dawson99 wrote:john craig wrote:Momo is NOT a defensive midfielder. There is a difference between a tackling midfielder and a defensive holding midfielder, you do not necessarily have to be both. When has Momo ever played a game simply sitting in front of the defence. Never. He chases opponents all over the midfield, closing down space and pressing the ball. Although he is primarily a tackler, his game is more offensive than defensive I think, he is a completely different player to Hamann at the moment, although that does not mean that in time Benitez won't try to hone him into a more defensive sitting midfield player.
Alonso is our defensive midfielder. A far better tackler than some give him credit for, he sits in front of the defence giving good protection, while also acting as a deep-lying playmaker with his impressive range of passing.
If Hamann goes though, I do think we will be a bit light in the centre mid area. There would still be room for bringing in a very young or an oldish experienced player as cover there. Of course the ideal situation for me would be to keep Didi another year.
ok, agreed john, im a little hungover so need a little slack lol.
id like Xavi if anyone just because they click together (him and alonso) for spain.
I agree also but one point has to made is that Sissoko is pretty much the same player, in the sense of the role he plays, as Hamann. They both aren't strict holding midfielders but they do offer mainly a defensive role in midfield.
With regards replacing Hamann, I see us buying someone of a lower profile not someone big. Sissoko is the best in that position for us, look how many games Hamann got last season - not many. Whats the point in buying an expensive player if he is not going to be played??
Whos he and when did we sign him? First Ive heard.
