10 Aug 2026 20:06:18
Hi All
It's obvious we need a holding midfielder ( No 6 ) to help shore things up in midfield, same as last season players running 40-50 yards unchallenged.
My only dilemma with this is, who makes way to allow a natural holding midfielder to come in?
The likely team if all fit, providing we don't but Barcola.
Allison
Kerkez
VVD
Araujo
Frimpong
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Gakpo
Isak
Ngumoha
Personally I think if Gravenberch is not going to be a no (6) he has to make way.
Just wondering everyone's thoughts on this?
Cheers.
10 Aug 2026 20:33:51
Think your first 11 is about right, but I think Munoz gets in ahead of Rio more often than not. Watch out for Nyoni, who is more of a 6 than an 8.
10 Aug 2026 20:38:59
IA doesn't use a holding midfielder in the traditional way. He uses a high press and compact formation to squeeze the opposition immediately they get possession. The idea is that there is no 40-50 yards to run into and no easy pass.
Players will need to be faster at reacting and more short sprints rather than long runs back. So, we need additions but maybe not the same type as you think.
10 Aug 2026 20:42:52
If you were buying a natural holding midfielder for me Wirtz would come out and Szobozlai, the best attacking midfielder at the club, would play ten. But then I'm not really mad about Gravenberch anywhere but the 6 either, so it could easily be him too.
10 Aug 2026 20:45:18
If we get a 6, which we should, but I don't think will happen, I would guess Grav is the one that makes way.
And, btw, I agree that during these preseason, while we have played better than last season, the protection from the midfield is very weak.
10 Aug 2026 20:47:48
This is likely to be a 4-2-3-1, the 3 being 2 wide players plus Wirtz. Only leaves room for 2 CMs, which may work against weaker / low block teams but I think a 4-3-3 with Wirtz one of the front 3 may be needed against stronger teams. Leaves room for 3 mids, ideally would be a DM if we had one, plus Grav/Szobo.
10 Aug 2026 20:59:06
Teams certainly taking shape for the Newcastle game. I think Gravenberch will be the six.
Allison
Kerkez
Van Dijk
Jacquet
Araujo
Barcola
Gravenberch
Szoboszlai
Wirtz
Gakpo
Isak
I think he might start Jacquet if he plays against Como and gets a free run of training between now and Newcastle.
10 Aug 2026 21:07:28
His height would certainly come in handy against the likes of Burns and Voltemade. What does he play RB like? Is he ultra defensive like when Carra played there, or is he a CB that can actually get up the line and contribute to the attack like Babbel did?
10 Aug 2026 21:13:06
What is Nyoni's natural position? I get the feeling AI will use the squad more than Slot and even Klopp did, so if Nyoni can play more of the holding role, I'd see him rotating with Gravy.
10 Aug 2026 21:26:23
Grav should be the 6. The only reason we should buy a 6 is if Grav refuses to play there, and if he does that, then he should be sold. There's no point playing him anywhere else as we saw last season.
It's his best position by far, and in the title winning season, he was the best 6 in the league, comfortably (Rodri was injured).
10 Aug 2026 23:20:18
It's not happening. Get over it. Grav is our 6. The club doesn't see reason enough to replace him. If we bring in a midfielder, it will be to replace outgoings like Jones or Macca. Grav, Dom, and Wirtz will be Iraola's preferred midfield 3, at least to start.
11 Aug 2026 04:59:31
Sadly, I don't think the team is looking to buy a 6. At least, it doesn't seem to be the case with the players we've been linked to.
Grav and Nyoni will rotate and play sort of a 6 role.
I expect Jones to be sold and maybe one of Endo/Macca.
Not sure there's enough time to sell all 3 and find replacements. I'd personally rather keep Endo, sell Jones and Macca. Nyoni replaces Jones and we buy a more robust CM to replace Macca. Not sure that'll happen though.
11 Aug 2026 09:12:37
@Flo, why would Wirtz come out in place of Szobo if we get a 6?
If anything, the closest thing we have to a 6 is Grav, hence it would be him who would make way, no?