Manning cannot defend. Good player going forward but he has never learned to close down a winger - and we look permanently vulnerable to crosses. On the other side, Fraser works hard but that is another square peg in a round hole. Who would you go for now that Welington appears to be recovering?
I’d be giving the players more support instead of singling out Manning and Fraser online. Won’t make them play better and this thread could upset them. That and I’d also be switching to a back 4, we have Mads and Jewett that can be used RB and LB and play a system that suits both AA and Archer. And Azaz and Fellows.
Should be playing with Roerslev and Jelert anyway. Manning has been OK in general this season, but that’s mainly because of his free kicks and crosses. Jelert looked decent against Liverpool defensively, but obviously didn’t go forward much. Should be given a chance in a league game to see what he’s like going forward because he looks an upgrade defensively on Manning
Still not sure on how good Wellington really is tbh. I think Manning is largely fine in a back 4 but doesn't suit the WB role at all as doesn't offer enough going forward. On the other side Fraser is the opposite where I'm fine with him as WB but definitely not a RB. We've certainly got a lot of options, not opposed to giving Jelert a go but no matter how we go I just want to see us stick with the same backline for a decent number of games. Chopping and changing a lot definitely won't help.
Interesting that Alfie said that Fraser actively wants to play at RWB or 10. He doesn't want to play on the wing, sees himself as one of those two instead.
Fraser is far more suited to winger than 10 BUT only if we have a striker worth crossing to If not, then maybe 10 makes sense in rotation with Azaz In a 4231 (PLEASE!) RW - Fellows / Armstrong CAM - Azaz/Fraser LW - Scienza/Robinson
As for full backs, I’m still in favour of the idea of Edwards at RB tucking in and he and the 2 CBs sliding across into a back 3 when we attach, releasing Manning forwards. Back 4 most of the time but Fellows can track back to make a 5 if we need it later in the game (or sub for Roeslev)
