And that's fine. I haven't been using stats to defend Martina. Nor am I saying I think he should play over Cedric. IMO, he hasn't been that bad and I think he's done a decent job for a backup. And that's about as far as I think anyone can really assess him, given his limited playing time. Judging by the transfer fees and contracts handed out, as well as who how they've been used, I think it's safe to say RK prefers Cedric. And I don't see any reason to question him as he sees these guys everyday and knows more about football than I do. And even from my limited viewpoint, I think Cedric has done a good job and appears to be improving on his one major early flaw, which was his tendency to drift out of position. The burden is on Martina to prove he should start, and he hasn't shown enough just yet. But I think some of the criticism of Martina is over the top. If you think his first touch is bad, that is something I can agree is observable. I haven't noticed his first touch being particularly bad (or good), but I will look closer next time. Something like "deer in the headlights," IMO is highly subjective personal interpretation, and prone to bias. WE get nervous when when Martina is on, so we transfer that nervousness onto the player. I don't think Martina did anything wrong on the Sunderland goal some people blamed him for. And I don't think Martina was out of position for the Stoke goal. I put up that screenshot so people can decide for themselves.
We've got it in the bag according to the BBC: " Victory Wanyama could make his first appearance since the start of February after serving a five-match ban "
I think there are a few factors influencing the Martina thing though. Comparing him to Clyne, the cheap price, the fact that we have youngsters who could potentially have done the same job (McCarthy). Also, he doesn't offer much going forward compared to our other FBs. But, as I said, long may his okay form continue.
I'll be very happy with a win. I wont be sad if we draw but i wont be jumping for joy either. I will not be very happy if we lose.
Can't believe no one put up the press conference in my absence. Now saying stream cut out. Anyway here's the team news.
Yeah, but none of those things have anything to do with Martina. 1) Cedric is also not as good as Clyne. There are plenty of decent RB's who are not as good as Clyne. 2) If McCarthy played the way that Martina has played, I'd say that McCarthy played pretty well too. If you think McCarthy should be starting, then that's a beef you have with RK about McCarthy. It doesn't make Martina's performances any worse. 3) Martina has actually been pretty good going forward. I would say that like Cedric, his attacking is better than his defense right now. I seem to recall Martina scoring a goal at some point. He also seems to get a chance every game. He's certainly not shy about pushing up the pitch. Of the fullbacks that we have, Targett is the one who has problems going forward. He doesn't have enough pace to get involved in counters or overlapping runs unless we play 5 and he can cheat up.
Yeah, Clyne now reminds me off his first season in the prem. He'd do something rather super, then have a brainfart & do something really dumb. He has not taken a step up thus far. Still time on his side though.
