Ray wrote:
People gave similar excuses for not playing Pepe, "he doesn't track back/He's lazy" etc but as soon as he got a decent run and got more used to the league he improved. The only reason to not play Ceballos is if he's made his mind up to return to real, in which case there's not much point investing in him, but it's not like Ozil who is playing that role is exactly pacy, or offering any tangible results like goals/assists to be picked ahead of him. The only other alternative is Willock.
Thing with Pepe is we know what he brings to the table, he gives the ball away cheaply but is quick, great dribbler and has an eye for goal. I don't agree with him not starting, unless there is some fitness issues we should be playing him every week. We've spent £72m on him, we have to make him work!
Ceballos has not shown me anything to suggest he could play that high up the pitch effectively. If anything he looks a bit better deeper as he has more space and time there. In the Premier league it's very high pace and frantic the closer you get to the opposition box and I'm not sure he can perform there. I think we need someone there who is quick, dynamic and an eye for a quick pass and play.