[Slick_Footwork]

Had a look at Gallagher's career so far and he has spent most of it playing as a 6 or an 8. It was only at Swansea where he played as a 10. With that history in mind it wouldn't surprise me if Gallagher has been signed to replace Sawyers rather than Krovinovic.

https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/conor-ga...ler/488362

We could then go to a 433, which we did use last season to decent success:

Livermore
Gallagher - Krovinovic
Pereira - Striker - Diangana

You're probably right as he's more combative than Sawyers and that would explain still being linked with Krovinovic.

I think that could be okay against some of the lesser teams, but I'd worry against the top teams with the lack of a true defensive midfielder.

I just feel that Livermore is naturally a box to box player, best at pressing high up the pitch and turning over possession. I think in tough games we will need to sacrifice a number 10 and go with a sitting midfielder alongside Livermore and Gallagher(or another) in the 3. With the current squad we don't have that option and we're relying on Livermore not being injured, suspended or losing form. The latter 2 are pretty much guaranteed based on past history.

I do agree that is what Slav probably has in mind though, for Gallagher to operate in the 8.

I'm just worried if we don't invest in a natural sitter that we're going to be far too open and not have anyone to stop opposition with midfielders who drive with the ball. Grealish, Traore and the like. There will be games when Livermore is booked in the first 10 minutes and we'll be relying on Sawyers and Harper to come on and play in front of the defence and there isn't an ounce of defensive awareness between them.

I do like Krov, so I feel bad saying we don't need him. But he'd be quite far down the list of what we need for me.