So players pick the formation and style they play?
We'll have to disagree on that.
What players have we replaced with footballers who can pass the ball better? A lot are simply like for like. The midfield is still the biggest issue and has been for many years now. Every window we seem to concentrate on other areas though. It was the problem then and it is the problem now.
As for Flint, he was out in the cold before MM came to the club. MM is a big Flint fan.