In all likelihood, as Dias is the weaker on the ball of our centre-backs, he would always be the central defender should his partner take the ball forward. You make a good point, but if he plays with Ake, Akanji, Gvardiol, or Stones, he is more likely to be the true defender. I imagine that this would be the case with all apart from possibly Khusanov, whose athleticism makes him the natural 'last man'.Thats not the point.
Its about whatever in possession structure we have, Dias will never be the wide LCB as a preference for Pep due to the passing angles.
Lets use the left footed LB example you just said in a back 4. If the RB tucks in (Peps favourite system past few years), Then Dias in possession shifts to the centre of the back 3, with the LB now the LCB.
Alternatively, John Stones has entered midfield with Dias LCB, but the back 3 is still Dias centre with the left back again as an LCB.
This is what im saying.
This current wingback system would not work with Dias to start at LCB since no change happens to give him a proper left footer next to him, he would have to be the one passing and isnt suited for it.
You think a picture is proof that “Ake is our best defender 1v1 EVER?”
True but at least 3 of them aren't actual defenders and another 2 are injured so often that they may as well not be defenders.I did read that Bah has been told that there will be opportunities for him at City next season. If that is the case, we will have Nunes, Rico, Stones, Akanji, Dias, Khusanov, Reis, Bah, Gvardiol, Ake, and O'Reilly. I don't think that 11 is a realistic number of defenders, and that's without anyone coming in.
I don't think that Stones will be here too much longer. It is such a shame because, injury free, he could have been the greatest English defender of all time, or at least one of them.True but at least 3 of them aren't actual defenders and another 2 are injured so often that they may as well not be defenders.
No need for WIlliams and need another CMCosta
Zetterer
Cambiaso
Kerkez or Robinson
Wirtz
Nico Williams
Would that be a good window for us?
No need for WIlliams and need another CM
Oreilly will be LB for another yeah, Foden will play off the right. Gundo will be last choice. cant put off getting an 8I think O`Reilly goes more into midfield unless we have a problem at LB and Foden will get more game time and with Gundo looking likely to stay then no room?
Doesn’t really matter anyway, I think it’s clear we’re going to play with wingbacks for the foreseeable, likely neither of them will be our starting left back, nor Gvardiol next season, with the links to Cambiasso etcCome off it, O'Reilly is a great kid who adds a lot to our attack. He's playing out of position at left back and it definitely shows. Ake is no slouch though and he's definitely our best left back defensively. Struggled this season with injury, which he was clearly playing with for quite a long time, but to say O'Reilly is streets ahead is over the top
Yes think the second full back may need to be homegrown or even club trained and the second midfieder homegrown to repace Grealish. Wouldn't be surprised if the only non homegrown signings are 1 attacking midfielder , 1 full back and goalkeeper(s)No need for WIlliams and need another CM
Yes think the second full back may need to be homegrown or even club trained and the second midfieder homegrown to repace Grealish. Wouldn't be surprised if the only non homegrown signings are 1 attacking midfielder , 1 full back and goalkeeper(s)
Something like that it seems, maybe Porro instead of Frimpong.Costa, Wirtz and Cambiaso. MGW to come in as a HG midfielder, would have said Frimpong for the other full back but looks to have gone quiet on that front.
Something like that it seems, maybe Porro instead of Frimpong.
no, doubt he's even set foot in the CFA more than 10 times.Would Porro count as club trained mate?
I've been assuming so but to be honest I haven't checked.Would Porro count as club trained mate?
Something like that it seems, maybe Porro instead of Frimpong.
I've been assuming so but to be honest I haven't checked.
Edit seems no :)
Maybe, I never thought he was a Pep fullback, until the last 8 or so games where we've play 4222 with Nunes and O'Reilly providing the width. If we play like that next season,and it makes sense with Haaland and Marmoush as a front 2 then Frimpong makes a bit more sense as would keeping Nunes as his back up.Frimpong maybe the one then?
Maybe, I never thought he was a Pep fullback, until the last 8 or so games where we've play 4222 with Nunes and O'Reilly providing the width. If we play like that next season,and it makes sense with Haaland and Marmoush as a front 2 then Frimpong makes a bit more sense as would keeping Nunes as his back up.