Hooper as an attacking midfielder?

Firstly well done Gary bhoy! Had a lot of bad press the last week about "diving" even though he didn't so well done.

Against Killie yesterday, Hooper had an amazing game. But i noticed he was dropping really deep, deep into the midfield and this is why he got so many assist last night and he got his goal aswell from just on the edge of the box.

Also we pressed really well last night and Hooper did this awell, dropping to make a midfield 5 when were off the ball.

So maybe Lenny is thining at the weekend of doing this?

....................Forster
...Wilson....Maj......Mulgrew..Izz
...Brown.......Ki.......Kayal....Commons.
.....................Hooper
.................Stokes/Sammy

Thoughts?

 

I see where you're coming from...but the link up play between Stooper, means they must partner each other.

Hooper does tend to come deep at times, but that brings a balance with Stokes, because he tends to drift out on to the flanks at times

 

I think lennon tried this with stokes in our first celtic scum game.but I think hooper would do well as the lad can pass a ball no worries.

 

lets not forget, Hooper has scored 16 league goals in 20 games, he's a striker first and foremost and i'd keep him up front.

 

No need to play him as an attacking midfielder.

We should play both Stokes and Hooper up front. Both players are capable of dropping deep, drifting wide and poaching in the box. Both players can create and score goals.

 

We need Hoops as a striker. We are not stuck for midfielders.

 

you need sometimes, one of the strikers to drop. I think Hooper has a better game alll-round, so maybe he is the one to come deep, with stokes getting on the end of things.

 

Are you suggesting a 4-4-1-1 with Hooper playing in the hole as a second striker? (Directly behind Stokes)

 

Very valid point

But what I prefer is that both players should play beside each other, thats when they do most damage.

 

I see were your coming from and it did work well when he drops back. But my problem would be if he was told to drop back all the time he might find himself getting to deep at times stokes could then be nearly the sole striker. but with commons well able to attack fast this might not be so bad.
But from what iv seen with the partnership with stokes and hooper they seem to know each others style of play well, have great communication with each other i think they just know were each other will be on the pitch and know what they are capable of.

 

I'd keep him as a striker as i think he is more naturally suited to playing up front. but i see where you're coming from, because last night he dropped back a bit and played absolutely quality.

 

Did we not try this once with Van Hooijdonk years ago? I don't think it worked

 

We NEED Hooper as a striker,we don't need him as an attacking midfielder.

 

Let him do what he wants. That way has given us 16 goals this season.

That's the beauty of the Stokes/Hooper partnership, it's flexible. Though i think long term we'll need an upgrade on Stokes.

Wouldn't mind seeing us go for Shane Long or Danny Graham. Garra Dembele is a talent an all.

 

Hooper only comes deeper to drag defenders out of position. Would definitely do against the huns if he leaves Stokes with OAP Weir. As an attacking mid . . . I can't see it

 

Hooper played really well against Killie, I think he's got good skills and running, he can play in midfield.