If everyone agrees that bringing in Adam Johnson would be a great move, why not agree that Jack Colback should be made the starting LB? In the Echo, Killa gives an interview supporting the idea. In large part, because Jack has handled Johnson so professionally. Kilgallon told the Echo: âIâve said to him that heâs an outstanding left-back, always in the right position for a centre-half. âI said âI donât know if you want to play there, but think about it mateâ. I think heâs top drawer there. âHe gave me a look to say âIâm not sure if I want toâ, but as he gets older, he might realise thereâs not many better than him there. Heâs done great. âWhen you look at him, heâs so composed on the ball and he doesnât look fast but he can shift, gets in the right position and has got a great attitude. âFor a centre-half, itâs a bit different going out there. You do it now and then if your team is struggling and thatâs what I did. âItâs the same with Sheasy (John OâShea) when he has to go out to right-back and help the team. âBut weâve got three or four who can play left-back and Jack is doing well there, heâs a great player.â Colbackâs performances at left-back have been all the more impressive considering the players he has been up against. In both encounters against Manchester City this season, he has subdued the threat of England winger Adam Johnson. And he was similarly effective when Spurs winger Gareth Bale switched to the right flank last weekend, albeit the Welsh international beat the Sunderland man on one occasion during the second half. Must say I agree with Killa. Colback very competent at LB now, would only get better in the future.
good to hear kilgallon getting a bit of press attention like, think he's our first choice center half now, we've got plenty of quality there (when they're fit like!!) personally i think colback makes an excellent left back, he rarely has a bad game there, and if he were to move there permanently it would save mon having to make a call on the roles of cattermole, gardner, vaughan and meyler, all of whom i like.
I don't get to as many games as I used to, so I haven't seen him at LB too often. But if he's solid there, consistently, play him! Richardson's not the answer and if we sort LB our defense will be solid next season.
Just that Killa was referencing Colback's work against Johnson. If Johnson is a top quality winger that can move our side forward, than certainly Colback deserves his recognition for playing him impressively. And hence, should be considered for the position permanently. No?
Totally agree that this is his best position. I also think Gardner makes a cracking right back as well.
I do believe he kept David Silva at bay too? Made him look like an average winger when everyone knows his skill Id be more than happy for a him to go left back
Personally I think Colback is the best Left back at the club (Just my opinion like!) from what I've seen of him - he also crosses a good ball on the run if he's getting forward!! He's going to be a very good player (He already is - I mean he'll get better!) It's looking good for us - but, as was said above - with Gardner, Catts, Meyler and Vaughan for CM (And possibly Larsson as well) He may be limited there - it's also great to see we have some good back up for the first choice Agree about Killa - Him and O'Shea first choice at Centre Half for me Very controversial!! Totally disagree personally but this game is all about opinions!!
I'd certainly try and get Jack to convert, a-la-Micky, as I think he is a very good midfielder, but a potentially outstanding LB. To have a LB as comfortable on the ball and in tight spaces as Jack is a cracking asset, and he and McLean could form a cracking partnership over a few games (we've seen glimpses). Gardner's best position for me is centre mid, for WBA. The more I watch him, the less value I see, the lad is a good footballer, feet are nice, can hit them, but his decision making is appaling, and many shots are wayward. He slows the game down a fair bit as well. Good player, not for us though, IMO.
Shame Mcclean didnt give the ball to Colback more against everton. Colback made a few good runs from LB to support Mcclean, but Mcclean seemed to miss them.
Aye, That's what I mean by the 'seen glimpses' bit. With time and understanding, we could have a Gray-Johnston kind of situation down the left, and that would be a treat!
Yeah I think so - It's a tough call with Brown, O'Shea and Kilgallon as all 3 are very good defenders - Turner (IMO) has been very under-rated this season - particularly when you look at his performances against the likes of Arsenal and Man City - luckily I am not the man making that decision - unluckily I am not on the amount of money of the man that makes that decision
He's done quite well at right back and can play in midfield. I think as a cover player, I prefer him to (move along there lad) Richardson. When fit and match sharp Vaughan is amazing, great distribution and vision -he also has the mettle of Catts.
He's a solid player, but does he bing enough to knock back £5-6million? Not for me mate (Gardner this is, I really rate Vaughan)
Vaughan is excellent - Catts and Vaughan would be my first choice central midfielders - Vaughan very rarely gives the ball away (when fully fit) and has excellent vision and a sweet left foot...
