Bristol City Adam Webster – A closer look at Bristol City’s new signing There was understandable concern from fans of Bristol City when it was announced that they had sold centre-back Aden Flint to Middlesbrough. Flint had been an ever-present in the Robins’ squad for years, and his departure left a massive gap in the backline that needed filling. In the form of Ipswich centre-back Adam Webster they did exactly that, announcing the signing not long after Flint’s departure. Webster was brought to Portman Road by Mick McCarthy two seasons ago, signing him from Portsmouth. He had been an ever-present in the Ipswich line-up since. So how will Webster fit in at Ashton Gate? We take a closer look: please log in to view this image One of his main strengths is his aerial ability. It is rare that the 6ft 3in man is beaten in the air, so he will fill Flint’s shoes nicely in that sense. He is also a defender who is not afraid to switch it up and is also capable of doing so as well. If the state of the match dictates the Robins play their passing game he is capable of bringing the ball out from the back and finding a teammate. At the same time, if his team are up against the ropes late on he has no issue in putting his neck on the line and simply getting rid of the ball – he averaged 6.8 clearances per game last season. He is not the finished article just yet and is still prone to lapses in concentration or the odd rash tackle. But he is only 23 and will only improve. At just over £3million the Robins could have themselves a bargain if Webster is utilised properly. He should hopefully have Bristol City fans quickly forgetting who Aden Flint even was. https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/adam-webster-a-closer-look-at-bristol-citys-new-signing/
The consensus seems to be that he has the potential to be a Premiership player & possibly even play for England, but that he's been injured quite regularly. Not sure if there's a recurring pattern on the type of injury - no matter how good you are, if your body doesn't play ball then it's only downhill from there, but hopefully it's just a case of bad luck & he'll put that behind him. Could be interesting to see what our starting lineup could be - maybe it's worth exploring the possibility of a back 3 a la England...
Nick. I'm sure that's why he was signed. He offers a different approach as in 3 at the back and play it out, which tally's with our high pressing and counter attacking game. Very interesting signing but just a little worried about his injury record. Very positive that Ipswich fans speak highly of him.
It looks a good signing on paper it also bodes well that after losing Flint we can nip in and take an asset from Ipswich an established Championship side.
You're right in that a centre back doesn't help the high pressing part of our game but a centre back capable of playing the ball out from defence, rather than hoofing it, does help the other attributes of counter attack and possession based football
