I was quite content with Lovren last few months of last season. Either he was having a purple patch or he had learned something.
My view is it's a mix of better players and changes to the MF layout which have improved our defensive record. Thought last season the impact VVD had was overplayed though i pointed out this was the season we would see if he was the leader we required and whilst only 2 games in the signs are that the answer is yes. The sale of Coutinho led to a more functional MF which meant the defence got more protection and that added to the arrival of VVD & Robbo led to last seasons improvement imo. The signs are encouraging this season but we need to see pressure put on the defence before assuming all is now fixed.
in fairness the difference between coutinho and kieta is huge. coutinho is a magician, a dribber, a ball striker. Keita is like Kante in his work rate and interceptions on the on hand and then on the other his ability to turn in tight areas and make a pass can be mesmerising. Keita adds something defensively non of the likes of coutinho or ox can.
You’d be very surprised. Lallana gets praised for his work rate but he’s not as efficient as others. By that, i mean his pressing doesn’t lead to the opposition losing the ball Vs Lallana, Ox presses more times per 90, has better efficiency, and wins the ball back more often. This goes back to my other point (on Ings) where he can run around for days but isn’t particularly effective. I rather have players who run slightly less but are more efficient defensively than someone who can run around like a wild dog, chasing the ball
The discussion on Ings was in comparison to Origi. The latter walls about and doesn't give a ****. I'd rather have Ings. In reality, neither are good enough. As for your stats, I don't need to tell you where you can stick them
