LexingtonSpurs
Well-Known Member
- Aug 27, 2013
- 13,456
- 39,042
Borrowing this from another thread, because I think it makes a great observation of the various skill sets - I think it makes for an interesting discussion - What is your best combination of AMs to play behind Kane? (assume 4231)
Dele is not included in the continuum above - but he has a somewhat unique skill set.
For me, the key is getting the right balance, of creativity, off-the-ball movement and goal scoring.
Creativity - Eriksen or Lamela - both are pass first, shoot later type players. Eriksen has a bit more goals in him, because he seems to have more confidence in taking shots from outside the box. My best combination would have 1, but not both - and I think Eriksen offers a little bit more than Lamela in terms of all around game.
Goal Scoring - Son, Dele, Lucas - I would take two of these players to play along side the "creator". They are each a little different though. Son is the most direct - he doesn't really dribble well, but he has a direct approach, and his first thought on the ball is to run at defenders. Lucas is less direct than Son, in that he can dance around a bit looking for space for a pass or a dribble. He is the best dribbler of the bunch, and can create space as defenders collapse on him. Dele, to me, is still the smartest footballer we have. He instinctively makes great runs, and finds himself on the ball in good places. But, I think he needs to play with a creative partner - who can find him when Dele makes his runs from deep.
I don't think there is a bad combination if you play 1 of Eriksen/Lamela and 2 of Son/Dele/Lucas. If you play Eriksen and Lamela together - I think we leave too many goals on the bench. In the past, that was not really a bad option - but given the emergence of Son, and now Lucas, I think we should have another goal-scorer in the lineup.
My preferred line-up:
Dele - Eriksen - Lucas
I think Lucas will create gaps in the defense with his dribbling, and Dele and Kane will be able to exploit those spaces. I like Eriksen orchestrating play, but would not fret if it was Lamela. And, in any given match, I would happily swap out Son for either Dele or Lucas.
But, the more I think about this - the less I am sure we need to spend money upgrading AMs this summer - Malcom and Sessegnon interest notwithstanding. This group, as long as they stay healthy, seems to offer a plethora of options both starting and off the bench.
