I only managed to catch the MotD highlights yesterday, so would like to gauge opinion on the partnership in midfield yesterday from those that watched it. My gut feeling with this partnership was that they are too similar in role to be a good, front-foot partnership. To me, neither have the natural ability to carry the ball out of danger and drive us forward, and I feel it leaves a bit of a gap between the pair and the front four. Without seeing the game I do not know if any of this rings true, so would be interested to hear opinions.
I listened to the game in the car, and by most accounts we were the worst of the two sides first half, but really came in to it once the change was made of Janssen for Dier. How much of this was down to the change in midfield (I assume Alli or Eriksen dropped deeper with Wanyama?) and how much it was to do with Janssen giving us extra, and a shift in formation I obviously do not know.
Obviously we have another three league games without Dembele, and there will be points throughout the season where he will not be able to be played, or will be rested, so it is a situation that will not be uncommon in 2016/17.
It may well be the case that we sign another player, but if not what would be your preferred partner for Dier (assuming he is the definite starter of the two) in Dembele's absence (and also assuming that Bentaleb is not going to feature)?
Wanyama
Have you seen enough to think they may forge a good partnership? Yesterday's first half not really indicative of any problems with them as a pair?
Alli
The kid ticks all the boxes in theory, has a good all round game, and is a physically imposing player. Probably the only realistic option if we want to go with two up front, and not be short defensively or offensively. Struggled in a deeper role with England though, and would break up his partnership with Kane.
Mason
Not the most talented player in the squad overall, and nobodies pick for a start usually, but a round peg for a round hole that will give his all. Does all the jobs required, albeit not to the standard of others
Eriksen
The Dane dropped back in to midfield on a couple of occasions last season, and would certainly be able to perform the carrying and fetching duties with aplomb. In possesion no problem, but question marks over his defensive game.
Onomah
Never played in a two for us, but apparently played there. On last season's showing not pbysically ready, but reportedly bulked up this Summer. Looks a good fit by ability.
Winks
Another who has apparently beefed up this Summer. Reportedly impressive in pre season, but virtually no first team experience
Dier With Wanyama - Your Opinions
posted on 15/8/16
Especially when your asking for our opinions
posted on 15/8/16
comment by ツ Hєиgy (U9129)
posted 1 minute ago
Especially when your asking for our opinions
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I asked opinions about all the options, your very first comment concentrated solely on Mason and did not go any deeper
You do seem to have a boner for him. Has Chicken been sticking up for him or something?
posted on 15/8/16
comment by ツ Hєиgy (U9129)
posted 1 day, 1 hour ago
Rather this two with thier limitations in the ball than play Mason with his limitation in his ability
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posted on 15/8/16
comment by ツ Hєиgy (U9129)
posted 16 hours, 39 minutes ago
Winks in a midfield 3 with Dier & Waynama might be a good thing until Dembele back but then have to drop one of the 3 behind Kane
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What about this opinion? But you only picked up in Mason must have a boner for him to ignore it
posted on 15/8/16
The difference between me with Mason & chicken with Lamela is Mason performances have shown mine is valid while Lamelas show chickens is not
posted on 15/8/16
comment by HRH King Ledley (U20095)
posted 26 minutes ago
Mason is this year's scapegoat
Got to have one I suppose
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tbh, eriksen is shaping up to be the scapegoat due to his new contract situation and his horrible form for what seems like ages now.
I admit to being one of the scapegoaters, but players who coast annoy me, and he can offer so much more than he currently does, imo
posted on 15/8/16
comment by ツ Hєиgy (U9129)
posted 2 minutes ago
comment by ツ Hєиgy (U9129)
posted 16 hours, 39 minutes ago
Winks in a midfield 3 with Dier & Waynama might be a good thing until Dembele back but then have to drop one of the 3 behind Kane
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What about this opinion? But you only picked up in Mason must have a boner for him to ignore it
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I did not think that was a serious idea to be honest. Definitely in Pulis territory there
posted on 15/8/16
Leave it there HRH you've lost it
posted on 15/8/16
Wanyama, Dier and Winks? For real?
To be fair, you only mentioned Winks in response to someone else mentioning him
posted on 15/8/16
I don't really rate them as, even though I think Dier is quite a good passer, they don't offer a lot in terms of possession and in the final third.
Its all god having good DM's but teams need to defend with the ball at times as well, gives the defence a chance to rest and to squash any of the other teams attacks.
I didn't watch the game though so am reserving my judgement for now.