If we stick to a back three I genuinely can't think of any serious upgrade on Christensen and Rudi.

On 30/06/2021 at 15:15, Argo said:

If we stick to a back three I genuinely can't think of any serious upgrade on Christensen and Rudi.

But if we ever want to play 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 again then part from T.Silva we don't have a world class defender, Christensen simply wasn't consistent enough in a back 4.

21 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

But if we ever want to play 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 again then part from T.Silva we don't have a world class defender, Christensen simply wasn't consistent enough in a back 4.

While ofcourse he still has to fully prove himself in that position (hence my if we stick to a back 3 comment) but I think it's not as simple as back 4 he a average back 3 he's world class.

Firstly when he first lost his form at the end of Conte's reign we were playing in a back three and he was largely okay under Sarri in a back four all be it limited appearances. Then a season with Frank's system combined with Kepa behind him was always a recipe for disaster, even Thiago would have only done so much against such a tide himself either.

So I think there's a lot of caveats to it deeper than back 3 vs back 4.

1 minute ago, Argo said:

While ofcourse he still has to fully prove himself in that position (hence my if we stick to a back 3 comment) but I think it's not as simple as back 4 he a average back 3 he's world class.

Firstly when he first lost his form at the end of Conte's reign we were playing in a back three and he was largely okay under Sarri in a back four all be it limited appearances. Then a season with Frank's system combined with Kepa behind him was always a recipe for disaster, even Thiago would have only done so much against such a tide himself either.

So I think there's a lot of caveats to it deeper than back 3 vs back 4.

Sure it's not that simple but in the end of the day the idea is to challenge Man City for the league title with T.Silva being our best defender. He's 36 years old, our captain is going to be 32. Christensen did well for us in recent times but if we aren't looking to change our formation at all, there is a risk that our tactic will be figured out and in that case we won't have another alternative but to stick to it and wait for the next summer. Though I'm aware that Conte won the league with the back 3 (again) and that Diego Simeone played many games with a back 3 in La Liga and also won it... But I'm still not sure if we can do it in the PL, for me something is missing there.

Man City signing first Laporte and more recently Dias made Pep's team once again the best in the league, Liverpool couldn't keep up with them once their best defender was out.

I don't remember the last time we signed a CB that was top quality, part from T.Silva coming for free as an older player that is... I'm not sure if I can count D.Luiz as such a signing.

Carvalho was class. 

Kounde has a great leap and doesn’t get beaten in the air much whenever I have seen him play. Obviously it helps being tall but timing of the jump and positioning is just as important as height. Tim Cahill is a great example of this

Pau Torres? Anyone watched much of him?

34 minutes ago, rtwelch said:

Pau Torres? Anyone watched much of him?

Same question for Akanji (Switzerland), first class against France and Spain (so far). 

Any Bundesliga fans who can tell us more? 

48 minutes ago, rtwelch said:

Pau Torres? Anyone watched much of him?

There was a quote in the Media, apparently for Villareal Official Site, where he was saying he was not planning on leaving in the summer and was looking forward to the Supercup final.

Not sure if this can be indication for anything, we've seen it all in football, but he might stay loyal to the club or considering his consistent form during the Euro, he will cost a lot.

 

10 hours ago, BordeauxBlue said:

Same question for Akanji (Switzerland), first class against France and Spain (so far). 

Any Bundesliga fans who can tell us more? 

 

10 hours ago, BordeauxBlue said:

Same question for Akanji (Switzerland), first class against France and Spain (so far). 

Any Bundesliga fans who can tell us more? 

I watched Akanji for dortmund  I think it was two seasons ago and he looked good although he’s been criticized a lot. . Didn’t see much of him this last season.  Not the worst choice out there although I’m sure it won’t happen. 

Edited July 3, 20215 yr by ozboy

That Guehi lad is decent ... we should put a cheeky bid in ... 🙂

Akanji is not good and makes a lot of mistakes for Dortmund, Pau Torres is good on the ball but is terrible in the air ( a spanish Christensen sort of ).

Guehi has looked dependable. I like the cut if his jib. 

On 02/07/2021 at 17:04, rtwelch said:

Pau Torres? Anyone watched much of him?

Pau Torres is an interesting one. Played really well for Villareal last year but watched the Croatia game and Kramaric/Pektovic bullied him upfront. Didn't look like he wanted to head the ball or compete in physical situations.

Playing week in week out against Ashley Barnes would make him suffer. 

A name that is coming out in recent rumors is PSG's Kimpembe! We might get a new good CB!

46 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

A name that is coming out in recent rumors is PSG's Kimpembe! We might get a new good CB!

He is average though

35 minutes ago, ducavis said:

He is average though

He has the size and decent pace and can do a good job but I know he's not close to world class but IMHO a bit better than average.

I really dig him for some reason, think he‘d do great in the EPL. Bit like a raw diamond and his biggest problem by far are his emotions. He massively improved his game (mostly being way more consistent) in the second Tuchel season at PSG and I can imagine that a rather well drilled, balanced and organised squad like Chelsea helps him tremendously to learn keeping his temper in check compared to a circus side like PSG. He clearly is no Marquinhos of course and never will be but if we want to play with a b4 he‘s imho an amazing prospect. Very young but already very experienced.

 

I just can‘t see any way that he‘s up for a transfer so I‘m not even considering him tbh

Edited July 23, 20214 yr by weetee

I wish we would hijack the Romero to Spurs move, great center back.

33 minutes ago, DidierDrogbalala said:

I wish we would hijack the Romero to Spurs move, great center back.

Forgive my ignorance, who is Romero?

3 hours ago, mwblue10 said:

Forgive my ignorance, who is Romero?

Argentinian CB that plays for Atalanta. He is very good. Was bought by Juventus & loaned out to Atalanta who activated the option to buy him, & sell him on to Spurs for a profit

 

Thought we are overloaded with CBs, especially if Tuchel is open to play with 4 at the back. Even if we are selling Zouma ( NOT a smart move IMO) a young CB or even James could fit in as the 4th CB on the odd occasion.

12 hours ago, ducavis said:

Argentinian CB that plays for Atalanta. He is very good. Was bought by Juventus & loaned out to Atalanta who activated the option to buy him, & sell him on to Spurs for a profit

 

Cheers. Lad must not have much ambition.

The first name when I started this thread was Kounde and now all of a sudden so many quality reports saying that he'll be our next signing. The club is doing a wonderful job behind the scenes, Kounde, some albino boi and a central/defensive midfielder would make us strong for the title challenge.