Solid win against West Brom, but if I had to pick a problem that stood out, it was that we struggled a bit through the middle, particularly when it came to trying to win the ball back. West Brom had multiple 5+ minute spells with 70% possession, which our defence thankfully stood up to strongly, but I still wonder what the right combination for the midfield is going forward.
Obviously Hojbjerg is a lock-in starter playing a deeper, anchoring role. He's playing a similar role to Dier and Dembele over the years, but is much more efficient with his distribution by foot.
After that?
Tanguy Ndombele - A high quality talent, but not 100% there yet. We know just how effective powerful, but technical midfielders can be in the EPL with the likes of Yaya Toure, Mousa Dembele, Michael Essien in the past, so I'm sure many here would definitely want to persist with him. That being said, can he be trusted to play a deeper role alongside Hojbjerg? Or will he always be competing for the more attacking-minded midfield slot? For those of you with good memories, I'm sure you all understand the dangers of putting an attacking-minded midfielder in a role that requires strong defensive discipline after Paulinho.
Moussa Sissoko - Solid, okay player. Plays his role pretty well, but limited in ways that are frustrating at times, particularly his efficiency in the final third. I think the coach is partial towards him because you just know what you're going to get, and is very comfortable playing in a deeper role.
Giovani Lo Celso - Excellent technically, questionable fitness according to the coach. Clearly does his best work further up the pitch, and I'm not sure he's suited to a deeper role at all. I remember watching a PSG vs Real Madrid Champions League knockout a few years back where he was deployed as a deep midfielder; he conceded a penalty and looked uncomfortable all game.
Harry Winks - Getting written off, and seems down the pecking order in midfield as of today. That being said, once upon a time, Barcelona had this academy graduate to took until the age of 25 to really explode as a player and fulfill his potential. That player was Andres Iniesta. Meanwhile, Harry Winks is 24....... and he does have Spanish blood running through his veins...............
Obviously Hojbjerg is a lock-in starter playing a deeper, anchoring role. He's playing a similar role to Dier and Dembele over the years, but is much more efficient with his distribution by foot.
After that?
Tanguy Ndombele - A high quality talent, but not 100% there yet. We know just how effective powerful, but technical midfielders can be in the EPL with the likes of Yaya Toure, Mousa Dembele, Michael Essien in the past, so I'm sure many here would definitely want to persist with him. That being said, can he be trusted to play a deeper role alongside Hojbjerg? Or will he always be competing for the more attacking-minded midfield slot? For those of you with good memories, I'm sure you all understand the dangers of putting an attacking-minded midfielder in a role that requires strong defensive discipline after Paulinho.
Moussa Sissoko - Solid, okay player. Plays his role pretty well, but limited in ways that are frustrating at times, particularly his efficiency in the final third. I think the coach is partial towards him because you just know what you're going to get, and is very comfortable playing in a deeper role.
Giovani Lo Celso - Excellent technically, questionable fitness according to the coach. Clearly does his best work further up the pitch, and I'm not sure he's suited to a deeper role at all. I remember watching a PSG vs Real Madrid Champions League knockout a few years back where he was deployed as a deep midfielder; he conceded a penalty and looked uncomfortable all game.
Harry Winks - Getting written off, and seems down the pecking order in midfield as of today. That being said, once upon a time, Barcelona had this academy graduate to took until the age of 25 to really explode as a player and fulfill his potential. That player was Andres Iniesta. Meanwhile, Harry Winks is 24....... and he does have Spanish blood running through his veins...............
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