I think after this season we have to consider Russell Martin as a centre half rather than a right back. His performances at centre half have been top, he reads the game brilliantly there and has made several goal line clearances whilst playing in that position. I think that at right back he has been quite shaky at times and whenever he comes up against a pacey winger he struggles. I find that he doesn't get forward as often this season too, as often as Naughton anyway. His two games against Arsenal this season at centre half have been brilliant and I think he probably wouldn't be here next season if it wasn't for his centre half performances. He has been better then Ward and Barnett this season in their position, and been fit all season which is a major plus.
Definitely consider him a centre half or move him on IMO. Ward needs to go - no where near Premier League class.
I agree, lacks a bit of pace for right back. But it is great to have a versatile player who can play both CB and RB well. Allows for change of formation/tactics at any point, so a great player to have in the squad.
I think he would be first choice centre back if he played there consistently. Are big problem is injuries at the back and he has been massive in covering for them. He was brilliant against Bolton at Carrow Road as well.
Disagree about him not going forward as much as he has scored more goals than Naughton and this league is tougher than the Championship.
Most of Martin's goals have come from set pieces. I think all of them actually. And yeah it is tougher, Naughton has played better at right back overall this season and in my opinion has been better attacking wise. I think Elliot Bennett and him work well together and Naughton has been a lot more attacking than Martin when he has played at right back.
Naughton and E Bennett combine well down the right purely because of the amount of game time they've both had, which leads to a good understanding. Had Tierney remained fit, I have no doubt the he and Pilks would have achieved similar on the left hand side
Agree, think we've missed Tierney shame the left hand side paertnership hasn't had much chance to blossom. Although Drury has held his own and surprised everyone I think.
I just can't believe I saw one of the "Pink Un" goons knocking Russ a couple of week's ago, and saying we should get rid of him! He always gives 100% and has been our saviour in many games! If he doesn't get forward much these days, who was that wearing the No2 shirt in Arsenals penalty area almost having his shirt ripped off and NOT getting awarded a penalty, which he should have had?? I believe he's MORE than a squad player for us! ILD OTBC
Yeah, I just think take Set pieces out of it Naughton provides more going forward. I think Martin is well up there pecking order wise, and think he is probably most effective at centreback nowadays. I love Norfolk Cafu.
I agree he is a very important player for us. I wrote that he was a "useful man to have in the squad" but I didn't mean he was only a squad player, just it is great to have a player who can play in different positions well. While he may not be regarded as our best RB any more, when he does play there it gives us an advantage when defending set pieces as he is tall and very good in the air. His commitment is unquestionable.
What's so great about the Naughton, E Bennett partnership is that E Bennett helps a lot in the defence. This is more important, I feel, than Naughton helping E Bennett in attack.
agree with people who say he's become a better centre back than right back now. he's struggled at times at right back this season, though nowhere near as bad as some have said, but he has really excelled at centre back this year. we've missed tierney at left back but drury and even lapin have done well when covering and martin has stepped up when naughton has had to switch to left back or is unavailable - such a bargain signing for us. nice pants too
Russell Martin is a very clever guy, think that's why he reads te game so well. Doesn't just play instinctively, always seems to be thinking ahead. Ryan bennett is more of the closing down, win everything in the air type which suits Martin as he can effectively mop up behind and get in the right position. I think he is great in eithe position so, as you say, very versatile. Seems an absolute bargain more than ever after he stepped up once again to prove any lingering doubters wrong.
His actually very handy at centre back have been really impressed by him, at right back I'm not a fan his silenced some good wingers but his been given a terrible time off others not a premiership fullback but can definitely cut it as a centre back. If he went on the Jackson getting hench diet I'd like to see him try out as a holding midfielder.
Interesting idea playing him as a holding mid. May work in the Championship but not sure he has the quality on the ball required for that position in the prem. Reads the game well though so who knows
Both of Rusty's goals came when he was playing at CB I think. I have to admit, I was expecting big things of Rusty at RB this season after the last one and I was disappointed. I was expecting nothing of him at CB and I have no superlative to describe how happy I am. When I first saw Rusty on the team sheet at CB I was thinking 'oh no' but by the end of the game it looked just like another Lambert masterstroke.
I think he is probably a better passer than Johnson, have seen him give the ball away too often. However, he is a combative player second to few in that department. When the going gets tough and all that jazz.... I'm sure Martin could do a job as holding midfielder, and I think his passing is generally pretty accurate. His only weakness at right back is pace. I'd like to see some pace at left and right back, think replacing naughton will be a tough ask in the next season.
He would be one hell of a useful player if he could fill in as a holding mid as well. Whether he is good enough to play there who knows, but if he did he would give 100% and do us proud
