Let me start by saying when he first joined I thought he was a bit of a meh signing. Decent back-up, nothing spectacular, will do a job. Now, I know it's very early days, but after his pre-season and today, he's looking like a very shrewd signing. I think as he plays more with Agger, they'll form a great duo, he's just the sort of player we've been crying out for. Good in the air in both boxes, reads the game well and is steady on the ball, not to mention his experience and leadership qualities. What do you lot think of him? Am I speaking too soon or?
I thought he was a good signing. Am pleased he looks good And no I don't think you're talking too soon.
He's always been a top class CB, just because he didn't play much last season for City people suddenly think he's ****. Yeah he's getting on a bit - but he's a beast and looks as fit as a 25 year old. Quality signing in my opinion.
Very impressed with him. Just one of those signings who seems to have instantly gelled with the team and style of play. We definitely played a much high line today than last season with Carra which definitely helped our pressing game. He's got a huge presence in both boxes and he offers a sense of stability which we seem to lose when Skrtel plays. I liked that the Kop modified the Jonjo song to Kolo too today.
Thought he was a great signing from the off and criminally under used at Citeh to be honest. Their loss. He'll thrive for us now that he's getting regular football.
1. looks like he's at least up to pace. 2. real test next week. villa play a similar system and benteke is a monster. 3. if he stands up to that the only other test is can he last the season.
No Skrtel & Coates don't seem like they're trusted by BR so we need another capable of being a 1st team player. Agger is injury prone and Toure is older so neither can be relied upon to play 40+ games a season. Also, interesting watching BT before the game today, Pullis was saying that last year they allowed Skrtel to have the ball from the back knowing he wasn't as good on the ball, and they let him make the first pass and then pressured from there. They didn't allow any of the other back 3 have time on the ball but gave it to Skrtel knowing he was less dangerous with it as his feet. If other managers can see that, then I'm sure BR knows it, which is why he doesn't trust Skrtel. Nowadays, they not only need to be able to defend, but able to play just as well otherwise they put us under increased pressure by giving the ball away.
Loving this response IBWT. I totally agree with what you and Pulis said. It not exactly a secret that I don't rate Skrtel (or Coates) and this highlights part of the reason behind that. I would get rid of both without hesitation, especially as we have four others in the squad too (Agger, Toure, Wisdom & Kelly). However, I'd also buy a dominant CB in the Papa or Sakho mould too. If that guy isn't available then save the money until they are.
I know you're not a fan but he's certainly not as bad as you're making out Although I do agree that he doesn't fit in with the system we play, we build from the back and play out in tight situations (something I was impressed with today) and that's not the sort of defender he is, that's why right now Toure is an upgrade on him, because he's comfortable with the ball. I still think he has a part to play, against teams like Arsenal who will pen us back a bit more and there's less space in-between him and the keeper. Clearly BR doesn't fancy him though so if we can get the money for him then we should let him move on, and buy a player who is more suited.
The biggest issue I have with Skrtel is his rugby approach but can't say too much about that considering Toure man handled someone and Agger decided to play Basketball!
I understand that. Lucas can be the same too, never seen a DM give away so many free-kicks, he's not very subtle about it either.
