about finding a group of players that complement each other in a way that lets them all play their natural game.
Meatball speaks:Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn, speaking to Sky Sports: "It was just my feeling on the pitch but that was the best 90 minutes I have seen [from an opposition team]. It was a nightmare to be perfectly honest."Did he play in the 1-6 defeat last season?! Fair play for his honesty, though. That goal should give him and Dean confidence to keep playing him further forward. He must have been annoyed that he had to drop deep again to accommodate Barkley when he came on.
That goal should give him and Dean confidence to keep playing him further forward. He must have been annoyed that he had to drop deep again to accommodate Barkley when he came on.
Quote from: eamonn on April 21, 2021, 10:45:09 PMThat goal should give him and Dean confidence to keep playing him further forward. He must have been annoyed that he had to drop deep again to accommodate Barkley when he came on.It's a shame SJM has had to play so long as a defensive midfielder this season and it was only his goals for Scotland that forced Dean to have a rethink. There's more and better to come from him.
SJM is becoming a problem, playing in midfield only highlights his lack of control, constantly not controlling the ball or just plain bad passing is hurting us in midfield. He has not regained the form that made him a stand out two years ago.
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Topic: John McGinn - signed (Captain) (Read 669128 times)
