Originally Posted by
AucklandRover
It all comes down to the fact that we are spoiled for choice in certain positions, Champs, which is probably what every manager wants!
I have always thought a creative player in central midfield (Tugay-style) was essential, but with our current line-up, I'm not so sure.
Football seems to be returning to the concept of the "No. 10" forward. The problem is, we have Dack, Armstrong, Payne, Samuel and Antonsson who would all prefer that role!
In fact, creatively and in attack, we really DO have overload. In addition to the five mentioned, we have Graham, Nuttall, Bennett, Chapman, Whittingham, Tomlinson, Conway, Gladwin and Feeney. Of course, we don't know how many of the loanees we will retain, or how many players will be shipped out in May, but we will still have lots of options - especially with the Under-23 squad to take into account.
In the forward players, Dack has been the star of the season, with Graham and Bennett (in whatever role!) not far behind. Now Armstrong is looking very good too. I fear some of the wealthier Championship clubs will be sniffing around soon. I wonder if Venky's will resist.
As for Payne, he would have walked into the team before Christmas. Now, he might have to accept a half-hour per game role. Who knows? Mowbray has refused to be harried into the notion of a "best XI". He has stuck firmly to his horse-for-courses policy. A bit hard to argue against it now!
Incidentally, do you think TM will ask for a postponement for the Doncaster game?