The answer to our current Defensive Midfield predicament...

[finch101]

In the absence of Sandro and Parker...

...Step forward Younis Kaboul (step aside Jake Livermore).

Kaboom played there for the French Under 21's quite regular and remember he filling in (last season!?) at Stoke and playing well.

Dawson and King in @ CB. Bassong when King doesn't make it/Dawson get's back up to speed.

Personally feel Livermore is okay, but lacks any real X factor to make any contribution with the ball. Very much a sideways and back passer, seems to lack the confidence (ability??) to really use the ball to any real effect.

Opinions???

 

[Yid-ol]

How long is Parker out for? i thought he would be back for everton so Kaboul still i ndefence for me

 

[Mr Pink]

Livermore is fine, a more than competent understudy. You want Kaboul in his best position at CB, where he's been an utter beast - madness to upset that in our team at the moment.

Plus Parker will probably be back for the Everton game.

 

[Donki]

I thought Parker was going to be back for next week, Kaboom has been immense in defence I wouldnt shift him TBH. If Parker aint fit Livermore should have enough about him for a weakened Everton team in dire form, we need to give our prospects a chance.

 

[mpickard2087]

Kaboul has been very good at centre back, holding the defence together at times. why would you want to move him?

 

[tototoner]

Redknapp said today at press conference ( via Ben Pearce )

No return dates for Sandro, Gallas or Parker. Sandro and Gallas have torn calves again - and not for first time this season.

 

[Mr Pink]

Yep, here it is (but I'll bet you'll hear positive news on Parker after tomorrow's game :wink

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/129467.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

 

[talkshowhost86]

Saying that all Livermore can do is pass it sideways and backwards isn't really a criticism for a defensive midfielder. All he needs to do is pass it sideways or play it simple. Let Modric, Lennon, VdV, Bale and Ade do the creative stuff.

My bigger concern with Livermore is I'm not sure how much he really breaks up play. Sandro and Parker are both brilliant at that and I'm not sure 'the Liver' does it nearly as well. Time will tell though.

 

[felmani26]

Not that i'm his biggest fan but thought i'd bring his name into this, when is Huddlestone likely to be back?

 

[eddiebailey]

I have always thought Corluka looks more like a defensive midfield than a fullback; think he has more about him on the ball than Kaboul.

Livermore in his long range passing seems to me to be playing percentage balls rather than displaying genuine awareness and creativity. "If I hoof the ball up into that channel, there should be a team-mate making a run..." That is not really good enough at this level.

 

[mpickard2087]

Saying that all Livermore can do is pass it sideways and backwards isn't really a criticism for a defensive midfielder. All he needs to do is pass it sideways or play it simple. Let Modric, Lennon, VdV, Bale and Ade do the creative stuff.

He does tend to keep it simple, I think the posters who are saying this about him though are unfair. The other night he played two or three of the better passes on the night I thought, bypassing their midfield and straight into the frontman. Maybe being new to the team he wants to keep it simple, and his passing range will grow as he becomes more confident.

 

[jamesc0le]

BASSONG? kaboul in midf? AHHRGHHHHHHHH

livermore is a good player.

 

[pal90]

Not that i'm his biggest fan but thought i'd bring his name into this, when is Huddlestone likely to be back?

End February according to Physioroom.

 

[sweyid]

I could see us using Kaboul there, as long as we've got King + Gallas or Dawson playing CB. I don't fancy us playing City with Bassong at CB, death sentence.

 

[felmani26]

End February according to Physioroom.

Thanks :up:

 

[dcarney75]

I'd leave Kaboul at CB, as he's been excellent there this season. Really hope Parker's o.k. for Everton, though. Livermore if he's not.

 

[Mr Pink]

Everton really do have mounting injuries themselves:

http://www.everton.vitalfootball.co.uk/article.asp?a=268118

 

[rockyhotspur]

I am 100% convinced that Parker will be available for Everton.

 

[Mr Pink]

I am 100% convinced that Parker will be available for Everton.

Me to mate. He picked up a knock against Swansea nothing more than that. Harry will just want to play his cards close to his chest.

 

[JollyHappy]

I'd keep Kaboul in defence but I think he'd do a good job centre midfield. Also wonder if he can play in attack - good in the air, quick and hell of a shot. Any chance we can clone him?