Our Midfield

I miss VDV too

"If Holtby can replicate Modric in terms of passing range"

Think his forward distribution will be akin to Modric in speed.
Getting the forwards/flanks going at speed has been the most obvious difference.

RDBD I agree. We have really struggled in that respect. Especially against compact teams that press us. I am please with the steal we've added. We don't get bullied anymore which is good.

On the basis that VdV could only play 70 minutes, and the fact he often played instead of Lennon when we wanted to play 2 up top, i would say we are certainly just as strong, maybe stronger because the balance is better (on paper).

There's a reason why we're conceding less but scoring very little and it's not down to the defence. The back four have looked a bit of a state all year. It's down to the robust midfield. Not great in the final 3rd though.

fridgeboy

I think we're scoring fewer because we're not tactically as an attacking side as we were. This is not a criticism - just an obvious observation.

Tbf Sandro played alot last season!!

Sandro modric
Lennon vdv bale

Is far better than we have now

Modric > Dembele
Vdv > holby ( on basis he's only played 80 odd mind for us )

On the other hand, Lennon is twice the player he was last season. In fact, we can go back several seasons in his case. He has really stepped up a gear. Bale too is more consistent IMO.


Modric is irreplaceable purely because there aren't many niche-type players of his ilk around these days.

On balance I dont think there is much in it

Hmmm.....

Sandro has been as good as Parker was last season...
Dembele has been as good as modric last season...
Lennon has gone up a notch this season...
Bale is as good as last season....
Dempsey hasn't matched vdv....

Conclusion: defensively stronger this season but the attacking threat has been reduced a fair bit

I think Bale & Lennon are on level terms to their performances last season, just that Bale has scored more, Lennon has scored less (i think ).