[Albion] Midfield not clicking

7dialssouthpaw · Dec 10, 2024

This seems to be our issue at the moment. It's been a bit haphazard. So who would be our ideal combination?

Millner - where has this man gone?
Hinsh - for me the solution - we need him back asap.
Ayari - more of an attacker
Baleba - concentration lapses (fantastic player albeit)
Moder - not fancied
Wieff - not been around long enough to assert leadership
O Riley - he's a 10, no?

We have a lot of talent there, but the automations aren't there, and I think that's why we're failing to put games to bed/assert a rhythm on the game.

Flounce · Dec 10, 2024

Not come together yet and we have been outplayed in midfield late in quite a few games so far. Patience is the key or trust the process, take your pick :wink:

I think we can probably write Milner off though, seems to be perma injured, worse than Lallana was I think. Both having to go off not long into games when they play too.

I think Moder should have a part to play if we are defending a lead late in games though.

PHCgull · Dec 10, 2024

ideally we would have two Balebas - one to sit tight in front of the defence like wieffer did second half on sunday (albeit a bantamweight, not in the caicedo/bissouma league). And another to roam free alongside the excellent Ayari.

Weststander · Dec 10, 2024

A lot of quality there, we’re running large passages of games against anyone.

For me there can be a lack of numbers issue where an opposition coach overloads our two eg even Russell Martin did this second half in the draw. Rutter-Welbeck-Pedro up front became superfluous/irrelevant when we lost the ball. You could literally see this at the game after HT with a full perspective, with nothing done about it.

Nobby Cybergoat · Dec 10, 2024

OK, but we've been in charge of most games we've played. In most we've created enough chances to win. Most goals we've conceded have been absolute gifts by the defence and keeper

But I do agree with your opinion about Hinsh. A bit alarming we're relying on a player that young though.

In my mind our first choice midfield is Hinsh and Baleba. But given, injury issues for Hinsh and proclivity for a card from Carlos, I don't think we'll be settled in this position for some time

That being the case, the improving Wieffer will get loads of chances to continue his progress. Ayari should also get plenty of football, given his incredible development in his breakout season.

There's a but in all this. Our first four midfielders are incredibly inexperienced at this level. This season and maybe next is about investing in their development rather than pushing for trophies or even Europe. We have to accept the inevitable mistakes as part of this development, as we will next season when it's Yalcouye in that mix as well

Giraffe · Dec 10, 2024

Flounce said:
I think Moder should have a part to play if we are defending a lead late in games though.

Agreed. Would be a better option for the last 20 mins to help see a game out.

dazzer6666 · Dec 10, 2024

Not settled at all due to various injuries…..no surprise it’s not clicking

7dialssouthpaw · Dec 10, 2024

Flounce said:
Not come together yet and we have been outplayed in midfield late in quite a few games so far. Patience is the key or trust the process, take your pick

I think we can probably write Milner off though, seems to be perma injured, worse than Lallana was I think. Both having to go off not long into games when they play too.

I think Moder should have a part to play if we are defending a lead late in games though.

yes, agree with the Moder sentiment - he has the right qualities for the boring "sitting in" job

coyotitokino · Dec 10, 2024

Great, that we now have these options. This'll keep opponents guessing and any/most should continue to improve as they gel and mature. Interesting that for most of last season Brighton played two really slow good passers (Gross and Gilmour). In time i can imagine Hinsh developing his passing game towards what Gross could do (and will have years of 'legs' on his side). Probably obvious to say but when Brighton replace Moder i think they should use that squad berth for another explosive physical option for when Baleba not available primarily for winning contests. I personally still have time for Wieffer and think he'll develop into a good option. You have to play with confidence and authority in that role and understandably he may not be full of either currently.

7dialssouthpaw · Dec 10, 2024

Weststander said:
A lot of quality there, we’re running large passages of games against anyone.

