Revisiting my May 15
post:
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"Defensive monster"
Characteristics – a proper ball winner. Often doesn't have be tied to one position – this player can be nominally a 6, or an 8 or even an inverted full-back or CB/DM. Key is the ability to protect yourself against counter-attacks; speed, dominant athleticism, tactical intelligence and tackling ability are non-negotiable requirements in this position.
1. Moises Caicedo, 21 (Brighton) £90M+. A Wijnaldum with more defensive "bite." Intelligent, fiery, a clean tackler and keeps getting better by the day. Seems an ideal fit; the only issue is the price.
2. Manuel Ugarte, 22 (Sporting) £52M release clause. Physically imposing, a proper combative DM type who can also play a bit. Judging from his tackling style, a potential red card liability in the EPL, could be a bit wild, but hopefully that will be ironed out with good coaching.
3. Aurelien Tchouameni, 23 (Real Madrid), probably £70M+ if he becomes available. Madrid would be stupid to let a generational DM go, but Florentino Perez has a history of doing just that and it does seem that Tchouameni is becoming marginalized lately, probably due to the president's wishes. Don't think we'll be favourites to land him even if he decides to move.
"Just give him the ball"
Characteristics – an all-around talent, physically imposing and able to do everything on the football pitch; a team's primary midfield engine. A new Gerrard or Vieira. Any team can use this kind of player: however it could be argued that with Trent's move into midfield, we have less of an urgent need for these qualities.
1. Jude Bellingham, 19 (Dortmund) £120M+. He's very, very good and very, very expensive. Likes us, but will probably sign for Madrid.
2. Khephren Thuram, 22 (Nice) £50M+Lilian Thuram's younger son has grown into a superb all-around midfielder and should be considered a worthy Bellingham alternative.
3. Alex Scott, 19 (Bristol) £30M+ It's hard to see how we can accommodate a young attack-minded player in this midfield, given the likes of Bajcetic, Jones and Elliott also need to play. Would need to be loaned out.
"Off-the-ball runner"
Characteristics – see "tireless runner" description above.
1. Nicolo Barella, 26 (Inter) £70M+. Other than Madrid's Valverde, Barella is probably currently the classiest midfielder of this type in Europe. A worthy successor to Gattuso, the Sardinian has 8 goals and 9 assists in all competition so far in addition to his all-action selfless running and energy. At that age, he will be looking for his big payday if he moves.
2. Mason Mount, 24 (Chelsea) £70M. Started as an AM/winger, but it seems his biggest talent (and the reason why Klopp reportedly really likes him) is his off-the-ball work, movement and intelligence. Looks like Pochettino will do his best to keep him at Chelsea.
3. Dominik Szoboszlai, 22 (RB Leipzig). Doesn't seem to be actively linked with us or anyone else yet and I have no idea how much he'd cost, but worth keeping an eye on. Like Hendo (or Mount) he seems to be the type who is starting as a winger/AM but seems to have the engine and willingness to cover ground and press that makes me think his future will be in this hybrid midfield/attack role.
"Jack of all trades"
1.
Alexis MacAllister, 24 (Brighton) £70M. A player living through his dream season, having won the World Cup and helped his club team to achieve their best-ever season. A proper leader and a useful cog in many ways; I think he would be a perfect Milner replacement – but I also think he is way overpriced for the type of player he is.
2. Ryan Gravenberch, 20 (Bayern) £25M+. Different from MacAllister, but I think he also can be classified in this category. He can be useful in every phase of play, but doesn't seem dominant in either. I have a hard time justifying why we seem to be prioritizing these players over others who have more of the qualities that we need.
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“Jack of all trades” - done
“Tireless runner” - done
“Defensive monster” - on the way
“Just give him the ball” - pass (I guess Trent now assumes that role)
This is like playing Footie Manager - you can create a perfect plan and execute it within one window. Very rarely something like that happens in real life. Wow.