Which I'm worried will be the case for next season, what would people's thoughts be on this?
----------- Matic ------------
---- Willian ---- Oscar ----
Schurrle ------------- Hazard
----------- Costa -----------
that would be an example of a midfield + attack.
The more I think about it the more I like the idea of that midfield 3.
Seems a bit attacking but I really don't think it would be much of a risk. In fact, it's got a good balance, and very comparable to Ramires - Mikel - Lampard (but considerably better) which Jose has used this season on occasions.
Willian and Oscar are undoubtedly good players but while their work rates and defensive qualities are very good, considering they're attackers it's true they don't offer enough cutting edge in the final third.
Many on this site have already talk entertained the idea of playing Oscar deeper. He does a good job at coming deep to receive the ball (is almost always making himself available) and spreading it round to initiate attacks.
Willian particularly likes to run forward with the ball but when it comes to the final pass he likes to leave that responsibility to someone with a bit more creativity.
Apart from the fact that Willian has never played in this position before, his qualities seem perfectly suited to the role, and I can't think of why it wouldn't work. He would do what Ramires does but better.
Positioning would possibly be the main issue but that can be worked on.
I don't think anyone's playing styles would have to be radically altered for them to adapt, and in fact they already play like how I'd expect them to do in this system.
Even if this isn't the long term answer (I would still like to see a new CM signed), against weak teams especially I think it could work very well.
If you think this wouldn't work, then fair enough...but who would you rather see in midfield next season if we don't get a good CM?
Ramires has been very disappointing since January so I don't think many would like to see him still first choice. Plus he can't even play the opening game
Paulinho at this stage is the only named mentioned, but he's crap so doesn't count.
If we fail to strengthen midfield...
posted on 22/5/14
I'd be happy to see Lamps leave this summer.
He's been a truly great player and servant to the club but I don't see what else he has to offer at 36 years old.
Also I want to remember Frank as the great player he was, not the rapidly deteriorating player that he's been this season.
I'm amazed he got on the plane to Brazil actually.
posted on 22/5/14
looking back Lamps should have been let go of 12 months ago, leaving on a high with the club's goal record secured
if we dump Cole but keep Lamps
posted on 22/5/14
From what I have seen of Paulinho even if he was thrice the player he was this year he still wouldn't be good enough for our starting 11, he might make the bench.
He doesn't seem to have much to his game, no killer speed or strength, his passing game is average, shooting is poor, isn't that good at defensive duties. If he was English we wouldn't even put him on the same level as Milner.
posted on 22/5/14
Matic Oscar
Salah Hazard Reus
Costa
posted on 22/5/14
He doesn't seem to have much to his game, no killer speed or strength, his passing game is average, shooting is poor, isn't that good at defensive duties. If he was English we wouldn't even put him on the same level as Milner.
----------------------------------
Ouch.
He'll fit right into our CM then.
posted on 22/5/14
exactly if we buy Paulinho we just end up with more of the same. I need a CM who can pass the ball.
posted on 22/5/14
So who do we get that's available?
Kroos?
posted on 22/5/14
Lampard would be a good squad player. Wouldn't mind if he stays or goes.
posted on 22/5/14
I don't want to see Lamps walking around with a zimmer frame.
I want to remember him as the greatest midfielder we ever had.
posted on 22/5/14
I like Willian, I think he's a brilliant player, underrated by many opposing fans (well mainly spurs fans trying to convince themselves they dodged a bullet ) but I think he lacks the tempo to play deeper.
Obviously he could but it wouldn't be playing to his strengths.