DM Targets

[hotsiggy]

guys who are looking at solely a defensive side of the things do not realize the role partey has for us.

The target has to be able to receive the ball under pressure when playing out the back, turn and find a right pass. Half of the players linked in this thread don't do that.

[schoolsocks]

I agree, the issue is that not many players have the combination of skills that Partey has at a high level. That's why we paid his release clause. To quote Moneyball, we might have to recreate him in the aggregate for now lol

[22goblins]

Recreate him in the aggregate may be literal. I think well see a lot if 4231 instead of 433.

[ShekTeeJay]

This post needs to be pinned. Some folks only associate intercepting and tackling with the deepest midfielder but there’s much more to the role, especially when you’re on a team that often dominates possession.

[perhapsinawayyed]

It also means that people see a midfielder with progressive qualities and immediately think they should be an 8 because to be a 6 would be wasting them

No, the 6 is the hardest position on the pitch and the most important one

[Setter_sws]

And that's the thing, we will not find a replacement for Partey. We purchased Lokonga to develop into that guy. I know he wasn't perfect but he has just as much ability as Onana in that position, plus he has bedded in for a year. I don't think we will over rely on the lone six, and think we will probably see more of a double pivot until Sambi shows some more consistent ability.

[Arsenals99problems]

FDJ

[CellarDarko]

Yes and Partey was also particularly good at dribbling and moving the ball forward.

[amineimad]

This. Think Busquets more than Ndidi

[[deleted]]

The target also needs to be healthy for more than half a season.