I recently saw PSG play, and however key he is in decisive set pieces and passes, it's incredible to see how weak and soft he is in possession, and then to see Verratti in same position and he runs rings around everyone holding the ball as long as he likes. It really hits home how important it is to have a midfielder who supremely confident on the ball, gives time and space to whole team.
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I like Pjanic, and have always enjoyed watching him play, he's a very gifted player, even in open play in the right set-up... but he's far too timid in possession and weak on the ball to be the guy pulling the strings. We saw it last season at Roma, in by far his best and most consistent season yet, that he does much better as a supporting play, well-timed runs, quick touch passes for chances, etc. Unfortunately he absolutely needs a Vidal/Naingollan style player in the mid with him, that is a physical beast, but also technically good enough and intelligent enough on the pitch to make the most of Pjanic's considerable talents and understands how to play with him.
Stu, is just too damn mediocre. And it doesn't help that Khedira has been in atrocious form for 3 months, or that our fullbacks can't pass the ball for shit. Asa and Stu must have a combined 7 or 8 misplaced easy passes this half. A few meant for Pjanic in areas where he thrives.