After the Croatia game I read somewhere a quote from Russell Martin saying his preferred position now is CB. Although he was my man of the match against Croatia I still think he is behind Bassong, Turner and probably Bennett as a starting CB. Likewise I think Whittaker is technically the better player at RB. But then Rusty brings such character to the team that I always feel that bit more confident when his name is in the starting line up. He is a true pro, never complains when he is on the bench and always gives 100% on the pitch. I cannot resolve this conundrum in my own mind, which is probalby why I am crap as a fantasy league manager.
I like him at RB - links well with Snoddy and always looks cultured and in control at RB. To be honest, we could ask Rusty to sell programmes or serve the half-time tea and he'd give 100% as the true pro that he is.
Wherever he plays I have confidence, I think he is a better cents back than right back in the premiership personally... Nevertheless still think he is a top right back gets some unfair stick at times because his crossing isn't amazing but thats life. I remember the bolton game last year when he wasn't picked and was on the bench and 15 minutes in whitbread gets injured (surprise surprise) and he ran straight on and it was almost as if you can't get him off the pitch wherever he is I think our team works better with him. Completely undervalued by some I think sometimes a bit like holt and wes. As soon as they're on the pitch something clicks. Hope he stays with us for a long long time.
But if he cannot hold down a regular first team place and wants to maintain his Scotland place he may have to move on to ensure first team football, which would be a great loss.
Centre back for me. Never really lets us down,but has a torrid time against fast wingers. Good reliable Pro,where ever he plays
If every player in the England squad had his attitude and professionalism how much better we could be!
I agree that Martin is underrated. He reads the game well (and it's no coincidence that he saves so many shots on the line when playing CB because of that). He also links well with Snods and gets forward to score goals.
To be honest, I would have said centreback following on from our first season in the Prem. But having played a lot at rightback last season I honestly think he is as good in both positions. Agree with what everyone says you can't knock him at all as a pro and I think he will be a long serving player. Also I think he'll always get minutes with us at the stage we are as a club. He might be on the bench a few times but I think he has shrugged of any competition he's had to get in that starting 11 so far and I don't think next season will be any different. Although Whittaker was very good whenever he played for us next season, I would still start with Martin at rightback when we go into next season.
Spot on. I prefer Whittaker at RB - who can forget his goal at the Liberty after excellent link-up play with Snods?
