Is Grujic not similar to Lucas in terms of position?
A number 6 is someone who sits directly in front of the back four to constantly break down opposition attacks before they reach our center backs. He also covers men for them consistently so the two center backs can be free for other defensive responsibilities (shifting to cover the outside backs, commanding the line, positioning properly, cheating a bit to cover runs so they don't get turned for pace, etc). Offensively they simply link the rest of the midfield and the attack to the defense, they can launch attacks, and if they are good enough they can control the tempo of play.
Can doesn't have the positioning, consistent defensive abilities, or discipline to play as a #6 effectively. Haven't seen enough of Grujic to know whether he's capable of performing the role, but early signs and reading up on his past have led me to believe that he also might be too interested in the attack. Maybe together Grujic and Can are capable of filling the midfield enough to hold a #6 at all times, but that can always lead to mistakes due to communication and both of them wanting to go up at the same time, etc.
Not saying it is a must to always play with Lucas or a #6, but in my opinion it is a must to at least always have someone like that in the side.
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