30 Jul 2025 07:36:51
So I previously posted saying I thought we were short in midfield, specifically defensively and got absolutely hammered for it but I love a good debate so imagine the following scenario god forbid, gravenberch gets a season ending injury 2nd game of the season what’s everybody’s midfield look like using the current squad until additions can be made in January unless the squad replacement is adequate cover which many seem to think we already have at our disposal?
30 Jul 2025 08:08:35
Endo, Baj…. Both have done a job in the past. Level drop off acknowledged but certainly options.
30 Jul 2025 08:09:52
Also Macca spent a year deeper, Wirtz alongside Szob is still world class.
30 Jul 2025 08:14:44
Szob, Endo or Morton instead of Grav?
They wouldn't be my choices and I sort of agree with you, Jaydee, but we can't sign players in case a player gets a season ending injury.
30 Jul 2025 08:17:48
I would have welcomed a defensive minded player. But Slot doesn’t prefer one. Honestly if you are playing high line with attacking full backs you must have a CDM.
{Ed078's Note - I don't see a problem in the squad in this area. CB is more important right now.
30 Jul 2025 08:18:11
Endo will play DM in games where it is absolutely required, McAllister will play in games where it isn't really needed.
30 Jul 2025 08:21:03
If you’re worried about Endo or jones starting if grav is injured, you’re issues is with the quality not the depth.
30 Jul 2025 08:36:46
As per usual Harry is a better expert of what is needed to pull off Slot’s tactics than the man himself who is paid millions and has won titles ?.
30 Jul 2025 08:41:17
We play with 2 midfielders and the way I see it Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Jones will all rotate in those positions. The signing of Wirtz and Ekitike (who both thrive behind a striker) frees up Szoboszlai to play in his best position which is as a midfielder.
Slot doesn't play with a destroyer; at least not from the start of games. He often used Endo off the bench to sure things up, but even then it was occasionally as a RB or CB.
We're well stocked in midfield. I can't see how anybody thinks otherwise, but its an opinions game. 4 potential starters and 1 impact sub for 2 positions seems like more than enough to me.
30 Jul 2025 08:55:35
Jaydee, what you want is completely unrealistic.
You want someone as good as Grav who will sit on the bench for most of the season just in case Grav gets a season ending injury. Not going to happen.
We have Macca, Endo, Morton (at the moment), Jones and Szob who can all play that position and we’d have to find a solution.
Look at City last season when they lost Rodri. They have the most expensively assembled squad in history and couldn’t replace him like for like. It’s not possible.
Top players want to play so you need some players who are just decent and happy to be squad players.
30 Jul 2025 09:20:46
In the two midfield positions (with Wirtz playing as a 10 in front) you have Grav, Mac, Szob, Jones and Endo. 5 players who will all expect minutes, then there is the younger players if needed. Not short in my opinion. I would prefer a world class no6 in the team myself, but as it was said above, Slot doesn’t fancy that…. and I can’t really argue with him, can I? ?.
30 Jul 2025 09:41:22
I’d not be quick to write Bajcetic off as an option either. If he can get his head together he could be an important option to give Gravenberch some rest.
30 Jul 2025 11:01:25
MK gets it. We have never played with a traditional destroyer type DM under slot unless Endo comes in as the closer. I expect a first choice midfield 2 of Grav and Macca with Jones and Szob as rotation options. Wirtz number 10 with any of those others options plus Ekititktitktike.
30 Jul 2025 13:52:21
Some combination of Endo, Baj, Jones, Dom and Macca for those two spots. And I suppose if we still have McConnell then him and I suppose Nyoni too.
So I’d say we’d have to find a two man combination out of those players to make up for missing Grav all season.