The Hilton
Full Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2011
- Messages
- 5,409
I think you're underrating how good Heaven actually is on the ball, but yes I do agree Martinez is one of the best in the world in possession at CB so no one will really be able to replace him seamlessly in that sense.
Ideally we get another non Ugarte CM that helps progression/distribution as well. Apart from our obvious attacking shortcomings, the other clear weakness of the side is an inability/unwillingness to both make those threaded/progressive passes through the lines from deeper as well as having players that can quickly take the ball on the turn and drive through the pitch. That's how you beat these modern pressing structures and it's why having athletic/technical carriers all over the pitch is what Amorim eventually wants.
I see a lot of potential in Heaven, but it's his ball carrying rather than distribution that has impressed me the most so far. I'm hoping to see more of him next season.
I agree wholeheartedly with your second paragraph, the only midfielder we have with any real legs is Ugarte, while he's pretty good in tight spaces he can be overwhelmed without support, while Casemiro has the ability but doesn't have the legs to beat the press.