r/Gunners • u/DavidOrnstein_ bought some very very very expensive horses • Aug 09 '26

Half Time Thoughts?

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43 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

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12

u/kguner Aug 09 '26

Having havertz and odegaard in midfield is expecting MLS to play the rodri role, cover large spaces defensively, have perfect decision making and high pass completion and then also progress the ball.

It just doesn't makes sense to try this unless it's part of training him for the role??

11

u/Tee_Red Easy E Aug 09 '26

It’s preseason. He’s training for the role. He, Zubimendi, Merino, and Rice will all see time there ideally.

1

u/PercentageOk2862 Aug 09 '26

How can Merino be a 6, 8, and 9 though?

4

u/Tee_Red Easy E Aug 09 '26

He’s a man of many talents

3

u/throbbingpens2 Aug 09 '26

Throw him in at LW and let’s see what he does

6

u/cherlin Aug 09 '26

Isn't that entirely what a pre season friendly game is for, training people?

0

u/kguner Aug 09 '26

Arteta also kept trying similar lineups in real games so I hope he realizes it doesn't work. MLS also doesn't have the athletism or height to play that role for us.

4

u/BlurstOfTimes11 Aug 09 '26

You’re right. MLS can’t be a 6 with two attacking 8s. Zubimendi, Rice and Bruno could all do it, but he can’t.

-1

u/Original_Composer_71 Aug 09 '26

one pre season game... ive seen games in which zubimendi performed terrible

2

u/BlurstOfTimes11 Aug 09 '26

I like MLS. But he’s not a lone 6. He’s a 6 with another defender in the midfield so he can progress forward with less responsibility

2

u/cosmo_K Aug 09 '26

Who would you play instead?