In a recent thread there seems to be a lot of people quoting that they would start with Mert over Verm! ...now like my post title says, fair enough - everyone can have their opinion.. but REALLY?? Vote: Mert or Verm starting??
Arsenal conceded 49 goals, remember that before thinking that Verm does no wrong. Yes i would have Mertz, only to see whether our defense can get better. You can't dismiss the fact that we've conceded so many this season.
Actually just because you like one of them doesn't mean both can't play a part. Against more physical teams mertasaker will have more of a part to play whilst against more tactically astute teams I would prefer verm. Generally speaking verm does however have more to his game but I expect considerable improvement from mert this year.
I'm not saying Verm is perfect.. but does none of the Mert supporters see his incredible lack of pace as a major issue?
Don't get me wrong though, i am a fan of Vermaelen, and think he is our best defender, talent wise. But he was a little up and down this season, and it was Kos that was our best CB. But we won't know if playing Mertz with one of the others, brings more stability to our defence, unless we try. It might bring more stability in the set piece department. One thing is for sure, Mertz has very good positional sense and descipline.
From what I saw when he did play, his positioning seemed his worse quality! he did improve... but he worried my greatly. Plus Vermaelen is a goal threat too and a future Captain
Playing in the premiership is tough in your first season. As you said, he did improve, the more he played. He will adjust further next season and hopefully be better. Remember JT is slow as hell, but he remains one of the best CBs in the league. Personally, i would have Vermaelen as captain now, as he seems more captain material than RVP.
I don't think the 49 goals conceded does justice to our defensive players to be honest. And it shouldn't be thrown around as a reason for our back-line not being good enough. We played with a make-shift defense for large parts of last season. And i don't mean we had an injury or two - we were playing Miquel and Yennaris, Djourou at RB etc... Vermaelen didn't even get to play at CB for ages. We had terrible luck at the backlast season but im far more confident going forwards. Mert Verm and Kosc are all good enough players and should rotate throughout the season depending on form and opponent. I'm still of the view that Kosc/Verm can develop a good partnership - although i know some think Mert is first choice due to being a different type of CB. I'm just happy we have players good enough to fight for competition in the first team! Kosc was our main man at the back last season though and for me his place is the most nailed on.
Chelsea don't play a high line though, so it's a bit easier for a player like JT... you saw what happened to them when they tried to take us on at that last season at Stamford Bridge
Being quick helps but its not everything. Mert is slow but that doesnt matter provided he can position himself well and he has a solid back 4 with him.
Merts pace can be an issue but he generally makes up for it by an excellent reading of the game. He was improving constantly last season and shouldn't be written off.
