A Mauled Midfield

[Qprtanpa1]

The biggest takeaways from the last game, and it could be said about several others this season, is our midfield's inability to control the game (versus BEING controlled).

Field looked completely overmatched v Bournemouth -- bad defense, bad back tracking, bad passing -- and Stefan, who has an innate weakness in his defensive game, looks more interested in delivering dainty passes than driving the ball forward to some talented offensive weapons. It's time we tried Dozzell (post suspension) and Amos together, perhaps with a touch of Dom Ball re our current squad, then recruiting a midfielder in the window that still has legs and punch.

We've all looked at targeting a seasoned CB in the January window, but almost as important as that is finding another gamer who's unafraid to play.

Happy holidays all.

[72bus]

That sounds alright to me , i don't rate Johansen , not seen much of field but he's not pulling up any trees . So Amos and dozzell ..why not

[KevC59]

All good points I've been making in lots of threads, Stef especially, he often makes the simple look complicated, a good baller makes the complicated look simple!!!

[Abseits]

Was embarrassing the other night, men against boys. Stef is the weak link - looks slow and lightweight. I think he dragged the whole midfield down with him. With Warburtons point blank refusal to play 442 or 433 I don't think there's a place for Stef in the current set-up.
I'd love to see Field, Dozzell and Amos as a three in the middle, reckon they'd be a formidable trio all capable of doing the only two things needed: break up the oppositions play and quickly transition our possession into final third.

[MINCER]

I see Dozzell ahead of Johansen due to increased mobility but certainly don’t agree that Ball is a better option than Field as the defensive midfield player.

Hard to see where Amos fits in as he’s too lightweight in the singular defensive role that Field plays and not creative or tricky enough to be a playmaker further forward.

Duke-McKenna could be an option as Chairs temporary replacement,he appears to also be a dead ball specialist for the U23s.

If i could pick one player from the Championship to improve our M/F it would be Massenga of Bristol City.

[Shania]

Stefan is certainly not in his his best form. That`s for sure...

[pauly]

As I've said before we play one way only and that is we pass slowly around with chair and willock trying to push opposition out of position.We have very little urgency when attacking and the strikers apart from odd goals they don't offer any technical abilities to help the team.Dont get me wrong we have done well and caused teams problems but we are so obvious and the decent teams can deal with us,maybe it's Warburton ways he needs to change it up,I'd like to play 6 midfielders and no forwards at times as for me they don't connect with the team style of play or just play a different way to have the strikers as our focal point

[Banbury]

I’m still waiting for Amos to “ step up!”…I appreciate he has had awful bad luck with injuries but even beforehand I wasn’t overly impressed…..I hope he proves me wrong…now Dozzell….I do think is gonna be some player….

[Shania]

I’m still waiting for Amos to “ step up!”…I appreciate he has had awful bad luck with injuries but even beforehand I wasn’t overly impressed…..I hope he proves me wrong…now Dozzell….I do think is gonna be some player….

I thought Amos`s performances were top notch in the two or three last matches before he was injured, but as always it`s a matter of opinion of course...

[Dono77]

He was actually in good form just before his injury. Shame as he seems like a confidence type player and the injury came at the worst possible time. Hoping dozzell starts v brum though.