kromoszoma wrote:So how does everyone feel about our backup midfielders? I think for all the talk about or central defenders before the season, this was a huge problem which we failed to address. We have no cover at all for Song, he's our only DM; If he goes down, Wilshere can play there, but then you have Denilson, Rosicky or Diaby in his place, who are all pretty much useless.
Last season we played Attacking midfielder - Box-to-box midfielder - Defensive Midfielder, we went into this season with
AM: Cesc, Rosicky
B2B: Diaby, Denilson
DM: Song, Frimpong, Eastmond
with Wilshere and Ramsey as potential AM's, though Ramsey had been playing B2B and Wilshere had been forward.
Defensive midfield had been our weakest spot depth-wise by far, Denilson and Diaby were rubbish back there and the young guys were too green. We were extremely fortunate that Song held up during the season so well.
This season all were calling for Wenger to sign a DM, but to his credit he merely adjusted the formation so instead of AM-B2B-DM it was one attacking mid with two defensive mids behind, one moving forward at a time. This meant Diaby and Denilson could play back there and not have to act alone, it gave us more depth and flexibility across the board. Wilshere also was transformed into a defensive mid to amazing effect.
To be honest although Diaby and Denilson are shown up at Nou Camp and the like, I don't think they're that bad as backups. You'll find it difficult to find anyone better to come and play backup, not getting a starting spot. With Frimpster and Eastmond returning I think Cesc-Aaron-Jack-Diaby-Frimps-Eastmond-Song is okay as a rotation, given that Jack-Eastmond and Jack-Frimpong should be perfectly operable DM lineups when Song's out.
Agreed another DM this season would've been nice but next year I'm not worried.
My concern was and is centre back; we've been ridiculously lucky with injury this season, Vermaelen might not ever return and Squillaci isn't good enough. CB is arguably the most important field position and Kos-Djourou with Squid as backup isn't enough over four competitions. Heck, if Djourou hadn't accidentally turned into an A-grade CB over the offseason we'd have been royally ****'d.