Offers absolutely nothing. We might aswell lineup with 10 men. No atength, no pace, no effort, no ability. What does Rafa see in him?
Rafa probably likes him because in his mind, he follows instructions, works hard for the team, defending from the front closing down space for opposing midfielders. Rafa seems to know the odd thing or two in setting a team up.
I think it's the disconnect between the player we thought we had and what we thought he was going to develop into years ago under Pardew (his first touch, instinct for goal and general technique and awareness looked excellent) and the player we now have. He does work hard and I heard a stat from the Stoke match that he made more tackles than any other player on the pitch. He seems to have stopped offering much going forward but it's almost like we have our midfield back-to-front with the likes of Shelvey and Merino looking to play the through-ball from deep and Perez behind the striker tackling and tracking runners. I'm ecstatic with 10 points from 7 games so hell Rafa can do what he wants.
I think he is playing the game Rafa wants him to play, just like the other 10 members of the team and am not prepared to criticise him for that. We lacked attacking intent yesterday but think if we had tried to get more players forward we would have probably been beaten. Am sure if the money had been available for a better No 10 Perez would have been on the subs bench but he is doing what he is being asked to do and long may it continue.
We just need a guy to knock tidy little passes about in the danger area. Sadly merino's needed to defend and Shelves hasn't got that nimble side to his dribbling. We haven't got the AM we need so if it isn't perez, its Diame. Careful what you wish for.
Agreed he dodged a few headers and challenges this week but thought his work rate was good, helps in defense and as Rob say's probably the most technically gifted 10 we have in tight situations. THIS!
There would be no need for the discussion if we'd signed a number 10. We didn't so it would appear the two options are Perez and Diame. Perez is clearly much better than Diame and infinitely more tactically astute. The way Benitez is setting up also requires workrate from that role in shutting off the sitting midfielder. Its been very effective. Diame is neither tactically aware enough or hard working enough to play that role. He's just a poor footballer too with zero creativity. I am not a massive Perez fan it has to be said. I've thought Murphy would maybe be better used in the role. For whatever reason Benitez is not really keen. I know its suggested about moving Ritchie in which I can see the sense in somewhat. However you'd be removing your best attacking threat currently from a role he is performing to a high level. So that is pretty unpalatable to me the more I think about it. Shelvey is also put forward but to be honest he just doesn't really impress me. He played a lovely pass for the goal last week but he doesn't do much else. Him and Hayden would be good back up to a Merino and a proper holding midfielder. Sit a bona fide No.10 in front of them with Perez backing up, your wide, 10 and central area would look pretty solid. Maybe we will get to there next season if we manage to stay up. I think patience is required now. I'd question the 12m we spent on Murphy and say we'd have been better off spending that on a no.10. Perhaps though Benitez thought he was getting both. The key signings for us haven't really changed as far as I can see. We need a No.10, a striker, a left back and a holding midfielder. I can't see us signing anyone in January if I'm honest. I think the plan is to see this season out, hopefully survive and then spend a decent whack in the summer. I think we just have to lump it really, we are going to have a poor attack for sometime. I'd like to see Aarons given more of a chance to compete with Atsu personally. Atsu is ok but he is very hit and miss. Murphy can push Ritchie on the other side.
Perez looked better as a finisher but he's not getting near enough to the penalty box in his current role. We're lacking quality in most positions so it's just a case of everyone having to work hard until the day arrives where Rafa gets the right backing. It's ok. I like midfield also-rans rather than relegation fodder...
I heard Aaron's was anonymous in the last two reserve games so he's not doing enough to force himself into contention. It was suggested attitude may be a problem.
That would be massively disappointing after the amount of support the club have given to him over the last few years. I know its not his fault but equally the club could just write him off or farm him out. Benitez has kept him around the 1st team squad and given him a chance to force his way in. I can't comment as I haven't seen the games in question. Certainly his Instagram etc says all the right things about biding his time. I have no problem with him being frustrated, its how you channel it.
Find this hard to believe considering every game I've seen him he's tried to make something happen. Admittedly there hasn't been a lot of games, but this is spread over a 3/4 year period. I just think he's being kept back because, though Atsu isn't amazing every match, the position suggests you will have a few games where you're anonymous. Benitez doesn't currently have a good enough reason to swap out an international player who no doubt signed on the promise he's get considerable game time and is performing more the more time he spends under his management. Keep biding ya time Aarons, Mbemba did.
