There's little doubt that the club needs to address this problem position in the summer, but I was wondering what the most popular move would be, from a fan's perspective. Should we give Assou-Ekotto a way back in, stick with Rose and Fryers or go for fresh blood altogether. I'd go with the third option, personally. I might even be tempted to bring in two new players in that role and loan Fryers out, selling the other two. Going against my name, I thought I'd go with another poll. Vote and rant, please.
I have voted for Benny to come back, because we know what we have I would also like to see us get someone new but I'm only alllowed one vote. As with Ade I think it is pathetic when managers drop players over personality issues. We can see quite clearly what we missed because AVB's nose was put out of joint. Footballers are there for their ball skills and managers should be making efforts to bring out those qualities rather than fuss about whether they like them or not. Rose does not look good enough to me, but Fryers may develop. With new we don't know for sure what we will get so we need to use Benny as he clearly is the best LB that we have.
I admit Rose has looked poor the last few games. I still think he's a quality left back who offers a good attacking threat, and has the speed anyone wants in a fullback. He needs to work on his concentration and positioning, though, because he's had too many shockers this year. Whether to replace him is a difficult question, for me. I would say no. I'd rather we spent what we have to spend on a deep lying playmaker and think about both another wide player and another striker. In all cases, whether we move should depend to some extent on whether the right player is available at the right price.
If Liverpool change from their recent 4-4-2 diamond and play a 4-3-3 with Sterling on the right your left back better be ready for some serious merking Although I think we'll stick with the diamond, with Coutinho as the number 10, due his quality performance against Sunderland. If so Sturridge and Suarez will wonder down your left side knowing that's a huge weakness.
Rose is a good full back,i think next season he will be back to his best,and will have a lot more experience of P/L football,to help improve his play
I think whoever is selected as left back is on a hiding! At times last season and especially this season the left side of midfield has ended up playing in a more central position leaving the left back horribly exposed. In Rose we have a decent player with BAE or Fryers as back up for when he is injured. Get the left side of midfield sorted and I'm pretty sure that Rose that show how good he is.
Just imagine BAE and Chadli on the left together. Or even BAE and Townsend. Go on, imagine it. I voted for BAE
Fryers has potential, I would keep him as a backup. Rose should be sold imo. I'd voted for and would rather we sign a new left back but if we can't get a good one then i wouldn't mind Benny back.
None of those players are good enough. Top class full backs are hard to find these days; they need to be able to defend, but also go forward effectively, often having to cover the whole length of the pitch because of the tendency for teams to play without wingers in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. I don't know where you find a top class full back from. If you find one, tell Moyes because he needs to replace Evra.
There aren't many top left backs in the league. Evra is on the decline, as is Cole. Baines is getting old but takes a great free kick. Clichy and kolarov aren't exactly great defenders. Gibbs is a decent young player and Azpilicueta is probably the most inform left back while Luke Shaw is the one with the most potential. That leaves us looking abroad for options or stick with Rose and depending on who's our next manager, as if Sherwood stays I don't see a future for Ekotto. If someone like Van Gaal arrived then he may be more organised and get a better response from our current options or sign a Dutch full back. Although the Dutch aren't renowned for their defending!
Has Sherwood come out against BAE Boss? Or are you just making an assumption based on Sherwoods comment about commitment? Benny was one of the best LB's in the league has he become poor over one season?
I never said he has become poor over one season but I've personally never rated him as high as you and others. Sherwood had asked scouts to look at left backs so if a manager decides agaisnt recalling Ekotto and instructs scouts to look at alternatives then that would suggest he would prefer to look at other options, plus he could have recalled him in January as Ekotto wasn't on a loan to gain experience, he was on loan temporary because of AVB.
If we are going for a new L/B,what about the one we wanted from Real,the press are going on about United almost signing him in the transfer window,ignoring the fact he almost joined us last summer.he's availiable apparently,and our "special" link with Real should swing it for us,but i won't hold my breath
You'll need a new signing in my opinion - and as Boss says, you'll be looking abroad most likely. Unless some madness happens and you sign Shaw!
BAE will no doubt be sold, he is 30 now and Levy will want a decent return on him before his value diminishes too much. I would be happy if we sold Benny and signed a replacement to compete with Rose for LB.
