Assuming Ki keeps up his form should Leon come straight back in? I never thought I would say this but I think it's now ki's position to lose.
On current for it's more likely to be Leon for Jonjo giving a midfield of ............................ Leon Dyer ....... Siggy ..............Ki ......Routledge maybe a little soon yet but even if Leon isn't fit I'd drop Shelvey for Carroll.
No. I was placing DM in relation to others and it's easier to put them in a line. Might look more like .. ..................... Leon ..................................Ki Dyer .............................. Routledge ............Siggy ......................Bony
The wrong question is being asked. It's not Leon or Ki. It's Ki or Shelvey, which makes it a no-brainer. Leon comes back and assumes his role. Ki is the far more versatile and quality player (perhaps out of the 3) and he shifts into Shelvey's position. Shelvey goes to the bench or stands where he can see better and learn. We have a bit of a dead zone in midfield between Ki and Sig. Shift Ki in between Leon and Sig and we will have a very smooth, cohesive midfield unit. IMO - now is the time to move Shelvey on. His attitude when on the field is not the greatest at times, his decision making leaves a tad to be desired too often. He has not really adapted to the Swansalona style of passing, still preferring the long ball if he has a choice ..... and I think Rogers recognized this, which is why he let him go. The key here is adaptation. Shelvey has talent, not very versatile and intelligent talent .... and that's the rub.
Apples and oranges. Depends on the opposition and whether we're home or away - nice to have choices. I thought Ki was perfect for the WBA game but Leon would have been better at breaking up Burnley in the second half. If you put Shelvey into the equation then he's a more positive influence in an attacking role and can win you a game in a flash but Ki is a safer player and more careful with his distribution. I'm hopeful that Monk recognises this and plays horses for courses.
Has to be Ki im afraid now. Leon is coming to the end and will play less and less now. that's what happens when you get older.
Thats what happens Dai, when your game drops off and prior to this injury I have seen no signs of Leons game dropping off. When that does start to happen whether through age or just not performing then I agree we change but as it stands Leon at the moment would always be my prefered choice as our holding midfield player.
I dont think we will see much of leon this season even when fit. Monk will go for the younger guy now . He might get the odd cup game or a game if ki is injured or suspended but even then monk may still not use him.....
I agree with Dragon....it depends on what is needed for each game, and also when in each game... so it will be a triumvirate of Ki, Shelvey, Leon and not a question of which two are the normal starters. I'd go for leon if we need to steady the ship at any time with pressing defensive play, Jonjo if we need long diagonal defence splitting passes, and Ki if we need pressing attacking workrate. Conversely if we need consistent accurate shorter passes....NO to shelvey If we need an attacking midfielder not afraid to shoot at any opportunity... NO to Leon If we need a midfielder to guard the central midfield ahead of the defense...No to Ki
