I think you're right in your assessment of why we are struggling (identifying Dembele and Wanyama axis). What I would argue is that Rose and Walker have a higher overall ceiling than Davies and Trippier. I would say against City I would want Rose to play because I think he can go to another level compared to Davies.
I dont agree, but it seems to be the common concensus on here.
For me Rose and Walker are as good as they are ever going to be, and while its "very good", I think they are at their ceiling already - and both actually leave a lot to be desired in an attacking capacity.
It seems to be something of an unpopular opinion on here, but c'est la vie!
Me personally i prefer watching us as a team stretch our opponents creating pockets of space in the middle cutting inside and playing through our opponents much more than seeing another ball launched in to a congested box from deep/wide - its a handy tool to have in your locker as an alternative and looks good for Trippier in the assists column but it's not for me in terms of watching us play
Its a funny one. Maybe a bit of forumitis creeping in, I dont know. Your'e a poster Ive a lot of time for, so please dont take it the wrong way.
People tend to start arguing in binary terms online. Its almost inevitable, it seems.
Your post reads as all Trippier does is launch it in, and all Walker does is stretch teams. Im sure thats not what you actually mean, but you see how it comes across?
I think we play a much more complete game with Trippier/Davies. Both players get chalk on their boots and stretch teams, and yet both players use the ball better, and in a more varied way, IMO.
I think it does Trippier a disservice to say he launches into a congested box only. I think he uses the ball very intelligently. Yes, sometimes that is a long ball into the box, an early ball forward or a cross from wide - but not exclusively. And it is these facets, in addition to offering width, that make him the superior attacking player.
Your preferred style described above? Im a big fan of - and I think we were playing that way brilliantly at the end of last season with Trippier and Davies. Scoring for fun, with variety, and with them both being integral to that.
It is inevitable Rose is going to get more games, its all about the squad etc... And while he will look fast, and dynamic and aggressive... Just pay attention to how little he actually achieves with the ball. Have a look and see if we actually stretch teams more. If his output actually amounts to anything - honestly, a hell of a lot of the time, it doesnt. Quite often the ball doesnt even stay in our possession long once it goes to him.