| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? 08:20 - Jul 20 with 5835 views | Len_Brennan |
Morsy & Luongo have been excellent for us; as individual players consistently putting in strong performances, but especially as a partnership that have complimented each other perfectly.
However, do I dare raise the elephant in the room?
Morsy is 32 & Luongo almost the same, and neither of them have played at Premier League level in their long careers as yet. In fact, despite their excellent form for us, both dropped down to League 1 level at the age of 29 by agreed transfer, as opposed to relegation.
Upon signing them, both were seen as capable Championship level players, but were not even touted as being top end Championship midfielders by that time.
Both played well overall last season, and Morsy once again was a beast for us; but even for him, are we sure that even he can be good enough to compete week in/week out over a Premier League season, against some of the best midfielders in the world, especially if we are sticking with playing a 2 man midfield? The Egyptian national coaches have not thought to include him in international squads for quite some time.
Much of Morsy's game for us has been about coming deep, taking possession from the keeper or centre half - being that assured outlet - and then dropping the shoulder to feint going one way, before losing his man & taking the ball in midfield & us into attack. Will he be able to continually do that against top class opposition? He got caught, or almost got caught on the edge of our box a few times last season - the goal at Hull, where Seri (a Premier level player in his time) picked his pocket, stands in out particular.
Coming up against the quality of midfielders the Premier League has to offer, may require us to switch to a 3 man option in a lot of the games anyway, but we will certainly need to, at the very least, add 1 younger, tough tackling, quality defensive midfielder, with an engine to get up & down for the full 90+ minutes, and I would argue that we probably need 2.
There, I've said the unsayable, but for legitimate discussion purposes.
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 08:23 - Jul 20 with 4966 views | MK1 |
There isn't really a correct answer to that. Morsy and Luongo have earnt their right at a crack at the PL, but the club is more important than any player. I think we sign 2 CM anyway, but I also think Taylor will be a big asset for us. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 08:56 - Jul 20 with 4844 views | NthQldITFC |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 08:23 - Jul 20 by MK1 |
There isn't really a correct answer to that. Morsy and Luongo have earnt their right at a crack at the PL, but the club is more important than any player. I think we sign 2 CM anyway, but I also think Taylor will be a big asset for us. |
Any thoughts on playing Taylor somewhere between a third midfielder and a number 10? Then with narrower left and right support strikers possibly creating a bit more space for Burns and Davis? I'd be loath to change things really, but would be concerned about Morsy/Luongo mobility-wise, and about Morsy/Taylor ball control-wise. Morsy with a strong, possession-adept and super-mobile new signing would placate me!
With what we have now we'd need Morsy/Luongo+Taylor in my opinion, and then you'd need at least two backups for that three - so better to splurge on just one great Luongo upgrade, stick to two in the middle, and have Luongo & Taylor as the backups (with Harness/Clarke as emergency cover). |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:10 - Jul 20 with 4776 views | muccletonjoe |
Whatever the thoughts on Morsy and Luongo, we need two more central midfielders, no debate about that imo. If one or both get injured / suspended , who the hell do we play there ?
Ball, gone ; Travis gone, Humphreys injured
Just leaves Taylor who seems more of an attacking midfielder.
Potentially a very big problem for us unless it's sorted |  | | |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:14 - Jul 20 with 4739 views | bournemouthblue |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:10 - Jul 20 by muccletonjoe |
Whatever the thoughts on Morsy and Luongo, we need two more central midfielders, no debate about that imo. If one or both get injured / suspended , who the hell do we play there ?
Ball, gone ; Travis gone, Humphreys injured
Just leaves Taylor who seems more of an attacking midfielder.
