I know this comment is your opinion mate but if you understood how Brendan wants us playing we won't be getting or using a true DM.
And therein lies the rub debs...
Playing with two 'marauding' full backs, high up the pitch, waiting on Stevie's long, diagonal ball is all good n well (setting aside it's predictability ) but it always leaves you vulnerable.
When you're outscoring teams that vulnerability matters less; when the opposition are on the back foot, or aren't good quality, the same but against a well marshalled defence and quality players with pace, the vulnerability is exaggerated.
You're left with Stevie (who, as you say, isn't a defensive midfielder) and two centre backs either retreating or facing their own goal and being pulled all over the shop. When that happens it doesn't matter who your centre or full backs are, or if they're 'old guard' or 'flavour of the month': you're going to concede.
The fact is; not only are we going to be facing better quality opposition this season but most every team will have twigged. In my opinion, it'll be suicidal for us to play without at least one (possibly two) defensive midfielder(s)... unless we're able to score like last season.
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