ArcspacE said:
What 'games' is he getting, mate? 4 mins in the Prem and some League Cup outings? He should leave in January for the sake of his own career. He was never a playmaker, and I doubt he ever would be utlisied as such. Even in our first 4th place season under Arry he played alongside Modric as the DM figure/ball playing mid.
Given that we have lost once all season, are on a winning streak and have just won at OT I would suggest that perhaps while a playmaker is a nice to have, it isnt a 'must'
Huddlestone was being sent to Stoke
TO GET FIT, is it of any surprise that he has had limited appearances while
HE GETS FIT? He is getting games though, which is entirely relevant - were he not of importance to the club I highly doubt we would persist with him.
I also think he was excellent when we finished 4th, which, because it was a while ago now is often forgotten/overlooked.
ArcspacE said:
Nearly suffers a nose bleed every time he dares to cross the half-way line and prefers endless 1-2 5-yarders with the CBs much like Jenas used to. Sandro is exponentially more versatile in his game. If Arry takes charge or QPR I hope he comes for his boy and we re-coup a few pessos on a nearly 32-year old fairly limited player
Sandro is the better all round player, I have absolutely no doubt.
But, AVBs way of playing relies on a defensive minded CM to drop into defensive positions and not leave us exposed. Particularly with adventurous full backs. Parker has more than proven to be excellent in this particular role.
ArcspacE said:
Therein lies the rub - Dembele's passing range is nowhere near the versatility required - he has other maginificent qualities such as dribbling and ball control but to expect to step into a play-maker role could be a little far fetched. And even so - once he unavailable we are royally fukcked, imv. Hudd is not that player - if anything - he can cover well for Sandro or Parker.
You are the only one talking about playmakers. For me things are working well at the moment and look like they may improve a great deal more. I really like Dembele/Sandros blossoming partnership. With Dembele out we will need to change things around a bit, but its still perfectly serviceable with the players we have.
ArcspacE said:
Who are those players?
- Dempsey - above average striker who came from a Top 10 PL side
- Sigurdsson - a VdV understudy with considerable potential who arrived from the mighty Swansea
- Hudd - wouldn't get into any Top 5 PL side including ours as it has been proven already this season (starting 11 that is). As good as sold
- Livermore - he was always a utility / squad player
- Parker - ageing player with substantial experience
These are all first team quality players at big clubs (Livermore accepted). I think Sigurdsson is young enough to accept a place on the bench, I dont think Dempsey, Huddlestone or Parker are the sorts to accept as much in the long term though. Also, should Moutinho join that leaves Dembele or Sandro in the same boat as well.
Like I said, great on paper - my fear is how manageable that is in practice