I reckon the boy Boateng should start. He started Sunderland away and although we weren't great going forward that day I think it was our best defensive display by a mile. We've been inviting far too many shots this season and it's been too easy for opposing teams to find those pockets of space. Hangeland has been piss poor so far [Hopefully this is only a blip] so maybe Boateng just in front would offer some much needed muscle.
We still need to fill the central area when we don't have the ball - Just inviting them on to us. Yesterday Boateng was so deep, just few yards in front of the CBs. But something to work on....
Jol said he wasn't playing because he wasn't versatile enough. Well, frankly he's exactly what we need at the moment and, as you say spoonffc, protecting the back four. I've no problem with someone parking themself in the middle of the park and stonewalling the opposition - the thinking man's Etuhu?
The team shaped definately changes when Boateng is on. Parker and Sidwell both seem to carry the defensive and attacking responsibilities, with Sidwell slightly more advanced but Scott having some licence to go forward. Jol seems to think Boateng should only have defensive duties, he mentioned him in comparison to Parker and implied Boateng wasn't a passer although he was a 'warrior'. He just sits deep which allows the other midfielder some freedom. Parker, when fit, is the obvious first choice next to Boateng, although he's not really an intricate passing midfielder- he's all guts and his best position is the one Boateng fills. We don't really have anyone to play that central role, Parker and Boateng would have drive and could create chances (Parker the more advanced). With Parker out I think Boateng has to start and my choice would be Karagounis playing just in front of him. Technically, he is the best of our genuine CM options. Maybe Kasami could be the answer in central midfield but even with Boateng or Parker sitting behind him I think he would still be too indisciplined to hold position and at this point in his career we're better to encourage his attacking instincts and play him more forward. Sidwell as a starter does not inspire any confidence- he is competent in a number of areas but doesn't really excel in any.
I like this guy. He is passionate, committed and he can play. He is young and got a great engine. We need solidity and he is perfect for us right now. At Sunderland he threw himself in to tackles but that was his first game, he wanted to impress. Give him a run of games and he'll be a great signing for us.
I agree that he should get a run in the team, and was disappointed he didn't start against Stoke in Parker's absence, but he's not young - he's 30 years old!
