Mason wasnt great today, but he wasnt awful whereas Bentaleb has been awful most of this season, IMO. I do agree that Mason should be given a rest. However, we dont have that luxury with an abundance of poor optionsI find it amazing that people just keep inserting Bentaleb and Mason into their preferred team sheets game after game. People here always harp about merit, but their performances don't justify them being the first two CM names in the starting XI. There were seemingly more people calling for Eriksen to be dropped before the game at Hull than calls for these two to take just one game out of the first XI.
Bentaleb has had 4 straight poor league games, is heading off to ACN, and is apparently ill, yet people would rather he play for whatever bizarre reason against the best CM in the world than Dembele, a better all around footballer. Mason had a 58% passing accuracy today, which for someone who's in the side because of his high level fast transitional passing, is an awful number. Both of these guys need to a take a little time out of the starting XI to refresh themselves and get a chance to see the game from the sidelines. There are plenty of chances for them to show their worth this season in 4 competitions.
So for me, Dembele, who's been very good in sub appearances lately, deserves to start this game.
I'd super love three in the middle for this, and I'd be confident of us getting some from the game to.
Dembele, Mason and Bentaleb would be my midfield three all day long. Lamela and Eriksen flanking Kane. I'd have Chadli on the bench for this one.
Lloris
Walker
Fazio
Vertonghen
Davies
Mason
Bentaleb
Dembele
Lamela
Kane
Eriksen
If we go 4-2-3-1....same personnel for me...push Mason into the ten position with Eriksen in the left of the three, where he's played numerous times.
I wouldn't mind that, Mason supporting Kane with aggressive pressing from the front. We'll need bite and grit in our play to contain this lot.
But those are the players I'd be starting every day of the week for this one.
Dont copy my team and pretend it is yours
3 in midfield. PLEASE.