Pivot is the issue?!?

[Blue Gino 377]

Of course a simple change in FORMATION that actually benefits several current players would greatly improve the team, but then there's too many "expensive cars sitting in the garage" and it's more fun to jam square pegs into round holes apparently with the board.

[Stingray 9,441]

We are close to a solution!

I think we need a good, reliable DM. This way he can partner in the pivot with KDB who has the passing range, precision, technique, vision and speed of execution we lack now in the pivot area.

Also partnering im with a true DM - powerfull, range, ball recuperation and a reliable passing game. - will stabilise us more defensively.

Oscar can take the cm role in rotation with KDB, maybe ...

Above else, we will need a manager that dares to switch that pivot around.

[Mundaka 243]

Yeh same, pretty sure KDB is ready, seeing how hazard is doing.

So guys, I think its pretty much clear that our pivot is one fucking huge mystery and issue.

Currently we have Mikel-Rambo pivot with Lamps as sub. BUT there are also Romeu, Ake, possibly Kdb, Oscar and Josh who can play there.
But the current pair of Rambo-Mikel makes our team very slow, there is no connection, no control and no long ball passes. Both players have very restricted play, Mikel has no working identity, while Rambo lacks tehnique.
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Personaly I would keep Mikel and get hard working all round playmaker, Xabi Alonso esque. Secondly, we should buy either another CB or restrict Luiz role. Or buy a CB to work along with Luiz, Terry is not the youngest anymore...

Your thoughts?

For me , with the current players we have its (im going to simplify now..):

DM: Mikel / Romeu / Ake

DLP/Box to Box (depending on the game): KDB / Rambo / Lampard/ Josh(if you think he's ready?)

Always a DM with DLP/BoxToBox and no 2 DLP/BoxtoBox together with this team for sure to keep balance (see manu first half vs 2nd)...

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Now as for signing one, i would go for 1 top midfielder that can be both, DM and DLP/Box to Box... of the players you named in that list Witsel/Modric and DeRossi come closest to what i feel we need.

About Luiz, he tends to play the best in games we have lots of possesion in, so when the team gets better he will get better i feel. On signing another CB, i dont know, do we have someone in the youth that can play some games at CB next season? Also if we buy a CB i would take a left footted one that can also play at LB so we also have a good cover for A.Cole.

[Mundaka 243]

Wouldnt buy 2 midfielders btw or else we can send KDB back on loan...

[The only place to be 11,313]

Ake, Chalobah, Kalas are obviously not ready next season, but buyin top midfielder or CB would limit their chances in future...that is what i meant...

Therefore should we either buy new players or patiently wait for youth to mature?

In what way is Chalobah not ready to be part of our first-team? What is he lacking in his game?

The answer may already be there within the club with Oscar, KDB or McEachran but it would help if there was a good director of football and a staff that can find a successful bargain out there and not get bent over a barrel by other clubs' stupid buyout clauses.

In the last two years we've actually changed our transfer policy to going after young players on cheaper fees with lower wages.

Who bent us over a barrel?

We just need a Modric or someone similar. He's the ideal choice because he knows the league, does what we'd need him to do and might be available. Then we could look at alternating him with De Bruyne and maybe Oscar whilst Mikel, Romeu and Chalobah fight for the other spot.

[mediator 2,026]

I think a pivot like this could be really strong :

---- Capoué / Witsel - KDB / Oscar ----

Capoué and wW`itsel are DM or CM, they are versatile and really strong at defending.

KDB and Oscar as DLP (they are also versatile and can play AM RW LW...)

[Mufassir08 2,400]

What about Kalas? He has been the standout defender in the Eredivisie for a couple of years.

Yes but he is a right back these days and his style of play is more suited for the rb position.

[English Freak 456]

Yes but he is a right back these days and his style of play is more suited for the rb position.

If Mourinho comes back, he could 'help' Kalas become a solid CB...he always does well with defenders

[Mufassir08 2,400]

If Mourinho comes back, he could 'help' Kalas become a solid CB...he always does well with defenders

Why?He is playing so well as a right back right now and should keep playing as a rb.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

I think a pivot like this could be really strong :

---- Capoué / Witsel - KDB / Oscar ----

Capoué and wW`itsel are DM or CM, they are versatile and really strong at defending.

KDB and Oscar as DLP (they are also versatile and can play AM RW LW...)

Witsel is certainly not DM as he goes forward oftenly. He is CM with qualities of tackling and passing, dribbling.

Also Oscar and Kdb are NOT CMs. At least they are not good enough at tackling.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Wouldnt buy 2 midfielders btw or else we can send KDB back on loan...

Well Kdb is best at playing in Mata's position. Free roam around penalty box. He doesnt have qualties to defend yet, but I think he could eventualy make CM postion his own if given enough time.

[Term-X 7,891]

There can only be so many spots for youngsters, we need the right balance. With Courtois eventually coming back and Lukaku returning next season, our first team in the next few seasons is 'and could' be looking too inexperienced. Probably best to keep the 'big picture' in mind before throwing around names like Kalas in this thread.