As above.... presuming we play Lambert up front... I've got it down to pretty much 5 people we have become accustomed to seeing in these roles: Jason Puncheon Adam Lallana Steven Davis Gastón Ramirez Jay Rodriguez Who would you pick? A) Puncheon, Gastón, Lallana B) Puncheon, Gastón, Rodriguez C) Puncheon, Lallana, Rodriguez D) Lallana, Gastón, Rodriguez E) Puncheon, Davis, Lallana F) Puncheon, Davis, Gastón G) Gastón, Davis, Lallana H) Rodriguez, Davis, Gastón I) Rodriguez, Davis, Lallana J) Puncheon, Davis, Rodriguez DTLW
I'm convinced that right now Lambert would be the best player to put in the AMC position with Rodriguez up front. My reasoning for this is that we're struggling to convert our dominance (possession-wise) into enough good chances. Lambert can pick a pass better than anyone else in the team, in my opinion, he can win the ball in all sorts of ways, hold it up and bring others into play, and as a bonus he can shoot from range. Rodriguez is looking confident with his first touch and taking defenders on, and I think he would put his chances away. Lallana on the left and Puncheon on the right.
Too many variables involved to pick a definitive three, but I would say that right at this moment, I would find it hard to not select Jay (be it as part of the three, or up front).
This was going to be an option, but I'll be damned if I was gonna find room for all those options to fit in. So - I went for the 5 that have played there most frequently. I think you're spot on with suggesting that though.
It's difficult. I don't want to neglect any of them, really. I'd find it impossible to leave Rodriguez out, he's been our best attacker lately. Puncheon can always come up with something game changing... so that leaves the middle man. I'd go Gaston because neither him nor Lallana are in particularly fine form, but Ramirez is more of a goal threat. That said, I don't think a definitive answer is possible - this is just the one I'd use right this second. I'll probably have changed my mind by tomorrow morning.
True, but that's just one chance. Playing wide he doesn't get many clear cut chances but down the middle he'd get a lot more as long as he was provided with good assists. Also his height would be a lot more useful in that role.
That's my school of thought at this moment in time. And I know it's a tough question, but that's why I thought it could be a good debate and poll.
Lallana brings very little to the team at the moment and I believe he and Gaston should be used as late subs. Both of them are luxuries we cannot afford. It has to be Puncheon, Davis, Rodriguez for me everytime. I'd even prefer Guly to Gaston and I am being deadly serious.
I was just working on the 5 regulars in those areas this year. Something really weird must be up for Mayuka to be outright ignored by two managers now. I could've put him in but I didn't have the ability to make that many options, sorry!
Probably Rodriguez, Ramirez and Puncheon at the moment. Lallana still looks a bit off the pace, and the aforementioned grouping is the one that seems to have the most cutting edge right now. Also allows us to swap like-for-like with Lallana coming on for Ramirez when he inevitably tires.
For me, and it pains me to say this, but Lallana isnt quite cutting it right now. To begin with Rodriguez was lost, but now his energy working off of Rickie is looking to be worth a shot. The Clyne/Puncheon combo down the right for me, is also our best way forwards and we've been missing it recently. Ramirez...well he's gotta come good sometime hasnt he?! So with at in mind, Rod/Ram/Punch are out best combination for me. JUST until Lallana is back on his game (and actually claims for the clear fouls on him)
Getting tired of waiting for gaston to perform, he has had almost a whole season, would think about dropping him soon.
Well I am going to stick my neck out and say whilst he has been a mixture of class and frustrating this season, he will come good. He's only 22 and is clearly still adapting. I look forward to seeing what he can do with a pre-season under his belt here too. (I hope to see it)
