Majority of posts after todays game appear to be happy with Caulker, Ferdinand and Dunne as our preferred back 3, however after watching today's game I am concerned about the lack of pace, which leads to the defensive midfield duo dropping deeper and deeper? Ned was my player of the season last year, and(admittedly against weak opposition) has looked great pre season, and has the pace which will otherwise be severely lacking. Also in preseason Caulker and Ned also pushed forward which I cannot see Rio and Dunne doing due to their lack of pace. Thoughts please?
They 3 today should know their positions well, can pass, Head & tackle. Pace is the issue. We may have to do our homework, but 3 slow fullback is easy to unpick as the commentators went on & on about quick balls over the top cause mayhem. The question is do we set up with Ned whose distribution can be iffy at times and then play out from the back? not the best of plans, which is why he's always backup.
Rio wasnt slow today when called upon but after watching him today in the flesh he has a good reading and positional sense so pace is not always necessary. Caulker has plenty of pace. I am more concerned with up front and having a creative spark going forward.
Agree with all of that. I was surprised though that Onuoha didn't start, I would have him and Caulker either side of Rio. As you say, attacking wise is the greatest concern for me. Little to no creativity still.
Which one would catch Stirling or even Ashley "Dive" Young? They aren't Crocs but 2 are old and the other is 6ft 2" and Fairly solid. As you say experience will tell. Rio played 57mins today, 2nd game in a month. We haven't a clue what he will be like in the last 10 if he's required to do a whole match, which I think he won't.
