That video proves little though, my issue with him playing deep isn't entirely to do with the fact that I think he is a bigger threat to the opposition higher up the pitch. I think we need more of a defensive presence alongside Sandro/Parker. Maybe he can provide this but I haven't seen anything to suggest he is competent defender. He is a good enough footballer to play deep when we have the ball, but when we don't have the ball will he be a liability? Does this video show a great deal of defensive work? What about every other game?
I'm not saying this guy will be brick, I'm just saying I think we might be a bit flimsy with him in midfield as well as VDV/Sig. Undoubtedly he is a class act, but I haven't seen him enough playing deep to make me certain he'll be good as a direct replacement for Modric. I've always thought his best skills were getting half a yard, slipping around opponents and sliding in a cheeky killer ball, something he has less chance to do in a more defensive position.
Then again, the more I think about it, Dembele won't be a direct replacement for Modric, he has a good engine and he could do a good job box-to-box as long as he can press well. Perhaps my bad mood today is just spilling over into football as well!
