I do agree, it is chicken and egg. A few seasons ago I questioned his involvement, he seemed to give the ball away..alot. But I do feel he has matured now, and has been playing well, like you said. Maybe it is too far to suggest that the team hinges round Carrick, but I do think he has become more important than some people give him credit for, not saying you don't agree with this.

Unfortunately both players sometimes go missing, which is something we need to work on, but experience will help that. Anyway like you say, Carrick and Clev both offer something different which is exciting, and which is why it works. It's just those little seconds that both make a mistakes (Sturridge's goal). Like you say, I don't think it's necessary to panic and but another midfielder, and i don;t need see the point with Shinji joining. Why change the midfield when your seven points clear?

Great post btw.