The midfield

[Kev0909]

Just wow, how good is the 3 and balanced with Grav Szob and Maca?

Do we still need a CDM or?

We've actually got a great midfield for first time in ages, hence the league table

[Steveo]

We need a DM and a top class one. And not just to replace Grav if/when he suffers a lay off. We need one. It releases the Grav to play his traditional role AND means he and other key players can be rested/rotated without a drop in levels. It's a long season IF you want to fight it out for the big prizes in more than one comp.. You can always find examples of teams that did it with a smaller squad but many many more examples where a smaller squad runs out of options or puff.

[reddownunder]

Best midfield since Alonso Gerrard and Mascheranooo

[Kev0909]

We need a DM and a top class one. And not just to replace Grav if/when he suffers a lay off. We need one. It releases the Grav to play his traditional role AND means he and other key players can be rested/rotated without a drop in levels. It's a long season IF you want to fight it out for the big prizes in more than one comp.. You can always find examples of teams that did it with a smaller squad but many many more examples where a smaller squad runs out of options or puff.

Well yeah at the moment I think Mac & Grav do the dirtywork, and the hardwork very well... say we do get a CDM who is dropped any of the 3 would be harsh

But yeah I get the need for options and there's not all that much quality after the main 3

[justme]

I dunno Reddownunder,Fabinho/Henderson and Wijnaldum were pretty good. not a lot of goals in them 3 though

[Steveo]

Yes.. and we had some clever options on the bench.. Shaqiri and Oxlade were very good goal scoring options don't forget.

But I think many would agree - that Rafa midfield with a prime Mane, Salah & Bobby in front, a prime Virgil, Alisson & Robbo & Trent looks a much more dynamic team A side that could achieve those results without driving itself to destruction. Would have blown teams away far more regularly imo and would have been far far FAR better equipped to beat the best sides in big finals.

Look at what they did achieve - came within a whisker of a title (up against United best side) and CL...with a fraction of Klopp's finest attack - no Virgil or anyone in that class or an Alisson..

I mean even if you only drop a Salah or a Suarez into that side - it probably matches the best we have had this decade as is. Drew 11 games in 2009 - it killed our points tally.. Rafa being uber cautious too often.. pretty sure Klopp turns many of those into wins with the same players..

That midfield was the best around imo.

[Kev0909]

now we have elliot off the bench and err Jones when he's actually fit, don't see jones as a attacking mid though compared to others

think the most work that needs to be done is at the back that's even before trent & VVD situation

Interesting times this summer, or depressing, probably depressing

Kevativity baby

[Insidious]

Do we still need a CDM or?

I'd like one, absolutely.

I actually really like Gravenberch playing deeper despite how adept we know he can be further up the pitch.

I'd probably lean towards a lad in the 19-23 sort of age range who can supplement what Grav is doing and offer rotation.

Slot seems to like playing a "first choice" team quite a bit and given how well Gravenberch has taken to his role, I'm less inclined to try and get a £50m (or whatever) player for that spot who displaces/moves Gravenberch (which will impact at least one of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai) and more inclined to get a player "on the cusp" who can be developed further, so that Gravenberch remains first-choice for that position.

[jozza800]

Yes.. and we had some clever options on the bench.. Shaqiri and Oxlade were very good goal scoring options don't forget.

But I think many would agree - that Rafa midfield with a prime Mane, Salah & Bobby in front, a prime Virgil, Alisson & Robbo & Trent looks a much more dynamic team A side that could achieve those results without driving itself to destruction. Would have blown teams away far more regularly imo and would have been far far FAR better equipped to beat the best sides in big finals.

Look at what they did achieve - came within a whisker of a title (up against United best side) and CL...with a fraction of Klopp's finest attack - no Virgil or anyone in that class or an Alisson..

I mean even if you only drop a Salah or a Suarez into that side - it probably matches the best we have had this decade as is. Drew 11 games in 2009 - it killed our points tally.. Rafa being uber cautious too often.. pretty sure Klopp turns many of those into wins with the same players..

That midfield was the best around imo.

Stop Steveo! I nearly wet my pants!

[jozza800]

now we have elliot off the bench and err Jones when he's actually fit, don't see jones as a attacking mid though compared to others

think the most work that needs to be done is at the back that's even before trent & VVD situation

Interesting times this summer, or depressing, probably depressing

Kevativity baby

Played a lovely little pass to set up Trent for the winning goal against Brentford. Scored the winner against Lille...