Agreed, it would not be a disasterI think we'll definitely get two, but Bertrand could be the main one. Like I say, not ruling out both him and Mendy coming in but I think people should be more prepared for the fact he could be our main LB next season and it wouldn't be quite the disaster some think it is.
But just because we have an interest in 2 players in the same position, very few people will know if our intention is to buy both.The origin is the fact all the ITK's and reliable journalists close to the club have said we're going for 4 fullbacks.
The world cup year means nothing to Bertrand, he's 100% on the plane if fit, and he's 100% not starting if Rose is fit.
I'll say it again, if you're too scared of competition because "it's a World Cup year" you're not the player for our squad. Don't need any babies and players who need guarantees to be in a top side.What's the origin of that line of thinking though? I've seen it repeated over and over but it does seem as though it's a become a 100% truth through being seized upon and perpetuated by people who can't cope with the idea of Bertrand being brought in as first choice. It could be the case we intend to buy both, but it wouldnt surprise me either if Bertrand were the main LB we brought in. At his age and in a world cup year, Bertrand might want to prove himself at a higher level but he'll also want to be sure he plays a significant number of games. We have a quite a few areas in our side that require huge improvement. One or two of those buys might have to be pragmatic choices. Mendy looked great against us but Bertrand is a very decent player too and would be a big improvement. It wouldn't be the end of the world for me if Bertrand was the main LB buy in a summer where all over concerns were also addressed. Going into next season with Walker and Bertrand as the fullbacks would be a massive improvement however you look at it.
Re Clichy, we have improved 70% since he's gone. Praise the lord, he was a corner flag for the last two seasons, and a 4 or 5 out of 10 performance at best in his 'prime'.
Can't pass with either foot, can't tackle, got a nosebleed every time he went past half way, and responsible for gifting opposition with goals and possession regularly.
His last two games were possibly his best ever.
But just because we have an interest in 2 players in the same position, very few people will know if our intention is to buy both.
Biggest indication is to look at the squad depth and the age of the players. We let both right backs go and Alves's age suggests we'd look to buy another right back. Left back is less clear cut.
Exactly. Multi-talented full backs are increasingly important to the way progressive teams play, and there aren't that many to go around. Hence high prices.why do people think full backs aren't worth big money,listen I don't think any player is worth the amounts being touted ,but full backs are defenders, midfielders and wingers, they need real quality in every aspect of the game ,they are one of the most important players on the pitch nowadays. and certainly very important in the way pep plays.
Like I say, not disputing the fact we'll go for two. I've just noticed a lot of people jumping down people's throats for suggesting Bertrand could arrive here as anything other than Mendy's understudy.The origin is the fact all the ITK's and reliable journalists close to the club have said we're going for 4 fullbacks.
The world cup year means nothing to Bertrand, he's 100% on the plane if fit, and he's 100% not starting if Rose is fit.
Getting Bertrand alone would be OK, getting Mendy alone would be good. But it's fairly obvious that "good" isn't what Guardiola is aiming for.
Spot onExactly. Multi-talented full backs are increasingly important to the way progressive teams play, and there aren't that many to go around. Hence high prices.
You're the one flapping. It's a reasonable question whether we're in for two left backs and or right backs, because often a club will register an interest in two players in case one falls through for whatever reason.It's incredibly clear cut.
1) We have no left backs. Kolarov is not a LB option any more.
2) Mendy is injury prone, can't be our only LB.
3) EVERYONE SAYS WE'RE GETTING 4.
Is this the daily flap? Nothing going on today so we've got to flap about getting 1 LB or 2?