August 5, 20205 yr 2 hours ago, Kev56 said: Anyone know anything about Partey, the Woolwich have been after him for a while now. Would he fit in with us? would love to get him from under their stuck up noses ( if he is any good) Partey is a defensive midfielder, not a centreback.
August 9, 20205 yr Do fans still want us paying near a world record for Koulibaly after his sh*t show against Barca yesterday?
August 9, 20205 yr 20 minutes ago, ducavis said: Do fans still want us paying near a world record for Koulibaly after his sh*t show against Barca yesterday? I like Koulibaly but I've said before he has some of the same challenges as our own centre backs when he is isolated and forced to make decisions and defend one on one outside the box which will happen here because our structure is a shambles. Last night was just the most recent in a long line I've seen with Carlo and now Gatusso in charge. It strikes me that he has struggled a bit this year without Albiol as well who was the defensive leader there. Makes me laugh to see us linked with players like Gabriel, Gimenez and Pau Torres who are benefiting/have benefited from playing next to great organising centre backs but we are never being linked with the organising centre back themselves. For me our signing this summer has to be a defensive leader. Possibly 30 plus who can organises the rest. Hopefully that is complemented by a decent keeper too.
August 9, 20205 yr On His day, Messi could rip any defenders apart, so I'd give Koulibaly a pass. On the other hand, just about any half decent attackers rip Rudiger/Chritensen/Zouma part, I'd hate to imagine what Messi could do to them even on his worst days. I don't think we could afford him, but hell if money is a non-issue, fly him in tomorrow.
August 9, 20205 yr Thought this picture pretty much summarises where we are ... both centre backs out of position and static , as Tolisso moves unopposed into the centre of the 6 yard area to thrash the ball past Willie ...
August 9, 20205 yr Author 11 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said: Thought this picture pretty much summarises where we are ... both centre backs out of position and static , as Tolisso moves unopposed into the centre of the 6 yard area to thrash the ball past Willie ...
August 9, 20205 yr Most important to me is we deliver who Frank wants to sign for the defence and keeper. So even if he wants Nick Pope and the Burnley backline even we deliver them to him. If we still fail at defending then it comes down to him not being able to coach them properly and/or identify the right players for his style. He would be judged completely fairly based on his choices. If we get him players he does not want there we go back to square one. For me this is crucial.
August 10, 20205 yr On 09/08/2020 at 07:46, Sexyfootball said: Thought this picture pretty much summarises where we are ... both centre backs out of position and static , as Tolisso moves unopposed into the centre of the 6 yard area to thrash the ball past Willie ... This goal probably highlights our inability to defend as a team more than any other. We all know that our backline individually has a mistake in it and lacks concentration. Tolisso at the point I've highlighted (4mins 4 secs) isn't even on the screen but within 8 seconds has sauntered down the pitch and scores totally unchallenged. Callum will have originally seen him move, Barkley doesn't react at all (not focused on defending) and allows him to jog into the box unopposed. Zero communication warning others of the danger, no one taking control of the situation. We lack leaders on the pitch, at our peak we had five international captains,staying mentally focused was why we were so hard to beat.
August 10, 20205 yr 22 minutes ago, charierre said: This goal probably highlights our inability to defend as a team more than any other. We all know that our backline individually has a mistake in it and lacks concentration. Tolisso at the point I've highlighted (4mins 4 secs) isn't even on the screen but within 8 seconds has sauntered down the pitch and scores totally unchallenged. Callum will have originally seen him move, Barkley doesn't react at all (not focused on defending) and allows him to jog into the box unopposed. Zero communication warning others of the danger, no one taking control of the situation. We lack leaders on the pitch, at our peak we had five international captains,staying mentally focused was why we were so hard to beat. I think lack of leadership has a lot to do with it. We know that Christensen, Rüdiger, Zouma and Dave (I'm not so sure about Emerson and Alonso), although far from 'World Class', are all capable defenders. The question is why, when we put them together, has it been such a disaster this season. It's easy to just say they're all crap and need to be replaced ASAP, but that's stupid, reactionary nonsense, imo. I was never in favour of having Dave as captain, I didn't see great leadership qualities in him and still don't. I have the same opinion about Christensen and Zouma. Rüdiger is more experienced and seems more vocal, but he comes across as quite impulsive/emotional... obviously I don't know him personally, that's just the impression I have from watching him on the telly. If I was in charge of our transfers this summer then signing one top-class, dominant and experienced centre back would be my top priority. Who that could be I have absolutely no idea, that's what scouts are for. 1-2 years ago I kind of hoped that would be Rüdiger but unfortunately it hasn't quite worked out that way.
