So which are the the teams with one of these magical DMs that stop their sides conceding any goals?

[Ashberto]

FWIW - I read that we have the 4th best defensive record and are 3rd in goals scored (not allowed to say offensive record, as it sounds dangerously Americano). I haven't looked at the table to confirm this.

[Steve-OH]

[East Upper for Supper]

Essien played in a a few, mackalele was useful before then. United had scholes, Keane, That's all for now.

Most successful teams if not all have a useful dm.
Hope that helps.

[Ashberto]

and while Yaya is a contemporary example I doubt we'll be in the market for him.

In other words, who could we realistically buy who is doing this job now?

[Curly]

[East Upper for Supper]

However if there are Absolutely
no decent dms out there then I will get back to you.

[Luis Anaconda]

or certainly doesn't play there for City

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

A brilliant name you will agree.

French of course, so probably the new Vieira.

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

If you're going down that route.

[redgunamo]

Cheating ******* cup kings is now the preferred term.

[Curly]

[Billy Goat Sverige]

[redgunamo]

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

[Luis Anaconda]

I blame Makalele and therefore Chelsea that every midfield player must be christened either defensive or attacking. They are central midfield players, you can have ones that do both

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

[Billy Goat Sverige]

Deal completed.

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

I note also that Llorente slipped through the net.

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

[redgunamo]

[Monty91]

In our current formation you could theoretically have a specialist who just sits. I think Arteta could do this, but if nothing else it would be a waste of his talents, as he is also a good presser, passer and has a good shot.

[Luis Anaconda]

[East Upper for Supper]

[Ashberto]

Cannot tell water from champagne.


etc

[PSRB]

Fellaini off?

[Curly]

He scored his fair share from (poor)memory

[Billy Goat Sverige]

[East Upper for Supper]

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

Which in a way makes Arteta almost perfect for the role as to use pundit parlance he may struggle to get up and down the pitch what with his advancing years.

Intelligence, tactical awareness, passing ability.

[Ashberto]

Could turn out to be a useful pairing, as we all hoped long ago, but neither has a University of Makalele Certificate, so cannot possibly be allowed to play together if SC19 is ahead of them.

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

What is the line one must traverse to become a defensive midfielder, rather than just a midfielder who is focussed primarily on the defensive side of things?

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

[PSRB]

wouldn't complain if we got him......£20m seems about right imo

[Monty91]

he was a monster. Reminded me of Roy Keane.

But yes, he is getting older...

[Curly]

[Luis Anaconda]

[Steve Williams - gay for Mark Knopfler]

But perhaps less mobile than Wilshere and Diaby who I think we would agree on being Arsene's first choice trio if and when fitness allows.

[Luis Anaconda]

the system dictates what sort of role they play as opposed to a player really being a defensive midfield player

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

As if any more proof were needed :hehe:

http://i.imgur.com/SLZ7bv4.png

[Monty91]

[Luis Anaconda]

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

[Luis Anaconda]

apt term if we must label

What about a ball-winning midfielder like Vieira whose job was to press and get possession in the opposition half - these are defensive traits but he certainly wasn't a defensive midfielder

[Luis Anaconda]

[halfsharkalligatorhalfman]

Or that's what the fans would give him endless stick for at any rate.

[redgunamo]

Naturally we'd presume him to be more defensive-minded than other midfielders who hadn't.

If you follow me.