As well as accumulating the fewest bookings and red cards in the season we also had another milestone. As a result of Palace's Mile Jedinak being subbed 31 minutes from the end of the game against Fulham our own (for now anyway) Steven Caulker was the only Prem player to complete every minute of every game this season. Sod's law thought, the Daily Fail only reported Jedinak's achievement not Caulker's.
Been saying for 2 seasons we're too nice. So Caulker was the 1 constant in the 2nd worse defence in the league...... No wonder everyone is falling over themselves to sign him
Personally I hope so. While I can't argue with Steve's point, "so Caulker was the 1 constant in the 2nd worse defence in the league", he was normally strong while those around him were having mares, e.g. full backs and cb partner. And, if other clubs like the look of him, Spurs, Liverpool and Swansea to name 3, he can't be all bad. He will certainly be one of the best in the Champipnship if he stays.
It's true, football is a team game, and if those around you are not up to the job, then you can look not so good.
In my opinion the mistake was making him captain instead of letting him just conentrate on his game and defending.
Caulker is a really good defender. Him alongside Bartley for us next season would be a superb CB partnership.
Sorry Valley but I don't understand how a player who has been a pivotal part of such an epically failed defence can be so sought after. Not saying he's not a good player, and I think he has potential but his stock has dropped hugely this season and he'll be well over priced for what he brings to the table imo. He's learned the art of ball watching and I'm led to believe he has been culpable for lots of goals this season, though I haven't seen all the games. I'd sign him as a backup but only if the fee was palatable. He and Bartley may be a good combo for the future I'll give you that.
To suggest the defenders are the only players responsible for defending is a bit off mark and Dragonborn is coming across as a bit naive. The main reason we leaked so many goals is because our fullbacks and wingers were terrible defenders and our midfielders aside from Medel were often caught in poor positions. Watching our games all season, Caulker is not directly responsible for many goals. He did an excellent job without much support. I would have given Hudson more time next to him as he is a good organiser, but the reality is Caulker and Marshall had good and in Marshall's case great seasons.
I think Caulker needs to be the '2nd CB' in the defence. He needs a leader and a talker next to him. He may have done his job for most of the season but the only cb I remember having a heroic game for us this season was Turner v Villa. Hudson in our promotion season (until injury) led the defence by example, throwing himself into blocks, tackles, always being the head in the way of the cross, being the one defender who the opposition couldn't get past. Those are the CB's that make a difference. At the top level I'm thinking Kompany, Vidic type defenders who get their mates out of trouble. Caulker doesn't do that. From a Swans point of view a CB partnership of Bartley and Caulker would get you very near to the bottom 3 next season imo.
