Nicolas Otamendi - 2017/18 performances

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Otamendi's an accomplished footballer, one of the most comfortable defenders in possession in the business, which is why Pep picks him and will continue to pick him. The problem is that he is being asked to fill a role that accentuates his biggest weakness, which is a phenomenal lack of pace. Defending high up the pitch, with his covering full back usually way down field, causes him problems against anyone with pace running his channel, and leads to additional problems as he either tries to dive in recklessly to compensate or to attempt hapless offside traps by himself. Unfortunately is becoming a real issue, as every opposition team is aware of it
 
Pep plays him in a system which highlights his weaknesses. Primarily his lack of pace, something that is shared by others. When Mane went through on Ederson one on one that resulted in his sending off, he spun off the shoulder of Danilo to chase a simple ball over the top of the high line we were keeping. You can't really criticise Danilo (or Otamendi) for being slower than Mane. That's why it is so crucial we have a keeper like Eddie, who becomes an out player to intercept those type of balls.
 
We need an Otamendi in our defence, especially in a 3 at the back.. His style allows for Stones' passive style to work and not be exposed plus he is our main passer out from the back(only Silva has completed more passes in the league and he's completed more long passes than Vinny and Stones combined).

He's a defensive workhorse and we'd be worse off without him;

Otamendi - 8 tackles, 15 aerial duels won, 22 clearances, 10 interceptions

Rest of our defence(Kompany,Stones,Mangala,Walker, Danilo & Mendy) - 10 tackles, 28 aerial duels won, 31 clearances, 13 interceptions

That's 40% of our quantifiable defending(by our defenders) done by Otamendi
 
We need an Otamendi in our defence, especially in a 3 at the back.. His style allows for Stones' passive style to work and not be exposed plus he is our main passer out from the back(only Silva has completed more passes in the league and he's completed more long passes than Vinny and Stones combined).

He's a defensive workhorse and we'd be worse off without him;

Otamendi - 8 tackles, 15 aerial duels won, 22 clearances, 10 interceptions

Rest of our defence(Kompany,Stones,Mangala,Walker, Danilo & Mendy) - 10 tackles, 28 aerial duels won, 31 clearances, 13 interceptions

That's 40% of our quantifiable defending(by our defenders) done by Otamendi
Interesting to see those stats. I wonder whether they're slightly inflated sure to the fact that the opposition target him. Ditto the passing completion. I know if I was playing city of like him to be on the ball as often as possible...
(Makes it sound as if I don't rate him at all. I know he offers a lot of commitment, but am just not convinced he the kind of player we need)
 
Pep hung him out to dry on Saturday. Mendy spent most of the game in an advanced position leaving him ruthlessly exposed. The odd occasion Mendy did drop back his(mendys) defending wasn't anything to write home about either. It's the system that exaggerates the problem. Otamendi tries to drive us forward and is prepared to play the risky pass. It might not always come off but neither does de bruynes either. Ten times the player Evans is. Jesus what was he like Saturday. Still can't believe we thought he was an option.
 
When Mane went through on Ederson one on one that resulted in his sending off, he spun off the shoulder of Danilo to chase a simple ball over the top of the high line we were keeping. You can't really criticise Danilo (or Otamendi) for being slower than Mane.

That's not what happened. If you actually watch the replay, you'll see Danilo (and Stones & Walker) step up playing an offside trap, only for Otamendi to be playing Mané onside because he's so terrified of Salah he's dropped 5 yards deeper than everyone else.







A lot of people keep saying "It's not fair, Otamendi's being put in a position he can't play due to being slow" but that's irrelevant. The high line is crucial to how we play, as is the fullbacks pushing up high and wide - those can't change, so he either needs to find a way to cope or we need to get someone who isn't a liability against anyone faster than a tugboat to play there instead.

Saying Otamendi would be great if we played a deep line is about as relevant as saying Peter crouch would be ideal if we wanted to knock balls into the box all game.
 
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That's not what happened. If you actually watch the replay, you'll see Danilo (and Stones & Walker) step up playing an offside trap, only for Otamendi to be playing Mané onside because he's so terrified of Salah he's dropped 5 yards deeper than everyone else.

Danilo tried to play the offside trap but he's actually playing Mane onside.
 
Danilo tried to play the offside trap but he's actually playing Mane onside.

It's close, but there's no doubt the other 3 are playing an offside trap and Otamendi is in a world of his own. We're lucky Mané didn't see him, otherwise he could have had another 5 yards head start and wouldn't have gotten to the ball second.
 
That's not what happened. If you actually watch the replay, you'll see Danilo (and Stones & Walker) step up playing an offside trap, only for Otamendi to be playing Mané onside because he's so terrified of Salah he's dropped 5 yards deeper than everyone else.







A lot of people keep saying "It's not fair, Otamendi's being put in a position he can't play due to being slow" but that's irrelevant. The high line is crucial to how we play, as is the fullbacks pushing up high and wide - those can't change, so he either needs to find a way to cope or we need to get someone who isn't a liability against anyone faster than a tugboat to play there instead.

Saying Otamendi would be great if we played a deep line is about as relevant as saying Peter crouch would be ideal if we wanted to knock balls into the box all game.

Sorry, you are wrong. The video you posted clearly shows Danilo and Otamendi playing Mane onside. Stop the ball at the defenders foot when he knocks it over the defensive line. When the ball is kicked Danilo steps forward a pace and Mane starts his run. He is gone and Danilo lacks the pace to stay with him. I'm not being critical of Danilo. These things happen. Thats why we have a sweeper keeper for these instances.

Edit. I should have added, I do agree with you about the offside trap. If we are going to play it against forwards of the quality and speed of Mane and Sahko, we need to be better and more disciplined at it.
 
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