- Jan 28, 2011
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Eriksen, Holtby and Lamella are all better candidates for that particular role surely. Personally, if we are going to play the up and at em Pochettino 4231, I think Dembele is the most vulnerable of all of our CM's including Carroll and Bentaleb. I think Paulinho may struggle too (in the CM2) but he did play that role quite well for Brazil before this world cup (confed cup for example), the problem then is though, he would have to be more disciplined and if you take away his freedom and ergo his goals/assists (8 last year) what do you have left ? As a disciplined double pivoting, quick ball moving CM2 we have better options including the likes of Bentaleb.
I quite liked the Sandro-Dembele pairing we played in the first half of the 12/13 season, which was in a 4231 if I'm not mistaken, although I can't remember who started behind the striker (Sig? Dempsey?). If Dembele can stay fit (a big if I know), then I'd like to think he has a future here and I think he is certainly capable of performing in a CM2.
Paulinho is an odd one, because like you said, he was quite good for Brazil in the confederations cup, so maybe he just needs a proper coach to make sure he's disciplined. It could just be that he needs a rest, because the Paulinho of summer 13 was making lung busting runs through the middle whereas the Paulinho since he rocked up at WHL certainly hasn't been doing that (Stoke game aside).
I don't really know much about Schneiderlin so I can't make an informed decision compared to our current crop of CM's but despite the talent we have in that position a lot of people seem quite pleased by the prospect of signing the guy so I'd hope that he would make a significant impact should we sign him and we'd have an immediate proponent of the Poch ethos in a key position which is a plus point.