Garcia to go in summer, a few possibles in...

[Uptop]

Whoever we bring in a world class CM like Pogba or Gundogan, the two Benders or Khedira would be a welcome asset, as I doubt Yaya would have the legs to play 2 games a week. I think next year or the year after is the year we might phase Yaya out, and its going to be a hard task, players like Yaya are very few, or just not available.

I've mentioned this earlier in the year, Yaya isn't getting in younger and playing in a midfield two he needs to have the legs to get about, we are already seeing him decline in this regard.

He is slowly becoming only a hub for our play in a similar way to Xavi at Barca, not him charging forward as much as he used too. He is very capable of doing this, in a midfield three, he would be great and could continue to play that role for many years to come with the other CMs doing the running for him but Pelle seems to love his 442 so doubt we will see that happen.

We will probably never replace Yaya unless we somehow manage to sign Pogba, there is nobody else I can think who comes close to the physical and technical ability he has. So we are going to have to adapt to suit. Maybe a even more technical CM could be brought in who isn't as strong, a Kroos type player to allow us to create from deeper or another quick tenacious CM similar to Fernandinho to allow us to press ever more.

Will be interesting to see how we manage to handle the change as after Yaya we have no real creative central midfielder in the squad ready to take his place.

 

[J3SUS]

What about one of either Lars or Sven Bender?

I agree, every time I see them play they are really good technical players with seemingly limitless energy. Either of them put next to ferna would mean high tempo play on and off the ball at CM, somthing that yaya can affect negatively if tired/lazy.

 

[kun]

Wanyama is no better than Garcia.

Pogba for me, already world class and one of the very few potential successors to Yaya. He has everything to his game: defensively sound, strong on the ball, great technique, good goalscorer, decent dribbler, has an unbelievable touch and a good passing range.

I'd sign him along with Zuculini, who for me is like a goalscoring version of Mascherano, quite rough around the edges but could develop into a top, top player.

 

[tiggsywiggsywoo]

Garcia to go? after today, no way.

 

[birchwoodgingerste]

Garcia to go? after today, no way.

ive slated garcia in the past but after todays game i think some fans will have to eat humble pie.

 

[Dave Ewing's Back 'eader]

Top notch today. His was the masterclass of how a defensive midfielder stifles the creativity of the opposition, and protects the back four! Was great to see!

 

[alky313]

A Pogba-Yaya-Fernandinho midfield would wreak havoc but I don't know how we'd balance out playing them with 4 strikers and 4 AMs/Wingers.

 

[celticfc482]

Rodwell would be the first to go no doubt, someone can replace him before Garcia goes anywhere.

 

[CitizenTID]

Whoever we bring in a world class CM like Pogba or Gundogan, the two Benders or Khedira would be a welcome asset, as I doubt Yaya would have the legs to play 2 games a week. I think next year or the year after is the year we might phase Yaya out, and its going to be a hard task, players like Yaya are very few, or just not available.

Ronaldo and Nani?

 

[Deepest Blue]

Rodwell would be the first to go no doubt, someone can replace him before Garcia goes anywhere.

Javi can stay for me if he's happy in a rotation.

Not a headliner but is getting the job done.