I think now is the time to really start assessing how we've changed since the transfer window.
Everybody was talking and talking earlier, but after a good 8 or 9 games, and a contrast in performances, I think that we can now really see how we've grown.
Well, for one, Alonso. This has been both a blessing and a sin. For one, without playing the same style with that holding midfielder, we have become more attacking. This has helped us to put away those teams that really troubled us with their 'parking the bus' style last season. Both Stoke and Burnley were thrown aside like nothing, because we took the game to them from the very first minute.
On the other hand however, the loss of Alonso has meant that we've lost those all important midfield battles on a number of occasions. The 'big' games, such as the big 4, City, Villa and Spurs, all really depend on who wins this midfield battle. Last season, we won the midfield battles almost every game. Now, without Alonso, we've lost that difference maker. He really helped to tip the battles in the middle of the park in our favor.
Perhaps Aquilani will be able to help that situation, but currently, Lucas doesn't provide the range that Xabi did. Don't get me wrong, I think Lucas has been decent, but he is utilised almost as another Mascherano, and doesn't really have those long killer passes that Xabi had. He also doesn't have the composure that Xabi had on the ball.
As for the other key change in our squad, this has been a very, very big improvement attacking wise. Johnson's acquisition has meant that we now have alot more width on that right side. Kuyt was a great player, has that determination, but never really had that skill. Johnson now provides him with that extra bit of skill on the right, which Arbeloa could not. Everytime we are in possession, Johnson pushes right up to the edge of the by line, and practically plays as a Right Midfielder.
So, while we have really improved offensively at right back, defensively I think we are a bit more frail. Alot has been said about Johnson's defending, and while I don't agree fully, I do still think that he does have a bit of work to be done defensively. Surely Rafa of all people will be able to get those defensively qualities out of him, and this will no longer be a problem.
As for our centre backs, losing Hyypia was a loss, but not really a big one. He was a great reader of the game, but hardly a regular. We replaced him with a similar player, Krygiakos. Hopefully Krygiakos can be solid when called upon.
At left back, and while it isn't a new signing, Insua has been great, both offensively and defensively. If he continues to improve, he will become a truely world class player. Too much has been said about Rafael and Fabio, Zhirkov, Gibbs, Ivanovic, but nothing about Insua. Insua is truely a great player, and will provide competition with Aurelio at left back.
So overall, we have become better at putting away the smaller teams, but have thus far fared worse against the stronger teams.
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