Defensive midfielder

[BorisTM]

If we are to get another defensive midfielder, we should look for in Norway or Sweden, not Brazil. The players from those countries are known for their work rate, discipline, physical abilities, good tacklers, etc - all good when it comes to that position. And there wont be any issues with the acclimatization in fact for them it would be like for an English player going to Spain or Italy - much warmer.

 

[Kendall]

Apart from the fact that Norway and Sweden are traditionally crap and Brazil are consistently favourites for the World Cup ;-)

Of course, that's a generalisation, but so is your original point. Brazil have been a lot more solid as a defensive unit under Dunga and the likes of Melo and Gilberto Silva have shone as defensive midfielders of world class pedigree.

For my money, the best defensive midfielder in the world is Brazilian (although he plays for Spain).

 

[Hoowl]

Can you name any good Scandinavian defensive midfielders who we should be interested in? They would probably cost less than someone like Sandro and adapt to the premiership more quickly but I'm not sure there is the quality around. Please prove me wrong

 

[mil1lion]

As long as we dont go after any defensive midfielders from that little country of Honduras. Its not like they're well known for producing them either :wink:

 

[StartingPrice]

Can you name any good Scandinavian defensive midfielders who we should be interested in? They would probably cost less than someone like Sandro and adapt to the premiership more quickly but I'm not sure there is the quality around. Please prove me wrong

Stig Toftig - I know he was technically a winger not a defensive midfielder - but he was built like a brick Shhhh-it House, and boy, was he one crazy MOFOmg:

"HI, I'm Stig - my friends are Hells-Angels - I will hit you with a machete":grin:mg:

 

[RobinLeonard]

Does anyone follow the dutch league? Pontus Wernbloom was by far the best defensive minded midfielder in the Swedish u21 squad. He went to AZ this year but I don't think he is getting a terrible lot of playing time.

Speaking as a swede - we are far more likely to find quality players in Brazil.

 

[BringBack_leGin]

Isn't Tofting in prison for manslaughter?

 

[StartingPrice]

Isn't Tofting in prison for manslaughter?

Man, that dude sure is serious crazy:up:

He would make the oppos. midfield respec' us:wink:

 

[BerbatovandKeane]

There are really two distinct types of DM now - ballplaying holders and mobile pressers.

The best ballplaying holders in recent years have been Guardiola, Redondo, Pirlo and Senna - all South Americans and Southern Europeans.

The best pressers in recent years have been the likes of Vieria, Davids, Gattuso, Keane etc - more Africans and central Europeans.

As we already have Palacios in the latter role, we actually probably need the more skillful, tactically clever DM play of a latino (for want of a much better word) player.

Nordic football has been far from its best in recent years too.

 

[THOWIG]

Moussa Sissoko, Simon Rolfes, Mohamed Diame, Gojko Kacar, Javier Garcia or Javier Martinez?

 

[BerbatovandKeane]

Moussa Sissoko, Simon Rolfes, Mohamed Diame, Gojko Kacar, Javier Garcia or Javier Martinez?

Some intersting names there.

I think Capoue is better than Sissoko. I'm not convinced by Rolfes. Diame we all know about. Kacar is maybe too much like Palacios to partner him. Garcia I don't know much about. Martinez I like a lot.

Assuming Sandro is tied up so we've got our cover for Palacios, my list of potential partners for him would include the likes of: Capoue, Hamsik, Gago, Bodmer, Henanes, Witsel and Javi Martinez.

 

[Michey]

Apart from the fact that Norway and Sweden are traditionally crap and Brazil are consistently favourites for the World Cup ;-)

Since we're so crap it's a mystery that you don't know how to beat Sweden then, i think it is 30 years or more. Apart from that you are quite clueless when it comes to Swedish defensive midfielders.
We actually have a strong line of these if you look at history. Tactics and physique are strong trademarks when it comes to Swedish players. Extrememely important when you search for a DM and you'll always get a player that gives everything for his club. Plus, the club that buys him doesn't have to pay silly money.......£2.5M should do it.

