Really surprised at this. He looks sublime against mediocre opposition but has been hapless far too often when up against top teams.
To be honest we can't argue with this signing. Prem proven. Played at the highest level, knows the league and team. He might be a bit wayward at times but he's matured a bit and now has better protection. Can play in a number of positions to boot. I think this is actually a cracking signing
Disappointed tbh considering what we were after "Sideshow Bob" has a defensive awareness that is on a par with Gary Cahill - Ho hum I stand to be corrected.
Don't agree at all. He normally makes mistakes against smaller teams when he can lose concentration. I remember him doing pretty damn well in the C.L final away to one of the best teams in Europe and was also carrying an injury. Only 1 goal conceded over 2 hours of football. He has his moments as all ball playing centre halves do. He's far better and experienced than Stones at the moment and City paid 50 million for him. He'll be by far the best defender with the ball at his feet in the league and will help us start attacks from the back. No other defender carries the same goal threat either. His goal for us in the Europa League was simply stunning, from outside the box with his 'wrong' foot. The guy has so much about him, enthusiasm, class, good in the air, good at set pieces. What's not to like I think our signings yesterday just made the title race a bit more interesting. We can challenge now.
He is a decent Defender. But he doesn't have that nous more often. He won't be caught off half way down the pitch like Luiz does once in a while. But More often Cahill is caught wrong side by a yard or two.
What will our next team be?.... any guesses? Courtois Alonso Luiz ivan terry azpi kante hazard willian costa batshit
Batshit? Try hot ****. Seriously expecting this lad to get 20 in all comps this season. Looks blinding.
I'd like to see Courtois Azpi - Iva/Cahill - Luiz - jt - Alonso Kante - cesc Hazard - Willian Costa Alonso and Azpi as wing backs, with Hazard and Willian roaming. It's probably a little bit too attacking but I feel it's got potential. Basically any line up that can fit Cesc in makes us a better team IMO.
I don't think he'll go with 5 at the back. We got a centre half in because we were short in defence not to play more defenders IMO. I expect Cahill to drop out for Luiz and the rest of the team to be as it has been. It gives us the option to play 5, but don't think he will.
Yeah JT is out, so likely to be Cahill and Luiz at the back same as the CL final of 2012 Or he could pair Zouma and Cahill and stick Luiz in midfield next to Kante? Two defensive midfielders would slow down the pace of the game, which we know frustrates Liverpool who like to play fast.
I don't think we'll see Luiz play in midfield for us given we have Kante, Matic and Mikel surely ahead of him in those more defensive roles. Given we spent the window chasing a central defender and got Luiz, I assume it's because he is seen as a centre half. I think Luiz also allows us to try the 3 at the back Conte is known for as he is the obvious one who can bring the ball out of defence. For now he'll play with Cahill tonight and then it'll be interesting to see who Conte goes with when all centre halves are available.
Also Luiz to make debut against Liverpool like he did first time around. Hoping for a better result though!!