Country: USA
Player:Saliba
I think a big problem Freddie has is the lack of physicality in midfield. Most of our profiles are not very quick, strong or agile. Torreira has decent ability to change direction and Willock is good physically but that's it. Its hampering the way he likes to play - de Bruyne pointed this out in his post match comments about the forwards not dropping back. I mentioned that he likes to leave his forwards high so they can receive the ball. Difference is he doesn't have a profile like Olayinka at a high level or even a Burton who's very good technically and has that spicy edge that midfielders in the PL need. Our midfield is severely lacking all round. It's a huge problem at first team level.
With that in mind, his decision to include Özil in the team has given him trouble. A flat 3 with a bit of power and mobility would have been slightly better in hindsight but we dont have that midfield and he hasn't really had much chance to coach them proper.
Bang on. Especially this part. In lieu of the right midfield profile, a midfield base of 2 with 4 forwards constantly ahead of the ball means your resistance is ****ed once the first press is beaten.