Agree with Ronald's comment that victor was outstanding and I wonder if schneiderlin going may actually help his game as he becomes the pivotal player in the centre of the park.
However I don't agree that Clasie did well. Too many errant passes and he struck me as a man trying too hard on his debut - perhaps understandable given the occasion and the atmosphere. I'm sure he'll come good and ease into the role and his industry around big Vic complements each other's style.

To my eyes Clasie looked as though he didn't know what his role was and most of what he did do wasn't good. He was also blowing which made me wonder just how fit he was. I thought Juanmi was more effective and fitted in much better than Clasie had. A disappointing competitive debut I would suggest. Can't say anything negative about the resyt of the team and I wouldn't be surprised if Fraser Forster doesn't have a fight on his hands to get his place back.

I don't think JWP has the game to replace Clasie in a holding mid-field role. Would have to be Reed.
Clasie's injury does show up a weakness in defensive midfield. Davis is not suited there; JWP certainly isn't. Jack Cork has never been replaced which effectively creates the gap.

Clasie just needs time to settle, understand his place in the team and get fully fit. He looked a little lost at times and his usual crisp, incisive passing was completely missing last night and that's the best part of his game.
He is a different player to Schneiderlin though. He won't destroy other teams like Schneiderlin did, he'll compete but he won't dominate physically, so Wanyama will need to step up, like he did last night, and provide the physical presence. The way Clasie dominates is when he's on the ball. Give him the ball and he won't lose it, he'll dictate the play, keep us ticking over, and occasionally finding the incisive attacking ball.
Another thing we've lost with Schneiderlin is his ability in the air. He was good defensively at set pieces and Clasie won't be able to do that. I remember Nigel Adkins saying that you need at least 5 big 'uns in there, to defend set pieces. Last night we only had Fonte, Pelle, Yoshida and Wanyama who can offer that defensive authority in the air. That is a slight cause for concern.
I also agree with other comments that we need another DCM. Someone who can get stuck in when needed and dominate physically. Reed, Davis and Clasie are all very lightweight. An injury to Wanyama could be disastrous for us.

Agree with the previous two posts that Harry Reed is probably the obvious replacement for Clasie but we don't have anyone to replace Wanyama if he's suspended or injured unless Caulker has a side to his game I don't know of? Mind you, Fonte has been saying this for weeks so I'm sure this is a position that the club are working on and it's only a matter of time before the press links us with every DCM who have a vaguely Dutch link!

We keep boasting about our young players but Koeman rarely plays them. Man speak with forked tongue? Why not? Why is looking outside or fretting about injuries always the chosen strategy?

Give our kids the chance that the club say they're giving them!

Spot on Reedy and Rupe. I think everyone was expecting Clasie to come in and just be the new Schneiderlin. They are huge boots to fill and especially if that is not your like for like game. He'll need time and a bit of patience. We do have other options like Harry Reed to come in if needed. I thought he was excellent last season. The danger of looking for another midfielder is we could end up with another situation like with Cork when one player wants to leave because the competition for first team football is too great. I think another central defender remains key. Yoshida actually had a reasonable game last night, but I'm still not convinced Caulker is a Toby replacement quality. I want to be wrong, not least because of the former Spurs' connection. Would love us to have more quality in that area of the park.