Thanks mate. I try to offer a reasoned argument - gets you much further than shouting or spouting bollocks all the time - and I appreciate anyone else's opinion as long as it is delivered in the same way.
The thing with Dossena is that I have always though he looked better as left-wing, 'cos he can't defend for toffee.
Here's a thought, push Kuyt (until Torres comes back) up top with Yossi, Gerrard in midfield with Masch, Johnson and Dossnea as wingers and Steve Darby at right back with Insua/Aurelio on the other side. Pick 2 from 3 centre halves ('cos Ayala isn't going to get a go) and see how we get on.
That gets the best out of Johnson (who looks shaky in defence but fantastic going forward), Dossena and Gerrard as it adds some grit, drive and precision in the middle of the park.
Anyone to comment?
No for several reasons mate.
When we're in this kind of form I don't wanna see Dossena anywhere the side. He may be better on the left wing than at left back but he simply isn't good enough anywhere on the pitch. And with Insua still learning his trade, I'd rather see somebody who can offer him protection. Biggest problem with that is none of our left wingers are good enough and don't over the greatest of protection. Push come to shove, I'd slap Aurelio out there because the rest of the options aren't good enough.
Kuyt up front is a non-starter for me. One up front needs to be able to keep hold of the ball, Kuyt can't. Plus he's having a nightmare at the moment. He didn't fill me with too much confidence when he played up top against Sunderland and since he arrived he's never really been prolific enough to be a main centre forward.
Masch has been completely out of sorts this year, whereas Lucas has been consistently OK. The Brazilian hasn't been outstanding by any means, but he's been decent unlike Masch who has been way below his best.
I don't mind Johnson on the right wing as his defensive work is average to say the least. But for a young lad like Darby trying to make his mark on the side, he, like Insua, will need that extra bit of protection which I'm not sure Johnson could provide.
So I think my team (until Torres returns) would be.
Reina
Johnson Carra Skrtel Insua
Kuyt Gerrard Lucas Aurelio
Yossi
Ngog
Reason I'd go with Ngog is I just think he'll give us a bit of an areial threat and could possibly hold it up, especially with Yossi behind him to go on his tricky runs. Stevie in the middle is a must for now, he's the only forward thinking midfielder we have (don't have a clue about Aquilani). We've got the protection of our full backs with Kuyt and Aurelio.
And the biggest plus is there's no place for Riera, Babel or Dossena
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