August 10, 20205 yr On 09/08/2020 at 01:26, ducavis said: Do fans still want us paying near a world record for Koulibaly after his sh*t show against Barca yesterday? I honestly get sick to death every transfer window seeing his name. Its like hes the only centre back anyone knows and for some reason gets made out like he's an African version of Van Dijk when he isn't.
August 10, 20205 yr Anyone seen much of Diego Carlos from Sevilla? Looks great on YouTube, seems to be linked with all the big clubs, Liverpool, Barca, Real, 27 athletically impressive, and looks like he has some leadership and quality on the ball. Suprised he hasnt been linked with us considering we are supposedly after a centre back. https://www.90min.com/posts/6590464-diego-carlos-8-things-to-know-about-the-tough-sevilla-defender seems a great option Edited August 10, 20205 yr by big blue
August 10, 20205 yr 5 hours ago, charierre said: This goal probably highlights our inability to defend as a team more than any other. We all know that our backline individually has a mistake in it and lacks concentration. Tolisso at the point I've highlighted (4mins 4 secs) isn't even on the screen but within 8 seconds has sauntered down the pitch and scores totally unchallenged. Callum will have originally seen him move, Barkley doesn't react at all (not focused on defending) and allows him to jog into the box unopposed. Zero communication warning others of the danger, no one taking control of the situation. We lack leaders on the pitch, at our peak we had five international captains,staying mentally focused was why we were so hard to beat. I'd say the positioning is highly questionable for all the midfield (look how bunched they all are, and they are all ball watching) and three of the defenders (James is the one who is where he should be). In addition CHO is ball watching and didn't follow Tolisso into the box (probably not his job, but he was nearest to the danger). Bayern have three attackers in the box and two of them are free in space with the ball about to be crossed, and Lewandowski would almost certainly have got to the ball ahead of Zouma if the cross had come in that area, and all this despite us having 9 players in the frame ... Edited August 10, 20205 yr by Sexyfootball
August 10, 20205 yr 4 minutes ago, Sexyfootball said: I'd say the positioning is highly questionable for all the midfield (look how bunched they all are, and they are all ball watching) and three of the defenders (James is the one who is where he should be). In addition CHO is ball watching and didn't follow Tolisso into the box (probably not his job, but he was nearest to the danger). Bayern have three attackers in the box and two of them are free in space with the ball about to be crossed, and Lewandowski would almost certainly have got to the ball ahead of Zouma if the cross had come in that area, and all this despite us having 9 players in the frame ... I agree the guilt needs to shared on this goal. Did Callum shout to Barkley? I'm not sure it was Callum's man though and Barkley for me should have been aware and ready to track his run, he even has a glance at him but shows no response at all. Emerson is aware of the no22 but seems to be totally oblivious of the run on his blind side. Suggesting major communication failure between the three of them.
August 10, 20205 yr I'd fancy myself as Bayerns no 22, Nice far post header, seeing as i aint being marked
August 10, 20205 yr 11 minutes ago, charierre said: I agree the guilt needs to shared on this goal. Did Callum shout to Barkley? I'm not sure it was Callum's man though and Barkley for me should have been aware and ready to track his run, he even has a glance at him but shows no response at all. Emerson is aware of the no22 but seems to be totally oblivious of the run on his blind side. Suggesting major communication failure between the three of them. I maybe in a minority but I don’t think we concede this goal next season.. watching live it was clear that AC was out of position since he was worried of the attacker going past James.. zouma moves to cover AC.. and then none of the others see danger .. Emerson could have done better .. one out of Ross/CHO had to run back and they weren’t willing to
August 10, 20205 yr 1 hour ago, Jangz said: I maybe in a minority but I don’t think we concede this goal next season.. watching live it was clear that AC was out of position since he was worried of the attacker going past James.. zouma moves to cover AC.. and then none of the others see danger .. Emerson could have done better .. one out of Ross/CHO had to run back and they weren’t willing to I would hope we never concede a goal like that again, it was terrible for a number of reasons and really shouldn't be happening at the level we were playing.