Potentially a very big problem for us unless it's sorted |
Ball also gone, I suspect we'll spend money on a main one and also find a squad one |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:14 - Jul 20 with 4739 views | ipswichtillidie |
Morsy will soon show himself to be Premier league quality imo. He’s consistently been our stand out player and our new signings aside has always been the one player in our squad that I have least doubt about stepping up. He is our captain and our leader. Do we still need to strengthen in CM, Absolutely. We chased Downes so that’s shows we are looking. Sheaf is on the list so expect an attempt to get him in next. Otherwise a loan to complement what we already have. [Post edited 20 Jul 2024 9:18]
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:17 - Jul 20 with 4712 views | ibbleobble |
Morsy and Luongo were still looking pretty strong at the end of the season. That additional break at the end of the season definitely helped but with 4-weeks to go and no strong links, I suspect they’ll be starting. I wonder how much of a blow Downes options for Southampton was. The boo boys look even sillier now. | | | |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:39 - Jul 20 with 4639 views | billlm |
I'll they've done well for us,have experience but at there ages to only now break into the premiership is going to be very difficult a division to far for me,
On the flip side for guiding us to where we are deserve sometimes on the grass at this level,
We do need two midfielders with premiership experience yes,
Can't see luongo or morsy lasting 90 minutes,
Morsy will be banned a lot to, dropping the shoulder is his art but premiership are to slick and wise,
Interesting times, |  | | |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:48 - Jul 20 with 4624 views | HatStand |
With VAR there may be one or two more suspensions to be served, this season.
So yes, could be a good shout. | |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:50 - Jul 20 with 4615 views | unstableblue |
We will get at least one more central midfielder and that will be a starter ahead of Luongo.
Luongo will be a good squad player and will have a role in the season from the bench. But as was clearly shown he doesn’t have the pace necessary for the role in the Premier League.
Morsy I think will still start as captain against in Liverpool but in a deeper sitting role, linking play and trying to break the line as this suit him and his own limited pace/energy.
The Saints home game, prior to Taylor introduction, clearly showed what would happen if you took Morsy/Luongo into the Premier League. The greater numbers and improved quality of Downes, dominated us in that department.
I for one really wished we could have signed Downes - he’s a class act, has that burst of pace. And will step up this season in the Premier League. Currently The Saints are better equipped than us for the campaign ahead, despite the blue goggles making some feel otherwise.
Still plenty of time for Central mid additions.
I do like the idea of Taylor as a ten who drops deep into a midfield 3 - it would suit him and make us more robust. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:58 - Jul 20 with 4578 views | Wallingford_Boy |
No.
Morsy is good for two more years, even at this level.
Luongo is not though and will certainly be replaced this summer. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 10:08 - Jul 20 with 4522 views | BiGDonnie |
IMO Morsy will be a mainstay of the side and play pretty much every game barring injury or suspension. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 11:36 - Jul 20 with 4260 views | Garv |
Morsy will need support but I still reckon he'll play 90 minutes most weeks. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 11:49 - Jul 20 with 4180 views | BlueBoots |
We need to sign (at least) 2 centre-mids; maybe one who's been around the block at Prem level, and another with an eye on the future.
I have no problem if we start the season with Morsy and Luongo, and back them to have good seasons. Don't forget it's a 38, not 46 game season with fewer midweek fixtures; granted those games are going to be played at a higher intensity, but KMcK will find a way (as always) to get the best out of the players he has available. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 11:52 - Jul 20 with 4155 views | Nutkins_Return |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 11:36 - Jul 20 by Garv |
Morsy will need support but I still reckon he'll play 90 minutes most weeks. |
I agree but I think we need two in. At least one who elevates us in midfield and will need to be very mobile. A second either same level or younger with very high potential (possibly a loan but pref perm). We Still need the Philogene type signing, left back cover and arguably another striker but I wonder whether we'll keep Al Hamadi until Jan and then work that out in Jan | |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 12:01 - Jul 20 with 4092 views | Metal_Hacker |
I love the both of them but we need strengthening
Can’t imagine Mass controlling as much as he had for the last few seasons obviously
Morsy for the most will be fine but again he’s going to have his work cut out
Speed , physicality and some dynamism is needed |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 12:31 - Jul 20 with 3935 views | heavyweight |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:10 - Jul 20 by muccletonjoe |
Whatever the thoughts on Morsy and Luongo, we need two more central midfielders, no debate about that imo. If one or both get injured / suspended , who the hell do we play there ?
Ball, gone ; Travis gone, Humphreys injured
Just leaves Taylor who seems more of an attacking midfielder.
