It probably not going to happen, I know, and some may think this a horrible idea but… I would push VVD into the DM role and buy Leicesters Harry Maguire to replace VVD in defence. Doing means we get a ready-made DM and replace him in defence with someone who could very quickly become just as formidable as VVD.
Part of my reasoning for this comes from a reminder of VVDs positional adaptability and his goal today against Portugal, VVD has great feet for a big man and showed that with his well-taken volley. Ironically, Maguire was really good recently against the Netherlands and also helped keep Brazils Neymar and Co quiet in the previous international friendlies. And it’s not just internationals, league form wise, when we played Leicester he was their best player despite Salah getting the better of him in the end.
As for VVD, I’ve always thought there’s a DM in him, and out of all the players who have ever been played out of position VVD isn’t the worst idea to me. I know he’s a beast in defence and I know we’ve only just filled that CB issue but that’s where Harry Maguire comes into play, sometimes I see him as a possible ‘English VVD’. With Harry Maguire at CB, we would still preserve the quality (somewhat) of our defence. And if we are REALLY going wild, I would also get highly praised James Tarkowski of Burnley to partner Maguire.
I may be mad for thinking this but I would rather have VVD in DM than Henderson. VVD is fast, strong, tall and actually is a pretty good passer of the ball both long and short, he also would be perfect protecting and lining up with Keita in front of him.
Teamwise for me I like the idea of:
Mane/Fekir Firmino Salah
Ox/Lemar
Keita
VVD
Robertson Maguire Tarkowski Gomez
Probably won’t come cheap, will be 150m minimum for those four players, but if we use some the Coutinho money and sell other players we are sorted I think 🙂