Why is everyone saying that we need a new CB? Look at the CB's in our squad: TV, Kos, Djourou, and Squilachi. I am confident that three out of those four would comfortably get into any back 4 in the league, apart from maybe Manure, the Chavs, and mayyyybeee city. In my opinion Squilacci is really not bad for a 4th option, so we are actually in pretty good shape for that. I think that everyone who is moaning for a new center half is only thinking about the lack of TV last season, which left us having to rotate between three defenders the entire season. I doubt we will have an injury crisis for that long this coming season, (touch wood) so I really don't think our problems lie in that position. Instead we need to look at our holding midfielders. Naturally the only proper DM we have is Song (Frimpong can't be counted because he is too young to be relied on). The other players that covered for Alex were Denilson and Diaby, you could maybe say Wilshere. What we really need is someone who could cover/replace/compete with Song. I think Marouane Fellani would be ideal, thoughts?
I dont agree, I think we do need a new centre half if you look at TV, Kos and Johan they are all very similar in there style and neither of them is particularing commanding or a presence at the back. This is why i think we should be looking to bring in samba - he is a massive presence and would give us someone who can dominate the arial battle that we often lose when we play clubs like stoke, bolton, blackburn etc Also as a side note! I met TV at stansted airport last september after he flew back from the belgium/turkey game (the game he actually picked his injury up in) and I have to say I was shocked at how small he was - now i'm aware you dont have to be 6ft 6 to be a great defender, BUT, i feel that someone like attacking the ball like samba would allow TV to play that 2nd defensive role allowing him to intercept play and bring the ball out of defense more often instead of having to compete against the height of the likes of kevin davies (as an example) Also I would rather see us buy Rodwell as cover for song - could also play at the back (if we were to have injury problems)
Kos and Johan are technically very good. However, someone like Samba may be a better bet for the dirty, physical stuff in the penalty area.
Our CB's are decent enough footballers but we need someone who can take control at the back.We need someone barking out the orders and organising our defence.
A big nasty centre half that will take control of our back line is what we need more than a DM however thats not to say that we dont need a DM. Someone who can tackle pass and control the game from a deeper midfield role would also be a massive additional to our squad
He shouts a lot and always looks super determined never to concede goals. Is that not leadership? I admit I got a bit overexcited at the start of the season with his scoring record but I value him for his commitment, not his goals.
Arguably the only places we need to improve defensively is at LB and DM. Although when Song actually plays as a proper DM he is probably one of the best in the league.
We did and do lack leadership and the season TV was fit he would bark out instructions but he had Gallas next to him and Gallas doesnt strike me as the type of player who is gonna listen to anyone let alone a 23 year old new kid from Ajax! (not that where he signed from makes a difference - just thought i would mention it) However - i do think TV commands the respect of the players around him as he would of proved in that first season how important he is to arsenal and i think his importance was highlighted and underlined last season when he was missing. However tahst not to say he could do with someone beside him to share the workload Samba anyone?
Chesney looks like an order-barker, as does Tommy V. Wilshere is mouthy, learnt a lot from Fabregas this year, and RvP isn't afraid to lay into folks (Diaby last season). That's a good, strong, leader-ish spine to the team. New players are needed, and a club captain like Samba could be just the ticket. I wouldn't wana mess with him!!
