With reports recently suggesting that both Soungoutou Magassa and Edson Alvarez have done enough to impress Nuno Espírito Santo and force their way back into contention, many supporters have been left wondering where they fit into a squad already well stocked in central midfield.
Tomas Soucek has now returned from injury, and the battle for starting places is fiercer than ever.
However, one point that has been overlooked is that while both players are naturally comfortable in midfield, crucially they have also shown they can operate effectively at centre-back when required.
Alvarez has built much of his career on being a defensive midfielder, but he has regularly featured as a centre-back for his former clubs and country. The Mexican international is officially recognised as a player who can perform in either position, having played in defence during spells with Club América, Ajax and the Mexico national team. His physicality, aerial ability and composure in possession make him a natural fit at the heart of the defence whenever tactical adjustments are needed.
Magassa can play as a centre-back if needed
Meanwhile, Magassa offers a similar level of flexibility. Although often viewed as a defensive midfielder, the Frenchman made a significant impact at Monaco while playing as a left-sided centre-back. During the 2023/24 season he established himself in Monaco’s first-team squad playing predominantly in that role, helping the club secure a second-place finish in Ligue 1.
For Nuno, this versatility creates additional tactical possibilities. If injuries strike or the team requires extra defensive solidity, either player can drop into the back line without forcing a major reshuffle elsewhere. It also opens the door to in-game tactical switches, allowing the manager to move between a back four and a back three with minimal disruption.
In a long and demanding campaign, as long as Alvarez and Magassa’s focus is now on being part of the team, this gives Nuno flexibility over and above many Championship clubs and further reinforces the embarrassment of riches available to him. Which in turn will be music to the ears of the club ownership with Head of Recruitment Nils Koppen already suggesting that January will be a quiet transfer window!
Give both of them a go ahead of Kilman, can’t do much worse!
Matt, I forsee that the longer the season goes on, the more squad rotation will come about.
There’ll be several ( must not lose) games where pragmatism and physicality will trump, skill and technical abilities in team selection.
I hope there is some truth to this. We can’t afford to waste the considerable talents of these two elite players. Alvarez in particular is an established international leader, and Magassa will be a force in the game himself one day.