Merino

[Zippity]

Fok me, what a game he had. Was there a header he didn't win? If it's a choice between him and Shelvey, on this performance it would be Merino every time. He won the ball, held it up, drove forward and made some brilliant passes. Outstanding game, imo.

[Jammy89]

Agreed.

Him or Ritchie my MOTM (i've not seen who actually got it yet )

No way should Shelvey walk back into the team after his suspension.

[Zippity]

Nor Gayle when he's fit. I thought Joselu worked their defence much more than Gayle does.

[Jammy89]

Agreed.

The system that Rafa plays, Joselu fits what needs to be done much better than Gayle.

[toptoon]

Fok me, what a game he had. Was there a header he didn't win? If it's a choice between him and Shelvey, on this performance it would be Merino every time. He won the ball, held it up, drove forward and made some brilliant passes. Outstanding game, imo.

I thought he was our best player at huddersfield but he was even better today - good in the air, holds the ball up well and is technically good. Rafa seems to have found a player.

[Nephy]

On this evidence you'd say Merino has to keep his place, maybe Hayden to drop out for Shelvey if anything?

[Jammy89]

Thing is Hayden does those dirty jobs that Shelvey doesn't.

[Nephy]

Thing is Hayden does those dirty jobs that Shelvey doesn't.

Merino would probably be the one to sit deeper if he and Shelvey both played!

[kingstonbob]

Merino did very well today (and tried his heart out at Hudds last week mind). I hope he keeps it up and Rafa allows him to grow as Shelvey needs to realise he isnt going to walk back into the team. Well done lad.

[ex_pat_magpie]

Merino did very well today (and tried his heart out at Hudds last week mind). I hope he keeps it up and Rafa allows him to grow as Shelvey needs to realise he isnt going to walk back into the team. Well done lad.

I think it will be difficult for Rafa to change this team apart from training injuries.