retired_lucinda

Well Claude Makelele is getting much older these days and I been wanting a replacement for a while...

I have had a look at Banega but I wasn't much of a fan. I need a young great defensive midfielder who can fill makelele's shoes. So far I have narrowed it down to Hamsik from Napoli and Muamba from Birmingham.

Who do you recommend?

retired_krookedpinkies

Have a look at Miguel Veloso from sporting CP can play DM and DC, good solid young player and a starter for portgual in my game... can get him for a reasonable price but obviously it will cost you more than say Muamba who i aint much fan of..

retired_tlcarino

im not sure if these guys are in your budget or not, but you can pick up zapater and poulsen from spain for 7 mil. (release clause). both solid.

retired_krookedpinkies

Im guessing his managing Chelsea?

What budget?

retired_lucinda

haha...yes I am managing Chelsea!
I was hoping to buy a young defensive midfielder who can develop in to a great one (i.e. wonderkid)

Hmm yes I think Veloso is a good choice. Any other recommendations? Dont worry I have enough money!

retired_durham1984

Check out Banega, who is the next Pirlo.

retired_kittyajh

Clement Chantome from Paris Saint Germain.

Touted as the next Patrick Vieira.


T.V.

retired_jfarleymeade1

It occurs to me that you already have your replacement: Michael Essien.

APPLICANT

I depends on which kind of DMC you'd like.
Do you want a hardtackling, hardworking, strong player? Then you've already got Essien who's one of the best in the game. If you want another one then have a look at Sunny from Valencia. He looks amazing.

If you want a more creative player (think Pirlo, Xabi Alonso) who can lay on some nice passes then I'd strongly recommend Banega as you mentioned yourself.
After my scouts said he had the potential to be a lot better than Essien, I bought him for my Chelsea team and actually had him tutored by Makelele. He's now 20 and labelled 'Wonderkid' and simply has amazing stats.
Other good picks would be Veloso or Gago for this role.

retired_lucinda

Should I use Michael Essien because DM is not a natural position for him. Is it possible to make it natural? Will it affect his game?

I do have Gosling and Inter want him but I don't think he can fill Makelele's place.

The problem with Banega which annoys me is that his tackling isn't that good unless it improves.

So far Veloso seems the best choice for me however I'm not going to buy him because I will use Essien instead. However I will take a further scouting approach to Banega because he interests me.

Hmm what do you think? Any more players?