03 Jun 2023 12:12:16
With all the discussions of needing 2 or 3 midfielders, it made me realise that the rebuilding job in midfield is not just for this season but next as well. It’s conceivable that 2 if not all 3 of thiago, Fabinho and henderson could go next season. Could that be the consideration for bringing an extra body in now? I appreciate we don’t have the resources of city where they can buy the replacement for a player whilst said player remains at the club for another year or two. However, with europa league this season and still retaining injury prone players, if three were brought in they would still get plenty of game time and be better placed for replacing outgoing players next season.

Cheers.

1.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 13:15:58
Agreed. As far as I am concerned we do not have a starting midfield right now. None of those three players can be relied upon, whether you’re talking about availability, consistency or physicality on the pitch.

We have Jones and Bajcetic who are both great, but are too inexperienced to depend upon every week. I feel Elliott is more of a forward myself. Morton may come back and stake a claim but that is far from a guarantee.

We’ve been messing around by persisting with players who are too young, too old, too niche and far too injury prone. We need to buy the next generation of Milners, Wijnaldums and Hendersons. Well rounded players who can be relied upon to play any role at any time.

In my opinion the absence of such a player is what cost us the quadruple. Now we need to find three of them.

2.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 13:32:28
I can’t us is getting 3 midfielders.
We have a lot of young future talent and a lot of experience. We just lack a couple of players hitting their peak. Mac Allister fits the bill.

3.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 13:38:50
Much of debate over the last few days has been 2 or 3 midfielders.

My take is this. We need 2. The midfield needs more athleticism. mac Allaister does not bring this. He can tackle, press etc. But I don't see the pace to scramble when our press is beaten. So we need that type. Kone or Thuram both fulfill it. Preferably Thuram for me. The third would hopefully be Arnold with Bajectic, Jones and Henderson fighting for spots.

When we were linked with Gravenberch, Tielemens etc. I would definitely always have said two is enough in terms of need. Particularly as I don't want above players.

However if we can get Mac Allaister, Thuram and Kone I would definitely do it. I'm not fond of the inverted wingback but even if it meant keeping that system I would do it. That midfield screams chemistry to me. Kone holding with Thuram and Mac Allaister box to box.

If we pulled off the miracle and got all three, I would move Fabinho and Thiago on if possible. It will be sad with Fabinho in particular as he is an absolute legend but in football we must move forward.

Bajectic, Jones, Morton, Arnold, Henderson all challenging. It would be awesome.

I will not entertain selling club captain Henderson. One thing on him, he finds his best football when he is on the bench. I think he reflects on his game more. Everytime he is out of the team, he finds a way back in. I could see him coming up with something to increase his on pitch importance again. Plus I loved the man. I'm nowhere near ready to part ways. Losing Fabinho, milner and Firmino is bad enough. Only so many legends can leave in one summer.

4.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 13:45:17
Blimey Ron Keagues back. Welcome back Ron.

5.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 14:09:58
Hi CC.

6.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 15:18:46
RON!

Hope you’re well mate.

7.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 15:51:24
Ron! Glad you are back!

8.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 17:38:20
For me, whether we need 2 or 3 will depend entirely on what the decision for TAA's position will be next season. And like falling dominoes, everything becomes more clear after that decision.

If TAA is staying at RB, then we need 3. So midfield would be Henderson, Thiago, Fabinho, Elliott, Jones, Bajcetic, Mac Allister, Thuram and Kone (3 to be confrmed) . That's a total of 9 midfielders. You can say that's too many, but I would say we want to challenge in 4 competitions.

If TAA is moving up to midfield, or we're keeping this hybrid role for him, then we need 2. Mac Allister and Thuram to be brought in. That makes it 9 once again in midfield.

I hope TAA is moved up to midfield. Gomez, Ramsey and Bradley to fight it out and alternate for the RB spot.

9.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 17:50:53
Hi guys, what a lovely welcome back to the site.
Hope everyone is doing well. I’m feeling pretty good myself thank you.

YNWA.

10.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 18:03:40
ArAy I agree with that. If Trent is a midfielder we can do with 2.

11.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 19:15:44
Would Trent be better in midfield than any of MacAllistair, Thuram or Kone, just a question for those who watch other leagues?
Maybe TAA should be used in Cups etc in midfield to build experience in there, don't forget most on here say he's the best rb in the world so why move him.

12.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 20:31:51
Whoa! Ron's back, baby. Let's Go!

13.) 03 Jun 2023
03 Jun 2023 20:42:05
I feel we need 3, Bajcetic looked like a quality player when he stepped up but he needs to be managed correctly with being so young. Jones looked good towards the end of the season but I don't think he has the quality to be a starter week in and week out in a team wanting to challenge for the title, he'd be a good squad player.
Elliot is too light weight to play in the centre I feel, he could play just behind the striker or out on the RW/ LW. Henderson has been a quality servant to the club and has far exceeded my expectations when we signed him but unfortunately age has caught up with him and he should be phased out. Thiago if he could stay fit would still bring some quality into the team but the guy is always injured. Fabinho has been on a decline the last 2 seasons, watching him the past season was so frustrating he looked so slow, weak and couldn't make a tackle without giving the ball away. Id look to move him on while we could still get some money for him.
I'm not convinced with this hybrid role for Trent either he needs to be put in to midfield or rb. It leaves the defence far too exposed and I can see us being caught out trying it throughout the season.
Thats just my thoughts on the situation anyway.

14.) 04 Jun 2023
04 Jun 2023 00:44:35
Ron Keague! Magic! Welcome back!

15.) 04 Jun 2023
04 Jun 2023 12:12:09
I agree ArAy, if Trent moves into midfield we need 2. That looking like MacAllister and 1 of Konr or Thuram - those 3 starting would be good

Also, we'd then have Elliott, Jones and Bacjetic backing them up - gives us a young looking midfield and also still having Thiago and Henderson as experienced back up too - if a cdm is signed, I think Fabinho will.