The Defensive Midfield Axis

Following Romeu's performance today, I wondered what would be this forum's preferred choice to start.

 

This question implies we want the same two no matter what the opposition. Against really strong teams I would want Wanyama every time. However, in games where we are equal or better than the opposition, I would like Clasie and Romeu. It's just much more dynamic.

 

I don't think Romeu played that well today.

 

Fair point, everyone has their favourites too, just creating a bit of debate really.

 

Equally happy with any of those. Rotate all three.

Vin

 

This is a real seesaw vote so far!

 

Thought Romeu was class today, and good all season. I really rate him.
It's obvious that wanyama doesn't want to be here, which is a shame considering how much faith the club has shown in him.
Im still undecided on Clasie. I think he has a tendency to switch off defensively.

 

Can we have an option of 'happy with all of these'?

 

Don't see why not..

 

Can we have an option for 'not entirely convinced by any of these'?

 

It largely depends upon the opposition, state of the game, etc... Sometimes Victor is the man, sometimes he's a liability. I'm happy with whoever Ronald thinks is OK.

On the other hand I could be really picky and say that I won't be happy until we have the 3 best defensive midfielders in the World to pick from for Saints.

 

The more I see Romeu, the less I see the need for Wanyama.

 

Horses for courses, depends on the opposition.

 

My view is that when Vic is at his best, he's easily the best of all three and a certain starter. But when he's off his game...

 

Lets just be happy that we have a stronger midfield 3 than the English national squad, I likes Romeus enthusiasm, Victors your not getting past me attitude and the calmness of Claise

 

One thing that is surprising, is that we haven't seen a midfield 3 with all of them.
Away against a big team, we could easily have played all 3 in a 4-3-3 instead of playing a 5 at the back.
E.g
Wanyama
Romeu Clasie
Mane Pelle Tadic

May have worked well against city for example.

 

I like Romeu. A lot more mobile than vic and seems to have improved his discipline since arriving. Like a halfway house of DM between vic and classie. Perhaps I think of things too simply.

 

Yes, but then where does Davis play?

 

Can we have an option that says, "Today's not the day to worry about it?"

It was a poor game with a poor atmosphere and notreally representative of usual premier league game. Certainly not a game to be looking at how people played. It was odd. We won. Move on.

Let's ask that question after city and Spurs

 

I voted "happy with all of these," although I guess I'm not totally happy with any of them.

I would say that the defensive midfield has been a bit inconsistent for my liking, and maybe only average-ish overall. I think it needs to improve.

That said, I also predict that next season they will be much better. So I don't view it as a high priority for us. Even if Wanyama leaves, I would like us to use Reed.

I don't know who might emerge next year or who we will play or if we will rotate. But I'm not too worried about it. RK will figure it out.