Physicality problem, especially midfield

OK about height (but we adored Brown who was the same as Iwata), but people were noticing his buff arms. He was well built and had pace. A taller DM might not have that, and with our CB-s last night, a quick DM could have helped stop goal number 3.

Best solution to the problem would be a CB with lots of experience at DM, because we will only occasionally need a DM.

 

I think more than a DM, we could just do with raising the level of athleticism in our midfield.

You’ve got the wee guys Cal and Reo, both of who are good footballers but neither of whom are particularly quick or strong. Probably add McCowan to that list.

Engels and Bernardo are a bit more robust (not by much), but I see them as being quite similar to one another and think you lose a lot of creativity by playing them together, meaning it’s usually one of them and two of the little guys in the lineup.

Finding somebody with UCL/Premier League level physicality in our price range is challenging, so it’d probably more likely be a younger player or one from a less glamorous league we could develop, which isn’t ideal for the here and now. It’s a tough one.

I was a bit surprised to see the other day that O’Riley was 3rd in the Premier League for distance covered per 90 minutes. He was never quickest or most athletic for us, but he did have a certain physicality to him with his size and stamina.

 

Agree with this, don't see the point of signing someone for 6/8 games, wouldn't happen as their passing is off, but likes of Trusty or CCV sitting infront of the defence ,espically away against better teams

 

I agree about physicality but I personally think we lack aggression at times aswell. At least consistently unless we are really up for a game.

 

Would kill for a player similar to Mousa Dembele who played with spurs.

Would be perfect for us.

When Hatate leaves I wouldn't be replacing him with a like for like, bring in a more powerful midfielder.

 

Lack aggression and real mobility in there..

Too weak when it's a battle..

 

Happy to see this thread tbh.

Means that more and more fans are becoming acutely aware that this is a major problem.

It may take time, but these things usually filter into the media, and then the manager gets asked about at pressers. Especially in Scotland, where rags and opinion writers like Sutton and Boyd obviously take their lead from fan forums. Basically transcribing gripes and adding their own two cents.

Its actually usurped LB at the top of my wishlist, such is the need for a real dynamic ball winning mid with a bit of power and pace.

As others said, they dont grow on trees, certainly not within our budget. But still, heres hoping that Rodgers can see the wood from said trees.

I dont trust him to spot a player to save his life, but he can spot the position no problem. He recognised that we really needed a CB who could play out from the back last time around. Unfortunately we signed Hendry, and it didnt take him long to see he wasnt going to cut it here. But our scouting and assessment has definitely improved since then.

Is there even anyone domestically we should be looking at?

 

He’s covered more ground than any other player in the Champions League.

 

Had bets on Rodgers to score and Cal Mac booked because it was so predictable he would struggle with him physically in that area.

Unbelievable player granted but the fact we don’t have one midfielder that can screen a back 4 in the squad is insane at that level.

 

Apparently he's now 2nd to Kimmich by a bawhair, but those 2 are 6km ahead of 3rd place. Not covering ground is a crazy accusation.

 

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Two thoughts on this.

Xavi & Iniesta are both 5'7 - not exactly 'phyisically imposing, but that didn't stop them from winning 8 or 9 La Ligas, 4 Champions League titles, 2 Euros and a World Cup, side by side in CM.

On the other hand, not everyone is Xavi and Iniesta.

 

We are very soft in midfield.

Hatate just can’t tackle and is always wrong side of his man.

Engels is softer than a big pile of puppy poo. His effort at their third goal was pathetic. Just foul the guy and take a booking!

McGregor can’t do it all on his own regards tackling and he is not the greatest at that either.

 

Calmac isn’t a DM. He tends to sit back a bit but that’s the problem. We don’t have anyone that covers the defensive side as their primary strength. Understandable as 75% of our games don’t need one but if we have aspirations of becoming a staple in the champions league and performing to a good level, we really do need that skillset. It would also allow us to play a 4-2-3-1 . Is Engels an option? Potentially but the physical side of his game would need to improve a fair bit.

 

Can we find a Rogic who can 95 minutes a match.

He was a very deceptive talent in terms of pace and power.

As I've typed this I just realised MOR will likely be the name mentioned and talent like that doesn't stay here very long

 

The two you’ve named wouldn’t cope with that on Wednesday.

Although we do lack physicality in certain areas I thought we actually got stuck in a bit at times on Wednesday especially after we got a goal back. They didn’t like it either. Seemed to stop it second half though.

 

Made an assist*. He knew what he was doing….