The most promising player right now is Gustav Svensson plays for IFK Gothenburg and turns 23 this year. I really wish we have our eyes on him!

Has quite good strike on the ball too :up:
[yt]NJyhsGbnlPc[/yt]

 

[brett.spurs]

Moussa isn't strictly a DM, he's an all-round beast, I would love us to sign him.

Sandro isn't happening.

 

[THOWIG]

Some intersting names there.

I think Capoue is better than Sissoko. I'm not convinced by Rolfes. Diame we all know about. Kacar is maybe too much like Palacios to partner him. Garcia I don't know much about. Martinez I like a lot.

Assuming Sandro is tied up so we've got our cover for Palacios, my list of potential partners for him would include the likes of: Capoue, Hamsik, Gago, Bodmer, Henanes, Witsel and Javi Martinez.

Capoue is very talented and doesn't grab the same headlines as Sissoko, but I think Sissoko adds that extra dimension with his forward runs and is overall athleticism.

I've not been a huge fan of Rolfes in the past, but this season he's been exceptional.

Gojko Kacar would be my number one target as I just think he is an outstanding talent.

Diame won't be at Wigan long and I predict big things for him.

From your list I don't rate Gago and sadly Bodmer is crippled by injury, but I've been wanting us to sign him for about 5 years now.

Hernanes is very talented, but he hasn't developed as well as I'd expected and desperately needs a move, however I don't think he is suited to the
Premiership.

Hamsik is currently in the top 5 midfielders in the world right now and beyond our means and Martinez seems destined for Real, which would be a huge mistake on his part.

 

[TallBlokePH]

Kinda surprised that nordic defensive players have been dismissed as any good by some, have always thought of the national teams from the region as fairly defensively-minded

 

[brett.spurs]

Witsel is a wide player not a cental midfielder isn't he? anyway I can't stand him after that disgusting leg breaking 'tackle'

 

[steve]

Some intersting names there.

I think Capoue is better than Sissoko. I'm not convinced by Rolfes. Diame we all know about. Kacar is maybe too much like Palacios to partner him. Garcia I don't know much about. Martinez I like a lot.

Assuming Sandro is tied up so we've got our cover for Palacios, my list of potential partners for him would include the likes of: Capoue, Hamsik, Gago, Bodmer, Henanes, Witsel and Javi Martinez.

Man you sound like Dan Ashcroft the 2nd :wink:...

 

[BerbatovandKeane]

Capoue is very talented and doesn't grab the same headlines as Sissoko, but I think Sissoko adds that extra dimension with his forward runs and is overall athleticism.

I've not been a huge fan of Rolfes in the past, but this season he's been exceptional.

Gojko Kacar would be my number one target as I just think he is an outstanding talent.

Diame won't be at Wigan long and I predict big things for him.

From your list I don't rate Gago and sadly Bodmer is crippled by injury, but I've been wanting us to sign him for about 5 years now.

Hernanes is very talented, but he hasn't developed as well as I'd expected and desperately needs a move, however I don't think he is suited to the
Premiership.

Hamsik is currently in the top 5 midfielders in the world right now and beyond our means and Martinez seems destined for Real, which would be a huge mistake on his part.

Capoue and Sissoko are quite different players. Capoue is a Petit or Pirlo, to Sissoko's Vieria or Gattuso. Because we already have WP, I think Capoue would be the obvious one for us to go with. WP and MS would be too similar to play together IMO - both are very mobile and aggressive, but neither is positionally clever DM or particularly good with the ball.

I though Bodmer was due back from his groin op this month? I bet we could get him for a steal and I think he could suddenly blossom like Motta did when he had a change of scenery and went to Italy.

 

[THOWIG]

Bodmer is due back soon, but sadly will be wasted in central defence

 

[ShelfSide18]

Sorry have I accidentally walked into the Football Manager 2010 thread?