Yes, I agree, the suggestions I've seen of Paulinho Sandro and Dembele as our mid 3 if you like, there's a lot resting on Paulinho with MD's reluctance to get forward and provide 'the pass'. When the Espanyol game got a bit niggly, I could have been fooled into thinking I was watching one of our past EL games! I know its been friendlies so far, but you can only discuss what you've seen, and the final ball from someone seems to be lacking still, which again could all change in competitive games, but its something to keep an eye on.
Don't want anyone to think I'm not upbeat for the season, I am, but with a bit more caution than others perhaps.
They are just too similar to one another from what I've seen. They're all powerful strong lads who'll all be able to protect us defensively, but we need a bit more variety in that midfield. Dembele is going to need to adapt his game I feel. it's so frustrating, because he does so many things so well. You find yourself saying "just run at them mousa!!!" But no... he shimmys to the left!
Its a very difficult question Roo, because it is such a crucial hole in our side right now. I definitely think there is more to come from Sig but as you say, perhaps he'll never quite reach the top, top level we're aiming for in that position. Which is a shame because I like him as a player. Holtby for me has the greater potential, he was playing CL football as a starting XI player last year and he's only 22 which you can't say about too many players, and given the rude health German football is in right now captaining their U21 side can't be dismissed either. I'd hoped that we might get a full preseason out of him and then we'd really see him kick on and progress but hopefully he can do that despite his injury. Not all signings have an immediate, short term impact lets not forget. Another option which has been widely supported on here is to use Carroll as the creator which I think could also work, but is perhaps unlikely in the immediate sense. I'm impressed how he seems to always have space and time on the ball, and when he is pressed he is also calm with his distribution. I reckon Holtby can already do a good job of playing a few decent passes and then linking up play in the final third around the box though, which is what we really lack IMO. And hopefully there is more to come from him as I've said.
Of course neither will replace Bale but Bale is irreplaceable to us IMO, not to mention that the three of them (Bale, Sig and Holtby) are different players in their own rights. We all know what needs to happen if Bale is sold now in terms of spending, that much is obvious. I still think he's staying though.
I also like Sig as a player. i think he definitely brings something to the game and he's really improved over the last few months. This is why I would definitely want him as part of the squad. (- if you'd asked me that before christmas time, my thoughts would be very different.)
But Sig is one of those players you need who can come in and do a job. - A bit like Man United always seem to have. For years, they've always had these "squad" players who aren't amazing and never set the world alight, but offer something decent or perhaps something a bit different when they play. I guess the only other one of those we've got is Defoe.
Again, same applies to Holtby. There's definitely potential, but we've not seen it yet.
As for Carroll, he needs to be given more game time this year in order to help his learning. He'll get decent protection from Sandro, Dembele etc, but he still needs to be bedded in slowly, IMO.
There's just something at the moment where I don't feel comfortable with what we have in this position. Too many points were dropped where we couldn't take advantage of teams when they had our game plan sussed. It was hard enough last season, even with Bale rescuing so many points for us. if he fails to produce that this season, or he's not with us... we're going to be very frustrated at times.
I just want to feel more assured in that position that we have genuine options that can step up and take charge of that role. With our current personnel, I'm not convinced.