I'm hopeful with Dias it's more an integration issue than an ability issue. Same with Aké.Yes, our defenders generally make a high percentage of their pass completions because teams generally back up and pack the bus against us. So how good a passer our central defenders are isn't wholely discernible from their pass completion %. Seeing as 90% of the passes they make are simple and sideways.
It's no surprise most of our defenders have pass completion rates in the low 90s.
That said, when watching our Central defenders ( Barring Ake who I haven't seen enough of in our system) I believe Dias has the weakest range of passes and the weakest at breaking the lines with his passes. John, Eric and Garcia are superior technically, and probably Ake too.
Even today when Fulham somehow convinced themselves to press us. It was Dias who got the most intense chasing. I strongly suspect their fishes had reached the same conclusions I did.
The similarity is in the style and leadership rather than ceiling. I agree that his athleticism drops him below Kompany overall but I wouldn’t say he’s ‘nowhere near’.He’s got nowhere near the overall potential sea
He’s started very well and is undoubtably a proper defender that we’ve been crying out for. Early days for him and he’s certainly showing signs of leadership and dominance he’s definitely looking the part. To start mentioning him in the same breath as truly great defenders as Van Dyke and Vinnie though is probably stretching things after a few games. As both are/ we’re much quicker, athletic and better footballers. Promising signs though so far.
Who's Eric?When Eric finds his best form , and he will , these two will be just perfect together.
When Eric finds his best form , and he will , these two will be just perfect together.
I'm Eric.Who's Eric?
Great. Better you than Garcia at CB ;)I'm Eric.
Yeah it's a confusing one at first.Who's Eric?