Stratvillan

Theres always a trend on VT for players ability to increase when they're not playing see Keinan for an example. It's strange that Conor who has (whether you rate him or not) been a key player in our recent history, his ability seems to decrease week by week. Hes off the pace in training, hes aged horribly etc I think in terms of our midfield the order is Grealish McGinn, Luiz Ramsey, Hourihane, Nakamba Lansbury Grealish is so far ahead of everyone else its ridiculous. McGinn and Luiz are both 2 and 3rd choice (in a 3 man midfield) To say that Conor has no future, is below our level is premature. He is 1 of 3 vying to be first back up. We would like him to be below our level, we are not there yet. If we sell Lansbury and hourihane in jan, we would end up relying on Ramsey and Nakamba as starters in a reasonable amount if games. That's dangerous imo. I think 2 of our first 3 midfield options will leave in the summer. Players such as hourihane will provide the professionalism and character we've so often lacked outside the first team, to ensure some degree of consistency.

He's isolated partially because Targett cant pass the ball.

I was just checking games in charge by villa managers, as Smith appeoaches 100. 3 things stood out. He has nearly caught Bruce up God we had some awful managers over the last 15 years. We only had 4 "managers" before WW2.

And then he scores to destroy my argument!

I agree, I want a midfielder who really sits in the middle third of the pitch, and isnt interested in making late runs in the box. I think you've nailed it when you say we've not got the variety. I think you could swap SJM and Dougie L, and it wouldn't make much difference. I'm watching the liverpool game wijnaldum plays thus role really well, not necessarily tackling all of the time, just being in the way.

It's weird in a way, because you could argue that it's an easier position to fill than a lot of others. I do feel it's our Achilles heel and as you said has been for years, it causes a lot of defending to occur which shouldn't be necessary. I'd love a commanding central midfielder, and a centre forward like Tammy (I know hes not coming). The flexibility of a front 3 of Jack, ollie and Tammy swapping , knowing that a mistake wont let the opposition straight onto our defence because a Phillips type player is covering, would change us as a team.

Would sign axel in a heartbeat, would allow us a lot more flexibility in defence.

Who was our last commanding central midfielder? I'm genuinely struggling.

You watch a wide variety of films!

Love the fact that you think this is a Disney film!

Christopher Walken as VAR official at Stockley Park?

I think you've been watching too many Jason Statham films.

I disagree, his deficiencies are tactical. He almost plays as a third centre half he gets that close to mings. The number of times hes out of position is ridiculous. Having said that he is still a massive improvement on Taylor.

Soucek will get booked next tackle, then hes there for the taking.

Solid, look uncertain in defence , almost pre lockdown. Midfield growing into it.cash needs to push on more.

I've read it that he is being sentenced for the motoring offences. Two other cases were dropped after no evidence.

He was more than a little bit wrong!

Apologies for my ignorance. How does this table work?

The model set out by the owners and DS is clear. Players with something to prove (either on the up, or like Barkeley), no history!, age with a resell value. Paul McGrath was an exception not a model for future transfers, which is what it became, and also nearly destroyed the club.

Brilliant game. Thought defensively we were superb. I thought mcginn and luiz in midfield stood out. I voted trez mom thought defensively and attacking, he is perfect in away games. Ollie, if you give him a chance he scores. Jack........ I have no words.

Better performance than liverpool. that ball by Luiz!

He should have that on his shirt.

And you saw a CDM constantly breaking up attacks? Dont get me wrong I think technically he is a good player, I dont think he is a CDM at the moment, and I dont think he is has the awareness to play there at the moment. He had a good post lockdown but I dont think he has been particularly noticeable this season. I think both he and conor are better wide, I dont think either are Cdm, I think mcginn would be better there.

The leeds and southampton game apparently.