Best team line up with Leonard in midfield

[LJBlade]

How is he a better proposition in any way? If anything Lundstram has the superior pedigree, slightly more experience and has been the best player on the pitch in at least 2 of the last 4 games.

Personally I think a few on here are letting our long pursuit of Leonard sway their thinking. I’m not saying he isn’t and won’t be a very good player for us but some might be expecting too much too soon. Doing that can lead to disappointment and added pressure for the player himself.

 

[robbiez666]

I think Leonard will replace Lundstram, but they'll both play a lot of games. I also think, we'll see Fleck, Lundstram and Leonard in a midfield 3 at times. If he signs, obviously. We're all getting a bit ahead of ourselves. It's not like us to sign a player who has so many posts in a thread.

 

[Luke1993]

Is windass to challenge Duffy? And replace carruthers? That's if we are in for him and if we can get him, both big ifs

 

[Rob86]

Brooks when fit ?

Yeah I'm just not sure Brooks has the experience to do what Duffy does at the moment that's all. Brooks is very good and a very exciting player I just don't think he's experienced enough to influence a game like Duffy who is a constant link between midfield and up front when he's on it.

Don't get me wrong and I am probably nit picking and being greedy because someone as good as Duffy will cost big. But for me a like for like swap for Duffy, plus 2 new strikers, and I'd fancy us to have a serious go at the top 6.

With Leonard in now (Now I know where he plays) in I think we are sorted up to the front 3 in terms of cover and options.

 

[Upton_Blade]

1st choice 11 imo with everyone (except Coutts) fully fit.

.................. Moore .................
....... Bash .. Stears .. JOC ......
Baldock .......................... Stevens
...Leonard .. Lundstrum .. Fleck ..
.............. Duffy ..............................
....................... Clarke ....................

 

[fintious maximus]

I reckon we leave it to Mr Wilder

 

[Bergen Blade]

From the bits I've seen and read; Leonard is a very athletic midfielder. Tallish (6'1), strong, quick, covers large areas, tackles well, working box to box. He's scored some goals at Southend, but hasn't usually played in the most attacking role. He can do a marking job at defensive set pieces, and also increase our aerial threat in the opposition box. He'll add the option of a long throw and as the captain of Southend will add leadership qualities. At 25 he's approaching his peak years as a midfielder, and several players' improvement under Wilder is something that bodes well for him. He seems to have remained popular with the Southend fans, despite asking for a transfer and being very keen on the move to us.

What we shouldn't expect is playmaker qualities like Coutts. In that respect I don' think he adds more than Lundstram either, so creativity, flair and the right touch of arrogance shouldn't be expected. But he's got a lot of qualities that we haven't got and I really look forward to seeing how he fits in, how Wilder wants to use him and which (if any) tactical tweaks he'll do to get the most out of him. We haven't had many similar midfielders previously, as many have seemed to be either a limited work horse or a passer with limited athleticism. I think the closest we've had in midfield would be Jagielka when he played there.

 

[Rodley]

Think he’ll contest Lundstrams spot.

 

[Rodley]

From the bits I've seen and read; Leonard is a very athletic midfielder. Tallish (6'1), strong, quick, covers large areas, tackles well, working box to box. He's scored some goals at Southend, but hasn't usually played in the most attacking role. He can do a marking job at defensive set pieces, and also increase our aerial threat in the opposition box. He'll add the option of a long throw and as the captain of Southend will add leadership qualities. At 25 he's approaching his peak years as a midfielder, and several players' improvement under Wilder is something that bodes well for him. He seems to have remained popular with the Southend fans, despite asking for a transfer and being very keen on the move to us.

What we shouldn't expect is playmaker qualities like Coutts. In that respect I don' think he adds more than Lundstram either, so creativity, flair and the right touch of arrogance shouldn't be expected. But he's got a lot of qualities that we haven't got and I really look forward to seeing how he fits in, how Wilder wants to use him and which (if any) tactical tweaks he'll do to get the most out of him. We haven't had many similar midfielders previously, as many have seemed to be either a limited work horse or a passer with limited athleticism. I think the closest we've had in midfield would be Jagielka when he played there.

Great post Bergs. He’s nothing like Coutts or Duffy. Should add some dynamism and athleticism in the middle!

 

[LJBlade]

Think he’ll contest Lundstrams spot.

I’d have thought that would mean a slight change in the way we play, if suggestions that he isn’t a proper ‘ball player’ are to be believed.

 

[Pinchy]

Can play in either of the 3 midfield spots. Adds competition for places, which is something we lack

Another bad day for the language...

 

[Pinchy]

In regard to what has been said above, he needs to find his feet in the squad, get to know the lads and then play his way into the side.

