Central Midfield

[Zatara]

How do you see the 85/86 centre as different to Horne/Parkinson? I think with the players at his disposal Royle was trying to emulate that style.

I always thought the 85-86 team played in the model you suggest there. More of a rigid 4-4-2 with it must be said, the perfect players to implement it. Whereas the 84-85 and to a lesser extent 86-87 teams were more total football teams where you'd see the ball winning midfielder or the centre forward crossing from the wing with the wide, creative midfielder, central defender or full back popping up in the area to score.

 

[Jamo Martinez]

How do you see the 85/86 centre as different to Horne/Parkinson? I think with the players at his disposal Royle was trying to emulate that style.

Well I didn't see as much of Royle's team as coverage wasn't as extensive here in Spain and it was pre internet. But you're probably right in the sense that it was a basic 4-4-2 with the ball winners in the centre, the creativity coming from the wingers/fullbacks and 2 up front. As you (And Eggs) say, it all depends on the players available. Royle's players were good but not great like in Kendall's version.

 

[chicoazul]

How do you see the 85/86 centre as different to Horne/Parkinson? I think with the players at his disposal Royle was trying to emulate that style.

You're batshit crazy.

 

[Zatara]

I would say that McCarthy/Barry is quite similar to Parkinson/Horne in terms of 'partnership' i suppose.

I think the signing of Gary Speed was meant to improve our centre and he was a really top player. Just a pity he couldnt have played wfh Parkinson for a few seasons.

Now though, i feel with the talent we have elsewhere they are being recognised globally which is something we havent seen for 30 years back under Royle it was only really Kanchelskis who was widely known.

I think alot of fans are underrating our new ability to attract "name" players now.

The tricky part is identifying them really and whether Martinez goes for more players around 22 or younger to add to the sub-group in the squad and then of course how he sets up centre midfield long term...i hope he adds a player around this age with top potential.

For me, Barry/Gibson are short-term, Cleverley on the left is a short-term move as well (likely he will be a utility player) so a lot rests on Barkleys position and also Besic/Ledson and if they can become starters or he goes down a different route in terms of adding a different type of player.

This move is really crucial as a playmaker basically dictates how we would play (obviously) whilst a box-to-box player changes our style (although McCarthy may end up here) and a defensive midfielder means we "should" then keep a similar system...

I'd say with McCarthy/Besic/Ledson and Barry still playing well were well stocked in DM and so it would be a playmaker or box-to-box player.

Also, back to your point only Man UTD i think have 2 DMs setup with schneiderlin and schweinsteiger?

Well I didn't see as much of Royle's team as coverage wasn't as extensive here in Spain and it was pre internet. But you're probably right in the sense that it was a basic 4-4-2 with the ball winners in the centre, the creativity coming from the wingers/fullbacks and 2 up front. As you (And Eggs) say, it all depends on the players available. Royle's players were good but not great like in Kendall's version.

 

[dholliday]

So, what would you prefer:

1-- Sign a traditional number 10 and move Barkley back?

2-- Keep Barkley where he is and sign a deep lying playmaker?

3-- Bring in a box to box midfielder?

What would your examples be of players from recent history (non-Everton if you like) who fit these descriptions:

1. Traditional number 10
2. Deep lying playmaker
3. Box to Box powerhouse

 

[Zatara]

Interesting question this as i suppose it depends on personal opinions...

1- Silva
2- Veratti
3- Pogba

For players who i like the look of for us:

1-- Bernardo Silva (Monaco) bought for €15.75mil. I'd hope a move to us would be attractive to him and if Monaco still have concerns on money then perhaps £20mil could be enough?

Hakan Calhanoglu (Leverkusen) dead ball specialist and could be absolutely lethal behind Lukaku. If Barkley moved back he should replace his goal threat.

2-- Youri Tielemans (Monaco) i think would make a fantastic deep lying playmaker. He's played in DM, CM and AM. He could interchange during games and swap positions with our other central midfielers. Dennis Praet is their playmaker but he's a little lightweight.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea) could be someone who wants to move soon rather than be stuck not playing at Chelsea. Bit of a long shot as they need an English quota but you never know.

3-- William Carvalho (Sporting) arsenal are always rumoured to be in for him and he'd alot into DM with them but they now have Coquelin. I think he could be a fantastic box to box midfielder for us.

Ive gone for younger lads who fit into the mould of young with top potential. I think its hard to find young box-to-box players and defensive midfielders these days...there seems to be a shortage. The one weve missed out on is the Spurs player Alli, if only we signed him with Galloway.

What would your examples be of players from recent history (non-Everton if you like) who fit these descriptions:

1. Traditional number 10
2. Deep lying playmaker
3. Box to Box powerhouse

 

[ilikecheese]

The Central Midfield transfer thread.

 

[Dithering Dougie]

The Central Midfield transfer thread.

It's a football managers blert wet dream

 

[dholliday]

The Central Midfield transfer thread.

It's a football managers blert wet dream

cheers Doug, you can have your rod back now

 

[Dithering Dougie]

cheers Doug, you can have your rod back now

Have seen our Rod for years, he said he was going to Australia not Germany as well.

 

[dholliday]

Have seen our Rod for years, he said he was going to Australia not Germany as well.

he still likes to get his hand up bums, bit weird like when he imitates them talking while they're screaming for help.

 

[Dithering Dougie]

he still likes to get his hand up bums, bit weird like when he imitates them talking while they're screaming for help.

Never did that while he was here, keep him please.

 

[Groucho]

How do you see the 85/86 centre as different to Horne/Parkinson? I think with the players at his disposal Royle was trying to emulate that style.

You're batshit crazy.

I'm not so sure about that top post there. Although Joe Parkinson was a good player, shame he had knees made from spit and blu-tak.

And please don't do the swearing folks.

 

[chicoazul]

I'm not so sure about that top post there. Although Joe Parkinson was a good player, shame he had knees made from spit and blu-tak.

And please don't do the swearing folks.

Soz man.

 

[Verbal Kint]

I tell you what I watched the Swansea Leicester game today, Danny Drinkwater is absolute quality, would be a brilliant addition as Barry's replacement