August 10, 20205 yr 16 minutes ago, charierre said: I would hope we never concede a goal like that again, it was terrible for a number of reasons and really shouldn't be happening at the level we were playing. Yeah hoping players start trusting each other more .. understand each other’s game too.
August 10, 20205 yr 3 hours ago, Sexyfootball said: I'd say the positioning is highly questionable for all the midfield (look how bunched they all are, and they are all ball watching) and three of the defenders (James is the one who is where he should be). In addition CHO is ball watching and didn't follow Tolisso into the box (probably not his job, but he was nearest to the danger). Bayern have three attackers in the box and two of them are free in space with the ball about to be crossed, and Lewandowski would almost certainly have got to the ball ahead of Zouma if the cross had come in that area, and all this despite us having 9 players in the frame ... I'll make allowances for the fact it was a dead rubber. We were playing for pride but the players clearly weren't 100% "on it". But our midfield three - NONE of then are looking for the runs into the box. We know how bad our defence is but it's equally poor from the midfield.
August 10, 20205 yr 7 hours ago, bluedave said: I think lack of leadership has a lot to do with it. We know that Christensen, Rüdiger, Zouma and Dave (I'm not so sure about Emerson and Alonso), although far from 'World Class', are all capable defenders. The question is why, when we put them together, has it been such a disaster this season. It's easy to just say they're all crap and need to be replaced ASAP, but that's stupid, reactionary nonsense, imo. I was never in favour of having Dave as captain, I didn't see great leadership qualities in him and still don't. I have the same opinion about Christensen and Zouma. Rüdiger is more experienced and seems more vocal, but he comes across as quite impulsive/emotional... obviously I don't know him personally, that's just the impression I have from watching him on the telly. If I was in charge of our transfers this summer then signing one top-class, dominant and experienced centre back would be my top priority. Who that could be I have absolutely no idea, that's what scouts are for. 1-2 years ago I kind of hoped that would be Rüdiger but unfortunately it hasn't quite worked out that way. Christensen will never be capable of playing in the highline though unfortunately, he has far too many physical limitations to play there. But having said that, he could likely do well elsewhere, probably outside of this league. Rudiger is a very strange one, I've never seen such a decline in a player, it's hard to believe he could just become sh*te overnight. But then again, injuries can also do that right? Rudiger has just been so erratic at the back, he reminds me of Mustafi the way he's been playing. It's a mystery it really is, the likelihood is, Chritsensen goes and nobody else, I think Rudiger will be here next season, but I have no confidence in that bloke returning back to his old form.
August 10, 20205 yr 3 hours ago, Slojo said: Christensen will never be capable of playing in the highline though unfortunately, he has far too many physical limitations to play there. But having said that, he could likely do well elsewhere, probably outside of this league. Rudiger is a very strange one, I've never seen such a decline in a player, it's hard to believe he could just become sh*te overnight. But then again, injuries can also do that right? Rudiger has just been so erratic at the back, he reminds me of Mustafi the way he's been playing. It's a mystery it really is, the likelihood is, Chritsensen goes and nobody else, I think Rudiger will be here next season, but I have no confidence in that bloke returning back to his old form. It's because there is no leader. No counter weight. All of our CBs are either too weak, reckless, or insistent on trying to play football when they should be clearing lines. With a sensible, grounded and efficient leader at the back Rudiger can shine again. Same for Zouma, but putting them together recklessly charging in or out of position will never work. Tomori would be great alongside a leader so he can learn when to defend and when he can dribble out of the box. We just need to find a, um, well basically a JT somewhere.
