David Moyes is laying down an odd marker at Sunderland.
Silva. De Bruyne. Fernandinho. Sterling. Nolito.
JOHN FRANCIS O’SHEA.
In a perhaps thinly veiled suggestion to his new paymasters that he needs a new centre midfielder, Moyes has selected O’Shea to stem the flow of Manchester City’s phalanx of attacking talent.
The Black Cats are up against City at Eastlands, this evening, and the former Everton and Manchester United boss had to get creative. By creative, we mean sticking in a 35-year-old defender in the middle and praying for the best.
Classic Moyes.
Make no mistake about it, O’Shea has been a fine Premier League player in his career. Sadly though, his legs are going, if not gone, and he was dropped by previous Sunderland managers Sam Allardyce and Martin O’Neill in the past six months.
These are not his halcyon days at Manchester United and there’s no Luis Figo around.
There is a likelihood that the Irishman could be a screen in front on Sunderland’s back four when City put the squeeze on. Still, there was some confusion, anger and mirth on Twitter about O’Shea’s new role.
Moyes sees Pep's Kolarov at centre back and raises him John O'Shea in midfield.
— Jack (@JDanial16) August 13, 2016
Is Moyes playing O'Shea in midfield? Absolute scenes if he is.
— 🤠(@LukeUnitedd) August 13, 2016
John o'shea in midfield has got to be the worst thing i have ever seen😕😷ðŸ˜
— Matthew (@minstrel69) August 13, 2016
Rodwell and O'shea in midfield pic.twitter.com/15SJRD6TAc
— Daniel Rundle (@DanielRundle) August 13, 2016
John O'Shea in midfield today!
Is it 2003 and does Luis Figo need to be wary?#FPL #cityvsafc— Darragh Harkin (@DarraghHarkin) August 13, 2016