Too early to say just yet for Thiaw. Botman is class and hopefully not made of glass. Thiaw looks as though he could be class but not played long enough to decide.
Think the big plus is that Botman and Thiaw complement each other. Thiaw has the pace that Botman lacks. When Schar and Botman play together we lack pace in the middle of the back four.
This was kind of along my line of thinking - a great pair but who would I prefer in a partnership or in the middle of the other defenders and although it’s early days I think it’s Thiaw - based on his pace in comparison. But they are both very good in all the key defending metrics, probably to close to call.
Thiaw has started well but it's still too early to judge him, Botman has done it long enough to know he's class, hopefully Thiaw keeps it up.
Thiaw may pick up more bookings than Botman. Fitness wise, he looks robust. Great pairing. And theyll look even better when our main fullbacks are back.
All well and good saying "when our fullbacks are for" but how long will they be fit for? Hall is sharp looking like a sick note and Tino isn't far behind. Considering we realistically need them every single match, I'm concerned when they will be injured again
It’s a tough one though, do we have the time and games to blood players like Murphy, Neave, Shahar into the team - the players in the first team squad need to hit the ground running and be at an EPL level from the first min they step on the field. Loans for the above would be more beneficial to them to get regular games at a level suitable to their current ability. The problem for me is squad depth and the quality of that depth - for example we had our third choice RB start the game and then had Thiaw, Murphy and Tonali have a run at RB in the second half. The defence is going to need an overhaul shortly as Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett all need replacing in a year or two max. Thats effectively our entire second string defence (Tino, Thiaw, Botman, Hall starters) and leaves us dropping quality/athleticism/experience if any are injured/suspended. Hell even the GK situation needs looking at. Pope is good but not great, hopefully Rambo will get a run in the team soon as I’m convinced he’s the better GK of the two but then still need to upgrade on Pope in the long run.
Yes we do have time. Throwing in Murphy at left back with 10 regulars should not be an issue or we might as well not sign any youngsters at all
I guess then you gotta back Howe, that he clearly think burns the better option at LB after Hall, Livarmento and ahead of Murphy. Harrison Ashby as well can’t get in ahead of Krafth, Trippier etc and I thought he looked decent when he was at West Ham but clearly not good enough to push past Krafth in the pecking order. Howe’s damned if he does play them, or doesn’t.
