Assuming we manage to bring in a goalkeeper, we will have strengthened every area of our team - except for the defensive central midfield area. Ziyech, Werner, Pulisic, with Havertz behind them (assuming they can all stay fit) is a mouthwatering prospect. Chilwell, a more mature James, and Silva will improve our defence. But in that central midfield two we have Kovacic, Kante, Jorginho and Gilmour - and possibly Mount and RLC. They are all good players, but each has his weakness. Kovacic and Kante may be current first choice partnership, but somehow they don’t quite seem to work. Kante is one of the best defensive midfield players in the world, and Kovacic was our player of the season last year - and yet.....I still long for the days of Makelele & Essien, or Essien & Ballack. We dominated the midfield in those days.
I was interested to read Mount’s comments after the BM games when he said he couldn’t get close to Thiago Alcantara. And I was shocked to read that he wanted to join Liverpool, but Liverpool didn’t want to pay £30M for him! The world seems to have gone insane where Rice costs £80M, but Thiago Alcantara isn’t worth £30M. I’d absolutely love him at Chelsea.
That being said (and assuming we don’t sign anyone else), who do you think will play in those two central positions? I do think Kovacic and Kante are first choice, but once everyone is fit I’d love Lampard to try Gilmour and RLC. I think that would provide good technical ability, along with strength and ability to drive forward with the ball from RLC. Not to mention an actual goalscoring threat, which would make a nice change.
Defensive central midfield
posted on 4/9/20
You forgot Ampadu!
posted on 4/9/20
I will say once Havertz arrives this is a tacticians dream this squad. The sheer variety of possibilities with it is insane, multiple players who are proven in more than one positions, multiple specialists, nice blend of youth & experience, good balance of personalities, etc...
If it had a top keeper any manager in the world who fancies themselves a tactic guru & likes a challenge would adore this setup.
posted on 4/9/20
DEFINITELY buying Football Manager this year
posted on 4/9/20
I don't know why we are looking at Rice. If we spend more money, I'd like Upamecano and Donnaruma (or Oblak).
posted on 4/9/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 4/9/20
Thiago would be a fool to join Liverpool. Yes they’re on the high now but Chelsea and United will be better than them very soon if not already (in the case of chelsea). Plus once klopp leaves (and he will leave) they’ll go back to being a Europa team like they were before he came.
posted on 5/9/20
comment by Wahl Icht - Congratulations to Arsenal, Super English Champions (U22443)
posted 13 hours, 25 minutes ago
Thiago would be a fool to join Liverpool. Yes they’re on the high now but Chelsea and United will be better than them very soon if not already (in the case of chelsea). Plus once klopp leaves (and he will leave) they’ll go back to being a Europa team like they were before he came.
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So bitter
posted on 5/9/20
comment by Wahl Icht - Congratulations to Arsenal, Super English Champions (U22443)
posted 14 hours, 11 minutes ago
Thiago would be a fool to join Liverpool. Yes they’re on the high now but Chelsea and United will be better than them very soon if not already (in the case of chelsea). Plus once klopp leaves (and he will leave) they’ll go back to being a Europa team like they were before he came.
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Let's just leave the wild claims until we see how the new signings gel in new surroundings eh?
posted on 5/9/20
what wild claim
posted on 5/9/20
'That being said (and assuming we don’t sign anyone else), who do you think will play in those two central positions?'
I'd imagine we're going to be quite interchangeable between a two and three man midfield.
4231/433 hybrid.
Provided players stay fit, depth should be strong and we'll see fluid lineups again (depending on opponents).