I know a lot of folks think Oscar will be the solution to the our deep-lying playmaker position in the double pivot. I, for one, am however hesitant having seen Oscar excel playing in the band of three behind the striker and nowhere else so far. Also many of you don't know it but Mikel has been looked over many times by the coaches of the Nigerian National team mostly because they still see him as the budding and highly promising attacking playmaker he was when he was 20 years old. Yes, Oscar might develop into a very good withdrawn midfielder (like Mikel). But will it be worth sacrificing the potential he has of becoming a world class attacking playmaker? Only time will tell.

Of course, many names have been mentioned with respect to this position, Joao Moutinho, Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin being the common names being bandied around. With JM likely going to Spurs (coupled with Porto's notorious overpricing of players), Nuri Sahin seemingly staying put at Madrid (or Arsenal perhaps on loan) and Joe Allen "inevitably heading to liverpool ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18986626 ), I say why not look towards Ever Banega.

I mean good passing skills, willingness to tackle, ability to deliver accurate long passes, good dribbling skills, what more do you want from your ball carrying midfielder? http://www.whoscored.com/Players/33724/Show/ver-Banega

Admittedly though he is a bit injury-prone...something to do with his malleolar, and has only 5 goals and 14 assists in 112 appearances (compared to 13 goals and 21 assists in 127 appearances for Modric and 13 goals and 29 assists in 135 appearance for Sahin) but at a price of PERHAPS less than 20 million euros and with relative youth (only 24 years) I think he'd be an excellent buy.

What do y'all think?

P.S. This is my first ever post of any kind on the internet....so indulge my shortcomings.....Thank you