I'm afraid that Fonte has lost a half step. I definitely do not think he is as good as he was last year. Having said that, he is still quite good, deserves his starting spot, and is not the primary reason for our defensive struggles. Buuuuutt.... while still faint, I do think I can see the writing on the wall. I think Fonte might have one more year in him and we can use that to start phasing in Stephens or Turnbull if they have what it takes. But if there's a CB on our list who we like and the price is good, we have to take a good hard look at him.
Fonte was never that quick though was he? I'm pretty sure he still reads the game as well as he ever did. I know he can't go on forever but I haven't noticed a discernible decline yet. He's holding up better than John Terry imo. And there's a reason the latter is still playing; leadership is a rare quality.
I agree. I think his distribution hasn't been great this season but that aside he's looking good... you know how it is now Archers... Make a mistake and that's him for the high jump!
Stephens/turn bull will not be ready in time imo. We need someone to challenge now. Send caulker back to Apr and buy someone who can come in and play now. If we're serious about cups we need another quality CB, yoshida is a valuable squad player but never competition for fonte. At the same time please can we pay out gaston or sell him, buy another DM and striker. Ooh maybe this should be on transfer thread! Oh well I'm not re-typing it! Ooh and while we're there please can we loan out poor Reed. He's clearly not going to play this season and needs competitive matches.
I thought it was a shot, because of Adrian's position, which was about 10 yards off his line, if I remember correctly. Need to see it again TBH.
Surprised he could play if he had a baby that recently....usually takes a while to walk without discomfort.
Very true. Not saying he's *gone* in the slightest, just that I think that path may have been stepped upon now.
