truth is, we haven't played well since Birmingham and we've been riding our luck. We definitely need Abdi back, and though Bond hasn't done anything wrong, and is a wonderful shot stopper, we need the screeching Almunia in goal for the last 8 games...it's not just what he does in goal, it's what he gives the rest of the pitch that's important.
As a goalkeeper myself (semi pro level), i agree with the post. Bond is an excellent shot stopper, but maybe a little shy in commanding his players. The first thing that I noticed about Almunia was how vocal he was/is, this breeds confidence throughout the team, i w s very vocal and it was always noticed by people, it builds trust and allows Alumina to command, so although Bond has made some incredible saves it begs to wonder if those opportunities would have arisen had Almunia been in goal. BOnd has a good furture ahead of him, but in my opinion he needs Almunia back in goal, then loaned to a team next year as their number 1.
Bond is definitely a valuable asset to our club, I just think at the moment we need Almunia's experience to see us over the line. Bond has done nothing wrong really, but if things were to go a bit pear-shaped, it may impact his career in the longer term.
Bond certainly looks like one for the future, but you can't beat experience when in goal - especially at the business end of the season We do seem to be missing the midfield combo of Chalobah-Battocchio-Abdi, but also suggest we are missing Hall in defence. My first choice back 3 would be Doyley-Hall-Ekstrand (or maybe Hoban).
The international break is coming at a useful time for us to be able to get back to playing the team of choice
Its a tough one because Bond has played pretty well for us, his shot-stopping looks great. But I believe that having someone like Almunia behind you really calms the defence, who have been a bit nervy in the last few games. We also miss Abdi in midfield, he just makes the whole team link together better. I think the international break has come at the right time, giving us the chance to take stock and get ready for the last eight games, and hopefully get a couple of key players fit.
I state my point again - how important is Almunia? The loss of someone with his experience at the back is crucial - that is another lost 2 points today and 3 goals conceded - I don't care if Bond played well or not nor whether he or anyone could have stopped the goals - it is not about Bond - it is about the experience that Almunia brought - if we don't get him back soon we can kiss goodbye to automatic promotion. Bond is a good YOUNG keeper
I agree Leo. I watched him before he had to go off and he was organising the defence and giving them stick when they didn't do as he wanted. He has made mistakes as any keeper will do, but that voice from behind you if you are a defender has to help. As a sidenote 10 minutes before he went off, Mme was telling me that there was something wrong with his leg.
Agree as well - Bond is a great prospect but I think we need an old, wise head for the run in. Let's hope he's back soon. And Frenchy - if you could ask Mme for six numbers between 1 and 54 I would be grateful. Thanks in advance.
as i said before, we need his presence on the pitch. it's not just what he does in goal, it's what he gives to to the players on the pitch...screaming from his line, cool, organised, supportive. A voice of experience that is badly lacking at the moment. Without Almunia, we can kiss goodbye to automatic promotion.
We need him, the Hull game is a must win game if we want to go up automatically, his cool head, temperment and experience is being missed at the back!
Although this isn't saying much, from what I could tell against Wednesday, Bond shouts more than Loach did. I will give that it doesn't seem to have as much authority as that I saw from Almunia against Forest and at Brighton and because of that apparent lack of authority, are the defence ignoring him? If they are, someone needs to read them the riot act about giving Bond as much respect as they give Almunia.
You cannot blame Bond or the other players - he is just too young and inexperienced to have the respect and authority that Almunia has. I think Bond has done really well but unfortunately for us his time in the side was at too crucial a point in the season.
