Emre Can

Yeah, but Lovren's rank

 

He's not really, but it looks like he's not destined to cut it an Anfield.

He's one of them who'll move elsewhere and then look a player again I reckon

 

And both are 12 years younger than Distin

 

I still haven't written him off, he needs a leader alongside him and he'll be fine IMO.

 

Yep, a confidence player. He had a bad start with us and Lyon and struggled. He had a good start at Saints and was good. Maybe he finds the mental side of getting over things difficult? Obviously, having two DMs at Southampton would have helped him too.

 

In which case, I'd pick Sakho ahead of him regardless.

 

I reckon you're right. In a set up that offers more protection, he'll probably flourish again......Although I reckon we're stuck with him for a while now so hope he does come good.

 

So would I.

 

So he's ****ed whatever happens then

 

Can will be a beast of a player in a couple of years. Once he's moved forward working with Henderson in midfield he'll be a quality player. Got all the attributes required

 

I don't think we should go over the top. Bolton is an average championship side and the gap in quality with a top premiership side is vast.

I would judge him against top 6 premiership sides and see how he contributes. Toure is a proven top class CM and to compare Can with him is rather premature?

 

I still think Lovren is a RCB who has been stuck at LCB for so long that every one, including himself, thinks he's a LCB.

 

I agree with that tbh. I still see our spine being Migs-Lovren-Sakho-Can-Hendo-Sturridge in the future. Still have faith that Lovren can be good for us, but to be fair to him, he hasn't actually been given a chance in a team that didn't have Gerrard playing CDM, which makes his job way harder than Sakho and Skrtel's atm

 

Would you not consider Sterling and / or Coutinho part of that spine...? I know they don't form part of the gritty backbone as such but they are both becoming very important parts of the team.

 

I meant spine in the most literal sense, the middle backbone But yes I would consider both of those to be very integral parts!

 

Loads of people should and scream on a Saturday and Sunday on pitches around the UK, doesn't make them leaders

 

I think a Lovren Sakho pairing is worth a try but all the time this system is working we must not change it. Lovren may have to wait until preseason friendlies to get a go.

Against Besiktas in the EL he might get a go. In a back 3 with Johnson and Toure. #TheATeam

 

Can is a CM, he has been saying that since he moved here but at least he is playing and in the team. I have one friend who can't stand Sakho and won't acknowledge that he has been a massive improvement and helped solidify things in the back.

Was so excited to see Can play in the middle and glad he showed BR what could be.

 

I ****ing hope he doesn't turn out like Toure. I want players who run, press, give a **** and work their bollocks for 90minutes - not mope around, occasionally do a forward run, grab a free kick and then walk back into position.

Reminds me a bit more like Schweinsteiger as an overall player, but likes to get forward more. Real talent who'll be a great tandem with Henderson.

I'd like to see Lovren given a few goes in defense in Skrtel's spot right now. I know a lot have given up on him and want him flogged this summer, but he is still a talented defender who, like Skrtel, plays infinitely better when they can just do their job as the brawn in a defence, not worry about leading. Sakho, Lovren and Can should be tried imo as Lovren could yet be here long term but Skrtel has a few years at best.

 

Do we think Lovren can play in the middle of the three? Can Illori on one side when back from loan and try that?