So in our (slightly) newly adopted 4-2-3-1 we seem set in the attacking places- assuming the Hulk/Hazard deals come through
But one place in which we are still being linked with a new player is in our midfield 2- Modric again being rumour in chief.
Now our current realistic options are-
Lampard
Essien
Mikel
Ramires
Romeu
Meireles
With other young (future) options of De Bruyne, Maceachran and Chalobah
Now I can understand that with all the good young options we have, that we still need more of a player for the present. Essien is no longer anywhere near the needed standard and looks a shadow of his former self- But is it really worth spending 35 odd million pounds over?
In 2 seasons I would hope for both Josh and De Bruyne to be squad players at least (even though they aren't good enough defensively to play together)- So surely Lampard and Mikel can fill the starting spots long enough for them to catch up.
I honestly think a midfield 2 of Chalobah and De Bruyne could work REALLY well for us in a couple of years as it has everything needed- Goals, steel, passing ability- the lot
So options for the now could be good player at average prices as a stop gap- A fantastic example of this would be Mohammed Diame (Free transfer- Average wages,Solid defensive midfielder)
And then we could raise the funds for a top class right back which is what we need by selling the likes of Essien, Malouda, Ferreira, Benayoun and at a push maybe Meireles if De Bruyne has a good pre-season.
With all the attacking talent we are getting in, we still need steel in the middle of the park, Would Modric & Mikel really be £30m better than Mikel-Lampard for the time we need it?
The double pivot
posted on 1/6/12
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 1/6/12
Maybe Fellaini in, Meireles and Essien sold, Oriol on loan and one of Josh/De Bruyne as 5th choice.
posted on 1/6/12
comment by TFB (U1187)
posted 1 minute ago
For the record im totally against the possibility of us signing modric.
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Fair play, who would you want?
posted on 1/6/12
Out of all those players Ramires has got to be a certain starter
It depends what system we're playing. If we continue in the defensive counter-attacking system, then Ramires is the best RW in the world we can play. No one is displacing him in big games. That would leave Hulk/Mata/Hazard competing for 2 positions.
If we play a more attacking position then Ramires will probably move laterally and then it's just one of Lampard/Mikel/Essien/Meireles/Romeu to accompany him.
We've got good cover either way I think we should be okay.
posted on 1/6/12
I rather Mikel and Lampard to Ramires in the two.
posted on 1/6/12
RBM
I would honestly give essien another shout. As much as ill admit his performances were pretty awful last season and he constantly looked off the pace. i think with a long break, good pre season campaign (injury free) i think he could come good again.
Its prbly just wishful thinking but i dont think theres too many cm that can come near him.
Also ramires for me wouldnt suit the cm position in a 4-2-3-1. He'll be totally wasted there. We may as well chop his legs off!
posted on 1/6/12
Ramires' passing ability and wanting to get forward worries me for the midfield 2-
If he looks at Essien of 4 years ago he'd go a long way.
He needs to pick his moments to go forward, rather than just doing it every time (although his desire to do this instantly makes him very likeable)
posted on 1/6/12
Sahin or Banega in
Raul and Essien out
posted on 2/6/12
Chalobah would be a great option in a double pivot
posted on 2/6/12
I don't rate Fellaini. We can do better.