No Need For A New Attacking Midfielder?

he`sbiggerthanme&you: says:

It’s been a topic of conversation in recent weeks. Many fans believe that we could do with a new attacking midfielder to help create and score goals from the middle of the park. There’s been heavy links to Kiyotake and of course the Belhanda saga was just crazy, and even today there’s twitter rumours about Dusan Todic of Fc Twente. But my question is if we don’t go and sign one is it possible that we already have a midfielder who can score and create goals from midfield?

Here’s my thoughts on some of the contenders..

Leandro Bacuna

Looking at his record i actually think he’s got the potential to be someone who can both score and create goals. In his last two seasons in Holland he scored 7 goals in 2010/11 and 5 goals in 2012/13, and many of those goals came against of the top teams in the Dutch league like PSV, Feyenoord, Twente, Ajax etc.

Reports this pre-season have been mixed but he has managed to get two assists and one goal already. I think if the lad gets comfortable in this league and continues to develop he’s capable of getting around 7-10 goals per season, especially as he can take free-kicks and is seemingly two footed.

Aleksandar Tonev

He’s been labelled a ‘winger’ but when you look at the video of him in action HERE it’s apparent that most of his goals come from a central area of the pitch, he also makes runs from deep too and scores. Things that a typical of a ‘number 10’ attacking midfielder. He’s scored 4 and 7 goals in his last two seasons..and has a hattrick for Bulgaria!!.. i think he has the potential to fill the role but whether Lambo plays him there i don’t.

Gary Gardner

We all know how highly rated this young man is. In the youth ranks he once scored in around 17 games in a row. Just incredible..he also got a hattrick in the next gen and a double for the England u21s..if ever a saw a lad who could be another ‘Lampard’ or ‘Gerrard’ then it’s certainly Gary. But the injuries have really hampared the lads progress…while his first team appearances haven’t been that exciting either. I think if he had a long run in the team who could do well, but he needs to have a meaningful moment in the first team to gain some confidence and then push on.

Jack Grealish

He’s played games this pre-season and many have been impressed. He’s also scoring goals for the reserve side too!!..In terms of raw skill and trickery he might be the best on this list but age and inexperience might work against him this season.

If i had to bet now i think Bacuna might be in pole position!!..that goal he scored against Crewe could we really see Syla, Delph or Westwood pulling that out the bag? I doubt it, i think if he settles in he could be this seasons surprise tbh. The tools are there for him to be a very decent player.

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