Perhaps I didn't express myself very well, DH, but what I was trying to say is that abilities aren't the only deciders these days. We are never going to compete with bigger clubs on ability alone. Thus, having two players of similar ability in the same position means that one will be on the bench. If, however, in Olsson's case, the other player is Brady, then AN might go for Brady because he offers more options for 'fluidity' in that he can change the shape of the team without requiring a substitution or, against some opponents, both could start in the same team (as never was likely to happen with Garrido and Olsson). In Martin's case, however, the option might be more an issue of different abilities between him and RB depending on the attack they are facing (ie. a small, quick forward or a big, burly CF).
What really impresses me about AN is that he seems to be right on top of this change in the game and is ready to exploit the opportunities it provides while other, older managers are more set in their ways with a more 'traditional' approach. AN knows that he needs another 'option' at DM, but he doesn't just want another Tettey. Instead, he could want another DM option who can play long through balls in the way that Mulumbu can but Tettey often finds difficult to do. Now you could say that is an issue of ability, but I'd say it's a difference in 'options', as Mulumbu might not be as good at breaking up attacks as Tettey is. AN has to decide who is the better option for a particular opponent.
