We've been discussing Laudrup's decision not to get in another striker on another thread and most seem to agree that Michu's best position is as an AM. Our starting 11 will therefore usually include Bony up front with Michu in the hole behind. But as Jonjo has been nothing short of fantastic as an AM recently where does that leave him? Does he play deeper in the JDG role where he may be less effective or is he going to be used as a super-sub? Whatever your views on JDG Laudrup likes him so are Jonjo's heroic efforts lately going to leave him on the bench when Michu returns? Can he play alongside JDG and someone else is then dropped? If so, who? They seem like similar players to me so would be unlikely to start together. Or am I wrong on that? A nice dilemma for Laudrup but it's worthy of debate.
Let's give him another game at AM if Michu isn't fit for Hull and see. Maybe Shelvey could play in the middle, but in a more attacking role not far behind AM?
Michu HAS to start. His goal record is proven and his energy essential. Yes, I'd play Jonjo with him providing JJ can maintain his current form. Anyone can look good for a few games - the trick is to keep producing it. If he does then I see JdG as the fall guy because JJ offers more energy and cover when we need it.
Against Toon, Pozuello was the guy buzzing around up high in the AM slot despite being a "winger". I think it's too rigid to think of Shelvey as a AM. When we're playing without Michu and especially when Pozuello and Pablo are on the field then roles and positions are much more fluid.
I think we know that Shelvey has the quality and after the last few performances we do need to start him , he's a confidence player and there are aspects of his game that needs improving and that will come by having game time If it's not broke !
If we're still in the Europa League and don't get knocked out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle there's still plenty of game time for everybody.
I agree with the comments here...Michu is a definite starter when fit. It'll be interesting to see how Laudrup accommodates Shelvey though. Not to mention the emerging Pozuelo who has also impressed.
It could be exciting times for us if we're lucky with injuries. Assuming Bony up front with Michu as superglue, we can mix and match the midfield to suit the game choosing between Leon, Canas, Jonjo, Poz, Pablo, Routs, Dyer, JdG (great for the games that suit him), Lamah (improving) and even Ki might get a recall with regular starts improving his game by the week. Would still like an ogre in midfield though. We know Laudrup will strengthen in January; the mind boggles at the squad we'll have and the selection dilemma our manager will face if, the Good Lord willing, they all stay fit. Can't wait.
isn't that the problem Ivor, mix and match the midfield. there is no fluency week in and week out due to the constant changes
It is at the moment, musty, but the more games we play the better the understanding becomes. Let's not forget that we have had to wait for Bony to click and have lost Michu for a number of games. All disruptive. We are getting better, noticeably, confidence is higher and, if progress continues, we could have a very good season.
Jonjo provides energy and cover. Not more energy. The fact he provides ANY energy puts him higher I the pecking order than JDG. And the formation that I'd go with is... Rangel----------Chico--------Williams-------Davies Dyer ---------Britton-------- Shelvey--------Michu--------Pozuelo------- Routledge Balls to Bony and JDG.
...and it's based on one result I think. 4-6-0 in future hasn't been ruled out by Laudrup when the need arises but there are definite drawbacks not playing an out and out striker. To drop Bony now just as he's finding his feet would be folly I think. His scoring record since joining us has been decent considering he's been settling in.
Great thread and comments. Will we see Laudrup experiment with formation when everyone's fit or does he know what he wants? The recent 4-6-0 success may be discarded as a necessity of the injury situation, not to be returned to. Can it be evolved further, I'm wondering. Very interesting.
With Hernandez back now aswell we have a few very nice dilemmas. Even though some of the balls didnt come off against Newcastle, it's the intent that I love. He tried scooping it over the defender to put someone through on goal. It's that kind of invention that separates him from routs or dyer. Dyer however is starting to get his form back too so that poses another thought for laudrup. As for Michu and shelvey I can see no reason why they can't both play. I see shelvey more as a box to box player whereas Michu plays just off the striker. Poz is a good player and is going to be fantastic but right now he would be the one I drop to accommodate Michu. But that's only if were playing the 4-6-0. Otherwise I'd haul jdg off.
Tonight I'd play; ------------- Vorm ----------------- ------- Chico --- Ash -------------- Tiendalli ------------- Ben Davies ------- De Guz - Canas ---------- Dyer - Pozuelo - Shelvey - Hernandez Subs: Tremmel, Taylor, Amat, Michu, Gorre, Routledge and Donnelly. Tiendalli needs to be on it as Robbie Brady is a good player. Bring on; Routledge - for one of the tiring wingers If things are going well... Michu - but not up front, I'd take De Guz or Canas off, drop either De Guz or Shelvey back there and play Michu as an attacking midfielder in the 4-6-0 Gorre - either out on the wing and rest both wingers or as an attacking midfielder alongside Michu, rest Shelvey. Of course if things aren't going well I'd probably stick Michu or Donnelly up front...or both Stuck this here 'cos of the bolded bit above
