Beating an away record when there are no fans isn't that impressive.
Personally, I enjoy slick passing, it's painful at times watching us try to play through other teams, or break down a parked bus. We get results through individual brilliance, not through having a powerful "engine" (the central midfield in the metaphor, which I'll admit has its limitations as all the players drive the action).
We did well to come second, thanks to Liverpool and Chelsea struggling (before Lampard left). But we couldn't get out of the group stage of the CL.
Of course, Liverpool won the CL with a Lada quality midfield (I actually have no idea what a Lada is so if that's harsh I apologize, is this a Yugo level car?). But they had dribbling wingers who could hold the ball up and a striker who lives to drop deep and facilitate. And full backs who were crucial for crosses. If we had a Shaw on the right we might get away with McFred against the best.
It might work anyway, but i still would personally want more strength in the midfield if it was me, even if that meant sacrificing attack. Attackers can't score unless someone creates a chance for them. Look at Poland, what good is Lewandowski without service?