We haven't had a game with a DM or decent one playing yet, that will help with the defense we need cover for Lucas because if he is injured that leaves us with no-one in that position. Carra Agger Kelly imo are the only 3 CB's we can rely on Ayala maybe but a risk. I have the feeling that Kenny thinks Soto and Skrtel are good enough but again imo they are not. In the next 2 games we need a more settled team, tonight was a lot of players that will never wear the red shirt again having their final chance and not taking it.
Looking at tonight's performance, I'd definitely trust Soto and Skrtel more at centre-back. Kelly's pretty much transformed into a right back, I think.
I think Kelly will play RB this season but he's to big to be there for the whole of his career, the size of the lad will mean he has a career at CB eventually replacing Carra. Kelly and Wisdom will eventually be a great pairing.
Admittedly I didn't see the whole game and Doni didn't really have a chance with either goal, but there were odd occasions when I thought he could have come and cleared up the through balls, something Reina does so well. He plays a lot like a sweeper and that allows defenders to push up that extra bit, knowing the keeper will collect anything that goes over the top. I don't think Doni was that quick off the line meaning we needed to drop a little deeper and giving their midfield more space to work in. I do agree that there is only so mch a keeper can do though and like you said without a settled defence and midfield then it was always going to be a struggle but I'm not that concerned as come the frst game we'll have a first choice 11 out.
Why would you say such a thing?Thats terrible.I know they are crap but still thats a shocking thing to say.
People seem to forget Ayala. He is very highly rated at the club and I expect him to be given a chance this year. I'm not convinced we need a new CB yet but we defo need to get a LB sorted as that was out weakest position last season, and it still hasn't been addressed. You would have thought that would have been a priorty, but like I suggested in a previous post, it may be that Kenny is happy with Johnson at LB so he can play Kelly at RB.
Completely agree with the OP. People who think the defence is good enough are either massively overrating how good Carra is or ignoring the fact that Agger is only available 50% of the time. There's no way we can just hope that the youngsters are good enough and not improve this area of the team. Johnson's our only defender who can play regularly that I would class as good enough for a team chasing Champions League. Skrtel is definitely good enough to be a squad player. A big decision has to be made regarding Agger, we could sell him and he could go through the season without getting injured and it would look like a huge mistake. We could keep him and he could have his worst season for injuries. I wouldn't want to be the one to make this call. Carra's not good enough anymore, end of story. If this was the Paisley era he would have been moved on a couple of years ago. Soto can only be used against bottom half long ball teams (maybe about 10-20% of our games), against a decent quick striker he's completely useless. Dann or Lovren would be fine signings. Not spectacular but would improve our first team. I'd take any of the players we've been linked with at left back - Enrique, Periera or Cissokho. They'd all be massive upgrades as Aurelio's injury record is even worse than Agger's.
I like Skrtel, I know not many people share the same feeling but at the same time if he isn't playing alongside Agger or Carra we are subject to defensive failure. I believe we will get a CB this summer, someone ahead of the Greek in the team sheet or maybe even a regular starter. Although when Carra and Agger are fit I can't see either of them making way for anyone that we can sign this transfer window. I don't think we are as bad defensively as some people make out, but whilst our youth are still too young and inexperienced along with Agger's injuries and Carra's aging legs I think one CB this window would provide that extra needed security at the back.
The defence worries me, it's worried me since the end of last season and I don't think much has been done to solve the problem. I've posted this several times and people keeep reassuring me and I hope I'm wrong- but the sooner I see something approaching our first choice team out on the field the better for me. The full team, being stronger in midfield, might prevent the back from being exposed so much. Yes, I know it wasn't our strongest back line, but it wasn't far off what we may have to rely on if we have an injury or suspension to Carra or Skrtel whilst Agger has his almost ineviteable spell in the treatment room. An observation on Doni. I think he's a decent signing as back-up to Reina. He saved well a couple of times, but I agree with whoever said that he was slow off his line once or twice. This should improve when he knows the defence in front of him better.
Good post saint. I understand your worry but we are in a Catch 22 here. If we spend on a CB we are likely to make the situation worse because of the number of choices that we alreday have. It looks like we will have yet another unit on the pitch in Norway. Surely, at some point in that match we will have to see at least the outline of what our back 4 amd midfield will look like for the Sunderland game.
Hope you're right dave. Think I'm just getting a bit cranky as the season approaches. I need a cyberhug.
I said before last season Carra should be benched more. I wasn't happy when he threatened to leave rather than sit on the bench, which was Rafa's plan. He makes a lot of his loyalty but that wasn't impressive and I've no doubt fed into Rafa's sacking. He was also said to be instrumental in okaying Hodgson's appointment. Credit to him, he was invaluable this season gone but it really is time he started preparing his successor. We've been spoiled defensively and it's gone quite unnoticed. We came 7th yet Reina tied for the Golden Glove with Cech in Chelsea's Double season, Cech only taking it because we played a few more games. But still, all those clean sheets (with Skrtel) wasn't something Andy Gray was going to point out in one of his zonal deconstructions. Poulsen wasn't even nails last night, his only redeeming feature. Apart from when he done Baros. Oops, accident, mate. Hopefully the shop window won't fade him anymore before Jol gets to the ATM. Shelvey also failed to make a dent. Jury remains in Out position (not a gay term). He seems to need the hole role and what are the chances? *cough*loan*cough* Anyway, how many FBs did Kenny play last night? He's obviously not panicking about getting a steady XI out so I'm not going to, either. Aqua was quality again. I'm getting sick of all the, "Ahh, but he's too lightweight for the PL" talk. Aldo was on it again last night. When has he ever looked like he's made of feathers when he has played in the PL? He's no Soto but he held his own and as somebody pointed out, he's quick and agile enough to stay away from defenders. He certainly looks more solid than, say, Carrick the Beanpole. Kenny was adept at riding tackles to take defenders out. Aqua's got the smarts and quick feet to beat them.
Can't find a smiley for that so I'll send you a vitual one! I know what you mean about getting cranky.
