ShiftyPowers;n6455988 said:
I think Blind should be your lwb, and I don't consider Mertens good enough
Think I'll go with Icardi ahead of Mertens as a 9 with Alexis behind him. I like that shape more also. Alexis is best when he is free to play as he pleases while Icardi is damn good at finishing and playing the basic no.9. Mertens has done excellent as a false 9 last season though but I suppose he should be Alexis substitute.
Icardi
Alexis
Bernard-Pogba-Radja-Florenzi
Xhaka
Blind-Godin-Manolas
De Gea
With Bernardeschi I want more dribbling and pace at LWB/LM. Blind has great stamina, much better defensively and great passing but I want him to cover that left side defense while managing the game from there with Xhaka. I think that area and role would be maximizing his ability-great vision and passing with the game ahead of him, great anticipation, interception while he has the stamina to go forward and retreat back to position. Won't expose his weaknesses in the air, lack of pace and strength while get the best out of his ability.
I went for Manolas on the other side for his recovery pace, decent stamina and being the front foot defender while his ability on the ball is decent if not spectacular. Godin is the leader of the defense obviously and he is completely free to do his job.
The main theme and idea I wanted was to have a team that hits balance in all four phases while the players get to play in their best "roles" and positions on the pitch without having to sacrifice anything in terms of structure covering up each of the individual weaknesses.
Would rather have a top striker in place of Icardi like Lewy and Lemar instead of Bernardeschi but I think the pieces have fallen for me in terms of what I want out of my team.
Think I've nailed it honestly though I'm totally open to whatever criticism.
