I don't think we're a millions miles off that philosophy that Brendan highlighted three years ago. Benteke clearly fills into that number 7 zone but we have many of them already and think really we should be focusing on better quality in zone 5 and 6, players on zone 4 and a keeper who fits his philosophy better. I know Mignolet improved but he just doesn't fit the mould. Milner would help in zone 5 and Clyne in zone 4. I still think we'll need more in zone 5 and 6 on top of that and a keeper though.
I see can, Milner, Henderson and another as the zone 5 players. One more in that mix would be great. Zone 6 we have Coutinho, Sterling, Lallana, Ibe and Markovic. I think we'll need someone of greater quality there to push us forward and get us goals. Elsewhere on the pitch I don't actually see many issues and think we have good back up too.
I can see why we push for a zone 7 as Sturridge is injury prone and origi and Balotelli would then be our back ups. That's where Benteke comes in, whether he is right depends not just on him but on his link play with players in zone 5 and 6. The key is to have someone who can hold the ball and release it quick in behind to create opportunities whilst also getting on the end of chances. Sturridge is perfect, just injury prone. If we could get someone more reliable than him but in the same ilk that would be perfect.
Well thats that sorted