Christ. Yes, I watched the entire game. BDB of course does something going forward (to take my point as him doing absolutely nothing is a little odd), but he is not an attacking threat from LB. He does not offer any creativity or penetrative threat. He doesn't offer an outlet to whip in a cross from our inverted winger... In my opinion, we need a proper left back in, regardless of how defensively sound BDB is, he's not going to cut it moving forward. Absolutely nothing that he can do will change my mind on that. No slight on BDB, he's just not the right fit.
Agree in the main here. BDB has been a fantastic signing for us overall, I've been really impressed by him and for the price an absolute snip. Going forward he isn't really very much at all and if we want to develop further into a team on the front foot in games then I've got to agree he's not the wing back you want. I'd also add that as a CB last year he looked good (good enough to be our 3rd choice behind Botman and Schar, indeed i think if he was right footed it may have been him playing alongside Botman - though Schar has been very good) so purchasing a LB - like Tierney we're being linked to - would probably sort out two positions (no longer needing the likes of Lascelles coming on) for next season even if we didn't then buy a CB. Be interesting to see what happens with Targett, was really impressed with him last season but injuries this year plus perhaps form?!? He's not great but he was a 6-7/10 most games and offered more going forward. CM, Forward, LB and we'll be a much better team (Maddison, Diaby, Tierney for instance...). Don't trust my judgement though as I'd be out scouting how Lukaku was playing, would love a player like him in front of what we have and he'll be on the move in the Summer for a cut-price deal. Not the type of transfer I can see us going for though and cannot blame them at all.
Dan Burn will be a fantastic member of the squad going forward. Can play CB and LB, and will be needed next year when we get to Europe. He may not end up being first choice, but the amount games we'll play will need to be covered when we rotate. Worth every penny of the £13m.
BDB will have a massive part to play for us still. but moving forward, I think he'll be a backup LB, or, unless he can force a run in the side with some top performances, a backup CB. Just to be clear - I think BDB has been one of our best signings. He's been amazing and incredible value for money - plus he's one of our own, but for the good of the team and to provide us with more higher up the pitch he'll need to be ousted from LB as a starter next season.
