CM Playmaker

[dmishra]

I get the feeling Klopp will make signing one a priority in the coming transfer windows.

He used Sahin and Gundogan at Dortmund - who were both such players.

Already seen him shout instructions to switch the play to the flanks quickly - that won't happen unless you have CMs who can pass the ball long - none of our CMs do that very well. None of them have the ability slow the pace down of the game either. They are 'runners' rather than passers (except Lucas and Allen, who're too safe in their passing, so they don't count).

Question is are there many such players like that around .

The previous generation was blessed with some fantastic players of the style - Pirlo, Alonso, Scholes, Xavi - who were all world class.

Verratti, Koke and Gundogan seem to the be the torchbearers for this generation.

Is there anyone we could realistically get?

 

[peterhague]

Haven't there been strong suggestions that we'll sign Ruben Neves from Porto?

 

[Fabio]

Haven't there been strong suggestions that we'll sign Ruben Neves from Porto?

I didn't think he was that type of player.

 

[Frogfish]

Well we've already passed up on Illaramendi who was exactly that type of player and who seems to be having an excellent season. *sighs*

 

[Judge Jules]

While I'm happy with the idea of signing such a player, I hope this doesn't divert attention from the need to sign another DM. Even if we keep Lucas, having only one player to fill that role is not sufficient.

 

[Glen C]

Hendo can spray passes around the pitch.

 

[Modo]

Hendo can spray passes around the pitch.

yep, that he can.

 

[mom]

Scholes world class? Very good player, but not world class for me

 

[Judge Jules]

Scholes world class? Very good player, but not world class for me

He had world class skills but isn't remembered for them because he insisted on playing in CM where, despite being so good at so many things, he could hardly make a tackle that wasn't a foul. At one point Ferguson tried to persuade him to play just behind the striker. Had he got to grips with that position he'd be reckoned one of THE greats by now IMO.

 

[Modo]

He had world class skills but isn't remembered for them because he insisted on playing in CM where, despite being so good at so many things, he could hardly make a tackle that wasn't a foul. At one point Ferguson tried to persuade him to play just behind the striker. Had he got to grips with that position he'd be reckoned one of THE greats by now IMO.

Scholes mainly played during the 442 era so I don't think he had any option than playing CM with Keane.

 

[Judge Jules]

Ferguson would have changed things to accommodate him further forward though. In fact he did for a few games, after which Scholes reportedly dug his heels in and said he'd had enough. It's a measure of how highly Ferguson rated him that he accepted this.

 

[Gerry_A_Trick]

Wasn't Scholes originally a number 10? It was later he moved back.

 

[Hansern]

Ruben Neves could probably be that player. I think we have a decent chance of getting Gundogan tbh.
He's got 18 months left on his contract. If he doesnt sign a new one then he could be off in the summer.

Even though Xabi is getting on, I'd love to sign him on a free next summer. He bossed that midfield yesterday against Arsenal like a piece of piss.
Still a fantastic player.

 

[FMSPWR]

Scholes mainly played during the 442 era so I don't think he had any option than playing CM with Keane.

Are you guys genuinely suggesting that Scholes wasn't world class? Anyone who isn't a Liverpool fan rates him higher than Gerrard. I've had many arguments about how Gerrard was world class in multiple positions and not just world class at CM/AM, but it doesn't make any difference.

I'm sure the rise of tiki-taka and the fact Scholes is the closest thing to Xavi that England has ever produced wins him points, but the notion he wasn't world class is laughable and LFC blinkered

 

[Fabio]

Scholes was world class, and I hate the ginger cunt

 

[Modo]

Are you guys genuinely suggesting that Scholes wasn't world class? Anyone who isn't a Liverpool fan rates him higher than Gerrard. I've had many arguments about how Gerrard was world class in multiple positions and not just world class at CM/AM, but it doesn't make any difference.

I'm sure the rise of tiki-taka and the fact Scholes is the closest thing to Xavi that England has ever produced wins him points, but the notion he wasn't world class is laughable and LFC blinkered

My post had nothing to do with that discussion.
Scholes is world class.

 

[Modo]

I say throw money at Zenit and get Axel Witsel before Chelsea does.

 

[HC]

Yeah Scholes was a fucking amazing footballer, unfortunately.

I never get why a surprising amount of people back giggs and a few other of fergies shithouses but then neglect Scholes. He's easily the best of the bunch.

 

[peterhague]

I didn't think he was that type of player.

Seems pretty much that to me. Plays a holding role but a very creative passer.

 

[Leo]

I'd love Modric pulling the strings in midfield.
Wonderful little player.

 

[dmishra]

Seems pretty much that to me. Plays a holding role but a very creative passer.

Neves may indeed turn out to be good, but he's only 18, and this stage would just be a project we'd have to develop.

Which really would defeat the purpose - we'd want someone who''ll add maturity and balance to our midfield play straight away. Not someone who we'll have to wait and watch develop. And the likes of Pirlo, Alonso, Scholes etc. didn't hit their primes until their early to mid 20s. So Neves will be at least 3 years away before he's capable of running a top class midfield. If we wanted a project like that, we might as well have kept Shelvey and see where he ended up.

 

[dmishra]

I'd love Modric pulling the strings in midfield.
Wonderful little player.

Hmm, good shout. He's 30 already, so given Real's predilection for galacticos, they might want to let him go in may be a year. Would be a great value signing for 2-3 years.

 

[rurikbird]

 

[redhorizon2]

Miralem Pjanic though he would cost a bomb.

 

[Buddha]

Who gives a fuck about Paul cunting Scholes?

 

[ILD]

I've always liked the look of Nainggolan and Pjanic. I'd welcome either into our team.

 

[dmishra]

Nainggolan's more a Mascher like destroyer than a playmaker though. Pjanic I've never found impressive. I reckon he'd bomb in England like Aquilani, Veron etc. Good only when he has a lot of time and space.

 

[redhorizon2]

I agree with you. Anything from Serie A should come with "Buy with caution" warning. We don't really know the budget klopp has in Jan to address concerns. Under Rogers there was tussle/conflict between management as to who to sign.

 

[tomasjj]

Kroos is boss.

 

[reuque]

Agree with the Alonso bit. How much longer is he tied to Bayern? He'd be more useful than Gerrard if we're still looking for veteran ex-players to beef up experience in our squad.