I think last night gave us a glimpse at what lampard is going to do against United in terms of formation and personnel. I would say he's probably 90% there with the team from what we've seen. Before the game I thought mount would be the one starting as attacking midfielder but after a MOTM performance from Barkley whose had a good pre season too I think Ross has played himself into the 11. My big question is where has that Ross Barkley been since we signed him ? His dynamism on the ball, passing range and vision were top class last night. Plus his composure and authority in taking the penalty were great to see. One of the few questions remaining is who partners kante (if he's fit) I was leaning towards jorginho but again after yesterday I think it could now be kovacic. He was all over the pitch, turning over possession and either dribbling our with the ball or quickly starting counter attacks. Another player who had been largely frustrating last season but looks like a new signing under Frank. Zouma I think potentially has played himself out of the team, his erratic play and inability to play out from the back could see christiensen come into the side. It's a difficult one with Tammy as I think Frank appreciates the way he pressed from the front but he's going to need to start scoring soon or risk being replaced up top.
Starting line up
posted on 1/8/19
Tammy has lead the line reasonably well in pre-season, creating space by taking opposition defenders out of the game with his movement and bringing others into play.
Looking forward to his progression through the season.
posted on 1/8/19
*led the line
posted on 1/8/19
Barkley has always had these flashes of form..he has had a good pre season but it seems even in pre season the hype train goes above and beyond for him. Under Sarri in September/October the same thing was being said ‘Sarri has finally got the best out of him’..let’s give him time. Having said that, yes he has played his way into the XI.
posted on 1/8/19
I'm not getting over-hyped about Barkley, we've seen it before. Currently, it's good that he is playing with a bit of a swagger - his end product needs to improve especially playing in that number 10 role - goals, assists and chances created.
Good pre-season showing, let's hope he can transform that when it matters.
posted on 1/8/19
How's Pulisic doing for you guys? That Pedro goal was gorgeous btw
posted on 1/8/19
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 1 hour, 14 minutes ago
Barkley has always had these flashes of form..he has had a good pre season but it seems even in pre season the hype train goes above and beyond for him. Under Sarri in September/October the same thing was being said ‘Sarri has finally got the best out of him’..let’s give him time. Having said that, yes he has played his way into the XI.
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Yeah this is true BK. This time round though if Barkley's form does drop we have Mount ready and waiting to step in at anytime which should keep Barkley on his toes.
As impressive as Barkley's been I wouldn't bet against us finishing the season with Mount as first choice. Unless of course we find a way of incorporating both in the same team.
posted on 1/8/19
Seems Lampard now has selection headache all over the pitch so what's the fuse about the transfer ban again? Apart from buying a world class striker, where else do you think we would have improved if there was no transfer ban?
posted on 1/8/19
comment by The Blue Texan (U11585)
posted 27 minutes ago
Seems Lampard now has selection headache all over the pitch so what's the fuse about the transfer ban again? Apart from buying a world class striker, where else do you think we would have improved if there was no transfer ban?
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Striker (Werner,Jovic), LB (Chilwell/Telles), RW (Pepe, Ziyech)
posted on 1/8/19
comment by Superb (U6486)
posted 5 hours, 30 minutes ago
comment by Kunta Kante (U1641)
posted 1 hour, 14 minutes ago
Barkley has always had these flashes of form..he has had a good pre season but it seems even in pre season the hype train goes above and beyond for him. Under Sarri in September/October the same thing was being said ‘Sarri has finally got the best out of him’..let’s give him time. Having said that, yes he has played his way into the XI.
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Yeah this is true BK. This time round though if Barkley's form does drop we have Mount ready and waiting to step in at anytime which should keep Barkley on his toes.
As impressive as Barkley's been I wouldn't bet against us finishing the season with Mount as first choice. Unless of course we find a way of incorporating both in the same team.
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Yes - both Barkley and Mount have looked impressive during pre-season. But you are forgetting about RLC, who is probably the first choice for that number 10 position once he's fit.
We have Kante and either Kovacic or Jorginho in the middle of midfield - and they are all pretty short. I suspect that Barkley's more athletic ability will probably give him the edge over Mount initially (although Mount is surprisingly combative). But I've got to think that once RLC is fit and available his immense strength and height will complement the other shorter players.
posted on 1/8/19
It's a fair enough squad and people are forgetting about Mount - who has been one of our best players pre-season - and Willian - who has so often been great for us. With CHO and RLC to come back, I think we look okay. We need a better left back, and a really world class striker wouldn't go amiss.