Our midfield

[Saddleworth2]

It could be argued that much of our success over the last 15 years has been built on the back of our midfield which has included many world class players. From the early days of Yaya, Dave, Gaz Baz, Milner, Samir, Nigel to peak Pep when he has had Dave, Fern, Phil, Gundo, Kevin, Bernie, Rodri at his disposal. Everyone of them world class (well maybe not Nigel, sorry Nigel). I think we are a tipping point though. With Dave and Fern gone, Kev and Gundo 33 years old, Bernie and Kova 30, it is clear that there has to be fresh blood brought in. Last season it was Nunes, this season James Mcatee and one or two other youngsters are showing promise whilst Rico is redefining the role of fullback/midfielder.

Its not enough. We have consistently had six or seven world class midfield players and now we have two under 30. We need a couple of players with the potential to be absolute world class. Like the players they will ultimately replace. Its easier said than done when you look at who might be available but if we are to continue winning trophies I believe its a must and we are potentially already behind the curve when you look at what injury to one player can bring. Am I being pessimistic?

 

[Gingers Dad]

I think it's a sign that we got two out of the last three centre mid signings wrong.

 

[Psychedelic Casual]

I’ve just mentioned in the Title Race thread that we don’t have many players in their prime either.

If you think a player’s prime years are 24-29. Only Rodri and Foden from all out midfielders fall into this:
Rodri 28
Foden 24

Kovačić 30
Gündoğan 33
de Bruyne 33
McAtee 21
Bobb 20
Savinho 20
Doku 22

And Rodri is out injured so that leaves just one single midfielder in their prime years for the 2024-25 season!


In 2011-12 all these midfielders were in their prime:
Yaya 29
de Jong 26
DSilva 26
Nasri 25
Milner 26
…Barry was 31 but arguably at his very best in his career.

In 2018-19 all these midfielders were in their prime:
de Bruyne 28
BSilva 25
Gündoğan 28
even at 33, Fernandinho still played like he was in his prime because he was so fit, like an 800m runner.
and even at 32, David Silva looked the same as he did in his prime.


At the moment, we do not have enough players in their prime years. Young players are inconsistent, always have been, always will be. And those we have who are a bit older look a bit older, they don’t look like 2018-19 Fernandinho or David Silva.

 

[gman07]

As with most things in life it goes in cycles. i think we are going to get this right next summer. My thinking is it was a year to early for some of the midfielders we are looking at. The likes of Wirtz, Musiala, Wharton etc werent available this summer. We got Savinho who currently is in a bedding in phase, Bobb unfortunetly got an injury. If Bobb was not injured I think we would look alot better.

Yes we got KdB and Gundogan on their last legs and they are getting older but other than that the others are ok, agewise.