What is the perfect Midfield balance going forward?
Where does Lavia fit? Does Gallagher keep his position? What about Nkunku as a No.10?
Good Afternoon ladies and gents!
Today I have been taking a look at the balance in our current midfield set up and where the likes of Lavia and Nkunku could/would fit in.
I have used some statistics to gauge how well our current trio are performing and complimenting each other.
How have this trio been working together?
The above are some metrics that I was interested to review, we have to bare in mind that both Gallagher and Enzo have started every match both completing 90 minutes on 7 occasions. Caicedo missed the first game and then the Bournemouth game through Injury whilst only making a sub appearance v WHU.
We know Enzo is a ball manipulator and is excellent at controlling games and keeping the ball moving, Con is a hustle and bustle midfielder who presses relentlessly, and really defends on the front foot and Caicedo is a very athletic midfielder who covers incredible amounts of ground, wins the ball constantly and progresses play.
The recoveries and interceptions from Gallagher are immense numbers, the completed passes from Enzo are outrageous and especially the fact he has completed over 100 more in the oppositions half than in our own, Caicedo has excellent numbers in all departments considering he has played over 220 minutes less than each of Gallagher and Enzo.
The next question is, when everyone is fit what is our best possible midfield 3?
In my opinion it is probably this 3 because they are learning to play with eachother more and more, they each have qualities that the others don’t, but they all possess fight, hunger, grit and determination which makes for a top midfield trio.
We also have Ugochukwu to contemplate who has played well whenever he has featured, although he still seems very raw to me. Lavia will get himself fit and will start to knock on the door as will Nkunku. Nkunku does generally play a bit further forward but it is not out of the question for him to play as a No.10 as well.
It is excellent competition for places at the moment within our squad and none more so than in midfield. The current midfield trio have everything in my opinion, if Gallagher finds his shooting boots they could even contribute 15+ G/A between them this season which would be excellent.
Please comment below which trio you chose and why you chose it!
I hope you enjoyed reading this article!
Luke Rushbrook
Thanks Luke - I went Enzo, Gallagher and Caicedo on the simple basis that they are all playing well, they dovetail well as understanding and familiarity play their part, and they are the men in possession. For Lavia and Nkunku they will have to EARN that first team spot. An automatic place in the first team on recovering from injury should not be a given - they will have to take what opportunities they can. That is what competition for places is all about. I do see Nkunku pushed a bit further forward so that may give him more of a foot in the door. For Laviua it will be tougher but he will get his chance - he will have to seize it!
I think that when Nkunku comes back he will probably replace Mudryck or Jackson I doubt Poch will leave Gallagher out of the squad the way he is playing