Quote Originally Posted by Ganpati's Goonerz--AFC's Aboriginal Fertility Cult View Post
Oh, PS, LA.

2-3 months ago, I read an article about false 9s and said why don't we play ESR there? Everyone here rightly pointed out that while he'd take loads of the chances Laca's missing, he couldn't do the "dropping deep and also using his strength in and around the box to keep possession and play short passes" bit Laca does so well.

Yet yesterday, Mikel was saying ESR could be a very, very good 9.

But I now agree with what you lot say. A major part of ESR's skill set is that he'll track back and cover to the edge of our own box and then spring forward on the counter. He can do that out-wide or No.10, but couldn't if he was playing as a 9. When we counter in that way, we often end up playing via Laca in the centre circle.

Also strange that he said ESR could play left wing, left AM, right AM and no.9 but not 10 which is what I think his best role would be, though I fully accept Odin's been great there and we should work the other 3 around that.

I'm also not sure what the difference is between a left winger and left AM, and why he can play right AM but not right wing.
I'd still be wary of using him at false 9 because I don't think the team is strong enough for him to play that role - not just him. Interesting about the right wing. I would say attacking midfielders are old-fashioned inside forwards which I think he is perfect to play the role. On the right maybe Arteta doesn't think he has the ability to hog the touchline and play as orthodox winger - were as on the left he has the element of surprise to do that as his left foot is surprisingly good (check out how many goals he scores left-footed). Not really sure though