John McGinn

[Proposition Joe]

Hmm, I was thinking if we were to progress this season then McGinn wouldn't be a starter, replaced by someone with more technique and control. So now he's captain, he's starting every game, unless Gerrard does a Deano and drops him to make a point (at the precise worst point possible).

I worry what this does for our attacking play. The 433 just does not create chances in open play. And with McGinn nailed on to start I guess that means no Buendia and Coutinho starting together either.

[ozzjim]

I don't mind McGinn making a mistake, my bigger issue is him running around aimlessly without touching the ball for large periods of a game, then treating it like a hot potato once he gets it. Trouble is there are some games when he is truly outstanding, but they are too infrequent. Making him captain takes a place up that in time should be someone else for me, so I hope it raises his game considerably. I would have him and Ramsey competing for one spot, and Luiz and Kamara anchoring the midfield this season as they look after the ball better. Strange call for me when Emi M is such a nailed on starter and huge character.

[darren woolley]

I love Tyrone and JM but I will back Steven Gerrard's decision if it improves the team.

[chrisw1]

On the evidence of the matches in Australia I'd have said he's a problem, mostly because he is so one-footed. The play slows or breaks down when he gets the ball as he often receives it with his back to opposition and has to manoeuvre himself into a position to use his left foot. I thought we looked way more fluid and attacking when the play went through Luiz and Sanson. If we want a stocky little wasp-in-a-bottle type player on the field, Buendia is a better bet.

Love that description.

I also thought Luiz and Sanson looked very good.  And I love Buendia, I really think we need to find a way to get him in the team.

[Drummond]

McGinn's stats are great for an industrious player in the centre. Perhaps we're going 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-1-3 with him and Kamara holding and dropping into defence to get Digne and Cash forward?

[olaftab]

A very strange decision by our Steven.

[Rudy Can't Fail]

I look forward to him lifting the FA Cup next season.

[Chris Smith]

So e people are naturally leaders who flourish with additional responsibility and who others respect. I think both McGinn and Mings fall into that category in a way that, for example, Konsa and Luiz don’t. I know some don’t rate McGinn particularly highly but for me his energy and drive gives him an edge over many who, although perhaps more technically gifted, don’t share that ability.

I think you just have to respect the manager’s decision on this one. He’s the one around the players all the time so will presumably understand the dynamic on the squad to a far greater extent than we do.

[Steve kirk]

Hmm, I was thinking if we were to progress this season then McGinn wouldn't be a starter, replaced by someone with more technique and control. So now he's captain, he's starting every game, unless Gerrard does a Deano and drops him to make a point (at the precise worst point possible).

I worry what this does for our attacking play. The 433 just does not create chances in open play. And with McGinn nailed on to start I guess that means no Buendia and Coutinho starting together either.

My thoughts entirely, we needed an upgrade on him to push towards the top 7/8, he wouldn’t be in my team never mind captain

[Axl Rose]

Hmm, I was thinking if we were to progress this season then McGinn wouldn't be a starter, replaced by someone with more technique and control. So now he's captain, he's starting every game, unless Gerrard does a Deano and drops him to make a point (at the precise worst point possible).

I worry what this does for our attacking play. The 433 just does not create chances in open play. And with McGinn nailed on to start I guess that means no Buendia and Coutinho starting together either.

My thoughts entirely, we needed an upgrade on him to push towards the top 7/8, he wouldn’t be in my team never mind captain

Same here..He might be a great captain, however.

[caster troy]

Hmm, I was thinking if we were to progress this season then McGinn wouldn't be a starter, replaced by someone with more technique and control. So now he's captain, he's starting every game, unless Gerrard does a Deano and drops him to make a point (at the precise worst point possible).

I worry what this does for our attacking play. The 433 just does not create chances in open play. And with McGinn nailed on to start I guess that means no Buendia and Coutinho starting together either.

Totally agree. I don't think it should have been taken off Mings in the first place, but if he wants to let him concentrate on his own performances the obvious choice for captain was Martinez who is on a long term deal and is one of the best in the world in his position so its hard to see a scenario where he would be dropped. McGinn is clearly a likeable character in the dressing room but as it stands he is arguably in a battle to be our third best central midfielder. He needs to improve if he wants to keep his place in the team ahead of Sanson/Luiz/Tim/new signing, but as you say if he is now undroppable we are really limiting ourselves both in terms of personnel and tactics. I reckon it is one dimensional thinking from Gerrard, he is looking for a carbon copy of himself and only seeing a combative midfielder leading the team.

[john2710]

Henderson is the Liverpool captain but he doesn't start every game. Giving McGinn the captaincy doesn't mean he will start every game.

I love Mings but he's not a leader on the pitch, his conduct off the pitch is impeccable. McGinn sets the tempo & drive of the team. But if he doesn't perform he won't play.

[rooboy316]

Between Konsa, Mings and Carlos, there might be some rotation based on form. Throw Chambers into the mix as someone Gerrard clearly rates, means Mcginn may well start more games than Mings, hence being more present as skipper.

I’m also taking Gerrards comments at face value… maybe less responsibility will help Mings cut out some of the errors/lapses in concentration.

Might end up being a good decision, might not, but it’s worth trying.

[Risso]

Between Konsa, Mings and Carlos, there might be some rotation based on form. Throw Chambers into the mix as someone Gerrard clearly rates, means Mcginn may well start more games than Mings, hence being more present as skipper.

I’m also taking Gerrards comments at face value… maybe less responsibility will help Mings cut out some of the errors/lapses in concentration.

Might end up being a good decision, might not, but it’s worth trying.

I'd say McGinn makes as many mistakes as Mings does though, certainly with his passing. Being a midfielder rather than a central defender they're just not as immediately obvious.

[Beard82]

Between Konsa, Mings and Carlos, there might be some rotation based on form. Throw Chambers into the mix as someone Gerrard clearly rates, means Mcginn may well start more games than Mings, hence being more present as skipper.

I’m also taking Gerrards comments at face value… maybe less responsibility will help Mings cut out some of the errors/lapses in concentration.

Might end up being a good decision, might not, but it’s worth trying.

I'd say McGinn makes as many mistakes as Mings does though, certainly with his passing. Being a midfielder rather than a central defender they're just not as immediately obvious.

Agreed - for much of last season our midfield was barely functional.  Not the decision I would have made,  but I guess at the end of the day - we have to let SG do his thing and hope he knows what hes doing.