RocktheCasbah
1) The Pole has a lot of pace, a lot more than Holding. Therefore, we can afford to play a high line. The negative domino effect of playing Holding (to the entire rest of the team) will be mitigated. He is less likely to pick up yellow cards or get sent off if he loses his man like Holding often does (see Son last year as prime example).
2) He is a better footballer than Holding and can pass out better from the back meaning Partey doesn’t have to play so deep to cover him. Kiowr’s passing is more progressive too meaning we can attack in a lot more coherent way.
3) There is no emotional baggage with the Pole. He doesn’t give out negative energy to the rest of the team.
4) He is more physical and better in the air than Holding. Bloody Holding lost a header to the giant Sterling a few years ago.
5) He is not Rob Holding. That in itself is upside.
If you can’t tell, I view Holding as an absolute liability - the same as Mustafi. He is our Maguire unfortunately.
