Some think we don’t need a defensive midfielder for Rosenior’s style of play. Except, Rosenior’s style of play isn’t particularly special and is heavily influenced by the likes of Brighton and Man City. Possession-based teams that have a midfield enforcer include Man City (Rodri), Arsenal (Partey), Man Utd (Casemiro), Brighton (Caicedo), Burnley (Cork/Cullen) to name a few. No matter how good Seri and Slater have been, their lack of physicality in midfield cost us points this season.
The bookies don't rate our chances... To be promoted Leicester 6/4 Leeds 2/1 Southampton 5/2 Middlesbrough 10/3 West Brom 9/2 Watford 9/2 Norwich 9/2 Stoke 11/2 Ipswich 6/1 Coventry 6/1 Sunderland 7/1 Blackburn 7/1 Millwall 9/1 Swansea 9/1 Preston 10/1 Hull 10/1 Sheffield Wednesday 10/1 Bristol City 11/1 Cardiff 11/1 QPR 12/1 Birmingham 14/1 Huddersfield 14/1
And its not even just physicality But a proper defensive midfielder excels at anticipating and breaking up play As well as getting stuck in
Yeah, there are different types. Caicedo isn’t particularly big but he excels at interceptions and gets stuck in.
As you say, our style doesn't seem to be that special. But in his early days with us Rosenior did clearly state our style would be unique. I've yet to see or understand what he meant. We just seem to be copying many clubs who try to retain possession and play out from the back. What did he mean?
Here in Portugal the news about coach Vitor Campelos coming to city has ressurfaced. I don't believe in it but they say its probably Hull City https://www.abola.pt/nnh/2023-05-31...anca-de-vitor-campelos-para-inglaterra/990046
No odds for Plymouth? To be honest, the Championship for the 23/24 season is probably one of the strongest lineups in years. More than half of the 24 teams could realistically push for promotion.
But those players play where Seri plays for us, and he's doing very well in that role. So unless he goes somewhere I can't see us bringing in a big unit to play that role. I understand that a midfield enforcer is a player that lots of good teams have, but I also think that to say it's absolutely mandatory is overly simplistic, Football Manager type logic. I still don't really see what real world problem it's supposed to solve; we already don't concede many goals. It's creating more chances that we particularly need. It seems like people have an issue with the on-paper aesthetic of Seri and Slater as a pairing more than with anything they've actually done or not done in practice.
I wish I had a chunk of money... 4/6 Leicester top 6 , Southampton 6/4 top 6... can you believe the Massive are shorter than us for top 6....?
To be fair, I don't think he ever said it'd be unique. He just said we'd have a clear way of playing and wouldn't compromise on it, which I think is absolutely right. It's no good saying you're going to be a footballing side but then give up on it as soon as you're pressed, cos then you're just a nothing side. And I think that's what a lot of English sides have done in the past.
Theoretically they could, but again I don't see what problem we'd be trying to solve. We currently concede very few and don't score enough. Why under these circumstances would we want to replace an attacking player with an extra holding midfielder?
Because in games like Sunderland and Boro away, games which could be the difference between making play-offs or not next season, we got bullied in midfield. They hit us quick on the counter and Slater and Seri did nothing to protect the back four. A defensive midfielder whose job it is to protect the back four would’ve prevented some of those goals in those games by making a tackle or tactical foul in the middle of the pitch. But if you’re content with a lightweight midfield that gets bullied by stronger and quicker opponents and another mid-table finish, there’s no convincing you. Pointless continuing this conversation with you.
There’s no point continuing the discussion so I will agree to disagree with PLT. I also just can’t be arsed as I actually have a life outside of this forum.
