The midfield will change through the season. Xhaka though was not brought in to be an attacking player. I thought he was good against West Ham and fine against Burnley first half. He did his jod. Attacking wise, the players we have, particularly out wide have to be more prepared to take their men on. Losing the ball up there is not a crime and you don't have to get past the man every time. But you have to keep at it. That's what just wasn't there second half on Saturday. A bloke who used to coach a team I once played for used to tell the wingers that it was a free hit for them to take a man on, and lose the ball. It was up to " them" (pointing at me!) to get it back.
He was doing just that two years ago at Brighton. Going inside and out. He is maybe a fragile character and loses confidence, but he can't have lost his pace yet at his age
I’ve yet to see it then, skilful yes but hasn’t ran away from his full back, hopefully he proves me wrong
I wasn't suggesting that Xhaka was an attacking player mate. He definitely is the sitting midfielder. What I was getting at was that Sidiki could be taking one of our more creative midfielders slot in the team because RLB wants him to cover for Xhakas lack of pace.
I dont see him as a lone striker either. He just doesnt seem to relish the back to goal stuff enough to do it, or the rough and tumble with CBs. For me coming on in a game we are chasing if we decide to go 2 up front, or are prepared to try and release him over the top really early.
Not always a bad thing mate, lucumi aside no one knows who we are in for, I know it makes it more dull like
100%, I'd love to know who the winger is we are going to go for, would love us to move for a striker but I don't see it
I think you may be over estimating Neale's ability to play in a CM role.. I believe, from what I'm watching , and have done for some time he hasn't the mental agility (quickness of mind to spot a problem developing) the pace or strength to play in that role. I'm all for home grown talent but can you see him holding down any midfield role in this first team?