I think it is, because being on, say the left of central defence, a left side centre back will be required to strike the ball mostly with his left foot, and also cover left back if/when the LB is caught out of position.
With regard to wingers and full backs, I think that's the problem Take a left winger/left full back: Defenders know that they'll invariably try to cut in for a shot with their favored right foot and so be ready for it. Not only does it make them easier to defend against, it significantly cuts down the number of traditional out-swinging crosses from the goal-line Manor Solomon was bad for this last season, as was, frankly, Raphinha during his time with us (that said even though you knew it was coming, a left footed, in-swinging strike from him was still very hard to stop). IMO, we now need a left sided CB to replace Wober (who we know is going) and two left sided left backs.
I really don’t think it’s as big an issue as you make out. I would really like to know the percentage of clubs that have a right/left foot combination. As someone pointed out, it wasn’t a problem for Rodon/Ampadu when they played together.
Toulouse are going to cash in on Charlie Cresswell, and have interest at €25m (just as I said they would), out of which Leeds get 15%. Had we sent him out on loan for two seasons (instead of a few months at Millwall), our transfer kitty would be a lot healthier.
I looked into this a while back the last time this debate cropped up. It’s far more common to have two right footed centre backs - but largely because there are far more right footed players to choose from. Some of the best left sided defenders in history have been right footed… Moore, Maldini, Van Dijk
Unconfirmed reports that private flight just landed with Swedish International left-back Gabrie Gudmundsson jumping into a waiting car....
I’ve never thought it a necessity . Memory might be failing me but wasn’t this a preference of Bielsa?
Instead of selling him to Toulouse we could have loaned him to them (or another club of a similar level) and he’d still be our asset. An asset which would have increased significantly in value.
Yes, but you’re viewing that with hindsight. Equally he could have bombed so we took the decision to add a sell on clause. Sometimes you get right, sometimes not. Happens all the time, going back to when we let David Seaman go, sold Cantaona to scum and is everyone on the books now an asset?
Ampadu can play with his left foot - did you ever wonder why he was always on the left of defence with Rodon on the right ? Having a right sided centre back in the LCB position is not as bad as having a right sided full back playing left back, but how much better might Ampadu have performed if he was left footed ? I don't think Farke should plan on starting the season with two right sided centre backs - unless of course he plans to play a back three (with Struijk as the left side defender).
Well that makes no sense. Not arguing that it’s not better just not necessity as you’ve just proved. I’d still like you to tell me how many clubs have the combination you are saying is crucial?
