Josh The Reason?

BLUE KENYAN, I get where you're coming from but if we get someone like pastore who can play higher up the pitch behind torres while mikel and ramires operate deeper, lamps and josh can keep playing other games. With lamps kinda playing the ramires role(he can still tackle and keeps running for most of the game). While josh rotates with mikel and pastore in different games(he can play both roles). What do you think?

Benayoun can fill out for Pastore, McEachran for Mikel and Lampard for Ramires,

Given Essien's performances over the past 12 months is his injury really that big a blow?

In any case, Mikel and Josh have been our best performers this pre-season imo. What I really like about Josh is how much composure he plays with despite his youth. He's already looking like a seasoned first teamer

I don't actually think 30 appearances is that unrealistic a target

Yes! Josh is the reason we've been creative!
Even Benayoun that is supposed to be the most creative in the team, doesn't have a thing on Josh.
Josh is the definition of a perfect midfielder...he only has to start having an eye for goals for him to be the complete package, but I like his progress so far...doing the basics, before going onto the secondary (scoring goals)

I am very happy that we have a coach that recognises a talent when he sees one, and is willing to play him in his preferred position, unlike Carlo who stubbornly didn't want to play Josh upfront...it was really frustrating!

He can't finish...but a great prospect.

Josh had 57 passes today - 53 were correct

Josh had 57 passes today - 53 were correct
------------------------------------------------
That's what I'm talking about!
Iniesta is written all over this kid...he needs to work more on his dribbling abilities and goal scoring in order to be a great player.

When he plays he never looks out of place, he isn't any worse than our other options in midfield so I expect he will get quite a few appearances next season.

He is so composed and comfortable on the ball it's unusual for a youngster, I might go as far to say he is the best in the squad at retaining the ball apart from perhaps Mikel.

Of course he has improvements to make (who doesn't at 18) but he might not reach his peak for another decade+ so he'll be a top player without a doubt.

I'd like to see him be a little more expressive in his passing, he has the ability just look at that ball for Sturridge in the first half. And also Josh it's football, you can shoot!

BornABlue

I agree with you...apart from Mikel, he is the second best in retaining possession of the ball, but the difference between him and Mikel in ball possession is that; Josh retains the ball in a classy way, he does it effortlessly, which is pleasing to watch.

I believe he will start looking for goals, once he feels he has perfected in ball distribution...and he will also need some encouragement from the coaching staff, with regard to scoring.

josh just needs a chance ...I really hope AVB has seen enough promise to let him have his head early doors this term

No reason he cant deputise for Lampard (say 30 minutes every game) depending on how Lamps does of course...or even start a few lesser fixtures