Would any current players have got in MON sides?

[Dan]

Be amazed..

What I've been asking for is a 'proper' stopper. A proper defensive-minded midfield man.

Drinkwater is being used as a 'stopper', the fella to get his toe-in to make tackles in the midfield. That's been the role he's been given, he's just not very good at it.

As for him being a 'Playmaker' (with comparisons being made to Parker?).. Nah

This is one of the features of a Nigel Pearson midfield, when compared to a MON midfield. Both Drinkwater and King are now expected to occupy a dual-role. They are both 'box to box' midfielders.

MON's midfield was completely different. Lennon held, giving Izzett the time to get forward and Parker stayed central as a genuine playmaker. That's why it worked. They were A. Very good players and MUCH better than our current crop, and B. They were played in exactly the right way.

 

I take what you're saying, but when I watch him I think of him as more of a deep-lying playmaker than a 'stopper'. Box to box is a better way of putting it but he's often still sitting a bit deeper, dictating our play and spraying balls. In the style of Pirlo but nowhere near that level obviously, he's the definition of a deep lying playmaker, absolute utter class.

 

I do find it weird with Drinkwater how he's started so well again. I really did think this was the year he became third choice in midfield behind King & James but if anything, it'd be King who gets dropped of the two. He's had a great season.

 

I didn't see enough of the MON side to make a detailed comment on the way those players were compared to these, but this lot, whilst they're looking like one of the best teams since his era, haven't done anywhere near what MON's did yet, and I'm more inclined to judge a player on how regularly they played for relatively successful teams, rather than in little glimpses - it's a mis-match and by the sounds of it, not one of this squad would be in the first XI.

 

I've said it many a time though, I do genuinely believe Knockaert has the natural ability to play at a level we'd do sensationally to get to. He's a fantastic young talent and the last thing we should ever do is try and dampen it.

[Guest Col city fan]

I take what you're saying, but when I watch him I think of him as more of a deep-lying playmaker than a 'stopper'. Box to box is a better way of putting it but he's often still sitting a bit deeper, dictating our play and spraying balls. In the style of Pirlo but nowhere near that level obviously, he's the definition of a deep lying playmaker, absolute utter class.

I do find it weird with Drinkwater how he's started so well again. I really did think this was the year he became third choice in midfield behind King & James but if anything, it'd be King who gets dropped of the two. He's had a great season.

I didn't see enough of the MON side to make a detailed comment on the way those players were compared to these, but this lot, whilst they're looking like one of the best teams since his era, haven't done anywhere near what MON's did yet, and I'm more inclined to judge a player on how regularly they played for relatively successful teams, rather than in little glimpses - it's a mis-match and by the sounds of it, not one of this squad would be in the first XI.

I've said it many a time though, I do genuinely believe Knockaert has the natural ability to play at a level we'd do sensationally to get to. He's a fantastic young talent and the last thing we should ever do is try and dampen it.

Fair play Dan. Good post as usual buddy..

[The Horse's Mouth]

I think the fact people are entertaining this incredibly vague question shows how feckin dull international break is.

[Lionheart]

I think the fact people are entertaining this incredibly vague question shows how feckin dull international break is.

I don't think there was anything vague about my question and there have been some outstanding responses apart from yours.

[Guest Col city fan]

I don't think there was anything vague about my question and there have been some outstanding responses apart from yours.

Stick around... You'll learn that for 'Horses mouth' read 'Horses arse'.

[The Horse's Mouth]

Stick around... You'll learn that for 'Horses mouth' read 'Horses arse'.

Creative. 

 

I don't think there was anything vague about my question and there have been some outstanding responses apart from yours.

I think it's a vague due to the amount of players O'Neill has used in his era, maybe I'm just a bit negative but it came off as incredibly vague. 

[DANGEROUS TIGER]

Drinkwater would have got in alongside Lennon and Izzet. In a 3-5-2.

I don't think would get a look in.

[Guest Col city fan]

I don't think would get a look in.

This. Drinkwater would have been nowhere near the team.

[Simonb]

Morgan moore king nugent.. picked nuge as mon never had a prolific striker either

[Lionheart]

Hmm

[Bluetintedspecs]

Simple  this one for me.....None

[Soup]

Morgan moore king nugent.. picked nuge as mon never had a prolific striker either

Does prolific mean scores occasionally.