Could his future be as an 8/10 or maybe more of utility player covering several positions?
He certainly has the close control and physical strength to hold on to the ball under pressure.
He wants to play there, he wants to play central.
Very hard player to truly evaluate
- Sitting at the games last season, watching him play on the wing felt very frustrating, yet stats wise he always shows up (one of best in the league in chances created) and inevitably is somehow involved in our goals
- Work rate is unquestioned (to the point of was he overplayed at times)
What have we seen so far since preseason
- Seems more effective in the middle (can progress the ball)
- Probably a bigger goal threat than any of our other non CF players (not counting Son)
For me, I see him in the middle, behind the striker, but that brings up formation considerations
- We play 4-3-3 out of possession, putting Deki in the midfield 3, if the other "8" is Maddison puts a lot of pressure on the "6" in the system (yes, I get Deki's work rate/press from front will help, especially if paired with Son & Solanke's pressing)
- Like we saw against Everton, potentially against teams with limited ambition and us not expecting to defend as much, it's a good option.
- If we plan to play 3 normal midfielders, perhaps 2 in a more "6" focus against big teams, then the other wide options (Johnson, Werner, Wilson) all have more pace to counter with.
Interesting if he finds a starting place again regularly.