With Charis Mavrias soon expected to join Adam Johnson and David Moberg-Karlsson in Paolo Di Canio's options on the right flank, it is fairly apparent to all of us that Sebastian Larsson is no longer seen as a right midfielder by the manager. His pace is not what it used to be and without that trait, he doesn't really seem to fit into Di Canio's sharp, quick attacking strategy. The manager prefers the idea of having inverted wingers â hence Adam Johnson being seen as a right-sided player with his deadly left foot â and Larssonâs style of play would not be suited to being deployed on either wing as long as this game plan is kept intact. However, this by no means leaves Larsson out of the equation as far as plans for next season are concerned. Having started every preseason friendly so far in central midfield alongside impressive new boy Cabral, it is clear that he is seen as a valuable option in the middle of the park by Di Canio. With his most impressive attribute remaining as his ability to place the ball on a sixpence, Larsson could prove to be a revelation if he can learn to play balls over the opposition back four and into the strikers. This would provide many more chances to our promising forward line than last seasonâs barren lack of supply and provide an attacking outlet not offered by the rest of our central midfielders. His defensive play is also coming along famously, as they say; his tenacity and concentration allowing him to make telling contributions to the team in the form of blocks and interceptions. A passing accuracy of 83.5% (taken from whoscored.com) is better than that of Craig Gardner and Alfred NâDiaye, but is worse off than young Jack Colback, although it must be said that Colback often attempts simpler passes than his Swedish counterpart. Unfortunately, our number seven is a long way from the finished article in the ânumber eightâ role. His tackling is usually dependable, but like his ex-Birmingham teammate Gardner, he has a bad habit for diving recklessly into tackles and was lucky not to see red at all in the last campaign. Another thing that frustrates me about Seb is the fact that he seems to have almost entirely handed the free-kick responsibilities to Gardner when a shot at goal is on the cards. Gardner may have wowed us with a few screamers from set pieces, but Larssonâs ability to beat the keeper from dead ball situations is far more consistent and much more distinguished than Gardner, who opts for power over placement. Arsene Wenger said of his former youth player in 2011 âI think Larsson is a top, top player, maybe the best in the league as a free-kick-taker", After the swede had put us ahead in a league game against the Gunners with a tantalising free kick. Larsson appeared in all of last seasonâs League encounters, only two of which he started on the bench, and 21 of those games were played in the middle. A measly haul of three assists and one goal could be put down to adapting to his new role, but a larger contribution is required in 2013-14 should he expect to be a regular. His ability to shoot from distance was broadcasted with aplomb when he scored his sole goal of 2012-13 against West Ham, albeit with his weaker left foot. This eagerness to shoot, along with his creative side shining once again and his improving defensive contributions, could make Larsson and Cabral a very attractive midfield pairing. At the age of 28 and with 55 international caps, he will be viewed as one of the senior members of the squad. And, despite a recent tabloid affiliation with Lazio, it is widely expected that he will remain a Sunderland player beyond the summer. And with the link with Spursâ Tom Huddlestone seemingly fizzling out, maybe Di Canio has seen enough improvement from Larsson to give him a key role in the squad for the third season running. Is Larsson good enough to be first choice centre mid? Or should he just remain the utility man?
Seb SHOULD be an excellent deep lying centre mid, he has great control, he can pass first time or he can pick a pass from space, and as mentioned, he does like a tackle. Problem is, he just seems to get bypassed in there, he doesn't track his man, something he does really well out wide, and he doesn't offer enough protection. If he is coached as a CM it could work, I'm sure we all remember his performance from CM away to Man City in the 3-3, he was ridiculously good, 2 gaols, box to box, winning balls, finding his man, but it was a one off. I really do like Seb, but I struggle to see a first XI place for him, and if he isn't playing, he will leave. Let's see what Paolo can do with him. I have to add, he was pretty much non existent v Spurs, which doesn't bode well.
They can have him for me, would rather retain gards and jack and bring someone like pirlo in, as pecs said he may aswel not have been on the pitch on weds, ba did more in his limited time tbf
Would you give gards a new contract though on his wage to squad status? Or let him go for free? Jack is out of our hands.
May have to keep him for a right back considering gards is suspended first game of the season and our rb situation is no closer to being resolved.
No i would keep him this season and give jack a new contract, replace gards next summer hang onto wor jacky
http://www.rokerreport.com/2013/7/2...nd-still-hopeful-of-resurrecting-peruzzi-deal I get the impression from this article, the peruzzi scenario may play out till the end of the window.
i think it will be a double signing on monday with his and mavrias personally followed swiftly by cissokho and then pirlo
You keep mentioning Pirlo lol. At first I assumed it was a joke but now I'm not so sure.... If you're being serious you should banish the thought mate, absolutely 0% chance of that one happening! I also don't think Peruzzi will be here until late August at the earliest (potentially not until January) from what the two clubs have said. Mavrias I expect to come in next week though.
