Dave has been superb this season. Jose was criticised heavily for playing him out of position. But Dave has been brilliant supporting Hazard and defending. Feel sorry for Ash who even at 33 is still one of the best Prem full backs if not in Europe given a run of games. His performances v Barca and Bayern aged 31 will never be forgotten. But let's give credit to Dave, one on ones, work rate, effort have all been superb. Time to call him Cesar now and give him some respect!!!! Hail Cesar!!!
Yep think Ash is a goner this summer. Definitely a legend in my eyes and one of the best left back to grace the planet. However I do hope we bring in Shaw, keep Bertrand and put Azpi back in his favoured spot. Regardless of how good he has been, he's still a right footed player and best suited to the right!
Hope he makes the world cup, I think Arbeloa is out long term so it'd be good to see Azpi getting a starting spot there. I still find it unbelievable that we got him for around £7m!
It's those 7m players that can be the best because they give so much value for money. Cech, Cahill, Azpi, Ivan cost just a bit more. I am pretty sure if you look hard enough you will find gems like Cesar Azpilicueta. Pretty sure Bertrand mihgt be leaving, Villa want to make it a permanent switch and with Jose not really playing him I think Bertrand will want to go, he has FA Cup, Europa League and a definitely earned Champions league medal to his name with us, think he wil leave with his head held high.
Agree with this too. Think Azpi is better than Ivo in some ways at right back, but Ivo has been in excellent form himself since Xmas. Seems like a long time ago that we were complaining about our full backs
Mainly down to being held back more. Galloping forward with wasted cross after wasted cross was doing my head in. He is much more selective about when he breaks forward and once forward uses a team mate more rather than aimless crosses.
If Cesar is not in the team of the year then I will be shocked and annoyed, I'd like to know a right winger who has got the best of him.
lol Del Horno! My word. We have had some shocking full backs in our time, but also some great ones. Dan Petrescu and Graeme Le Saux were two of my faves. Anyone remember Albert Ferrer?
Do you think Bertrand will want to hang around as 3rd choice? I'm hoping we put a bid in for him this Summer.
I rememebr Ferrer keeping Rivaldo in his back pocket as if it were yesterday No didn't mean as 3rd choice Luv, as a rotation option with Shaw. Azpi back to right back and Cole off.
Agreed, although I have my concerns with Shaw - he might be too defensively immature / attack minded to play with Hazard on the left - one reason behind Azpilicueta's success - and *the* reason why JM loves to play him at left back - is because he is just so damned solid and you need that for Hazard to roam with confidence. No problem if Hazard is moved to a more central role, which is incidentally where I believe he will have maximum impact, but otherwise, we could be vulnerable to leaving ourselves exposed down the left with both Shaw and Hazard there.
------------Cech------------- Azpi----Cahill----Terry---Shaw -------Bender----Matic------- Willian-----Hazard-------Oscar -----------Costa------------- Anyone?
Got to remember though, he's only 18! I think Bertrand is more than capable of being a rotation option with him too for a few years. Swapping Hazard and Oscar you mean?! Courtois - I feel we'll lose him if we don't play him now. One of the best in the world already. Would like to see him ideally go to a PL club for a season to adjust but can't see it happening after being in the Spanish title racer and CL. Azpi Cahill JT Shaw/Bertrand (creative midfielder) - would love to buy Barkley but Everton won't let him go cheaply. Kroos another option, Pogba if possible! But to be honest I can't see us spending big on a midfielder. Van Ginkel will return and I hope Chalobah is given a chance. Matic Schurrle/Willian - really think Schurrle come into his own next season and start more games - hopefully he'll play more in the close season as I feel he offers something different. Willian is number one away from home and in big games though. Oscar Hazard Costa
I quite like Lars Bender from Bayer Leverkeusen, very young too, but he just signed a new contract last year so would probably cost a mint. His twin brother is a defensive mid for Dortmund, we could sign both and have a couple of benders in midfield
