I don't think he has the defensive ability nor the technical ability to dictate pace and tempo. It was difficult enough getting his defensive work rate to where it was suitable for his advanced role, can't imagine what it would do to him if he needs to be even more defensive. I would rather he plays in his current role which suits him fine, than force him into a role that he is less suited for. Instead of playing that deep, it's better to change the formation.
With Wanyama + Dembele, Dembele was the playmaker and would have fit in the role we are currently missing. You might think they are similar, but Ndombele is nothing like that Dembele
Fair enough, i disagree on almost all of that - especially wrt to Ndombeles qualities as a player and his suitability to the seperate roles being discussed.
I wouldn't describe M.Dembele as a playmaker, I've never actually heard him described as such before. Eriksen was the playmaker in that team, albeit from an advanced position, M.Dembele was more of number 8/box to box but with standout dribbling skills.
Ndombele's skillset, for me, lie halfway between a deep playmaker and a box to box type, hence why he has had little impact in the final third despite playing there most the time and yet clearly having a good passing range/eye for a pass/good dribbling abilities - i feel he'd have more impact deeper, getting on the ball earlier, setting counter moves off, carrying the ball forwards and progressing the ball to the final third players than he is suited to being the one to play that final pass, which clearly isn't his strong point hence why Dele, in his worst season creates and assists at a better rate than Ndombele has ever offered. He can run the show, but to do so he needs to be in thevright area - which is deep.
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