04 Jul 2016 21:10:29
Sorry him bit confused as to who you meant when you said none have dazzled?
04 Jul 2016 22:26:17
I meant none of our central midfield (discounting ozil as you didn't mention him and were talking about competition for spaces) were consistently outstanding this season a la kante (not standing out in Alicante, dags) , or Rambo 2 seasons back. All went through spates of looking good though, and Coq had the biggest impact for me. I'm just hoping this season the increased competition and that they know each other better brings the best out of them all, especially Ramsey and jack.
04 Jul 2016 22:26:17
I meant none of our central midfield (discounting ozil as you didn't mention him and were talking about competition for spaces) were consistently outstanding this season a la kante (not standing out in Alicante, dags) , or Rambo 2 seasons back. All went through spates of looking good though, and Coq had the biggest impact for me. I'm just hoping this season the increased competition and that they know each other better brings the best out of them all, especially Ramsey and jack.
04 Jul 2016 22:34:51
Not sure why this started a new post. Must've accidentally clicked it lol. Interesting i do see what you're saying but I'm
Sure cazorla was impressing pre injury. Hard to use Kante as a Example no one in that role come close to him. One question I'd like to ask you and anyone else as a CM option. Where would you rank wilshere in order of choice. For me you'll have perhaps elneny/ coq one side then on the other one of cazorla Rambo Xhaka wilshere. For me he's my 4th choice there. It's a difficult one he needs game time but for me no where near good enough atm.
04 Jul 2016 22:56:27
On his England form if Ospina isn't available to play CM and Gilberto can't be talked into a come back Jacks a good option, people keep banging on about our English contingent but they'll all ify at best.
This 8 from 25 home grown rule needs looking at because it's back fired badly as English players don't need to be as good as those from abroad, their there through good fortune of where they were born not ability.
04 Jul 2016 23:13:18
Agree gunner 62 with the home contingent needing looking at. You also forgot to mention the added 10-20 million on their price tag.
04 Jul 2016 23:38:22
Your bang on G62, why strive to be the best when you can get in the best teams in the league, sit on the bench and get paid a whack just for being homegrown.
It shows that you hardly ever see English players heading abroad because there's plenty of the same quality in there own leagues.
They need to change something but at the moment it's giving them no drive to be the best they can be, going the other way. well teams would just buy more from abroad you would think and we would still be no better.
04 Jul 2016 23:39:16
I guess it depends on who we play. If all fit, I'd start with:
Defensive:
Danny
Campbell - Ozil - Alexis
Xhaka - Rambo
Campbell for his desire and work rate. danny for the additional chasing down he does.
Coq off the bench for Rambo to see out, or elneny if we could still do with a bit of extra attack
Jack for more creativity
Attacking:
Olly
Alexis - Ozil - The Ox
Cazorla - Xhaka
Olly to start, Danny or theo off the bench for additional energy.
I know many doubt the ox, but if we keep him, and give him a run I think he'll come good. He's direct and actually shoots when he sees the goal :) again, Theo or iwobi off the bench. Maybe iwobi from his recent form.
Rambo for cazorla if we need more box to box,
Jack if need extra supply going forward or runs through the middle
Elneny/ coq to see out.
That said, jack worked hard tracking back in some england games and looked calm, just had some awful touches too, but so did most of the squad.
I'd then review it depending on form.
05 Jul 2016 08:52:31
Xhaka has not kicked a single ball for us. I do not think he will walk into the starting 11 just like that. Coq and Elneny have been good enough IMO. Xhaka has to earn his place in the team.
05 Jul 2016 13:05:57
Jim,
I like your set up but would have Iwobi on the wing and would never start the Ox.