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Best Attacking Midfielders

So with three attacking midfield options, who do you play? I’ll take it position by position.

Left Wing

On the left there is only one choice if fit, and that is Payet. He was instrumental in us getting into such a great position last season and his passing combined with his goal threat is invaluable, even if he is not a conventional winger.

He isn’t going to knock a ball past the right back and knock the ball up into the box, what he offers is better. Requiring only half a yard of space to pick a pass, his trickery usually buys him just that. Able to pass with either foot and find a striker is great, but he’s devastating when he comes inside. I hope he links with Masuaku as well as he did with Cresswell, because they had great interplay down that side.

Central Attacking Midfield

In the middle there is also only one choice for me, Lanzini. Some people think Payet should play here, but Lanzini’s pace and Payet’s effectiveness out wide tips it for me. Noble has filled in admirably in early season, but just doesn’t quite have it. We’ve really missed the little Argentine.

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Lanzini can also pass well on both sides, and his quick mind and feet get him out of tricky situations. He also has a great ability to spot runs and ghost inside defensive lines, which always helps the strikers. His goal threat that we saw last season is also top class, and he’s a huge asset.

Right Wing

On the right is the issue. With Ayew injured at least we don’t have to consider him. Given form and fitness Antonio has to be the answer at the moment, although Feghouli could well come back in once he has returned to fitness, especially if he plays as well as he did pre-season.

Antonio will hopefully make his England debut later today, and is one of our most effective players. He doesn’t quite play the way Bilic wants, which means that if his form comes off the boil he could find himself on the bench quite quickly, but he is certainly a massive impact player.

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