not sure what is he planning for midfield but we are up against Valverde, Bellingham, Ceballos midfield soon followed by Guimaraes,Tonali, Joelinton trio then Real again and then a McAllister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai trio all in two weeks.
he surely cannot think a Bernardo-Kovacic duo can go up against these. Newcastle midfield doesnt have that much speed but very physical and good stamina.
Liverpool midfield quick and also energy to go box to box all game.
Real midfield has speed and energy but may not be that great in defending. would look better with Camavinga but he is injured at the moment. Modric can come in adding experience but not much stamina at age 39 lol.
midfield battle will dictate our next few big games, and cannot see what solution is Pep opting for. he wont get away with a line up like vs Arsenal with Savinho, Foden, Marmoush all starting. he needs to remove one of these and add more steel and energy to midfield. but with who? Gundo?
if midfield is bypassed easily again in these games too then our defence will get no help, and they will panic and put chances on a plate for Isak, Gordon, Salah, Diaz, Nunez, Mbappe, Vinicius etc.
good thing is we surely instructed Txiki to help with the midfield situation in the January window and he is on it. or is he?