Former Manchester United assistant manager, the current boss of Hull City will have draw upon all his top-tier experience to muster a situation where they may have a chance to survive and thrive in this year’s edition of The English Premier League, which could prove to be at its most competitive since it’s inception. Here’s how they will line up after their summer splurge, in a bid to keep their status.
Formation: 4-1-4-1
Keeper
David Marshall
The 31-year-old goal-keeper arrives from Cardiff City with a wealth of experience. The former Cardiff City player of the year, has been known to exhibit the ability to keep his team in games despite mounting odds and a sea of attacks coming at him. Known to be a big-match player, his most memorable performance came against Barcelona, where he single-handedly fended off the Catalans, in the UEFA cup. He’s an orthodox keeper, with a no-nonsense aura, that will instill authority and calm in the Hull City box.
Right-back
Ahmed Elmohamady
The Egyptian has the moves. Technical and knows it, he backs himself in one-on-ones with the opposing full-back, and makes no apologies for beating him. As likely to thread a ball through, as he’s likely to cross, his versatility on the ball, makes him a potent threat on Hull counters.
Centrebacks
Jake Livermore
It’s a testament to Jake Livermore’s ability that he has seamlessly slotted into an unfamiliar centreback position, away from his advanced defensive midfielder position. Loves a lay-off, and a crucial peg when Hull hit teams on the break, with his easy on the eyes transition from defence to attack.
Curtis Davies
Curtis Davies is a leader of men. It’s no surprise that the Hull skipper has been central to Tigers’ successes. In your face and indomitable, he complements his power with panache on the ball, stepping out of defence to nip interceptions and get in the way of shots. He’ll stay there for a long, long time.
Left Back
Andrew Robertson
Courted by Juergen Klopp, who apparently even called up the young Scot in an attempt to lure him to Anfield. His stock has risen immensely, and Hull would do well to keep hold of the right-back.
Defensive Midfield
Samuel Clucas
The defensive lynchpin, he plays a pivotal role (literally) in Hull’s attempts of manning the barricades.
Central Midfield
Ryan Mason
The industrious Ryan Mason comes from Tottenham Hotspur with a hefty price tag of 13 million GBP. He’ll have his work cut out to justify that overlay, but his talents translate into something very tangle – such as the amount of ground he covers and the shifts he puts in, which should win fans over in no time.
Tom Huddlestone
Tom Huddlestone, another Spurs product’s talent wasn’t done justice in the cut-throat demands of the London club. Equally capable of being a destroyer as well and a playmaker, his change of gear will be vital in Hull’s brand of play.
Right Winger
Robert Snodgrass
Unputdownable, incessant and fiendish without the ball – Rob Snodgrass doesn’t take kindly to the fact that the ball is with the opponents. As much as being a constant attacking threat, his sheer determination without the ball makes him an absolute rash.
Left Winger
Adama Diomande
Direct and powerful, while he is suspect to the occasional lapse of concentration and decision making that could make fans wince – he is still one of Hull’s focal points in attack. You never really know what to expect from him. Maybe that cuts both ways for Mike.
Striker
Abel Hernandez
The Uruguayan is a livewire. His goals will be key to Hull’s survival. Lightning off the mark, with a trick or two in him, but mainly relying on his pace to knock the ball past a hapless defender – he will be a cause of misery to many top-flight defences. Just ask Leicester.
