Frank’s right for once, we do need a physical holding midfielder, but is it a position that’s being slowly phased out in the modern game?

I usually disagree with much of what Frank McAvennie has to say regarding team affairs, but yesterday he was talking about our need for a holding midfielder, and I reckon that he was spot on.

McAvennie reckons that we haven’t fully replaced Scott Brown and need someone in the mould of Broony or Neil Lennon to strengthen our midfield, and he is right. A combative midfielder with power and presence would fully complement the likes of Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor, Matt O’Riley (if he stays) and Paulo Bernardo (when he signs).

It would make us more solid particularly in Europe where our midfield is seen as a bit lightweight. Callum McGregor currently occupies that role, and despite being a fantastic leader, he’s much more of a creative player than an ‘in your face’ kind of performer. It has to be said though, that the ‘old fashioned’ holding type of player has dramatically declined in the modern game these past few years.

Gone are the days of a Roy Keane, and a Neil Lennon type of player. Nowadays most ‘defensively’ minded midfielders are known for their passing ability and reading of the game rather than being a physical presence.

The likes of Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, and Sergio Busquets were players who helped change the way we think of that position by using their skill and guile instead of brute force to dominate the middle of the park.

Even our own legendary Scott Brown despite his reputation, had more of a football brain than most gave him credit for. The nearest we have to that at the moment is Tomoki Iwata who played a key role this season and has established himself as a vital squad member, and an ideal replacement for Callum McGregor when required.  But Tomoki is technical, defensive minded and cautious but is not exactly a warrior in the Scott Brown mould.

Is the day of the stereotypical physical in your face holding midfielder slowly phasing out?  If there was a younger version of Scott Brown coming through he’d be worth a lot of money!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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