Now i want to start this by saying im going to miss Luis just as much as everyone else, and the things he has given us in the last couple of years he deserves our thanks, the fact we are back in the Champions League we should remember him as playing a big part in that
However the talk i keep reading that we cant replace him, that our forward progression as a club again could stop.. Im not having that, like with everything we will adapt and continue, one player doesnt make a club, and for as good as he has been he doesnt define us.
I agree that he doesn't define us Jon but he will be missed and needs replacing (in my opinion).
As you're aware I'm of the opinion that Brendan favours a 4 - 3 - 3 formation but as he has shown is willing to adapt. I say 'favours' based on his oft quoted desire to sign an attacking left-sided player. That desire was prevalent when Luis and Danny were very much a part of our set-up... I can't see it changing now he's going.
The emergence of Raheem (IMO) softened the blow of missing out on that type of player and although we were able to play Raheem in a three, from time to time; the 'need' to play Stevie in his new role meant the 4 -3 - 3 became a diamond with two up front. In short the two was less about accommodating SaS and more about fitting Stevie in.
Stevie's 'new' play-maker role might still dictate the formation but I have a feeling (when Stevie doesn't play) we will see a three up front more often than not [with the two 'wide' men] tracking back. The three in midfield being the triangle [which "can be flipped" as the need arises] Brendan likes.
So... whether it's the diamond, with two up front, or a 4 - 3 - 3 - unless we sign a player(s) who has the same impact as Luis we
will miss him. However... play with just one up-front in a 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 and the impact may be lessened - obviously the three, just behind Danny, will have to take up the 30 goals 'slack'.
Players come and go - we will do alright without Luis but hopefully he won't be missed too much
because we will have signed a player (or two) with all his abilities. [who knows, maybe we already have]. One thing's for sure tho' - I'm excited with the prospect of finding out... the season can't start quickly enough.
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