Slaven Bilic as a selection dilemma hanging over the involvement of Arthur Masuaku and Declan Rice ahead of the match against Spurs at the weekend.
The manager made a point of drawing special attention to Rice’s performance against Bolton describing him as having the brain of a 30 year old and finding it impossible to decide whether he would be a better central defender or midfelder.
He will have Reid and Ogonna available for the match against Spurs but it will fascinating to see whether the 18 year old could be involved at the back or in front of them should the manager go with a flat back four.
Most good judges gave rave reviews to the teenager who has clearly forced his way into Bilic’s thinking for Saturday whilst Masuaka’s performance and sensational goal will put him in with a shout over Aaron Cresswell who has been off colour at times this season.
A well struck goal by Masuaku, but a steady performance against weak Bolton’s more weakend team, should not be enough to move Cresswell, who has already shown recently what a good footballer and defender he is.
Rice on the other hand should be between Fonte and Reid on Saturday. He has shown maturity, but also gives me ( at least ) more confidence than Ogbonna ( even allowing for his well struck goal ).
With Haksabanovic, Holland and Quina showing up well on Tuesday, it won’t be long before they are knocking on the door too ( for those who need an exotic name to support, Haksabanovic is not bad ).
Agree with Rice tho I would like to see him on Right of Reid so he can come out and pass and Zab can cover him some and help. I am glad that Bilic played him at CB I was worried he could be written off from 1 mistake tho he is so composed and promising.
Also this is the first time in year we have had 3 striker that are fit and all good and they each offer a different style of play. Tho Sahko’s behavior was horrible if he is gonna to be played then use him more than 10m off the bench I actually think him and Chic would make good partnership.
But I think Arnie will start and I would like to see Chicarito start as well and AC for Impact.
Either way it is good to have 3 strikers to chose from.
And imagine Marko will take over set pieces where his did look good against Bton and Cressie’s have not been great of late nor his crosses I actually think Masuaku is better suited in Wzb role on current form but since it is Spurs and Cressie I’d better defensively he will start unfortunately we haven’t seen the Sam Cressie since his Injury. Which is worry some had such a hood left foot what happened