Obviously Ramirez has been one of our best players this season, but playing 3 quite defensive minded midfielders offers us cover and the ability to win the midfield battle and gives our wide players more freedom. It was Puncheon who won the interception for the first goal and our centre midfielders aren't completely defensive as shown by Davis' goal. I personally think that Ramirez will be more suited to starting in the games where we're expected to get something and we would be more attack minded as we would be expected to go at the opposition and get something from the game. I think Ramirez would be better suited for home games and for an impact in the second half in away games. Thoughts?
I think Ramirez needs to get his leg sorted him getting a dead leg all the time is a concern. Until he gets it sorted we won't see how good he really is.
I said it whilst walking back to the car yesterday: had Ramirez been fit, and started that match instead of Davis, I'm not sure we would have won. But then on the flip side, if we really are going to become a top six club, then only one of those two is top six material.
I still believe we can be even better with Ramirez once he matures and turns into being a top class player with more consistent performances. The question is can we put a side out with Puncheon, Lambert, Rodriguez, Lallana and Ramirez??? I know its crazy we would be to light in midfield but we be great to see us ripping teams apart with attacking flair all over the pitch!
And if we play like we did yesterday, it'll bring out the best in him; we had players making some rather sexy runs, which hasn't always been the case.
Once we're settled in the league and looking up towards European places rather than down towards the relegation zone, I think it'll be a smart move to sell Gaston. We could make a nice profit on him if he fulfills his potential, and it could allow us to bring in the likes of Ward-Prowse who should be an excellent Premier League midfielder by then. I do agree that something doesn't look quite right about our shape with him in the team, though I think his individual ability alone is an important asset right now.
Can't see Cortese selling Ramirez in the summer. He invested a lot in him and i don't just mean money. He is a class player and will be valuable to us.
I was thinking more like summer 2014. I think relegation will still be on our minds at the beginning of next season.
We have to start thinking along the lines of a starting 14 rather than a starting 11. With the high tempo style of play 2 early subs will need to be made at roughly 60 minutes and another at around 80 minutes to allow for any injury or tiredness. Those on the bench must be made aware that they are a crucial part of the team, but in answer to your question, Ramirez does add a stronger goal threat and interchanges better with Lallana and Punch/JRod and frees up more space for Lambert. The more difficult question is which 2 of 3 play in the wide positions, JRod, Lallana or Punch ?
Indeed. by striving for something like a European place, a team automatically takes care of relegation. I don't think teams from ManU to Spurs think about relegation for more than a second or two, coming up to a new season. That's where Saints have to be because Cortese is already there.
I hear that Cortese has organized a hit squad to come round and slap any fan who voices doubts. GMI may die.
The great thing is, is that we have two extremely gifted players. We have a history of bringing in and through players like this. I love them both and think they will always be important to the team. Ramirez had shown great work rate in the Sunderland and Arsenal games which impressed me. Since then he has not been at his best, but is a hugely talented player. Let's noty talk about balance of the team without them or selling any of them. Instead focus on a match day squad that adds Forren, Fonte, Shaw, Ramirez, Lallana and Guly to that 11 of yesterday. We really are beginning to sound good and some good players will have to fight or be left on the bench.
