RandyWanger
Je suis rôti de boeuf
Fab going back to his philosophy and not playing with a midfield
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[Albion] Liverpool vs Brighton & Hove Albion *** Official Match Thread ***
- Thread starter Dick Head
- Start date
Hope to be proved wrong but Hinshelwood and Ayari as a CM pairing is…worrying
Seagullinhove
New member
- Oct 31, 2024
- 19
Baleba has been good this season but you’d think we’ve dropped a prime gazza or Messi the way people are reacting !!
After his thoroughly unremarkable Championship loans, and given Summer's recruitment, I'm not sure anyone would have predicted Yasin Ayari would be getting so many minutes, and starts, this season.
fruitnveg
Well-known member
Fab has got it right more times than not with what are at first glance, very odd lineups. I'm happy enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. I presume its a tactical decision (or last minute injury) that Baleba is on the bench rather than the pitch
London Irish
Well-known member
It was presumably either Baleba or Ayari - Ayari has done well recently, it’s not a disaster this! Much as I’d have preferred Carlos to start
- Oct 17, 2008
- 15,034
I’d say Verbruggen, Van Hecke, Mitoma, Rutter and Welbeck are guaranteed starters. The rest are up for grabs.
Realistically Ayari wouldn’t be first choice ahead of O’Riley, Baleba, Milner or probably Gomez when he arrives.
I like the guy, but Hinsh and Ayari looks on paper really quite lightweight as a central midfield pairing. I hope those around them put in a big shift to help.
- Oct 17, 2008
- 15,034
Looked great in his pre-season minutes, it’s just this is Liverpool away and their central midfield is outstanding (and physical).
Does anyone actually have much of a clue how well Gomez compares to our current alternatives?
bluenitsuj
Listen to me!!!
It is. I thought that was obvious
Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
Think Ayari has been a huge breakthrough player this season, I would say his and Baleba’s partnership is that they are 1st and 2nd choice in that centre mid.
London Irish
Well-known member
Looked a different player - quite remarkable the aggression in his game compared to previous seasons when he looked out of it most of the time
London Irish
Well-known member
I guess the issue is whether either of them is a natural defensive mid
- Oct 17, 2008
- 15,034
Hinsh always puts a shift in, thinking Baleba must have a knock, it’s the only thing that makes sense. Wieffer is miles behind Hinsh, Baleba and Ayari at present
Or he's been sloppy in training. Fab pays a lot of attention to training sessions.
London Irish
Well-known member
We all love Baleba he carries the ball brilliantly and some of his technical plays like those turns away from traffic are great to watch. But he has not ironed out all the ricks quite yet. Was a judgement call today - and we’ll need his energy off the bench if we get a toehold in the game