If what Lazio fans say is true than Yoshi is probably the better defender(in current form at least). Hoedt is good at attacking the ball, playing the ball, but we have VvD for that.
I'm only guessing now (cue Maya being dropped), but perhaps Mauricio feels that Yoshida brings something else to the table...leadership, rapport with Virgil.
Agreed. I also agree that Wes/Virgil bring very similar traits as one another. It’s a tough one, for sure. In a game like today the three at the back might work though, with only Oriol in DM as we’ve lost Mario.
One of the many thing that's wrong with today's football, this sense of entitlement that some players have. I should start for Southampton because I'm Wesley Hoedt. Shut up, buckle up, work hard and show your manager why he should pick you. Don't throw a tantrum if things aren't going as planned after two months of your years long deal.
Taking emotion out of it, if we're playing a back 4 it has to be VVD and Hoedt. However nice and popular he is, Yoshida is not the long term future of our defence. As and when VVD leaves, Stephens is the longer term replacement. Yoshida is a very handy backup choice for me. If we go back 3 then yes, 3 of the 4 can play with the other on the bench, but further up the pitch we lose a player..... one more of Davis / JWP / Redmond / Tadic / Boufal would miss out completely on the matchday squad
It should be reasonably easy for the manager to rotate with out losing something from the team.With the exception of Lemina all the others are near enough the same. As I’ve said a few times now we need to step up to the next level when purchasing players.
I think with Lemina in the mix now, the back four will still be decent without VVD. I wouldn't mind selling him for a large sum and bringing in an attacker or two with the funds. Hoedt has looked good to me when he plays. I think between some combination of Hoedt, Stephens, Gardos, and Yoshida we will be okay. Not great, but okay.
Caught way out of position for Brightons goal, was weak against Lukaku for his goal against us. I think he's being over rated a little bit because he's good on the ball and looks composed.
Managed to get this footage of Gardos practicing down on Southampton Common last week! please log in to view this image
Bit harsh really. Wesley has done a number of interviews and has shown himself to be very forthright in his replies. He's just being consistent. And he's right - regular starter with a major Italian team and regular international to bench warmer and in danger of losing his international place. I'd be pissed too. It's true they just need buckle up, work hard and show the manager why they should pick them. But that is excatly what Wesley did. He was the stand out player against Newcastle and was dropped as a result against Stoke just because VVD was getting closer to match fitness. Whilst he added much needed leadership VVD was culpable in that game but still kept his place the following week. Given the choices, I'd have to say I would look to who is staying and cement that partnership as quickly as possible. Stephens will then come back into the fold as a regular sub. Bye bye VVD.
After last season, this was a position where we struggled but I think Hoedt will become a regular when VVD is moved on in January. That will still leave us with Maya, Stephens, Hoedt and Bednerak. I am assuming that Forin Gardos will be moved on too. With Van Dijk out of the picture, the money is most likely to be spent on a decent forward to partner Gabbi as things need freshening up / Long given a bit of competition. To be totally frank, Maya, Stephens and Maya can all feel hard done by in the circumstances of VVD#s behaviour over the summer. Personally, I think that Hoedt and Stephens have the potential to be a great pairing but Maya's performances warrant praise whenever he gets a good run out. It was a shame that we blew the League Cup this season and I think a good run in the FA cup will be as important for the fringe players as the supporters.
Cedric could have been tighter for Brighton’s goal. Wouldn’t have beaten the striker but would have made it more difficult for him to score.
