The Central Midfield Debate

I'd have a middle three of:
Poulsen - for his unique style of play, vision, creational ability and pace.

...

I can't think of anyone else.

Oh well.

don't be cruel

For me, if Gerrards not fit, its got to be. Downing-Adam-Lucas-Henderson. especially if at Home, mayne away id bring Spearing in for Adam?.

For me, if Gerrards not fit, its got to be. Downing-Adam-Lucas-Henderson. especially if at Home, mayne away id bring Spearing in for Adam?.

against big teams?

i've been saying henderson's great more than anyone but u must be joking

a midfield 4 of Downing-Spearing-Lucas-Henderson against the big teams would pretty much leave us stuck with relying on Downing creating something from nothing or hoofing the ball to big Andy, very much doubt that will be used and would be quite disappointed to see the team sheet.

I think wide play is better suited against teams who pack it in. Adam can spray the ball wide and switch play quickly, and is also a little bit more of a defensive liability, hence why I think he's a good option for the smaller teams.

I think Aquilani can help us keep the ball a bit better, which is why I'd prefer him against stronger sides.

I'd prefer a fit Gerrard playing every spot though

I like the look of this but poor Kennys head will be wrecked picking the midfield,sure he will get it right.

    Lucas       Gerrard/Adam       { depends when Stevie gets back to full fitness,}

Suarez                  Aquilani                       Downing

              Lucas          Adam

                      Aquilani

         Suarez     Carroll      Downing

I like the look of this but poor Kennys head will be wrecked picking the midfield,sure he will get it right.

He's gonna have a hard time keeping everyone happy, that's for sure

While  gerrard is out Lucas and aquilani. With raul ahead of them

He's gonna have a hard time keeping everyone happy, that's for sure

Well for once it nice to see our manager have a head ache with selection,its been a while.

Well for once it nice to see our manager have a head ache with selection,its been a while.

What on earth do you mean?

At the beginning of last season we were the envy of Europe!

Poulson, Jovanovic, oh the choices!



Seriously though, you're right, it's a good thing

Since Gerrard is injured, I'd start with:

             Lucas         Adam

                     Meireles

Wouldn't be surprised to see in some matches:

             Lucas         Adam

Meireles            Gerrard            Downing

Personally, I'd also like to see this:

                   Adam           Aquilani

    Meireles              Gerrard           Downing

I think Shelvey, Spearing and Henderson have to accept that they may play alot of part from the bench but it's okay for Shelvey and Henderson as they are still young.

Alot of players but at least we'd be able to bring on some exciting players from the bench when things aren't working out.

Why would you not want Lucas in the 2, come on with Adam and Aquilani, our defense would have no way near enough protection, for me Lucas is a must in our midfield.

Why would you not want Lucas in the 2, come on with Adam and Aquilani, our defense would have no way near enough protection, for me Lucas is a must in our midfield.

Agreed

It seems to me, some people think Adam can be a replacement for Lucas

I don't understand this

Adam's not exactly a textbook defensive midfielder

That's why I said I'd like to see that. I should have specified that I would like to see that at least once. I never said it was my preferred formation for every game.

And when I meant "wouldn't be surprised" for the second formation, I meant the fact that Meireles is right and Gerrard in the hole.

It's also a must for me to have Lucas with someone else. So as you know, Lucas is a starter for me as I've pointed in the first two formations. The third is just something I want to see given a go.

That's why I said I'd like to see that. I should have specified that I would like to see that at least once. I never said it was my preferred formation for every game.

And when I meant "wouldn't be surprised" for the second formation, I meant the fact that Meireles is right and Gerrard in the hole.

It's also a must for me to have Lucas with someone else. So as you know, Lucas is a starter for me as I've pointed in the first two formations. The third is just something I want to see given a go.

Ah sorry mate, I only read the other fella's post, not yours

My bad

That's why I said I'd like to see that. I should have specified that I would like to see that at least once. I never said it was my preferred formation for every game.

And when I meant "wouldn't be surprised" for the second formation, I meant the fact that Meireles is right and Gerrard in the hole.

It's also a must for me to have Lucas with someone else. So as you know, Lucas is a starter for me as I've pointed in the first two formations. The third is just something I want to see given a go.

Oh fair enough, my mistake, as you did actually differentiate the 3 formations, say the third did work well, would you see Lucas be dropped consistently, or put him back in and hope for the best?

Oh fair enough, my mistake, as you did actually differentiate the 3 formations, say the third did work well, would you see Lucas be dropped consistently, or put him back in and hope for the best?

Hahaha! I hope I won't be put into that situation.

But in all honesty, we do need someone in midfield to do the defensive job and thats where Lucas comes in as he's probably the best one for that role in the side (I don't trust Poulsen enough!) and as we know, Aquilani, Adam, Meireles and even Gerrard are not exactly players we want for the tackling department.

The first eleven should be picked based on their form and performances, shouldn't they? If Lucas hasn't done anything wrong not to be in that formation, I don't see a reason for him to be dropped but if everyone is playing well, I hope not to see anyone being unhappy as long as the club is doing well unless of course, they care about their personal interest rather than the club's!

People are putting Aquilani down as a holding-mid.

He's not a DM, he's an AM.

People are putting Aquilani down as a holding-mid.

He's not a DM, he's an AM.

They are? :s

Personally I have put Aquilani playing in behind Carroll but if Lucas was to sit behind Aquilani, I think him and Adam could make us tick, Aquilani with his great short passes, and vision to make space, and alongside him Adam, who can release it out to the flanks effectively with his diagonal passes, with Lucas solely as the DM, this would give license for Aqua to get forward where Adam may take a deeper role, as he is likely to just spray the ball around, and not make short, 1-2 to passes as Aqua would.


                      

It really all depends on whether we will have 2 or 3 players centrally located, based on the formation.  4-4-2 or 4-3-3(2-1)?  As most seem to agree, Lucas is our best option as a more defensive minded central midfielder - the question is who plays alongside/in front of him.  Playing someone "ïn the hole" generally means one up front, or there is no real balance to the team.

I think I would try Lucas and Adam as a central 2 (personally prefer 4-2-2) and would like to see Gerrard and Downing outside them, and the obvious 2 up front.  Playing Gerrard could provide us with a player who is capable of beating a man and who can cross - he is still by far our best wide right player, and may put less pressure on him than playing in the centre.

I am not a fan of 2 defensive midfielders.

Against Sunderland the midfield should be pretty similar to the side we saw face Valencia.

Aquilani just in behind Carroll. Adam & Lucas. Downing on the left, Henderson on the right.

I take it Meireles is still recovering?