Article: Phil Bardsley v Kieran Richardson - the battle for the Sunderland left-back spot - Football, Sunderland

There has been a lot of debate around who should fill the LB position on a permanent basis this coming season, just wondering what everyone's thoughts were?

I think that 99% of us would agree that out of the two players Bardo is by far the best defensive player, but when it comes to an attacking option a fair few seem to think Richo gives us more.

Personally, I think Bardo is the better player on both counts. In 65 appearances over the last 2 seasons he has scored 3 goals, compared to Richos 5 in 61 appearances. Granted, Richo has been played all over the park, but given most of his games have been in an advanced rather than defensive role I think Bardo comes out on top in this department. Bardo to me looks more of a threat cutting inside and letting loose with that right cannon than Richo ever has.

Some will argue that Richo creates more for other players going forward, and gives us an outlet with a left foot down the wing. This I can accept.

In no way am I saying that either player is the long term future for SAFC, I think we all know some investment needs to be made in both areas. But at the back for me it's Bardo, and Richo should either pull his finger out and make the left wing position his own this season, or be used as cover for Sess in that supporting striker position.

Personally, given he has started both games so far in the left of midfield, I think Bruce has had this exact conversation with him. Anybody else have an opinion?

 

Bardo for me, quality season last year and if we aren't going to sign a natural left back (which it doesn't look like we are) he should be 1st choice.

If Richardson get a look in this season, for me it has to be on the wing where he can use his out and out pace to run at defenders and pressurise them.

 

Agree 100% with FFH here like.

Why would we want to move Bardo, he was ****ing immense last season.

 

Bardsley at left back, no doubt ............. and Richardson left side of midfield working with Bardsley. Could be an excellent combination this season.

 

Ricco for me but only because I would play Bardo at RB. When I saw them play against Villa away last season in those positions our defence looked outstanding both defending and going forward.

If I had to pick one of them for the position it would be difficult. I would go on form and who we were playing, if its a top 4 side then Bardo to defend. If its a mid to lower table side the Ricco to create.

 

Bardsley can pass, he can tackle, he can shoot he is commited but most of all can defend. Richardson ...er....NO CONTEST.

 

Did not do too bad against Blackpool, think where we would have finished without those 3 points. Free kick against the Mags was not bad either.

 

Mcbardo every time, and Ricco on the bench and should only be used when everyone else's legs have fallen off, and we have no option. Sorry just my opinion, don't rate him at all and 1 or 2 good games a season is not enough from any Sunderland first teamer (murphy anyone????)

 

Bardo every time, Ricco has a fit bird and maybe should spend some energy between her wings.

 

Absolutely no contest.

Bardo every-time. Better defender, harder tackler, positionally aware and certainly developing his attacking game (scored more than Richardson as well last season).

Richardson is a poor tackler (gives a succession of fouls away and lacks temperament), poor positional ability but undoubtedly better in the attacking side of the game.

However, as Brian Clough often said, defending is the first job of a defender not attacking.

 

bardiniho for me

 

Richardson was unlucky last season IMO, he was just starting to improve at LB (a position Bruce had him pegged for) when he got injured, and Bardsley was moved to LB. If Ricco had a long run at the LB slot, then I reckon he could become a very good LB. Unfortunatley for him, in the Premier League we can't afford to give him the time he needs to adjust to the LB position. So unless Bardsley gets injured, Bardo will get the nod ahead of Richardson.

IMHO of course.

 

I am one of the dwindling few Richardson fans but feel he is a midfield player, his problem is he never gets a run in any position.

Bardo is a RB with a right foot but all he can do is play where he is told, he was told LB and nobody can say he not only did a job but excelled.

We knew he would defend well, even on the wrong foot, but he added attack then goals.

He earned his place and should keep it.