Agree Dawg, Melican isn't the most talented player, but he's extremely solid unit, and as such I think our best option against monster forwards.
No idea about Gould, yet to see him play.
I'm not sure about Hayward stagnating, he played some excellent games last year - down back, and then as a defensive forward
You didn't mention him, but Florent likewise, I was worried about him, but when I looked a bit harder I realised he was playing a defensive role, and doing it very well.