In a few years, possibly even next year, I'd like to see these three get played together in the heart of the team. Or if Ake isn't quite ready, then Mikel for the time being. The grand advantage of playing these 3 as a unit, is that they are all capable of operating in defence or midfield. If they cover for each other, dropping deep when necessary, this mitigates the risk of lacking cover when one decides to roam upfield (Luiz in particular). What it needs is a proper understanding of each other / telepathy, which I'm sure would develop if we played them often enough. They would form an interchangeable little triangle of players led by Luiz, straddling central defence and central midfield, behind the triangle of Mata Hazard Oscar operating up front. We could go with two in central defence and one in midfield (supplemented with Ramirez), or one in defence (supplemented with Terry / Ivanovic / Cahill) and two in midfield. To be fair, it's a bit 'total football', but then again, Luiz is already in that mould, Chalobah is fast following, and Ake looks like he could end up that way as well.
Bit too defensive no? I think they're all capable of making our first team (well Luiz obviously already is) but I'd play McEachran for some creativity there too.
Well, not if you take the two in defence and one in midfield option. Besides which, Chalobah is turning into quite the box-to-box midfielder, and Luiz has such a superb passing range, that I don't really see it as overly defensive even if you take the 1 in defence and 2 in midfield option. In fact, playing the latter would make us particularly tough to break down, yet we would retain potency going forwards. As McEachran absolutely shouldn't be dropping too deep, for me he would take on a more Oscar / Mata kind of role. A bit different to these 3 who are basically interchangeable.
I've seen Chalobah live a few times and he needs another season in the Championship IMO and is no way ready for your team. Loads of potential without a doubt but has looked uninterested at times this season. We'll take him for a year, everyone wins.
Don't forget Lucas Piazon, who is playing a whole lot better than Josh. I think Josh has missed the boat with us, due to our dumb policy of not playing youngsters. Look who ran the Liverpool midfield so commandingly yesterday, only 20 years old with no PL experience. Brendon can teach our muppetts a thing our two about youngsters.
In general all our on loaners are doing themselves proud! I seriously hope our board are taking note and the Euro FFP rules will persuade them to get these boys back in the squad!
