Just thought I'd mention that Phillippe Senderos made his 100th Premiership League appearance in the game against Norwich on Saturday. Of those 34 (3 as sub) have been made for Fulham since he joined on 8th June 2010.
Senderos has been selected at the centre of the Fulham defence for the last three matches â a run which has seen only two goals scored against. And 4 points earned.
I get moaned about when I defend Senderos (his critics would say that I have to, because he can't defend himself, obviously!) It's not that he's a bad player. What he is is a good player who (I'll admit it) makes mistakes. Apart from his very costly error against Man United, I thought he had a good game. When I've defended him before I've made the point that because of his reputation he gets slated for mistakes that wouldn't get such a harsh response if someone else made them. I'd like to see us replace him with someone better, but I think the constant knee-jerk criticism and 'Senderdross' nicknames are unwarranted and unfair.
A key problem for Senderos is he plays a position where mistakes can often directly lead to goals. Goalkeeper and central defender are the most high profile positions for criticism for this reason. For example, how many people called for new centre backs a few months ago when it was really our midfield, who were constantly leaving our defense exposed, that desperately needed that attention. Kara comes in and plays well and suddenly its a different situation. It is also unfortunate for Senderos (not us) that we have had a high degree of performance and consistency from that position over the past few years. However, I have no doubt that he's become a scapegoat and therefore gets more blame than other players. To be honest he needs a run of games to get some consistency; he's never had that and I'm not sure I see that happening. Barring a string of Karagounis-esque goals, I can't see the faithful ever really taking Senderos to heart, no matter how well he plays.
Agreed with all. I've had my doubts about Senderos (and I still do) but C58's stat speaks for itself. He reminds me of Rio Ferdinand in his early years - generally a very good player but prone to losing concentration and making high profile mistakes. The scapegoat thing is very true as well, every club has one or two players who will always get stick with very little praise to go with it.
Statistics can be taken both ways 58. Everyone will tell you that the best CB against Norwich was Hangeland and not Senderos. One of the goals conceded in the last three games was direct from one of Senderos's errors. So you could say that Senderos was to blame for 50% of the goals we have conceded in the last three games, a far less impressive statistic I'm sure you will agree. The trouble with centre backs is that if you make 9 great tackles and one poor one then the poor one is the one you are remembered for. Cesar was QPR's hero the week before last but a few clangers this week from him and he is public enemy number one. It's different for strikers in the sense that you can miss the target 4 times out of 5 but if that 5th shot goes in then the other four are forgotten about. Swings and roundabouts.
I am one of those that is always nervous when he plays. But he has played well. Against ManU, the error aside, was a really good game for Felipe Felop ( couldn't resist) French sandals! Solid at Norwich. I get the feeing Hangeland is comfortable next to him. I do agree, he needs games just like any other player.
