We're missing Peak Henderson and Peak Gigi. Our replacements Keita and Thiago are injury prone.
It doesn't get talked about much, but we really miss Gini. His energy in midfield and his ability to always be in the right place to apply the press and keep the team compact haven't been replaced.
Another thing that doesn't get talked about enough is just how F***ing good Joel Matip is. He is easily in the top 5 CB in the Prem, and missing him next to Virg has been disruptive. Add the fact that Gomez has been abysmal and it ends in disaster.
Trent has been sh*te in defense - no argument. But, this isn't anything new. In my opinion, the bigger cause for why we are being exposed more regularly at the back is due to the failings of our midfield -- no pressure on the ball and allowing teams to exploit our high line is the primary issue. Also, Trent did have a great pass when we were 1-0 down against Napoli, but Mo miscontrolled the pass when he really should have put the ball in the net. It may not have changed the result, but he is still producing some incisive passes in the attack, but they are mostly being squandered....
As sh*t as Mo has been, he's earned the right to get the chance to play himself back into form.
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