We have an identity, I feel, which plays to the strengths in the squad and the fans beliefs. We like effort, a team that tries, and that defensive work isn't lost on us. Plus we can, at times, be joyful and dangerous going forward. Willems, Yedlin, Max, Almiron give us good options to get up the field quickly - when deployed right - and the Longstaffs add energy that's been missing from midfield. We then have options as well throughout the team; 6 decent CB's when all are fit, Ritchie backup for Willems, Manky for Yedders, Hayden's ok, two good options at CF; Atsu's ok as backup, etc. We'll need Bruce to be a bit better when we play 'lesser' teams, this is where Rafa excelled, such as utilising Schar better, being able to play with more control 10 yards further up the pitch, how to use pacey counter-attackers against teams who keep the ball, or sit deep. I suspect the jury will remain out for some time - didn't McLaren's team beat Liverpool when he was on the verge of being sacked?
