In my view we have a very special player in Vertonghen, one of the first names on the team sheet without question. Soon however Kaboul will be back and Caulker has impressed in my view and adds a strong threat at set pieces. Dawson as always has earned his place but with these defensive riches cannot in the long term expect to be an ever present. One will go, so we hear, I would hope that was Gallas, off to the USA or China perhaps for a last injection into his bank account. One solution we could try to take advantage of all these talents is to play Vertonghen in midfield and give him the captains armband. A modern day Blanchflower! If Walker regains his form we could set up something like this:- Lloris Walker Kaboul Caulker BAE Lennon Vertonghen Dembele Sigurdsen Bale New Striker?
I'd rather see us use all four sensibly and perhaps even give Gallas a coaching role, if he intends to go down that route. Tons of experience at the top level. Vertonghen and Kaboul seems like a very balanced pairing and they both play some nice stuff, while offering a goal threat. Not many teams have that sort of option at centre-half, without taking away some solidity. It'd be a waste not to use it, in my opinion. Having Dawson and Caulker fighting for starting places and getting games in the domestic cups, plus some sensible level of rotation is the way to go, for me.
His involvement in both goals yesterday with a brilliantly taken goal and a great ball played to Bale were pieces of play you could not believe from a centre half he does look like he could play midfield easily and its great to see how he has developed from a bit of a shaky start,his importance to the team should not be underestimated .Its easy to get caught up in the plaudits being lauded on Bale but players like Verts and Lennon will be vital in the run-in .He really is looking like a class act at the moment
I am impressed by Caulker and want to see a long term solid future for him rather than just fighting for a place. We cannot afford to ignore his talents IMO.
I believe verts is naturally a defender with an attacking instinct/vision to make runs forward so ill like to see him remain at the back. Also, Sandro is such a fantastic talent with huge potential, that he is my 1st name on the team sheet ( in midfield) when all are fit. But going back to Verts, hes superb at interceptions and reading the game ahead of him so sitting deep is where i want to see him start. Although ive no doubt if required he could settle into midfield but not only do we have sandro, we have holtby who likes to play a deep midfield role.
Physio room is saying October before we see his return. In the mean time as an alternative to Parker next season maybe Vertonghen in midfield.
BAE's going, no point putting him in your team for next season! On JV, nothing to add on whats been mentioned so far, great signing, end of, my only concern is his defensive aerial work, we've been suffering at set pieces so that does need addressing. Caulker with the injuries we've had, has never had a better chance to claim a start, unfortunately when he was given a run, despite some good games from him, he tended to switch off a few too many times, which is a shame as he's a great threat in the opponents box, but his job is to defend and he hasn't been that assured at times. Daws was nowhere in the reckoning at the start of the season, but is now ahead of Caulks atm, so I'm not too sure where he stands.
I confess it's taken me a while to appreciate the talents of Vertonghen and along with Notso, I still retain concerns about his defensive aerial play. He also has a tendency to get drawn out of position on occasions, but that's me being overly fussy. Over the past few months, he has proved to be an excellent acquisiton and I fully expect to see him go from strength to strength as his time with us progresses.
Vertonghen plays at LB for his country. I would not be surprised if that's where he ends up playing for us. Both Caulker and Kaboul have far better aerial ability, and given time, I could see hem as a very tight CB partnership.
Can't really see BAE going if we get CL football. As for Vertonghen, he is a footballing defender and lacks the mobility to be a midfielder. The first choice CB pairing for me is Kaboul and Verts. What JV lacks in aeriel power he makes up for with the way he reads the game.
I see also that BAE doesn't seem to be nailed on for the LB position any more. Verts when he has played there has been OK but it restricts his play. As for a MF role while Sandro is out why not he's extremely capable and total class future captain for me.
OS, do you have any inside info on how Holtby's perceived. Is he being eased in, or are we losing faith after the effort to get him in early?
I Guess we're just going to have to go down the radical tactical route of... Lloris BAE Verts Caulker Dawson Kaboul Walker Siggy Sandro Dembele Parker Lennon Holtby Bale NEW STRIKER ...in order to maximise our potential...
The two passes he played at Swansea for the goals showed more creative play from a central midfield position than our currant pair of sluggers . He also carries the ball better than Parker and as good as Dembele but can actually do something with it. If we are never going to address the creative element of the team , which is highly likely as these players cost real money, then give him a go.
Tongue in cheek comment with reference to a tongue in cheek article of mine...don't panic!...though there might be something in it!
In the long run I like Jan right where he is. His ability to read, intercept and go forward really gives us an extra dimension. But I would also like to see him play DM occasionally. I'm guessing he could be very good at it, and it might be the right option in some games. I also don't know how to fit Caulker into the starting lineup. Kaboul on the left is a thought, but I like him as a CB as well, plus I think Beni is very undervalued.
