I don't think the problem is the players as such - we know most of them are good players. However, the midfield have no legs at all. Bernardo, Kovacic, KdB and Gundogan - I can't think of a slower midfield in any other team in the PL, or even in any top European league.
its literally is the players then!
Surely the most obvious thing is that you simply cannot play all these players unless you surround them with runners and pace. We don't do that either. The drop off with Foden is something else. He's gone from being one of the best in the world to frankly a Championship level player and we all know he's far better than what he's doing. There's just something that is rotten across the whole squad - and I think it's an order. I cannot honestly think of any player who's played at anywhere near the level they can do this season.
We used to press hard but now we don't. We don't run and towards the end of the game KdB didn't even try to win the ball back. If he's now that unfit he can't do it, why is he playing in these games with players who are just as slow and unfit? Only Pep can answer that one. To my mind, the team is under an order to save energy at any cost.
KDB is finished - what exactly are we saving energy for? We are in a fight for top 5 - that has to be priority number one
I am honestly not sure on the rules about squads and the like but honestly, if you are a right back at City and Nunes is picked ahead of you, find another club as he is poor at best. If Gundogan is better than you in midfield, move on as you're not good enough.
agreed so again it is the quality of the players that is the issue
So, to answer your question I don't think it's just about picking different players, it's a tactical and attitude thing. There's absolutely no way that so many of these players can go from world class to this standard in less than a year.
Its not an attitude thing.....the players are finished....KDB and Gundo in particular...Kova aint that level and never has been, and Bernardo has ran himself into the ground
The only one where it could be suggested its a mental thing is Foden....there are clearly issues going on for him - the rest of that midfield is absolutely finished.
Out of the whole squad of central midfielders the only 3 that should be anywhere near that team next year are Rodri, Gonzales and Foden......that is it
OUt the door should be:
KDB, Gundo, Kova and Grealish for starters....Bernardo as well probably
and if we are looking at our wide midfield players....
Doku is a squad player at best
Sav has a lot of improvements to make before he can be considered good enough to play in a title and champions league chasing team
compare them two to prime Sane and Sterling.....neither are even close as both Sterling and Sane were game changers ...neither of those two are at present
Marmoush - well he looks good but is a he a game changer? I think he will be a very good player for us but is he world class.......not so sure.
