Everyone has identified the main problem with our squad by now, the clear lack of a Premier League quality striker. However, I've been really disappointed with some of our midfield showings in recent games.
As picked up in the matchday thread yesterday, Gross seems to be slower than ever & despite a flurry of corners yesterday we never really threatened, combined with Lallana's lack of speed our build up play can be painfully slow at times with the only injection of any pace or urgency coming from Cucurella or Lamptey.
This has prompted me to think about the midfield and, despite a huge number of apparent options our lack of a clear strategy. As above, I really don't think we can afford to start Lallana and Gross against any Premier League team as it makes us far too easy to defend against. IMO Bissouma has to start when fit as despite the recent goings on coupled with an injury, he is by far our best player in terms of industry and moving forward with the ball. I still think Lallana has a role to play in terms of creativity but I would have him playing further back with the intention of picking passes, as he really doesn't look adept in front of goal to me.
I then think the more attacking role in midfield is up for grabs, I have been impressed with Mwepu in recent games and would probably give him the nod when available, but it seems like he could be a bit of a sicknote based on his time here thus far. I like Ali Mac but I don't think he's been playing particularly well recently, and Moder also has lots of potential but doesn't seem particularly consistent at this moment in time.
I think if Mwepu isn't fit for the Leeds game next weekend, I would like to see Sarmiento involved at some point, as we are crying out for some pace and invention. Thoughts?
As picked up in the matchday thread yesterday, Gross seems to be slower than ever & despite a flurry of corners yesterday we never really threatened, combined with Lallana's lack of speed our build up play can be painfully slow at times with the only injection of any pace or urgency coming from Cucurella or Lamptey.
This has prompted me to think about the midfield and, despite a huge number of apparent options our lack of a clear strategy. As above, I really don't think we can afford to start Lallana and Gross against any Premier League team as it makes us far too easy to defend against. IMO Bissouma has to start when fit as despite the recent goings on coupled with an injury, he is by far our best player in terms of industry and moving forward with the ball. I still think Lallana has a role to play in terms of creativity but I would have him playing further back with the intention of picking passes, as he really doesn't look adept in front of goal to me.
I then think the more attacking role in midfield is up for grabs, I have been impressed with Mwepu in recent games and would probably give him the nod when available, but it seems like he could be a bit of a sicknote based on his time here thus far. I like Ali Mac but I don't think he's been playing particularly well recently, and Moder also has lots of potential but doesn't seem particularly consistent at this moment in time.
I think if Mwepu isn't fit for the Leeds game next weekend, I would like to see Sarmiento involved at some point, as we are crying out for some pace and invention. Thoughts?
