deep blue

I think you're right that this is how we could cope if Faes left. I also don't believe we need a LB if VK goes as we could look to Aluko to gradually bring through and/ or call on in an emergency.

I didn't watch the game, but everyone says that the oppo midfield completely overran ours (hardly surprising given the likes of Soumare etc in there for us) and were very tough/dirty. It's a nightmare situation for one as young as Page to make his debut, for him to be able to cope and to influence the game. I think the fact that he didn't fall apart is all you could ask for, and he apparently achieved that. I see no reason why, if he's given more game time, he can't get more used to the players around him and to start to show his qualities. Certainly his enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air in our currently woeful midfield.

Agree absolutely with that. My money is on him improving at Leeds as we have had 4 consecutive crap managers (counting the last 2 years of Rodgers' reign) and have a squad that has deteriorated massively over that period. ... how many of our current squad, or recently departed players, have avoided stagnation during that period? I think that the FB priority to get rid of was VK rather than JJ, but maybe VK's wanted by nobody. Hope Aluko steps up when needed and he plugs the gap.

I'm just so amazed you could put all that together in a lunchtime. Hugely impressive post.

Aluko to be used in emergencies?

Too sensible!

Worth a try, but I suspect Ricardo could only cope with 45 mins in midfield in a competitive game against a lively opposition. I could see him coming on 2nd half and his quality being instrumental in turning the game in our favour.

As for midfield weaknesses, noe of our first choices are capable of being box to box, winning tackles, tracking back, pushing forward with intent. Possible solutions, but far from perfect, from within our current squad might be Faes (to add aggression, speed, forward surges) but would need solid CFs (Okoli + Nelson?), Hamza to add aggression, speed and commitment), and/or Page. As for FBs, I think both Thomas and JJ performed much better in the past but have, for whatever reason, lost form dramatically. It might be partly a confidence thing or playing with badly reduced support in the quality of players around them. Thomas looks hesitant going forward but he used to have very fruitful attacking interchanges with Barnes; and JJ has performed well on both sides in the past (and I can't forget his first time left-footed through pass for Vardy's goal at Stoke 2 years ago, so he has the capability). Both are honest and committed players. If Cifuentes can''t manage to regenerate them and get a tune out of them then we have viable alternatives in Riccy, of course, when fit and Aluko and even Hamza. I think there are possibilities in those positions to bring our team up to scratch. The impossible position for me is in goal-scoring potential ... we have no strikers. The only option I see from within our current squad is Evans, and maybe others from the development squad. We MUST bring in a new striker during the transfer window. So, in conclusion, I think there's still the possibility for Cifuentes to get a tune out of our current squad as long as we can sign a new striker.

We have a plan???

I agree with this. With Ndidi done Faes might be our best option for an aggressive ball-winning midfielder, and he also has the ability to rampage up the field (we are very lacking in a midfielder prepared to push forward quickly). In order to accommodate this experiment we would need a strong CF pairing behind him - Nelson must be one of the two, possibly Okoli as the other. It also requires Faes to be willing to try it; he may be loth to do it , classifying himself purely as a CB, and mindful of his international ambitions.

Did we hold on for the win last night, then?

Perfect post. Spot on.

I thought exactly the same. Was disappointed. Young players need advice in certain situations.

I feel that Faes has the qualities to be a good defensive midfielder, a position where we're lacking at the moment. I'm surprised he hasn't been tried in that role unless he flatly refuses to play it,

Our last 2 managers clearly commanded no respect from the players, and maybe this contributed to the bad personal qualities we saw coming out in some of them last season. Apart from Soumare, who looks to be beyond redemption, it's not unreasonable to hope that a decent manager who commands respect, has clear plans in playing style and who shows good tactical in-game decision-making, could turn round the "bad egg" attitudes and get these characters buying into his management. There are signs that Cifuentes has those qualities and is a good man manager, and he certainly seems to buy into the club and fans. He needs to be given some time to see if his positivity rubs off onto the players and we get improved performances and attitudes from them.

Looking at those 2 games of theirs v York & Man City U21s I see 6 goals and 6 different goalscorers. Interesting to wonder if anyone can name 6 players from our squad who seem capable of scoring.

It's a fair point of view, but I can't agree. One of the factors that carried us over the line in 2015-16 was the strength of character that Pearson brought in with his signings, of which 5 or 6 were "captain material". Part of the reason for our downward track over the last 5 seasons has been the weakness of mentality and commitment in our players.

It was. We played a weakened side but beat Liverpool. As I remember Rodgers heaped great praise on Hamza for his outstanding performance in an unfamiliar role .. and promptly dropped him for the next game.

That is exactly the reason they should be putting effort in - they will be looking to impress other clubs for their next move.

Agree

Your attitude aligns exactly with mine

Can't we dip into the youth squad for covering FBs?

Absolutely the way to go!