That said, this could effectively provide us with a versatile 5 battling for 3 spots, which always encouraging: Duffy, Fleck, Lundstram, Brooks and now Leonard. That's without factoring in Whiteman and Carruthers or Slater. Then there's the eventual return of Coutts. One signing and suddenly things are looking up again. UTB.

Especially as Wilder doesn’t see it as an eleven man game. He fully expects 14 to play a part and plans accordingly as well as having a remarkable eye for what changes need to be made and when, if things are not going to said plan.

It’s very difficult to have too many good midfield players. Remember when we were restricted to Doyle, Monty and other assorted ragamuffins?

 

[Pinchy]

He can play right back, central defence and midfield he has a good long throw too, as mentioned earlier so the lad is the most versatile player we have had since Greg Halford.

I do hope he’s a good deal better. Halford was nearly but not quite good enough in lots of positions until he disappeared with Cotterill and Howard shortly before kick-off at Wembley. The sort of versatility from which we’ve moved on, I trust.

 

[SUFC Handsworth]

Lundstrum at best has been hit and miss, if we're serious at getting promotion and Leonard is as good as we hope then he gets the Coutts role.

 

[Pinchy]

Leonard is a defensive midfielder. We really could do with a player to challenge Duffy for me though

Well that’s certainly not Lenny’s game. Sadly it appears it’s not Sammy’s either.

Stay fit until Brooksy matures a bit, Duff.

 

[Pinchy]

Brooks when fit ?

...and a bit more experienced. The ten million pound kid has a lot to learn. That’s reality, not criticism. I’m sure he’d say the same thing and quite certain the manager would.

 

[Pinchy]

As we reach the new year, the unthinkable for some has happened and Sharp is no longer an automatic choice. Don’t be surprised if we have a similar situation in midfield this time next year. Who knows how good Jonny L will become? Couttsy will be back. Lenny may very well have established himself. Hopefully Fleck still around. More recruitment in this department in the Summer?

There could be very fierce and healthy completion for places in the not too distant feature and not one of them (including my own favourite) should have a free pass.

 

[Woodwardfan]

As we reach the new year, the unthinkable for some has happened and Sharp is no longer an automatic choice. Don’t be surprised if we have a similar situation in midfield this time next year. Who knows how good Jonny L will become? Couttsy will be back. Lenny may very well have established himself. Hopefully Fleck still around. More recruitment in this department in the Summer?

There could be very fierce and healthy completion for places in the not too distant feature and not one of them (including my own favourite) should have a free pass.

Last summer Wilder focused on new recruits for midfield despite the fact Coutts, Duffy and Fleck had been key players in the Champions side.

He went for and got Stevens, Baldock, Ludstram and now he has finally signed Leonard. He signed Carruthers the previous January. He failed to sign Holmes.

Wilder is planning for promotion and graduation to the Premier League. Midfield was uppermost in his mind last summer but he should be happier with his midfield strength now. Whatever the first choice line-up is in 12 months time who knows? Certainly no 'free passes' and Lundstram and Leonard will be big players. Baldock too maybe but Freeman will be back soon in any case. Stevens will get back to speed I'm sure.

My priority now would be pacey striker. Brooks will keep Duffy on his toes and the strikers too.

 

[Woodwardfan]

Moore/Blackman

Basham Wright/ Stearman O'Connell

Freeman/Baldock Lundstram /Coutts Leonard/Fleck Stevens/?

Duffy/Brooks

Clarke Donaldson/?

Power, energy and tenacity in midfield by the bucket load.

 

[Chali 2na]

Can play in either of the 3 midfield spots. Adds competition for places, which is something we lack

No he can't (at least as far as I've seen). He isn't built for the Duffy role, which requires creativity, flair and a willingness to carry the ball which doesn't seem to be his obvious strength.

I think he's competing for the two central midfield roles, not the number 10.

I thought he was the alternative to Duffy ?

No, very different players.

1. Does anyone seriously think that Leonard will be happy to come here just to warm the bench.
2. United's policy is to sign players who are better than we have already got. It's called improving the team. He will start ahead of Lundstram.

1. No, but he may have come expecting to start on the bench and earn a place in the 11. (See Baldock, Wright, Lundstram etc.)
2. If United's policy is to exclusively sign players who are better than we've got, why did he sign Lundstram in the summer? Surely you're not saying Lundstram is better than Coutts and Fleck, and was bought to immediately replace them?

 

[Bladezz]

Leonard is here to challenge Bash.

Lundstram is here to challenge Coutts.

Bash struggled to hold down that holding midfield player in a 3 as we saw so much last year. We can see games out with a leonard and then progress to see where he goes.

Leonard has played right back before also. Could he be the perfect RCB for us?

 

[Bladezz]

Just thread through this topic it’s utterly amazes me how people are writing off Lundstram again already. If he carries on progressing as he is he will be our best midfielder.

