Shane Ferguson - Left Back Extraordinaire

So with the international break still in full swing, i thought i'd bring up a topic that i've been meaning to write about for a while (but have been too lazy to) to get a bit of debate going...

So, last year when Pardew announced 'I see Fergie as a LB', I was outraged (well not quite, but) a lad with his pace, technical prowess, crossing skills and no obvious defensive expertise? what's Pardew on? However, thinking about the new style of play that Pardew is slowly introducing he'd fit into the system very nicely.



This season, we've been defending as a team, with the wingers dropping deep on both sides to double up on attackers and players covering for each other when needed, meaning you don't have to be a world class defender because the team's combined effort means our defense is rock solid (greater than the sum of its parts and all that).

So conversely, I expect us to start attacking as more of a team, with our fullbacks being encouraged to get forward on the wing more, and they'll have the freedom to do so knowing that the rest of the team has got them covered until they get back into position. With attacking fullbacks providing us added pace, skill and width further up the pitch (and some good overlap play with the wingers - which we're sorely lacking at the minute) we'll have an extra dimension and more fluidity in attack.

I believe that it's much easier to teach an attack minded player to defend than it it to teach a defensive player to attack, as defence is a lot about positioning and timing of the tackle, whereas attacking is more instinctive. From the looks of stuff this season, Pardew's no slouch at instilling defensive values either.



With Santon, we've already got the player to do that job on the right, and i'm sure most can't wait to see what he adds to the attack, potentially Ferguson could do the same on the left. Although he's a fair distance away from nailing down a first team spot, perhaps a season or two away, Raylor has shown he can do an ample job there for the time being, or alternatively, the signing of someone like Ridgewell would give us some more depth at LB (and conveniently for our squad - CB) and could be enough to see us over until Ferguson is ready to step up to the plate without breaking the bank (which i'm sure MA would love).


so yeah, Ferguson for LB
what do you think?

 

Ferguson is wasted in a full back position. He has absolutely no attributes suitable for a full back, but he has every attribute suitable for a winger. Why he's being pushed into this role is beyond me.

 

would be interesting to see when he goes out on loan where they play him

 

he has the all the attributes of an attacking fullback though

 

Ferguson should be threatening a berth in our starting 11. If a player has potential, the worse thing you can do is not nurture it.

 

Ferguson could do a great job in any position.

 

How many times have you seen him playing full back?

 

Might have something to do with it being his natural position and the one he's most comfortable in...

 

Ferguson is an absolute rake. I cannot think of a SINGLE full back (attacking or otherwise) in this league as feeble looking as Ferguson. Quick and agile, but very little strength or mass.

If he intends to be an attacking full back he needs to beef up big style, otherwise he's going to get barged off the ball at every opportunity.

 

He's very much a luxury player imo. Oozes potential but he's not a tackler. Totally different to Santon too so I don't think he's a valid comparison. Santon is about 6ft and likes to tackle and although Raylor has done better than expected at LB he's always been able to go in tough on the opposition and he never bottles a tackle.

Sorry like but Fergy would get destroyed at LB.

 

He's never going to get a game on the wing for us at the minute so it couldnt hurt for him to bulk up and work on the defensive side of his game (which I think all wingers should have). I fully expect him to end up as a winger, but being a full back for a season or two will do no harm, simply make him a more complete player. Thankfully I read that we're sending him on loan when the window reopens since we're out of the League Cup.

 

He's too small and can't head the ball from what I've heard, so he'd get smashed as the opposition would just keep hitting diagonal balls in his direction. He's a winger who can play as a LB if we have major injury problems. TBH I'd rather play Jonas at LB than Fergie.

 

I am going to disagree and say Pardew knows best and I'd say he's not fully grown at all.

 

His most recent game at LB was against Forest, how was he then?

 

thats why he's on the steak and milk diet

(also, did the site go down for anyone else for a little bit just before?)

 

Only the best English left back possibly ever was as feeble looking at his age

 

I cant think of many fullbacks who are particularly renowned for their Aerial prowess. Also, Fergie's 4 inches taller than Lahm and i wouldnt mind him at LB

 

Are you trying to compare one of the world's best full-backs to a inexperinced wingback-cum-winger-cum-left-back?

 

I'm pointing out that height isnt a determining factor when it comes to whether someone can play at left back. but you already knew that.