Last game by the end, Gio and Can were the two CDMs. Gio can definitely play centrally, either pushed forward or back. I really liked his performance as a deep lying CM. The kid has got the intelligence and passing range to do a good job there.
Agree he has fallen off. I'm not surprised, though. The grind of a professional season is very hard and it's his first full season at this level. He's played a lot of games before, but not at this high level. He's still adjusting and growing into the role. I don't think expectations should change any- he's got potential to be the best USA player so far. Just not going to happen overnight.
I'm sure he can do it just fine, but with Witsel hurt, I think the plan will be more PT for Delaney, Bellingham, Can, and Dahoud, and let Gio be doing Gio things in the rotation of the front four of their usual formation as an AM or tucked-in wing.
I might get flamed for this and I'll admit I was a little bit buzzed at the time, but Gio reminded me of Xabi Alonso tucked into CDM. I think he lacks the top end speed to be devastating on the dribble (he's very good at using what speed he has coupled with his size and strength though) but he's very clever and can solve problems very quickly both offensively and defensively. Having more of the game in front of him, IMO, is a good thing. I understand wanting him to play more in the attacking 3rd but I wonder if his best position might be further back.
Xabi Alonso? Edit: Interesting idea, and I'm 100% in favor of experimentation/exploration of different roles/styles at this early point in Gio's career.
Moving to CDM certainly made his Dad's career with the unintended consequence of earning the wrath of everyone who wanted him to be our #10.
Yup. Adams on the bench.... 007 not even on the bench for Wolves and now this. I am left with Sargent out of all the AM games. I have to assume the gods will kick me while I am down and CP will be on the bench for Chelsea. It started as such a promising set of fixtures. Ugh.
Right? I live on West Coast and got up early to have multiple screens up with multiple games on. Bit of a bummer.
Me too. Adams is the one that pisses me off the most because they actually moved Sabitzer up the pitch where he belongs and he still can't get one of the CDM slots.
I’m in California. Where you at? I’m surprised Adams not getting the start. I’m a huge NY Red Bulls fan too...I’m originally from Jersey.
I'm in Dana Point and up early for the Bundesliga bonanza this morning. I'll watch Sarge and hopefully Adams can get some minutes too.
I’m up in Hollywood Beach (Oxnard). Getting all these Bund games on my ESPN+. Four squares on the screen.
Yeah so is death. But a sore throat is essentially never the primary symptom that someone would report however.
(1) they always have done so; (2) my point is that a mere sore throat would never cause a doctor to recommend a Covid test