Lack of attacking options in Centre Midfield...

[BensGrandad]

I thought Lopez was one of our better players too, and can't quite understand why he was moved out wide, and taken off. If he wasn't taken off, we might be looking at a different result too, because he always inspires me with confidence whenever we have a penalty. I think he has to start in the attacking midfield role again on Tue.

I agree at the moment we have only 2 players capable of playing as as attacking midfielder to feed Ulloa and Lingard that is Lopez and Agustein who is out of favour it seems.

 

[Seagull58]

Can we not find a Rooney-lite? Someone who can play a free role linking the midfield with Ulloa and chipping in with 10 to 15 goals? Someone with his energy levels would be useful just to show some of the others what they should be doing. Maybe that's the role envisaged for CMS but his skill level may not be up to the challenge.

 

[Kevlar]

now as a forward disclaimer I am not suggesting our players
are in anyway the same caliber as Barcelona
but using their classic trio as a template
( which Oscar might want to do)
Burchet holding
Xavi general
inniesta attacking penetration

we do not have any innesta's
although crofts was doing a worthy attempt getting into the box
and scoring goals if not the dribbles and the through balls
I do not think JFC has those characteristics
he may make it as a midfield general type ticking possession over
still would like to see Orlandi be fit enough to have a go
but is he ever available?
and the 2 chances he had he was disappointing
and he can cross the ball better than any of our wide attackers
Oscar does not see eye to eye with kemy
presumably he wants a faster tempo and he would prefer the Xavi
deeper creative role anyway
with the lack of any options in the inniesta role
responsibility for creating chances have fallen to the wide attacking players
and none of them are playing well enough to deserve a place in
the starting line up.
luckily our Possesion and defence have kept us in the play off race
but perhaps our best bet to score with players currently available
is to get the ball to the wide men quicker
and hope they produce

 

[Kevlar]

come to think of it on paper Jesse has the most inniesta like attributes
and has found himself more central after substitutions
could be worth a start there

 

[Kevlar]

yes the more I think of it Jesse should have a chance in that role
and give Solly a chance on the left
we have made a fetish of playing right footers on the left
the real advantage is for right footers who
can control instep curlers when they cut inside
aiming the ball out of the keepers reach to curl inside the post
Jesse seems to follow kazengas strategy of power over finesse
might as well shoot from your natural side with power
using all their pace to find a yard on the outside
driving the ball towards the opposite corner
so any keeper parries go back into the danger zone
and if you are wider or the cross is a better option
you can cross with your stronger foot
the other great advantage especially for wide attackers as opposed
to more traditional wingers is to attack the far post when play
is on the opposite flank and meet low crosses with your stronger foot