Just put this on the transfer rumours thread but think it deserves its own discussion as its off topic there. The discussion was about whether our CB's are top draw or not. Heres my comment... The problem is not with the quality of our CB's, its to do with how well they can play together. Its no coincidence that we conceded 3 against Newcasatle with TV and Kos paired at CB, they just dont compliment each other. Both are good (even great) players, but both like to attack the ball so attackers just slip the ball past them whereas Mertesaker sits back and lets them attack the ball so is a far better partner for either. I'd love to see the stats on goals scored for every cb pairing we have had this season to try to prove this, anyone know if they are available?
Agree Kos and Verm are top quality CBs, but are too similar in style. Both quick, ball playing CBs almost like sweepers or DMs. They are both complimented really well with Mertesacker who is a classic old school CB, one who keeps his postiton, is good in the air, reads the game and mops up. In my opinion and I've said it for ages now, that we need four top quality CBs. Two as a first choice pairing and another two equally as good as cover. There are more than enough games in the season for them all to get games, so I don't buy the argument that we'd be buying a bench warmer. I was a bit disappointed to see Djourou go to be honest, as I think he makes a decent back up CB. Hopefully though, clearing him and Squillaci from the decks will mean that we can buy another CB of the same quality as Verm, Mert as Kos.
