Defensive midfield

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General Melchett

Well-Known Member
Jun 9, 2012
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Nottingham
Just a thought for the coming season. Whilst Bradley Johnson has done well in his first season in the prem I think his distribution has at times has been found wanting.
I wonder if Daniel Ayala might be ideal in the role, I was impressed with him in the games he played and think he would have not only the mobility, but also the distribution to thrive in the role.

Thoughts?

P.s. apologies if I missed a thread with this suggestion b4, be gentle with the newbie
 
Ayala is a superb prospect, comfortable on the ball, can play with the ball, his main concern is sometimes he's a bit rash in the tackling, so might be good to move him a bit more upfield to prevent the occasional penalty! Rusty could partner R Bennett in CD <ok>
 
I think it could be worth a try. I like his mobility and tackling, and it would add more height against headers coming in. Would much rather that than Lambert's 3 man defensive formations.
 
Watching Russia last night, I was conscious of our need for another, I prefer to call, link man. Denisov gave the consumate performance in that role. Break up attacks and give it to Arshavin. Simples!
I don't think we could afford him though.
 
if we could get danny simpson it would be a real coup!! totally agree about getting a midfield enforcer by the way - been saying it for the past year that area is our weakness. wouldn't say ayala is the answer though <ok>
 
just want to se Ayala and Bennett play, Narfulk Kafu and Tierney would do fine as full backs with Bennett and Pilks in front of them giving cover when not attacking themselves
 
We need to improve defensively and this includes defensive midfield. It's a very coveted spot in modern football but we have some good option

It will be interesting to see but ayalas strength is his composure, he's very clam and sprays the ball better than ward

Defensive midfield? He's a bit tall maybe, but it's a good suggestion.

What we really need is him linking well with fox/howson/Johnson so we can build from the back.
 
Think he is an out & out CB for me ! It's a position that we need more options in other than Johnson & Crofts, could be a position for the Norfolk Cafu to fill maybe?
 
Unsubstantiated reports are linking Lambert with a move for Ayala. They are woeful at the back but buying Norwich defenders wouldn't make much sense to anyone else out there.
 
Unsubstantiated reports are linking Lambert with a move for Ayala. They are woeful at the back but buying Norwich defenders wouldn't make much sense to anyone else out there.

Hello fellow Cornish chum! Don't mind you lot in Redruth, you're better than the snobs in Truro anyroad! :)

With a view to the future Ayala is a good call, but I suspect Lambert knows he needs players that can step in and make an impact now so I don't expect him to go after Ayala, yet. I'm not saying he's not good enough, at the moment the talent is clearly there but he's a bit of liability - makes rash challenges as well as injury prone etc - so he needs to add some maturity to his game which I believe will naturally come in time.
 
Hello fellow Cornish chum! Don't mind you lot in Redruth, you're better than the snobs in Truro anyroad! :)

With a view to the future Ayala is a good call, but I suspect Lambert knows he needs players that can step in and make an impact now so I don't expect him to go after Ayala, yet. I'm not saying he's not good enough, at the moment the talent is clearly there but he's a bit of liability - makes rash challenges as well as injury prone etc - so he needs to add some maturity to his game which I believe will naturally come in time.

St Columb boy eh? You're right about that snobby lot in Truro. And at least I'm not in Camborne.
You're spot on about Ayala and his worth to us. He must have been booked in every game he played last season and making tackles like that is what leads to injuries. I'm not sure at all about him. I've seen many talented CB's at Norwich who just can't defend properly. I would plump for Bennet/Martin as my pairing.