Good to hear. Glad to have you back.
Jules Koundé
- Thread starter WallyA
- Start date
Good to hear. Glad to have you back.
Neville Kneville
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He won't struggle physically.
Not as dominating as Vinny or Van Dijk of course, but who is ?
This one makes sense,
If I recall correctly one of the reasons we were going for Koulibaly was that we anticipated that Garcia would break through in the next 2-3 years, and by that time Koulibaly would be 31-32 and we could slowly begin to phase him out. With Garcia wanting to leave and De Laurentis causing issues for us again. We probably have looked for a younger center back with good European experience that can play across the back. Kounde ticks all those boxes. Very intelligent defender with very good passing. And don't let the height intimidate you he can jump very well.
If I recall correctly one of the reasons we were going for Koulibaly was that we anticipated that Garcia would break through in the next 2-3 years, and by that time Koulibaly would be 31-32 and we could slowly begin to phase him out. With Garcia wanting to leave and De Laurentis causing issues for us again. We probably have looked for a younger center back with good European experience that can play across the back. Kounde ticks all those boxes. Very intelligent defender with very good passing. And don't let the height intimidate you he can jump very well.
supercity88
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Haven't seen a huge amount of him other than Europa League games last season. As soon as I saw him I was puzzled as to why his rash CB partner was the one linked. He already had a much more calm presence and looked like he had the raw attributes to be a top player.
We thought that with Stones though yet haven't seen the consistency or promise. Koulibaly for me, at the price, is another risk. A powerful player but didn't have the best season and although he was great against Liverpool you wonder how good he is considering Italian football has made Smalling look class.
We thought that with Stones though yet haven't seen the consistency or promise. Koulibaly for me, at the price, is another risk. A powerful player but didn't have the best season and although he was great against Liverpool you wonder how good he is considering Italian football has made Smalling look class.
Grealish’s Shinpads
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Height does not necessarily directly correlate to physicality or leadership. Cannavaro was 5’8 but a leader and a very physical player who was strong and had an incredible leap which compensated for his lack of height. Baresi, Puyol and Mascherano were also short but some of the best centre backs to have ever played the game.
To give you an example closer to home I would say that Ake is much more physical than Stones and going by what I’ve seen of him at Bournemouth a better leader too despite being shorter than him.
FWIW we’ve also become much much better at defending set pieces over the past few months. Most of the goals we have conceded recently have come from the high line being exposed and/or our defenders having brain farts of epic proportions.
Just saw this quote from an interview of his, he's since gotten better physically and aerially, on top of learning to be a better ball playing centre half.
"Growing up, it was often said to me that my size could be a problem for managers. I always tried to compensate with my technique, with how I play out from the back, it's very important," he said shortly after breaking into the Bordeaux first team.
"It's true that sometimes at my height you can't always challenge in aerial duels but you can always manage the opponent. I've always had good timing, I like aerial duels and I jump relatively high, so that really helps. But my small size has never been a problem for me."
"Growing up, it was often said to me that my size could be a problem for managers. I always tried to compensate with my technique, with how I play out from the back, it's very important," he said shortly after breaking into the Bordeaux first team.
"It's true that sometimes at my height you can't always challenge in aerial duels but you can always manage the opponent. I've always had good timing, I like aerial duels and I jump relatively high, so that really helps. But my small size has never been a problem for me."
Much as I am a fan of this, and I would be glad if we got this done. He is obviously still relatively young and not quite the final product. Most research on him says he's weak in tackling and 1v1 situations (At Sevilla, it seemed Carlos was the one doing the dirty work while he mops up, so I'd be inclined to agree, avoidable situations however), others say reading of the game a bit lacking, but that's irrelevant because that comes with experience and coaching.
My only issue is presence, not quite the Koulibaly still, a dominant presence at the back is what we need. He's more of a silent profile, whereas Koulibaly is a leader and will make sure his opponent knows of his presence, obviously he has more experience too and will instantly fit in the team. Koundé is a better solution long term but imo, it does not fix current issues.
My only issue is presence, not quite the Koulibaly still, a dominant presence at the back is what we need. He's more of a silent profile, whereas Koulibaly is a leader and will make sure his opponent knows of his presence, obviously he has more experience too and will instantly fit in the team. Koundé is a better solution long term but imo, it does not fix current issues.
StretfordBlueReece
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Sign this kid just what we need pretty please
birchwoodgingerste
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Wow look how quick he spots the danger and blocks it out looks quality.
Really really hope this has legs. I think he makes up for the lack of speed our CBs have, including Laporte, the lad is slllooowww.
A back 4 of Ake, Laporte, Kounde, Walker
Has enough pace for me, and with Rodri as a DM and Ake and Kounde having jumping power to make up their height difference I think we are fine aerially.
A back 4 of Ake, Laporte, Kounde, Walker
Has enough pace for me, and with Rodri as a DM and Ake and Kounde having jumping power to make up their height difference I think we are fine aerially.
richards30
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agree with all of this mate ! Really hope this happens ASAP if it’s true
StretfordBlueReece
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YouTube videos Make anyone look good but would love to see this young lad in a blue shirt hugely talent quick clearly has a lot of experience at such a young age also. There’s good defenders out there let’s just hope we sign the right one. CTID
I don’t think this is as true as you think it is. His lack of height can still bring problems.
This transfer does NOT make me happy whatsoever, but I don’t get paid to do this stuff. Telling myself to trust City’s experts. *sigh*
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He can still adapt. Centre backs don't have to be lumbering giants,
JimmyGrimble10
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Went on a few Sevilla forums. One of which is very popular. Translated from the news of Kounde to City. Most are of the thought pay the clause or forget it. But many think Monchi could sell because he’d be happy to see a 50m profit on his investment from last summer.
And all would rather lose Carlos than Kounde because how good Kounde will be.
Just thought I’d share.
And all would rather lose Carlos than Kounde because how good Kounde will be.
Just thought I’d share.
The Stockport Iniesta
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You have watched him play? If so what don't you like about him?
eyalluvitt
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He was great at Benidorm Rovers
Manc in London
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Looking at his videos, his skillset and physicality seems to make him appear more suitable as a right back. He is smallish for a centre half in the PL.
Worth noting that the best centre half we have had for several years was someone whose skillset was initially more suitable for playing in midfield.
I still think our best option for a new centre half should be someone who is experienced, a leader and dominant in the air.
Worth noting that the best centre half we have had for several years was someone whose skillset was initially more suitable for playing in midfield.
I still think our best option for a new centre half should be someone who is experienced, a leader and dominant in the air.