Central Midfield

[Stephenlloyd]

I think Cleverley will eventually strike up a partnership with Baines on the left. Also think Barkley's developing nicely where he is. Barry has shown this season that when he's on form he can make us tick as can Gibson on the rare occaisions he's fit. Therefore I'd like to see a younger, hopefully faster version of either of these to sit alongside McCarthy.
Over the last couple of years I've mentioned the name Manu Trigueros (Villarreal) on numerous posts. More Gibson than Barry so would be the deep lying playmaker option. Still only 25-26.

I wouldn't like to see cleverly on the left
While the likes of Naismith & kone long term aren't the answer at Least they offer a goal threat
Which cleverly doesn't
Over a season you could be taking 10goals out your team

It will be like seeing pienaar & Osman out wide
Good players but didn't score enough goals and thus puts pressure on the team
To win 1-0/2-1

To get top 4 these days and win trophies you need to score goals

I know Man Utd are negative under VG
But there is not a chance they will win the title IMO they may struggle for top 4
And it was there keeper who got them top 4 last year not a brilliant organised defence

Buy goals that's what I say

 

[sportbillyblue]

Bring in Yarmalenko on the right, bring Geri in as a #10, Mirallas down the left ... any 2 of Barry / Besic / Barkley / McCarthy / Ledson / Walsh / Williams performing DCM / CM role.

Re: the established players that I've not mentioned, I don't see them as our future if we truly have ambition to 'push on'.

Besic is the box-to-box player we need, the youngsters are very near to being ready. A world class player such as Yarmalenko would complete us.

 

[Stephenlloyd]

Bring in Yarmalenko on the right, bring Geri in as a #10, Mirallas down the left ... any 2 of Barry / Besic / Barkley / McCarthy / Ledson / Walsh / Williams performing DCM / CM role.

Re: the established players that I've not mentioned, I don't see them as our future if we truly have ambition to 'push on'.

Besic is the box-to-box player we need, the youngsters are very near to being ready. A world class player such as Yarmalenko would complete us.

I think this is the way to go also
I can't see him buying a number 10
And geri or a yarmelenko type could play 10 if Ross drops back
Also Martinez has mentioned a young potentially number 10 in the 21's
Dowell/Evans?!
In a couple years you could see Ross at 8 abs say dowell at 10
Jumping the gun a bit I know
But maybe Martinez wil use what money he has next summer else where IE goalie back up striker and top class wide/attacking player

 

[Jamo Martinez]

I wouldn't like to see cleverly on the left
While the likes of Naismith & kone long term aren't the answer at Least they offer a goal threat
Which cleverly doesn't
Over a season you could be taking 10goals out your team

It will be like seeing pienaar & Osman out wide
Good players but didn't score enough goals and thus puts pressure on the team
To win 1-0/2-1

To get top 4 these days and win trophies you need to score goals

I know Man Utd are negative under VG
But there is not a chance they will win the title IMO they may struggle for top 4
And it was there keeper who got them top 4 last year not a brilliant organised defence

Buy goals that's what I say

Not my ideal. And though I agree with you that we didn't get enough goals directly from Pienaar, in combination with Baines he was a source of goals. Don't know how Cleverley will pan oout on the left and it's not what I'd wish for just what I think Martinez has got in mind. Ideally we would get someone like Gerard on the left who can score 10-12 a season while creating the same amount (or more).

 

[Carlito]

It's a shame that Pochettino seems to have patched things up with Dembele. I had faint hopes of him leaving Spurs and Everton being in the mix to sign him.

I still think Barkley would be better playing deep, where he'd be forced to stay involved all game, but I get the impression Martinez is happy to use him off the striker.

Either way, I'd like to see changes in centre midfield sooner rather than later.

 

[mkrudden]

Bring in Yarmalenko on the right, bring Geri in as a #10, Mirallas down the left ... any 2 of Barry / Besic / Barkley / McCarthy / Ledson / Walsh / Williams performing DCM / CM role.

Re: the established players that I've not mentioned, I don't see them as our future if we truly have ambition to 'push on'.

Besic is the box-to-box player we need, the youngsters are very near to being ready. A world class player such as Yarmalenko would complete us.

Genuinely admire the enthusiasm, but I think we are a lot further away from just Yarmolenko completing us.

I don't quite get the Besic being the box to box player we need. He's good when picking up the ball deep, with the game in front of him but he's absolutely terrible in the final third. When I think of box-to-box I think Toure in his pomp who could win the ball, drive 50 yards and finish with a missile in the top bin. I do though think Besic could be Barry's heir apparent, but isnt ready yet.

As for throwing our most gifted home-grown talent in the mix with Ledson, Walsh and Williams.... not so sure mate. Barkley needs to play and it's likely he may be that box to box player you talk about, but then it's about who plays with him. I reckon it'll be McCarthy or Besic after Barry has retired. I think what's certain is that under Martinez we will play with 2 central midfielders and an advanced player, like Barkley is doing now. Dropping Barkley back and bringing in a new playmaker is definitely on the cards, but dropping him and also playing someone attacking next to him is extremely unlikely.

All a good debate though. I think Ledson may be the next one off the production line who joins the squad full time next summer. looking forward to seeing him if it does happen.

 

[mkrudden]

It's a shame that Pochettino seems to have patched things up with Dembele. I had faint hopes of him leaving Spurs and Everton being in the mix to sign him.

I still think Barkley would be better playing deep, where he'd be forced to stay involved all game, but I get the impression Martinez is happy to use him off the striker.

Either way, I'd like to see changes in centre midfield sooner rather than later.

Why mate? Are we not scoring enough goals?

 

[Carlito]

Why mate? Are we not scoring enough goals?

We are, which is why I wouldn't worry too much about changing the forward line.

 

[mkrudden]

We are, which is why I wouldn't worry too much about changing the forward line.

Ah gotcha, so you reckon we should change the midfield two to offer more protection?
What do you reckon then, being Besic in and play him, McCarthy and Barry like we did away at Chelsea and Liverpool last year?

 

[Arteta2391]

will Osman play one more year?

 

[granter79]

In order for Barkley to be moved back he needs to put his foot in more and make a few tackles. You go from Barry & Mccarthy to Mccarthy & Barkley that's a huge drop in workrate and tackles made.

 

[Carlito]

Ah gotcha, so you reckon we should change the midfield two to offer more protection?
What do you reckon then, being Besic in and play him, McCarthy and Barry like we did away at Chelsea and Liverpool last year?

I liked having Barkley in there for a time last season, giving a bit more energy and quality on the ball. Gibson is ideal for this system, but as he's only 28 and already looks like Homer Simpson I don't suppose he's to be relied upon.

 

[Eggs]

....I think it's a really difficult call. I look at the fantastic mid-80s team and we had 2 ball winning midfielders who hunted in a pair. The creativity largely came from both flanks with 2 traditional forwards. I often think that is a really good model but it all depends on the players. Not many teams go with the luxury of 2 forwards now.

 

[mlyons]

....I think it's a really difficult call. I look at the fantastic mid-80s team and we had 2 ball winning midfielders who hunted in a pair. The creativity largely came from both flanks with 2 traditional forwards. I often think that is a really good model but it all depends on the players. Not many teams go with the luxury of 2 forwards now.

Teams that try to play that way get overrun nowadays.

 

[Eggs]

Teams that try to play that way get overrun nowadays.

....it's strange because when Colin Harvey was in charge of very useful youth sides, including the one that won the FA Youth Cup, he played with 2 forwards but when the opposition got the ball one would drop to support midfield. Hard work but it was effective.