Then we need to get Amartey into the starting line up in central defence.
That's a question I've been pondering, and I think we're not a million miles apart in our thinking.
Amartey is clearly a valuable and versatile player who should start. We haven't played him at centre back before, though he played there in AFCON, and Ndidi is clearly our first choice in central midfield so almost by a process of elimination it means Amartey goes to central back. He probably would have last night but for the desire to rest Simpson; Amartey is almost punished for being versatile!
Then for me the question was which centre back would Amartey replace. I opted for Morgan because I feel Huth is more dependable; less mobile but solid. A Benny/Amartey combo has me feel uncertain - I'm not comfortable in replacing both Huth and Morgan - so your thought of going 5 at the back would address that. Chilwell is clearly a capable wingback and Simpson can play the role too.
As I've said, I like Mendy. I think an Ndidi/Mendy centre midfield combo is the way forward. I've got a downer on Drinkwater, I'll admit, but I would have him on the bench. Might buck his ideas up if he realises he's not nailed on as a starter.
I'm having wobbles about Slimani. At this moment, I actually don't see him as a marked improvement on Ulloa. I will accept though that we are not playing well enough as a team for him to show us what he can do. I've also a bit of a downer on Mahrez (perhaps shamefully, last season I saw his limitations) but maybe him providing for Slimani will bring the best out in both.
I like Musa, I like his energy and willingness but I've yet to see a consistent something from him that screams 'pick me'. Gray, on the other hand, has recently shown exactly that. I was really impressed with him against Man U; he seemed to have matured. He continued that path last night; a demonstration of skill without the selfishness. His all-round game was superb.
So, yes, a long wibble to broadly say I agree!
