Don't want to interrupt the talk about quality, bot got some question on Kovacic-topic:
Some people see him playing better a row up front in am. I agree in the points, that he seems to be able to play this, especially because we need hard work am on the pitch, because of compensation of defensively "weak" Cassano. So he might fit in AM position in 4-3-1-2 or even in trequartista role in 4-3-3.
But I see a diffenerence in between, where a player can play best out of his individual class, and where a player can have most impact on the teams game. So no matter if playing 4-3-3 or 4-3-1-2, there should always be Gargano and Cambiasso (without injuries it should be Obi instead of Gargano) in DM to cover up the offensiv play. The one does it with view and knowledge plus class, the other with willingness and heart - workable couple in my eyes (if roles in ballpossession are clear).
So you got Guarin and Kovacic left. One for deep lying playmaker and one for an attacking role near the box (because the 4-3-3 beeing more 4-3-2-1 played with an AM and Cassano).
Whats Guarins strenght? Great 1on1, huge body and knows how tp put him in, immense shot. There is no fooling around, he is direct in his game, no hesitating, straight on the goal. And what makes him worthy on top is his willingness and ability of working back.
On the other side Kovacic. Not that powerhouse like Guarin. Good ball control, uses his body quite impressive against experienced players to cover the ball. Good speed to make 4-5 meters in cetral midfield, to overrun defensive lines and create new situations. Good passing skills, and most important of all, he has the view for situations. Although not everything is working out, he shows the right decisions, something that is more worthy than all other skills he got. And all under the circumstances and standards of a 18y old.
So you got (and that without any disregard) a player who is personality of 1 vs 1, strength and power. An you have a player that shows great indication of beeing a smart player, a player with view, capable of building up a play.
If you now look at what our play is needing for almost a decade (besides the glorious days in 2010, where Motta worked it out), its the player bringing offensive structur to our game, from a deep point in play. Kind of offesinve pendant to Cambiasso, his strenght in defesive organisation as offesive skills, and the package of Cuchu offensive class in defesive allrounder qualities (this sentence understandable?).
What i want to say with my (longer that i wanted) post is, from the type of player Kovacic might fit in an more offensive role. But putting Guarin back and Kovacic up front, might give Kovacic other possibilities (on short view), but doesn't strenghten Guarin or the team.Not on the short view, neither on the long.
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And besides: I get that problem "(a lot) new users -> quality miss". I know this from other places. But without wanting to judge my own share in fif, i think there are always new ones, that are willing to contribute on quality discussion as well. I think its just important, on whom you put your personal focus on.