Centre back options

[Zenmanc]

Nightmare ......I could think of better words to describe City

It was the word Boateng himself used... hence the quotation and the reference to it in my post.

 

[Dax777]

Are you taking the piss?

It sounds that way sometimes. But I'm not. I truly believe this :)

 

[The Riot Club]

Ota is ok, but he's nowhere near Bonucci's level. That isnt to say, however, that Bonucci would look a world beater in England like he does in Europe. It's the extra pace of this league, its physicality and constantly shit reffing going in favour of the attacking side that makes certain defensive qualities more essential to succeed here than on the continent.

First, for a centre back, i think you need to be a big fucker. Minimum 6ft 2 and properly strong so tossers like Costa and Lukaku can't bully you off the ball.

Second, good reading of the game, anticipation, to recognise when it's unlikely a ref will notice a slight nudge in the back or little shirt pull.

Third, pace. Or faultless positioning if they're not hugely quick. Ideally both though.

This is why Kompany is the best centre back in Europe, he has all the above and a first class attitude.

The only central defenders who would really be good enough for us are van Dijk, Pique, Ramos, Boateng or Cahill. Apart from van Dijk who will be about £70m (and with good reason), the others are unobtainable. So we either spend on van Dijk or Pep coaches Stones who has the potential to get this good, especially with Komps next to him.

 

[Zin 'messiah' Zimmer]

Dax777 manages somehow to clarkie himself lol

No, he's serious..... to the batmobile

 

[Kamran Shirinzade]

Statement that otamendi is good defender with physical skills is a myth. Otamendi could not handle Diego Costa at Etihad when we lost to Chelsea 1-3. I can bring more examples when he has terrible individual performance. It is obvious that Pep wants creative center backs which are comfortable with ball and can help to create attacks. Both Inigo Martinez and Lucas Hernandez will be much more useful in Pep's team than Otamendi. If in next 2 years our manager will be Guardiola he must attract players which are suitable to his tactics not defenders which are epl proven or strong and tall it is not West Bromwich or United. We did not get even reach UCL final with physical players with earlier managers. But Pep could win 2 UCL with tiki-taka players. So summing up if Pep needs technical defenders hope he will get them, trust manager support our possible new signings and not criticize them because of EPL criterias. Because EPL clubs could not achieve anything in Europe last 7-8 years.

 

[mosssideblue]

I might be in the minority but I really don't want us to sell Otamendi. He looked amazing alongside Vinnie. Far better than Stones and Kolarov do.

Fully with you on that one mate

 

[Andy Morrisons jock strap]

Fully with you on that one mate

Anyone looks amazing playing with Kompany forget all the other signings a fit Kompany =Title end of story

 

[mosssideblue]

Anyone looks amazing playing with Kompany forget all the other signings a fit Kompany =Title end of story

Blue tinted specs there fella. As much as we would like to think so, it isn't that easy

 

[Andy Morrisons jock strap]

Blue tinted specs there fella. As much as we would like to think so, it isn't that easy

Honestly believe it to be true what he brings to the team is more than just his football ability, yeah you need your Silva and Augero but for me he is still our most important player and has been for god knows how many years

 

[City_Sean]

Lucas Martinez 21 year old from Atleti is left footed center back also comfortable with ball. Hope we will get him.

Hernandez, and it won't be happening any time soon with the transfer ban.