Bentaleb and Other Midfield Conundra

Article by Simon Lipson

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During a game at the Lane in 1987, legendary striker Clive Allen fluffed a couple of passes around the halfway line to fairly benign groans from the faithful. The guy behind me, however, was inflamed and bellowed, ‘What is it you actually do, Allen, you tart?’ What, apart from the 49 goals, you mean? I thought, but didn’t say, on the basis that 7 foot 2 skinheads with trees for biceps are as entitled to their opinions as everyone else.

Yet, once in a while, I find myself directing similar criticism at young Nabil Bentaleb, albeit without the flying spittle and loathing. Now, I know there are legions of Bentaleb admirers out there who will be wondering if I’ve completely lost it, but here’s the thing – I think the world of the boy, too, which make this criticism all the more painful. I hope, however, it is also constructive.

It wasn’t that long ago that Twitter was awash with Bentaleb haters who saw him as Sherwood’s ‘fuck you’ to the fans. As one of Tim’s proteges he was staying in the team no matter what. Now, grudgingly, it seems Tim knew what he was on about, easier to allow now that he and his gilet are safely up the motorway.

But the thing is this: Too often Bentaleb is content to lay the ball off sideways or backwards to Dier or Vertonghen or, suicidally, Fazio, to lump upfield. Here’s a boy who can beat a man, see a pass and make a tackle and also seems well equipped to score goals. What’s he doing offloading responsibility? Yes, he’s young, but he’s played at a World Cup Finals, and you only had to witness his majestic performance during the first half of the Capital One Cup final to know that he can be fearless and brilliantly destructive.

I sometimes feel he gets himself into a negative mindset, too scared to make a mistake. Now look, we’ve got Paulinho to make useless two yard passes (usually misplaced) and scuff shots backwards, but he’s got the excuse of talentlessness. Bentaleb hasn’t. That said, he’s improving all the time and I hope Poch instils in him the kind of confidence and belief that Harry has feasted on so that we get the best out of one of our most gifted players.

Which leaves me with the remaining 26 midfielders to consider. There’s not enough space or time for that, and some might be leaving anyway – Capoue, Paulinho (please) and others – but I do think Poch has to get his head around his preferred playing style and personnel sharpish. He likes his two holders, but that often means using the headless Andros, the bonkers Lamela or sticking Eriksen on the left wing. And it can leave Harry isolated. Does he want wingers? Should they always be inverted? One striker or two? August isn’t that far away.

Anyway, here’s a quick assessment of the current midfield crop:

Mason – tough, two-footed, fearless, tidy, but I’d like to see him further forward. He did, after all, once score 32 goals from midfield for the reserves.

Townsend – his inexorable brilliance of last season has long dissipated. Why does he hit the target every time with his wrong foot for England but clear the stand for us? I’d keep him as an impact player.

Lamela – the most possession-averse player I’ve ever seen. How do Mason and Vertonghen feel when they’ve battled to wrestle the ball back only for Erik to piss it away? Want him? Take him.

Lennon – revitalized at Everton. Why couldn’t Poch get that fizz out of him? Looks like he’s off.

Pritchard – stellar season in the second tier. Can he translate that to the PL?

Alli – stellar season in the third tier etc etc.

Eriksen – a star. Could use some more muscle to match his increased thatch.

Chadli – can beat a man, cross with both feet, finish, yet I can’t help thinking he could do so much more. Stop worrying about looking handsome, Nacer.

Stambouli – I dunno. Do you?

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