There has been lots of debate on who should start in our midfield and last night some fans would have been very pleased to see Keita and AOC start, but did it work? Sort of imo. Keita had a very good game linking the play and dictating tempo with lots of one touch passing, he was always available and wanting to get on the ball. He's not match fit though and that could be seen with his tracking back and the lack of forward runs. There's more to come there and I like him in the midfield but he needs to get and stay fit. AOC had a mixed game, 2 great finishes and some good forward runs but at times the game passed him by and his touch often let's him down but like Keita this could all be down to fitness. Did it work? Against Genk yes but I'd have concerns in the PL and would like more match time and fitness for them both so that they can show that the work rate is there before going up against more physical hard working teams. Come the weekend I fully expect Wijnaldum and Hendo in there again.
Henderson doesn’t deserve to play on merit. And let’s be honest - what is he actually contributing to this team? It’s not goals, assists, creativity, and it’s not defensive ability because he leaves too much space behind him and exposes Trent. Keita and Ox need mins but I wouldn’t rush it. 2 games in a week maybe a little too much. I wouldn’t surprised if it’s fab Gini and Milner for spurs. also - disagree on your point about the lack of runs from Keita. Whilst he is capable of it, he was playing as deep midfielder 8 (same as Gini’s role). He’s better being the dictator / controller from deep.
It looked like he was told to generally stay deeper but in other games I've seen him drive toward the box and that was lacking last night although his overall game was very good. Same going back, he seemed a little reluctant at time but that's understandable when coming back from injury. No chance Milner starts after that shift it'll be Hendo and yes he has to do more.
Yep, think he needs to do a bit more on the defensive side but I think it will come with more minutes (I hope). he can drive into the box but then we literally would have been exposed the back line since Ox was playing up. Keita in this deeper role is ideal. Not too fussed if he just sticks to that position without venturing further because he can still create from deep positions. The key is that he’s progressive with his passing.
He certainly impressed last night and we know there more to come from him. One combination would be Keita and Wijnaldum with the latter playing further forward like he does for Holland. We certainly have options.
absolutely. Would like to see Keita in the Gini role and shift Gini to the right and let him off the leash!
