82 | Rico Lewis - 2023/24

[TrentGrisham]

I've said it before, but we're conceding goals as it is with a far more defensive setup, with Walker playing at RB. Let us keep Lewis at RB, as the benefits of him in our attacking play outweigh the potential negatives of his defending. Even then, it's been wildly overblown that he's a liability defending.

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

I've said it before, but we're conceding goals as it is with a far more defensive setup, with Walker playing at RB. Let us keep Lewis at RB, as the benefits of him in our attacking play outweigh the potential negatives of his defending. Even then, it's been wildly overblown that he's a liability defending.

Horses for courses. If we’d been as open against Arsenal, they’re much better in transition.

Probably not wise to do it at the Bernabau either.

 

[David White]

I hope he stays here for ages. I’m not sure he’s ever going to be in our best XI but he’s a perfect 12th man, he can cover 5 positions.

With that versatility though, it probably goes in his favour. If he can’t nail down a position as a specialist like Walker for example who can really only play one position, possibly 2 as he can move into central defence, then as you say, he’s a perfect 12th man and will see plenty of game time.

 

[domalino]

With that versatility though, it probably goes in his favour. If he can’t nail down a position as a specialist like Walker for example who can really only play one position, possibly 2 as he can move into central defence, then as you say, he’s a perfect 12th man and will see plenty of game time.

Yeah, it will be a case of keeping him happy to be our 12th man when he could start every week for almost other club in the world. That will be the tricky bit.

 

[iTyler]

I thought he was really good, though should have at least hit the target with his chance. Sooner rather than later he will have to try and nail down one position. But right now considering what stage he's at, his versatility is a big benefit as it means he can and will start the odd game to cover injuries and suspensions.

 

[mdj0520]

It shouldn't be a "if walker is fit" question as to whether he plays. The qualifying factor for him playing needs to be "is stones fit".

We are SO much better with one of the back four stepping beside rodri. Only stones and Lewis can do it. If stones is fit, then walker plays RB and should drop into a back 3 in posession. If stones isn't fit, Lewis plays RB-DM hybrid and Akanji or Ake partners Dias.

Lewis kick-started our season last year doing it, we won the treble doing it, we look better the few times we've had it this season.

No more having Akanji do it, no more pushing walker up the pitch (though I'm warming to gvardiol doing it). If stones is injured, Lewis has to play.

 

[alexmcity]

Thought Rico was outstanding vs Villa. He's likely to start vs Palace too. He, Gvardiol and Doku are the players who can recover completely for 2-3 days, given their age.

 

[SebastianBlue]

I think a few, if it is possible, are underestimating Rico’s potential (though, thankfully, not his immense versatility). I think he could eventually nail down a CM role, as he has absolutely everything you need for that position in a Pep system.

In fact, the more he plays in midfield, the more he reminds of Gundogan. And just like the departed Turkish legend, he just needs time to fully assume the role. As he strengthens a bit, and becomes more confident, I think we could see a similar impact, especially against low blocks, which most of us agree we have missed this season.

And I personally feel Kovacic being signed is an indicator Pep and co may feel the same (as he is an older stop gap to allow Rico to develop further at a similar pace to Phil).

 

[Jonas.shaffer]

I'm surprised there are no comments in here.

He's been completely thrown into the fire after not playing for what feels like forever and has played so well.

 

[Scottyboi]

Our own Philip Lahm, great game today again.