Johnson brings a lot of strength even though his not the quickest he can put in a shift stamina wise. I think Martin even though he lacks the pace as a right back he could bring some to that holding midfield role, if he muscled up a bit more I'd be fairly confident having him as back up there.
Agree with all this - Rusty is a bit like Drury - lacks pace but makes up for this by great positional sense and reading of the game. I think his versatility is a great asset and if push came to shove he'd do alright up front as well as a target man I reckon (a la Doc !!) Need to invest in the full-back positions for next season as players running at us and cutting in (Hoilllet, Moses, Benayoun) has been our biggest weakness this season.
I don't think he'd suit a holding midfield role, but he is a player when you see him you instinctively trust him i don't worry about him not being good enough when he plays centre back as he just is one of those players. In the CB vs RB debate I think there's no doubt he is a better premier league centre back than right back
Perhaps having a less injury prone centre back too mind you our Russell should be well ahead of other of players like Ward in my opinion. I agree about the trust factor Billy especially when he play's as a centre back, I have the feeling we'll look a lot more tidier at the back which is something we've distinctively lacked at times this season.
Agree, think he could do a job at holding midfield. I have a feeling Lambert will bring in Bridcutt though which will probably mean he wouldn't be needed at holding midfield.
Pretty much what I said on another thread - he doesn't have the pace to keep up with some of the speedy wingers in the PL, but he has been immense in both games against Arsenal at CB!!!
He looks like a center back now please log in to view this image If he loses another he can be a welsh center forward.
