I don't know about Lyon, I very rarely watched Ligue 1, if at all, but from what I remember from Chelsea he was quite effective at distributing the ball. Surely, nothing fancy but he always knew where to give it most effectivelly. Sometimes that be to the closest player to him and sometimes a nice through ball all the way to the forwards.
Either way, our central midfield this season will definetly be a lot more balanced than the Capello era midfield. I didn't wanna say anything about Emo and Vieria, because they're both WC midfielders at the end of the day, but I'm glad you brought it up. That central midfield was hailed by the media and pundits as one of the best, like it's a mouthwatering combination of skill and defensive abilities, when truth be told, it was probably the most unbalanced combination ever. There was zero threat coming from there, both in terms of passing(except a nice through ball by Vieira here and there) and especially shooting. Tiago and Almiron are quite the opposite of the two and though not as much, they are also a unbalanced combination because they lack that defensive assurance which central midfield needs to give. Both are average defensivelly but with the inclusion of either Zanetti or Nocerino that central midfield gets a whole dimension. When Tiago hits form, and I'm sure he will, I'm really eager to see a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1, 3m-man midfield of Tiago, Almiron and Zanetti/Nocerino. I really think that can work for us, with the only downside being that DP would have to be utilised more on the wing.
Either way, our central midfield this season will definetly be a lot more balanced than the Capello era midfield. I didn't wanna say anything about Emo and Vieria, because they're both WC midfielders at the end of the day, but I'm glad you brought it up. That central midfield was hailed by the media and pundits as one of the best, like it's a mouthwatering combination of skill and defensive abilities, when truth be told, it was probably the most unbalanced combination ever. There was zero threat coming from there, both in terms of passing(except a nice through ball by Vieira here and there) and especially shooting. Tiago and Almiron are quite the opposite of the two and though not as much, they are also a unbalanced combination because they lack that defensive assurance which central midfield needs to give. Both are average defensivelly but with the inclusion of either Zanetti or Nocerino that central midfield gets a whole dimension. When Tiago hits form, and I'm sure he will, I'm really eager to see a 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1, 3m-man midfield of Tiago, Almiron and Zanetti/Nocerino. I really think that can work for us, with the only downside being that DP would have to be utilised more on the wing.
For our midfield, yes we definetely unbalanced with Almiron and Tiago. So we will need somebody like Zanetti or Nocerino. Right now, despite Nocerino's rugged looks, I am not entirely convinced about his positioning and more importantly tackles. So Zanetti has to get the nod at this moment in time. So I feel the last spot will be a battle between Tiago and Nocerino. I really hope as a Juve fan Tiago hits his form. Because that means (1) if Nocerino wins starting spot, he is earning it by developing himself, and (2) if Tiago wins it, he is just a better player ATM. So its a win and win situation for us fans, as long as nobody sulks. I say Ranieri should rotate those two a bit, and try to get competition going between those two. And Ranieri isnt known as "Tinker-man" without any reasons.
Just to point out though, anyone expecting a failure from Iaquinta and Tiago just to prove their point is not being loyal to the club. I didnt want either of them in Mercato, but they are here, and that is what counts. I don't have huge expectation of them, but I sure hope they succeed in Bianconeri shirt.
