Fair enough, 8 mins is definitely not a lot of time to do a post! What I meant was I essentially agreed with you I often find I start writing a response, get distracted and then post it, by which time the post is much too late/repeating what other people have said.
I thought he did ok at Leicester as a back-up (not great - too inexperienced). Assuming he is a back-up rather than a starter, I think a three-month loan deal is definitely a good route and Miquel is likely to be suitable.
I'd still like us to sign Nathan Ake, but a lot of Chelsea fans want him around the first team this year.
I wouldn't be too worried if Callan McFadden was back up behind Cueller. Unless we are very unfortunate with centre back injuries he probably won't be required. I would much rather see us sign a right back in defence.
I'm beginning to lean that way too. Whittaker scares me at RB, and we've got Martin, Turner, Cuellar, Bennett, Bassong and Callan-McFadden to cover CB if required. I guess another player like Martin who can play both roles would be ideal.
Whittaker isn't definitely the weak link in the defence. Like Garrido he'll be alright as back up but I would like to see a quality right back in. I always liked Cyrus Christie who is obviously at Derby now, they seemed to get a bargain there.
I feel like Whittaker is also getting too much stick. If we get promoted, where we will often be on the back foot, I completely understand the issue. But he is comfortably, attacking-wise, the best full back in the Championship. Defensively, yes, he's a bit shaky (very up and down - occasionally he has looked fine). Frankly though, we can afford to carry someone like that. When he has good support from the winger ahead of him, he's absolutely fine. Of the goals we've conceded, can we legitimately say that Whittaker was entirely at fault for any of them? Yet he has, technically, two assists already. So while he might give us the odd hair-raising moment and put the defence under pressure, I think that what he brings to a team in the Championship is more than enough to cope with his obvious flaws. If he was perfect, he wouldn't be playing for us. I would personally rather Martin started at right back, so I see no reason (at this stage) to put good money into buying a third right-back even if he is to start unless it's a clear bargain.
Whittaker and Olsson are about as far apart as you can get. One is competent and secure, the other an accident waiting to happen, imho. Is Olsson back from his ban this weekend, does anyone know?
I'm sorry if my rained off 18 holes today is making me argumentative but what achievements and experience are we talking about? The fact that he never comes out for crosses or corners? The fact, as pointed out by Supers, that any shot from outside the box goes in if aimed for the corner? Lack of height is not his fault but a good reason why you are unlikely to make the grade as a first choice GK. Experience? As I pointed out Bunn has made less than 30 more starts in 14 seasons than Rudd has had in 4!! Take the wages into account and its a no brainer. Further proof required? If Bunn is that good why hasn't anybody come in for him? As I mentioned Rudd's only 'crime' is that he came through our academy.
I think that's more of a reflection of how good our squad is than how good a player he is. We really do have a strong squad at this level. I agree with a lot of what Rob said. Only thing I'd add is that in the last 20 minutes on Tuesday, when we were under pressure, Whittaker got some decent tackles in and relieved a lot of that pressure. I was unsure about him after the Celta Vigo game, but I don't think he's played anywhere near as badly as some people are making out.
We've won four games on the spin with him in the team, conceding only two goals. One was a wonder strike and the other was an OG. I'm sorry but I don't understand why some fans have to single players out for criticism when things are going so well.
I have no problem whatsoever with him being our second choice rightback. I just think now Martin is centre back we are thin at right back. Whittaker is probably one of our weaker players in the starting 11 and doesn't have much competition.
He may have less competition in the back four if there's any truth in this - fingers crossed! http://talksport.com/football/new-palace-boss-warnock-weighing-move-norwich-defender-140828110535?
|My guess is that it is because all supporters seem to need somebody to pick on and our fans are no different. The only difference this year is it changes frequently because of our good start. First it was Wes, then Garrido, then Redmond, now Whittaker. I suspect that if he stays the mantle will pass to Surman. How we have managed to win 4 games out of 5 with so many bad players defies logic!!!
