I'd have to disagree here I think Santon can defend and he will prove his value to the team this season. You've got to think that last season was his first in a new City and league where he didn't know the language or what to expect. Other players have settled easier and quicker, but the bulk of our foreign signings have all either been French or spoken French and know people already at the club which has made settling that bit easier.
As the only Italian I can imagine he had a job getting adjusted to the club and the City, but all the talk from him (and surprisingly his agent) quashing rumours of a move back to Italy and wanting to stay here sounds really positive. He showed in spells last season how good he is going forward and how well he can defend, but consistency was his major problem. Pardew will get the best out of him though I've no doubt about that.
The weakest link is definitely Simpson by a country mile. Absolutely hopeless going forward, which must be frustrating for Ben Arfa or whoever is played infront of him and while his goal line clearances were a godsend at times last season his inability to close down defenders and the amount of times he was done for pace on the wing is worrying considering his age.
He's improved a lot since we signed him on loan in the Championship, but he's hit a wall where he doesn't look like he'll improve any more and to continue to challenge top eight he needs to be moved on and someone better brought in
