Can't believe no-one has mentioned Lilian Thuram. He converted from right-back to center back in his twilight days, and was excellent there. Like Piskie said, Sagna has all the defensive attributes to succeed at center back. His tackling, strength, positioning, anticipation, all excellent. His performance was 10/10. Only Wilshere and Cazorla have played that good in a match for us this season. To do it while being out of position is even better.
Wow, I didn't even think of Thruam. That's a very good example, but Thuram is a lot smarter than Sagna, so he most likely won't have as big as an impact. It would be a great thing to see happen, but all I can think of is Bosingwa. Hopefully I'm proven wrong.
I agree Thuram is possibly one of the best defenders in recent history but I don't understand why you claim he is smarter than Sagna. Sagna is one of the best right backs out there, period. He would walk into any of the top teams in the world and we are very lucky to have such a loyal and talented defender.
Bosingwa was never good defensively, and wasn't as strong. The only commonality is they're both right backs who have had one good game at center back. I don't think there is much evidence to say Thuram is smarter than Sagna. I don't remember Sagna doing anything particularly stupid.
It doesn't have to be individual errors that defines their intelligence. Thuram was just a lot more clever with what he did with the ball, his ball retention was great and he never took unnecessary risks, the way he protected the ball was great as well. Both great players in their own right, but Thuram for me is one of the all time greats.
Have to agree that Jenkinson looked rusty. This is what happens when you dont play squad players for along time. Wenger really needs to start using his subs more. He needs to start bringing players like Jenkinson, Rosicky ect on to give others a rest and to keep them sharpe.
Sagna is a top quality, reliable defender. He's been our best, most consistent defender for quite some time. He could walk into most top European sides and would walk into the best premiership side right now. He is intelligent, very professional and has an exceptional character on the pitch. A consumate professional that all footballers should aspire to. Jenkinson has a long way to go before he reaches the level of Sagna, but hopefully he will continue to develop to reach that level.
The Big difference between Thuram and Sagna is Thuram was 6'0 and 86Kg's while Sagna is 5'9 and 70kg's. That's the same difference between a Welterweight and a Light Heavyweight (in Boxing/MMA/Judo/Weighlifting) Sagna is a brilliant Right back but he's too small to be a Centreback.
I'm not disputing any of that at all, I've been one of Sagna's biggest fans for his duration here, I've regarded him as the best RB in world football in the past. I'm just saying that Thuram was smarter, and better. I'm not too sure why a few of you are calling me out over it, Thuram has won loads of trophies across Europe, he's won a World Cup and a European Championship, all whilst being a vital part to each team, he once commanded a transfer fee of £25 million, he managed to get over 140 caps for France, he's regarded by a lot in France as their best defender of all time. He is up their with the biggest names, a truly world class player.
Fair enough. Just imagine if we could somehow have fantasy matchups. It would be interesting to see if our current side could keep up with the invincibles team, or would it be a demolition? What about the 2008 side v the Invincibles or the current line up.
Our current team against the Invincible's would probably end up like one of those Manchester United games where we don't show up and are completely out played and they score 3 goals, but it could have easily been more. Current team against 2008 team would be a a lot closer in comparison to a match up against the invincible's, but it would still end up in defeat. Invincible's would beat the 2008 team as well. One match that I'd love to see is the Galacticos against the current Barcelona team.
Sagna put in the best performance I've seen by an Arsenal centre-back since... umm, Koscielny v Barca perhaps? Flawless.
Sagna as a CB (and his performance against Sund) is another reason why we should offer him a 3 years contract. Even if he is too old to run up and down the right side, he can perfectly play as a CB with his experience, reading of the game, etc. I would really think about moving him to CB position and employing Vermaelen as FB.