The person who’s done the least recently is Fleck. He was very poor against Bolton and got outshone by Lundstram at Bristol and Derby.

 

[I should coco]

Lundstrum at best has been hit and miss,

Eh? If you mean bit parts as a sub while he got to grips with La Liga I get you. Sadly I don't think you mean that.

He's been our best player in 2 of the last 3 games IMHO.

if we're serious at getting promotion and Leonard is as good as we hope then he gets the Coutts role.

Great call apart from the fact that has been pointed out many times above, that he is NOT a playmaker.

 

[Caseh]

Why are people looking at who he is replacing? Cant he just be a quality addition to the squad?

 

[Rodley]

Eh? If you mean bit parts as a sub while he got to grips with La Liga I get you. Sadly I don't think you mean that.

He's been our best player in 2 of the last 3 games IMHO.



Great call apart from the fact that has been pointed out many times above, that he is NOT a playmaker.

We’d play a lot better if Lunny started passing in front of players rather than 3 yards behind them. I remain to be convinced but he’s got a good attitude so won’t bag him out too much.

 

[8lade]

Why are people looking at who he is replacing? Cant he just be a quality addition to the squad?

Was just going to post something very similar, Leonard is principally here as one of the midfield 3; discounting Coutts for now, Brooks isn't competing for one of those places, Basham is a stop gap middy, that leaves Lundstram, Fleck, Duffy, Leonard, (Carruthers), (Slater, Whiteman). I can't see why any 3 from 4 can't play and at this point in the season with injuries and suspensions the team's going to pick itself. Now if we are talking game 1 with a full squad to chose from there may be an argument as to which are the best 3 but over a season game time will be evenly split.

 

[Rodley]

From the bits I've seen and read; Leonard is a very athletic midfielder. Tallish (6'1), strong, quick, covers large areas, tackles well, working box to box. He's scored some goals at Southend, but hasn't usually played in the most attacking role. He can do a marking job at defensive set pieces, and also increase our aerial threat in the opposition box. He'll add the option of a long throw and as the captain of Southend will add leadership qualities. At 25 he's approaching his peak years as a midfielder, and several players' improvement under Wilder is something that bodes well for him. He seems to have remained popular with the Southend fans, despite asking for a transfer and being very keen on the move to us.

What we shouldn't expect is playmaker qualities like Coutts. In that respect I don' think he adds more than Lundstram either, so creativity, flair and the right touch of arrogance shouldn't be expected. But he's got a lot of qualities that we haven't got and I really look forward to seeing how he fits in, how Wilder wants to use him and which (if any) tactical tweaks he'll do to get the most out of him. We haven't had many similar midfielders previously, as many have seemed to be either a limited work horse or a passer with limited athleticism. I think the closest we've had in midfield would be Jagielka when he played there.

Could see Leonard and Fleck being the central pair of a four across midfield With Duffy playing a withdrawn striker and Kent & AN Other wide. Wilder is unlikely to change our system though.

 

[LJBlade]

Lundstrum at best has been hit and miss, if we're serious at getting promotion and Leonard is as good as we hope then he gets the Coutts role.

Would you ask him to play the ‘Coutts role’ the same way Coutts did, despite him apparently being a different type of player?

 

[snootyfenooty]

No he can't (at least as far as I've seen). He isn't built for the Duffy role, which requires creativity, flair and a willingness to carry the ball which doesn't seem to be his obvious strength.

I think he's competing for the two central midfield roles, not the number 10.



No, very different players.



1. No, but he may have come expecting to start on the bench and earn a place in the 11. (See Baldock, Wright, Lundstram etc.)
2. If United's policy is to exclusively sign players who are better than we've got, why did he sign Lundstram in the summer? Surely you're not saying Lundstram is better than Coutts and Fleck, and was bought to immediately replace them?

Lundstram was bought as a squad player last summer, that's been explained earlier in the thread. The JTW is different, you buy someone who can make an immediate impact on the team to give a boost to whatever situation you are in. If Leonard was bought just to sit on the bench Wilder would have waited till summer and got him for nowt and spent the money elsewhere.

Wilder has bought Leonard to play ahead of Lundstram. The same as he bought Stearman to replace Wright, Baldock to replace Freeman and Stevens to replace Lafferty despite the protestations on this forum. Thank fuck CW can see further than the end of his nose.

 

[Chali 2na]

The JTW is different, you buy someone who can make an immediate impact on the team to give a boost to whatever situation you are in.

If by "immediate impact" you mean "immediately starting", I disagree.

If Leonard was bought just to sit on the bench Wilder would have waited till summer and got him for nowt and spent the money elsewhere.

Not if we needed cover between now and then he wouldn't.

Wilder has bought Leonard to play ahead of Lundstram.

That's your opinion, I don't agree.