How can you even consider replacing Assou-Ekotto with Rose after seeing him play all of 3 games at left-back? He put in some good performances and should be given a shot as back-up in the coming season, where he'll get a number of chances to impress, but a first XI place? Not sure why you'd replace Kaboul, either. With Woodgate and Bassong on the way out, King's questionable fitness and the inexperience of Khumalo and Caulker, I think we're going to have enough work to do in that position without having to replace someone who's done little wrong. I'd like to see him getting more games at centre-half and only play at right-back in emergencies, though.
I think hes one of your most solid performing players, good cross, alright defending, etc. If you lot want to sell him I would happily have him as a replacement for Clichy.
What Saffa and Spurf said. On the back of an excellent season he's shown that he's a quality left back. Kaboul had a decent season too, I don't know he's being criticised.
Bale....and i think we should play crouch in goal...gomes used to be a atriker..so stik him upfront........play huddlestone at quaterback....give modric a good ol beating at training and tell him hes not leaving..then play him just behind the front 2..just a little bit further...no..a bit this way...yeh thats it..play him there...play VDV and pav upfront.......job done
Bit of a late comer to this 'un, but it looks like BAE is filling that all important place in our squad - the player that a section of the fans is convinced is terrible, and won't stop voicing their concerns at this situation regardless of the evidence otherwise. Not to be confused with the place the likes of Jenas or Zokora occupy/occupied...
I base my opinion on the evidence that he gives the ball away too much. I simply think that he is the weak link i.e. the weakest of the first choice outfield players*, and so, as such, if anyone in the first XI should be replaced then BAE it should be. If I could only replace one player, he would be the one, as he inspires the least confidence in me. *Before anyone asks: Corluka, Dawson, King/Gallas, BAE, Modric, Sandro, Bale, Lennon, VDV and a striker. Actually, while we're on the subject of full backs... Corluka anyone?
Corluka? Bit slow sometimes but great player for us. I'd rather get another CB or see Kaboul step up. Relying on Gallas/King doesn't inspire much confidence in me with their injury history.
This is what I am driving at , who? You let Ekotto go with Rose your only LB, who vills the void? You don't let a player go without a replacement lined up, same with a manager, otherwise you end up like Aston Villa at the moment. The only potential option I see now is this - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/13746946.stm
I disagree. If I could only replace one player it would be the striker's postion. For me, BAE is better at defending then Crouch, Defoe & Pav are at finishing.
The problem for me is I am not sure if it's the strikers or the formation. They had plenty of quality the season before when we were going 4-4-2 before VDV came along. A good striker doesnt turn bad overnight. Okay they werent world beaters but they did a job when needed. VDV is here to stay now so if we can find someone good enough to play and score in a 4-5-1 aka Drogba then I'd be very happy. I'd let at least one go however & that is Keane. I think between the 3 of Crouch, Defoe & Pav we have enough options and a space for someone good to slot in if becomes available. Crouch would be the next to go on that list if I had to lose another, he hasn't the pace for the league, and as for his height he just doesnt use it as effectively as he could.
I think it is the rotation. Pav in particular I rate highly, and would like to see him given a run in the side.
It's hard on them certainly to build form so you're on the money with that I think, Redknapp has some tough choices to make because it's going to continue with us playing the way we are, does he ship some out and put his confidence in a strike force of two / three with a young backup? Does he hope the current crop can adapt to being rotated and improve the impact they make?
Thats the reason why I said they were more replaceable then BAE. They can't play in our chosen formation. Call me foolish, but I'd rather keep VDV with a Drogbaesque striker signed then drop VDV and revert to 4-4-2. Mainly because VDV is a greater goalthreat than our strikers, and partly because I've lost faith in Crouch and Defoe. Pav might be worth giving a decent run in our formation, though.
Hi guys. I have to side with Spurf and Saffa here, and express surprise that Benny's position is even being discussed. Over the course of last season he just seemed to keep improving. Not only does he turn in more steady performances these days but I find him a real pleasure to watch. There has been the odd misplaced pass, usually when he tries something fancy with the outside of the foot, but more often than not he plays crisp passes to feet and is dogged in the tackle. He has a decent set of skills to go with his confidence on the ball, and many times in the CL he embarrassed supposedly better players than him with a simple turn inside. He can cross, and he works well with Bale. I can only see him improving and hope he stays.
My thoughts exactly. I mean, even if we were to search for a better LB, what realistic targets are there? I think that position in general is very difficult to fill and there are very few in the Prem I'd prefer to have. (Only Cashley and perhaps Baines come to mind.)
If asked 12 months ago you would have found more agreement but Benny and Bale were the best part of our team last year our problems are further up the field
I'd be surpised if we didn't get a large bid for BAE during this window. We may be lucky to keep him.
