Mikel Merino (now playing for Arsenal)

[Collage]

Sounds great. I really like Javi Martinez.

[Kanj]

Interesting bit at the end about playing in a double pivot with Shelvey playing in a role further up the pitch.

[Tiresias]

it won't happen but since 3 at the back is so popular at the moment in premier league wonder if he'd drop back into that david luiz centre back but ball player role. My slight concern (and it is a slight concern) is the prevalent 3-4-3 formations are almost exactly geared to work against the classic 4-2-3-1

[Willow]

We'll stick 3 at the back once we've cemented our place in the champions league spots for a while

[Tiresias]

 

I 99% agree but it's also worth noting the reasons for its sudden success. Know they went down but Hull did well with it at bottom of table, if Silva had been there for longer they'd have stayed up

[Guest]

Howay, just announce it NUFC.

[joeyt]

 

I 99% agree but it's also worth noting the reasons for its sudden success. Know they went down but Hull did well with it at bottom of table, if Silva had been there for longer they'd have stayed up

 

Marco Silva barely played 3 at the back with Hull

[triggs]

 

I 99% agree but it's also worth noting the reasons for its sudden success. Know they went down but Hull did well with it at bottom of table, if Silva had been there for longer they'd have stayed up

 

Marco Silva barely played 3 at the back with Hull

You sure? Thought Maguire played on the right of a back three for them?

[joeyt]

I thought he usually played quite a classic 4-4-2 with Ranocchia and Maguire as CBs and two wingers. Might be wrong like

[Guest]

German media announcing the deal is done.

[xLiaaamx]

Option to buy rather than Obligation now.

[Tiresias]

I thought he did, fair enough if he didn't. Anyway my point being the front threes can get behind double pivots and overload 4 at the back. I am a bit concerned that the usual tactic against chelsea was to copy with a back 3, seemed to work best mind. I always thought you have to get behind the wing backs and pack midfield against it mind.

[AyeDubbleYoo]

Option to buy rather than Obligation now.

 

I think we take options and give obligations.

[Tiresias]

Option to buy rather than Obligation now.

 

Are there any circumstances where dortmund could refuse to sell him in a years time with these deals?

[xLiaaamx]

Option to buy rather than Obligation now.

 

Are there any circumstances where dortmund could refuse to sell him in a years time with these deals?

Nah. Once you put in an Option its out of your hands.

[Guest neesy111]

Option to buy rather than Obligation now.

 

Are there any circumstances where dortmund could refuse to sell him in a years time with these deals?

 

If their is a set fee agreed then no.  Player still needs to decide whether they want to join permanently though.

[Tiresias]

Then honestly a good thing if he's pap

 

edit: aaah yeah if rafa goes he could say shove off to us

[Guest palnese]

https://twitter.com/ggfn_/status/890670477387079681

[Stifler]

Seen this ITK wannabe reporting 2 day old news as breaking news.

 

[Altamullan]

"Benitez has recruited him to start games and he’s likely to be part of a double pivot midfield – one of two defensive-minded midfielders who can break up play, set up attacks and help Newcastle to dominate possession. It’s also good news for Jonjo Shelvey, who will be the creative force for Newcastle next season: the stage he craved when he left Swansea."

 

Great article from The Chronic, him and Hayden--seems a very young central pairing--with Shelvey on point. Not bad, but surely there's an older head coming in?

[Ketsbaia]

Hoping it's an obligation tbh, that's how I confident I am of his success here.

[louistoon]

"Benitez has recruited him to start games and he’s likely to be part of a double pivot midfield – one of two defensive-minded midfielders who can break up play, set up attacks and help Newcastle to dominate possession. It’s also good news for Jonjo Shelvey, who will be the creative force for Newcastle next season: the stage he craved when he left Swansea."

 

Great article from The Chronic, him and Hayden--seems a very young central pairing--with Shelvey on point. Not bad, but surely there's an older head coming in?

 

Must be what the Samerias/McCarthy rumours are about. Signings only make sense if we're dropping the 4231, and going for a 41221 or somethings similar, hence no need for a number 10, at least in most games. We'll probably revert to 4231 at home to some of the lesser teams in the league with De Jong playing the number 10 role.

[Dave]

[KaKa]

"Benitez has recruited him to start games and he’s likely to be part of a double pivot midfield – one of two defensive-minded midfielders who can break up play, set up attacks and help Newcastle to dominate possession. It’s also good news for Jonjo Shelvey, who will be the creative force for Newcastle next season: the stage he craved when he left Swansea."

 

Great article from The Chronic, him and Hayden--seems a very young central pairing--with Shelvey on point. Not bad, but surely there's an older head coming in?

 

Probably McCarthy or Samaris to partner him? Both are more seasoned.

 

Then subs will be Hayden, and at this point ... Colback ... really wish we could get someone in to replace Colback as a back up. The idea of him being involved in any capacity is very upsetting.

[KaKa]

 

Really good to hear that. Happy for Rafa. The guy has been putting up with so much nonsense.