As a semi-serious reply, I'm using http://www.hesgoal.com/news/108711/Southampton_vs_Villarreal.html as this gives a good picture and English commentary.
True, he did have some shockers - but before that he initially broke through as a RB and may have developed holistically after his strong display at CB. Either way, Ralph has said why he prefers 3 CBs and it isnt because of Djenepo/Valery/Perraud.
That's pre-season done. Ignoring the results as they mean next to nothing, but the way Ralph has gone about it has me worried. I think we will really struggle with 3 CBs and from pre season it looks like that is the way Ralph will start the season. We have made a few good signings but I worry that the youngsters may not be quite ready yet. Bloody hope I am wrong and that Ralph makes me eat my words. I've always backed him and do rate him, just not impressed with the preparation going into the season.
We know how to play 4-2-2-2, so the experimenting was expected (and encouraged). I think because of our first 5 fixtures or so of the season Ralph wants to keep things tight and in-front of the players. I'd be more concerned if we didn't play anything other then 4-2-2-2.
We simply don’t seem to have one decent CB and haven’t for a few seasons now, doesn’t matter whether you play two or three, they aren’t very good but at least by only playing two it gives us more in midfield and helps us press properties
A win against Monaco and a narrow loss to Villarreal including 4 open play goals isn't bad going. Concerned that we haven't done enough to fix a defence that was absolutely honking in the final third of last season, but that was probably never going to be a quick fix.
I also don’t like the 3 at the back. Would much prefer 3 in midfield. Not sure about stu up front Not sure about Djenepo But there are positives from preseason. The biggest ones are the new signings. Bazunu, Aribo and Lavia look fantastic. Mara was very quiet today but I assume it’s early in his preparation
Seem to remember that Rickie Lambert started off as a midfielder- point being that it sometimes takes a while for a player to find his ‘best’ position.
