mkrudden
Player Valuation: £40m
I don't want an inverted left winger to replace Pienaar. I want a player who will cross left footed and first time, which will be to Lukaku's strengths. Same on the right except right footed. At least then our full backs can stay back sometimes and allow more of the central players to burst forward so we aren't as predictable. I'd keep Pienaar next season as this will give us options in our tactics.
Why mate? I think we need a player who looks to cut inside and, when appropriate, gives the ball quickly to Baines on the left for him to cross.
Having a pacey, direct winger on the left totally nullifies Baines as an attacking 'force'. I don't think there are many better crossers than Baines in the Premier League.
Last season, with Mirrallas and McGeady on the left, we rarely gave Baines the ball because they our wingers are all typical mavericks - more concerned with beating a the full back than delivering a quality cross which, and I agree with you, Lukaku would thrive on.
That's why Osman made a difference, that's why Pienaar makes such a difference, because these two players actively seek to get Baines in decent crossing/advanced positions. Pienaar is the better of the two because he can also see and execute subtle through balls which the above mentioned mavericks either dont see or dont want to play.