Eze was poor and culpable for the first goal. Merino was poor and leggy looking.

Kai is desperately needed

That’s fair. Was more focused on the “cover for” Ode part. I do think that’s true, from a strictly role aspect. Eze and Ethan (and other CM options) don’t really play the way he does. But to your point, we certainly have CMs outside of Ode who bring “creativity and invention,” just in different ways

I don’t disagree with that. I just also don’t consider that an option until we see it (à la Nelli as a ST)

Controversial take: think the messaging is wrong but the premise that we don’t have cover for Ode’s specific role is correct. Saying we lack midfield depth is silly but we play v diff without Ode because of his skill set (which is pretty unique and obviously makes it difficult to find cover for him)

Not much a difference with when he is tbf

Mostly agreed. My hope lies in we should have offensive reinforcements coming after the break, so we lose defensive (and offensive) ability with Big Gabi but hopefully we balance that with some better attacking

And he’s a CHILD!

hE’s nO ReEcE jAMeS

Players play and we just gotta accept it

Just have to start 4 teenagers every game