31 Jul 2016 17:31:30
I can't help but think we need an extra CM. With Lucas and Allen leaving, it leaves us with Hendo, Can and Grugic as our only natural first team CM's. Milner, Wijnaldum, Brannagan, Stewart can all fill in but either still developing or CM not natural position.

If we play 4-3-3, I think another body in the middle (as well as the obvious new LB) will be needed. Especially a defensive minded player!

Dahoud, Zeilinski, Mario all previously linked so it would seem strange if we don't bring in someone.

What's your thoughts on a new CM, Ed?

{Ed001's Note - we have plenty, we need to get rid of some midfielders if anything. Couts can play there.}

1.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 18:48:34
More players isn't what we need. As it is we have near enough 2 first teams worth already plus subs.

2.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 19:55:49
In a 2 man midfield we have Hendo, Can, Grujic, Stewart, Wijnaldum and Brannagan who can all play there.

In a three man midfield you can then also add Coutinho, Llalana, Milner that can all play in the more attacking roles (as Coutinho did to great effect in 13/ 14 and which I still believe is his most effective position)

I admit with Lucas gone we miss a top defensive mid but Can has shown strong signs of getting there, Stewart deserves a shot as his deputy for the role and Matip can also play there if really required.

3.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 19:57:17
Sorry Ed, have to disagree that Coutinho can play CM, he's simply not physical enough and would leav us open at at the back. We don't have anyone who can put the boot in. Would really like us to sign Medel.

{Ed001's Note - he managed ok in the past and was extremely physical while doing it. Threw himself into a fair few tackles. If anything he offered much better protection than Can does.}

4.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 20:14:51
Would of rather had cou in the 3 in the middle with mane and lallana on wings.

5.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 20:57:21
Rodgers talked to Coutinho about becoming a classic number 8 (CM), which I think would suit him. He works hard, seems to track back well when it's asked of him, and I think it would help his creativity to drop back a little.

6.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 20:57:36
Coutinho could play there, but why would we want him to? I'd rather see him in attacking positions where he can score and create. I also think it's a bit of a stretch to say he offers more protection than Can.

{Ed001's Note - his positional sense was much better when he was there in the deeper role. Can struggles badly with that.}

7.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 21:57:09
We have been crying out for a ball carrying midfielder this pre-season and I think Coutinho could fit that profile. The season we nearly won the league he performed one of the two pressing midfield roles extremely well. We were vulnerable defensively because Gerrard was our holding midfielder. Coutinho defends well but from the front. If the phase of the opposition attack passes him after pressing the ball it does not mean he hasn't done his job or is necessarily weak defensively. The other thing evident in his play then was his ability to pick out through balls from deep. I feel this is something lost from his play when he plays higher up the pitch, where he takes the role on of shooting more frequently which is probably not the best facet of his game. I think he has the ability to play in a midfield 3 as one of two pressing midfielders, just wish we had signed Kante to sit in the midfield.

Cheers.

8.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 23:22:58
Coutinho in Centre mid? Maybe more advanced in a midfield 3, but as a 2 in a 4-2-3-1. Not a chance.
I agree we have a bloated squad at the minute and we've bought players in positions which we weren't desperate to add to, but that doesn't change the fact we haven't replaced 2 CM's (Lucas, Allen) . Stewart and Brannagan are potentially good for the future, but we want a team to Challenge top4.
Someone who is happy to fight for his place and also happy to put a foot in would be excellent. Medel, Carvalho, Tolisso?

9.) 31 Jul 2016
31 Jul 2016 23:23:12
Coutinho could be the next modric.

10.) 01 Aug 2016
01 Aug 2016 00:12:43
I agree it would be a risk playing him in a 2 but if his partner was more defensively solid I could see him controlling things from deep in the way Cazorla now does/ did for Arsenal.

11.) 01 Aug 2016
01 Aug 2016 01:55:00
Wijnaldum Coutinho Milner Henderson Can Brannagan Stewart and Ejaria can all play CM. Given our lack of games I wouldn't expect more cover for our midfield.

12.) 01 Aug 2016
01 Aug 2016 17:21:57
I think we are very weak in centre midfield, just think back to the Southampton, Swansea, Newcastle, Man United, Sevilla defeats where teams ran through our centre midfield at will. There is a very specific need for a solid physically strong midfielder who can tackle, read the game and move the ball as quickly as possible. We have not addressed this and are going into the new season with the same problems.

Imagine if Henderson and Can are injured for a long period at the same time, which is perfectly plausible, is Milner and Wijnaldum a midfield pairing anyone could reasonably say filled them with confidence? We should make an effort to sign Gary Medel or someone similar to give us that solidity when needed.