Isje, we don't play with an 8 mate, as we don't have one. No idea if Gio wants to play with an 8 but for me having a box-box 8, provides us with more options.
Agreed, we play 4-2-3-1 but the double pivot, can be a bit defensive, especially at home, against weaker teams, that have 10 behind the ball, why play two sixes.
There is definitely a need for the two sixes, against better teams, away in Europe, some away games in the league, where the opponents are on it from the first whistle 100mph stuff and we are struggling to match them for intensity, we have all witnessed these games in the past.
We also have went 4-1-4-1, when chasing games and again that is good.
But having a genuine box-box 8, (swapped out for one of the sixes) bursting forward, committing opposition players out of their defensive shape, opening spaces for others, providing more numbers in the box, gives us a whole new dimension to our play.
It's more attacking than the double pivot but less wide open than the 4-1-4-1.
Regarding shooting outside the box, am with you on that. Stats show the amount of shots taken outside the box, do not align with goals scored, most of the best younger managers, now push this theory.
Not against shooting totally but only when it really opens up and lands well for the attacker.