With Gerrard, Adam, Henderson, Spearing, Shelvey...options as cover, do you think Kenny will sign a replacement in January? The only current player who plays in the DM position is Spearing, with reserve player Coady as another option. Kenny might even look to a defender to take over, the likes of Agger, Aurelio and Kelly have the ability on the ball to play in the middle.
Defensive midfield is one of the most vital positions in football, and I think we need to target a player on loan or as a full transfer in January. Players that I can think of include Diarra (Madrid), Tiote (Newcastle), Senna (Villarreal), Vidal (Leverkusen), Keita (Barcelona), M'Vila (Rennes), Sissoko (Toulouse).
Do we target a short term solution such as Keita or Senna, or someone to compete in the future such as M'Vila, Tiote, Sissoko...?
Thoughts?
Lucas Replacment
posted on 1/12/11
Kelly does not have the ability to play CM for me. Agger is good enough but I dont think he would be up to it phyisically. Similar story with Aurelio. He has the ability but we all know about his injury record. At CM that just makes it more likely.
I'd say Spearing is the most like for like. I cant see Gerrard returning any time soon, and he has never really had the discipline to play that role anyway. Henderson and Adam cannot play that role for me. They arent that sort of player.
posted on 1/12/11
Can't see you getting tiote as he'll cost £20m+ just to cover till the end of the season when lucas is fit.
posted on 1/12/11
I think a loan move for Keita would be a great move until the end of the season.
posted on 1/12/11
I notice Flanagan played in midfield for the reserves last night, perhaps Kenny considering him in that role for the first team in the future?
I can't see Barca letting Keita leave on loan unless they sign a replacement, they don't have the biggest squad.
Comolli is allegedly a huge fan of Moussa Sissoko, he only has 18 months left on his contract in January, so I would not be surprised to see us move for him if Comolli can convince Kenny of his quality. Toulouse won't be able to turn it down if the money is right.
posted on 1/12/11
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
Wont Keita be off to the African Cup of Nations? Don't really see the point in bringing someone in on loan for 4/5 month and losing them for a decent chunk of that. Might be ok if he knew the EPL and was experienced but from Spain? Not for me.
posted on 1/12/11
I've always seen the lack of genuine competition/cover for Lucas as a weakness in our squad.
I would imagine that a replacement will be looked at in January, but in the meantime Spearing should be given a chance.
Agger doesn't have the energy to play this role, Kelly lacks the technical ability imo. Flanagan maybe an option, as is Gerrard (although I'm unsure if SG is suited to the role these days). It maybe a bit early for Coady, but as we know Kenny isn't shy about throwing the youngsters in.
Let's cross our fingers that whoever is given the role they can do a decent job. Spearing then Coady would be my preference.
posted on 1/12/11
I think it's quite likely that KK won't buy/loan anyone. He will put his trust in Spearing and Coady just like he's doing at the moment with Henderson.
Let's see if it works. I think Spearing might be decent if he can be consistent
posted on 1/12/11
comment by Last One In (U6997)
posted 2 hours, 9 minutes ago
comment by There'sOnlyOneReds (U1721)
Wont Keita be off to the African Cup of Nations? Don't really see the point in bringing someone in on loan for 4/5 month and losing them for a decent chunk of that. Might be ok if he knew the EPL and was experienced but from Spain? Not for me.
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I don't think 3 weeks out of five months is a decent chunk. Your point of inexperience in the league is a good one, which is exactly why a loan move would be a good option.