We have too many talented midfielders. While it’s a good problem to have, any way to hold on to a player who could become important to us when there aren’t minutes to give him is a good one. We bit the bullet and sold Townsend despite my suspicion he’ll be successful on the left. Chadli, Son and Lamela are pushing hard for the one open starting spot, given that Eriksen, Dembélé, Dier and Alli look nailed on. Carroll is proving a very capable reserve player and Onomah needs more minutes. Mason is coming back soon.
Loaning out Bentaleb as well might be a good move, frankly. There’s no doubting his talent, but I’m not sure anyone knows where he should play. He’s not a DM. He could be the other deep lying player, but there’s too much competition on our team. The place he looked best suited was LB, in the one game he played there, IMO. It’s true we’re well stocked there, but I don’t think it’s a certainty that Rose and Davies are better.