For me there can be a lack of numbers issue where an opposition coach overloads our two eg even Russell Martin did this second half in the draw. Rutter-Welbeck-Pedro up front became superfluous/irrelevant when we lost the ball. You could literally see this at the game after HT with a full perspective, with nothing done about it.

who would you pick for our starters in the middle?

Withdean11 · Dec 10, 2024

We have sold 4 regular starting midfield players in just two summers. Of course the midfield isn't clicking.

Nobby Cybergoat · Dec 10, 2024

Well. What we shouldn't be doing with 20 mins, or even 3 mins) left protecting a lead is changing the system and playing 3 at the back.

I'm also not keen on the idea of giving this important job to a player who has barely featured. Generally the better solution is to bring a player up to the pace of the game into a more withdrawn position. I'm thinking O'Riley. If he's already off, then a player who's played football like Ayari.

At the same time you want an outball, a pacey winger who can chase a ball in the channel and force a defender to give us a throw. And also a striker who can hold off a defender. We're bringing off Pedro too early

Weststander · Dec 10, 2024

7dialssouthpaw said:
who would you pick for our starters in the middle?

Middle 2 - Ayari & Baleba
Middle 3 - Ayari, Hinshelwood & Baleba

Sarisbury Seagull · Dec 10, 2024

I think Wieffer and Baleba is our strongest CM partnership. I'd like to see them played together there for a run of games.

Weststander · Dec 10, 2024

Regarding your OP, O’Riley played in an advance position for Celtic. Similar to Rutter’s.

O’Riley @ Celtic

Rutter this season:

Machiavelli · Dec 10, 2024

Weststander said:
Middle 2 - Ayari & Baleba
Middle 3 - Ayari, Hinshelwood & Baleba

Well, at least someone is mentioning a 3. I'd like us to play with a 3 a little more. If we do the current football parlance seems to speak more of 6s, 8s and 10s (although you can ditch the 10 and play with two 8s):
6s Baleba, Wieffer, Milner
8s Hinshelwood, Ayari, O'Riley(ish), Moder
10s O'Riley, potentially Gruda and Rutter

Machiavelli · Dec 10, 2024

RE thread title: if anyone is expecting our midfield to 'click' to the level of Caicedo and Mac Allister they'll be waiting a long time. I'm not so sure that Gilmour and Gross ever really clicked as a midfield duo, fine on the ball, less so chasing it down and keeping it safe.

Lifelong Supporter · Dec 10, 2024

Flounce said:
Not come together yet and we have been outplayed in midfield late in quite a few games so far. Patience is the key or trust the process, take your pick

I think we can probably write Milner off though, seems to be perma injured, worse than Lallana was I think. Both having to go off not long into games when they play too.

I think Moder should have a part to play if we are defending a lead late in games though.

Good point about Moder. He is an international, quite experienced, quick, robust and physical. Ideal.

Pablo25 · Dec 10, 2024

Doesn’t help that we’ve used 9 combinations in 15 games prem games:-

Milner/Wieffer
Milner/Gilmour
Milner/Baleba
Ayari/Baleba
Hinshelwood/Baleba
Ayari/Hinshelwood
Ayari/O’Riley
Wieffer/Baleba/Hinshelwood
O’Riley/Wieffer/Baleba

Loads of talent….combination of young players and new additions will mean it’s going to take a bit of time until we settle. Confident we’ll see the best of us in 2025…plus will have Gomez added into the mix.

Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo · Dec 10, 2024

Nobby Cybergoat said:
But I do agree with your opinion about Hinsh. A bit alarming we're relying on a player that young though.

Hinsh is a prime example, and probably the best we’ve ever had of, if you are good enough you are old enough. When fit he has to play as he has a bit of everything and his ability to cover a few positions also gives us more options.

He’s mature beyond his years, great intelligence and not afraid to mix it up with some of the dark arts/shithousery too when needed. His development over the last season and a half has been a joy to watch. Just think how good he’d be if he didn’t miss the tail end of last season injured.

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