That's the only thing that's become clear under Benitez, for me at least anyway. Not sure if its down to lack of confidence or fitness but JT's injury seems to have had the same effect as Drogba's and Lampard in 2011. Many including myself have lambasted Benitez for not starting JT but it's become clear as to why. Luiz is our best defender, no clean sheet in 13 months without him. He is haphazard and careless at times but he's the only defender we have that can read the game and defending against quick dribblers on one-on-one situations. Cahill, JT & Ivanovic are good at recovery but that's about it. I'd definitely like to see a top quality CB brought in. Drogs has suggested Hummels who I also think would be great, either him or Lovrens. A few Lampard goals shouldn't mask over the fact that we have no shape with him in the midfield, he isn't good enough to displace any over our attackers and it begs the question is it really useful keeping a squad player on £150k a week when resources can be spent elsewhere? I love Lampard and he'll always be a legend but unlike Gerrard at Liverpool we have better players that can fill his position. For me, our best team is without doubt the team that finished at Old Trafford. Ramires and Mikel at DM. Luiz at CB, Ivanovic or Cahill (give or take) at CB, Azpi at RB, Cole at RB and the 3 of Hazard, Oscar and Mata with Ba up top (I know Torres came on but oh well).
To be fair JT has been playing while not completely fit! I have a feeling we'll see an improvent during the run in! As for Lamps I'd be inclined to sit him on the bench until he leaves! Its a shame because he's very fit for a player his age!
At the game yesterday I thought Terry was your best player. As for Lampard he did not have a good game but before the international break he seemed to be banging them in.
DL at first I thought you were having a laugh with this thread , then I realized you weren't, and I can only put it down to the fact that you are so down about our team at the moment. I have to disagree with most things you said which is unusual for me. Terry was the only one to get a goal in that last game, and he's not even our striker. So I think he is definitely needed at the moment. IMO nobody reads a game as well as he does, I love Luis but but no way is he our best defender, I don't even think he should be playing in that position. As for Lamps well it wasn't his fault as that combination or paring never works, we know it and so should Benitez he is still capable of far more than he is doing if given the right chance.
Ashley cole is the same age as John Terry , some of our "supporters" on this site talk absolute rubbish sometimes. If terrys old, that makes cole old as well. Terry has the knee injury that has taken time to recover, don't listen to talk sport . They are the red tops of radio and should be taken as such!
I agree Lampard isnt part of the best 11, I'm not sure about Terry. I reckon back on full fitness, Terry Luiz is pur best CB pairing.
Today showed this! And Thursday will as well I'm pretty sure both JT and Lamps will start against Kazan.
It's not knee jerk at all. Luiz is by a mile our best CB and for Ivanovic should partner him. JT is needed against the more physical sides. Lampard is a squad player now. Both are legends and always will be but neither would make our best 11
I don't care what people say but Luiz is not a good defender, he is such a liability. CB's should be reliable, he is far from being that.