August 10, 20205 yr 6 minutes ago, WhiteWall said: It's because there is no leader. No counter weight. All of our CBs are either too weak, reckless, or insistent on trying to play football when they should be clearing lines. With a sensible, grounded and efficient leader at the back Rudiger can shine again. Same for Zouma, but putting them together recklessly charging in or out of position will never work. Tomori would be great alongside a leader so he can learn when to defend and when he can dribble out of the box. We just need to find a, um, well basically a JT somewhere. That is true, but Rudiger can't even clear a cross properly. He can't even stick his foot out on the by-line when the player has nothing else to do but cross the ball. He lets a 6'5 player in Maguire have a free header in the box. Maybe it's just a combination, once a player lacks leadership presence, that's it, it all goes tits up. It's hard to imagine him coming back from this though, I've never seen John Terry have a season like Rudiger just had, and Terry had some very poor moments once he hit his 30's.
August 11, 20205 yr 14 hours ago, Nibs said: I'll make allowances for the fact it was a dead rubber. We were playing for pride but the players clearly weren't 100% "on it". But our midfield three - NONE of then are looking for the runs into the box. We know how bad our defence is but it's equally poor from the midfield. In fairness as a midfielder if you looked at that you would expect your defence to cover that attack then know you had to pick up anything coming from behind you. Its more the fact none of them are looking around to see what is behind them that annoys me.
August 12, 20205 yr On 10/08/2020 at 21:42, WhiteWall said: It's because there is no leader. No counter weight. All of our CBs are either too weak, reckless, or insistent on trying to play football when they should be clearing lines. With a sensible, grounded and efficient leader at the back Rudiger can shine again. Same for Zouma, but putting them together recklessly charging in or out of position will never work. Tomori would be great alongside a leader so he can learn when to defend and when he can dribble out of the box. We just need to find a, um, well basically a JT somewhere. I honestly think Rudiger and Zouma are decent centre halfs. They have both had significantly better seasons before but have dropped off so much it raises questions. Are they following Franks tactics? Are the tactics correct? Have they lost confidence and just started running around ball watching? Whatever it is, its been obvious that Chelsea leak goals for quite some time now. Its too easy to say its the goalkeeper on his own but he does carry some of the responsibility. It could be that the centre halfs have lost their marbles and given up the ghost. I think we are all looking for solutions and coming up with different reasons as to why we are so shi* at the back. Goalie, Centre halfs, Alonso? All of these have been blamed. So many goals conceded. So many players to blame. Its really bad and has been for quite some time. I think there are a lot of problems and no silver bullet solution. Corners and ball watching need sorting and at this point I think we need a new goalie if only to rebuild confidence at the back. Frank has been very brave in sticking with the high press all season as this undoubtedly commits the midfield further forward giving them more ground to cover in defence. Its very brave. Especially when you are conceding for fun. Jose would have had every body behind the ball long ago. Frank is showing us something else and appears to be laying down an attacking philosophy for the future. He hasn't changed this to any great extent all season and still got top 4. Its very early in Franks managerial career and the new signings lead me to believe that attack is still at the top of the agenda, but at some point he will have to start chipping away at the defensive frailty. Maybe the new signings will not lose possession so much, maybe they will track back in a more efficient way or maybe we will just outscore the opposition. I'm totally behind Frank and I'm sure he knows you can't reach the top and concede like this. I'm also convinced he knows he has to improve his defence. I agree there is a lack of leadership at the back but JT's don't come along very often and VVD is at Liverpool. We need to coach our way out of this. Bring JT back as a defensive coach.
August 12, 20205 yr I agree with Andy somewhat, Zouma and Rudiger are not terrible centre halfs and I think selling them both would be a mistake. For me it looks like theres a massive lack of trust among the defence, including the keeper, and thats a huge part of having a defensive unit in place. The other thing missing is a leader, not one of our defenders is a vocal leader and organiser, and then if the keeper isnt either you have huge problems. I disagree with the premise of this thread in that I think if we got the right centre back in it would have a huge impact on the defence as a whole, the problem is finding that right defender, and I`m not even sure he currently exists.
Create an account or sign in to comment