Potentially a very big problem for us unless it's sorted |
Johnson has played as a defensive midfielder | | | |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 12:46 - Jul 20 with 3889 views | ReusersTown |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:17 - Jul 20 by ibbleobble |
Morsy and Luongo were still looking pretty strong at the end of the season. That additional break at the end of the season definitely helped but with 4-weeks to go and no strong links, I suspect they’ll be starting. I wonder how much of a blow Downes options for Southampton was. The boo boys look even sillier now. |
Why do they look silly? Because they didn't want him due his personality traits? And now don't have to put up with him. Seems like it's worked out well for them | | | |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 17:45 - Jul 20 with 3691 views | WeWereZombies |
From today's gossip page on the BBC website:
'Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer, 27, has a relegation release clause in his contract and the Brazilian is on the radar of several clubs in the Premier League and Serie A. (Teamtalk)'
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/clky3n04l08o |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 17:48 - Jul 20 with 3659 views | FrimleyBlue |
After watching morsy today. I feel like he will be casemiro in the middle. He needs a partner
Taylor looked good. Luongo I'm afraid looked how I thought he would and a bit behind in pace. Morsy does t really need it as he uses his body but luongo for me is a top top champ midfielder but not a prem one. We've got him a few to many years to late |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 17:49 - Jul 20 with 3671 views | Vic |
I doubt we’ve got enough money in the bank to afford two upgrades on what we’ve got. One loan and one buy maybe. I wouldn’t like to see two loans. |  |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 17:53 - Jul 20 with 3644 views | Vic |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 17:48 - Jul 20 by FrimleyBlue |
After watching morsy today. I feel like he will be casemiro in the middle. He needs a partner
Taylor looked good. Luongo I'm afraid looked how I thought he would and a bit behind in pace. Morsy does t really need it as he uses his body but luongo for me is a top top champ midfielder but not a prem one. We've got him a few to many years to late |
I really like the look of that Lesley ‘Chuks’ lad from Chelsea we might be linked with. | |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 07:48 - Jul 21 with 3176 views | PioneerBlue |
Whether signed as upgrade or squad we need two additional central midfielders. Currently we don’t even have enough to train 11 v 11 with championship or PL standard.
You also need cover for injuries and suspensions.
The impact of losing Morsy last year for short periods was stark and we can’t afford that in the PL with fewer games. So much rides on each game for us.
I’d like an heir to Morsy type. [Post edited 21 Jul 2024 9:58]
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:28 - Jul 21 with 2834 views | Chrisd |
I'd like us to sign someone of proven EPL quality to add that experience and knowhow in there. Naturally, there is still time so this may still happen. | |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 10:11 - Jul 21 with 2687 views | MK1 |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:28 - Jul 21 by Chrisd |
I'd like us to sign someone of proven EPL quality to add that experience and knowhow in there. Naturally, there is still time so this may still happen. |
There are still plenty of released players that can bulk up our squad. Cedric Soares for instance. Plenty of PL experience and ideal competition for Johnson. I don't see Clarke as a natural RB, so maybe develop him into a DCM? I still think Sheaf would be perfect for us. Add a few from the freebee market place and we will be done. I know nothing mind, so will leave it up to those who do. | |
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| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 10:45 - Jul 21 with 2593 views | BlueOura |
| Do we need to sign 2 new starting midfielders? on 09:50 - Jul 20 by unstableblue |
We will get at least one more central midfielder and that will be a starter ahead of Luongo.
Luongo will be a good squad player and will have a role in the season from the bench. But as was clearly shown he doesn’t have the pace necessary for the role in the Premier League.
Morsy I think will still start as captain against in Liverpool but in a deeper sitting role, linking play and trying to break the line as this suit him and his own limited pace/energy.
The Saints home game, prior to Taylor introduction, clearly showed what would happen if you took Morsy/Luongo into the Premier League. The greater numbers and improved quality of Downes, dominated us in that department.
I for one really wished we could have signed Downes - he’s a class act, has that burst of pace. And will step up this season in the Premier League. Currently The Saints are better equipped than us for the campaign ahead, despite the blue goggles making some feel otherwise.
Still plenty of time for Central mid additions.
I do like the idea of Taylor as a ten who drops deep into a midfield 3 - it would suit him and make us more robust. |
Agree with all of this. Also worth noting that Downes himself was largely dominated by the top prem midfield players in most of his appearances for West Ham. I agree that he will be better this season with Saints but the step up in quality is massive.
We need two good additions in this department before the window closes, without a doubt. If we don't I fear we will be completely over run in the middle of the park. |  | | |
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