Centre back options

[dachoosen1]

No. He will not. We have the midfield packed, too. Vidal, Thiago, Tolisso, Rudy, Sanches for two places. Ancelotti was just asked that in the presser today. 4 central defenders is not a luxury after the last two seasons. We played the last match in Bundesliga again with a defense made of Kimmich and Alaba...

You would know alot more about Bayern then me man but I would be very surprised if the 4 CBS listed play exclusively in that position unless you play 3 cbs

 

[birchwoodgingerste]

We need a fast left footed centre half, the obvious choice is Sane.

Or play mendy there

 

[Alan Harper's Tash]

Sir Alfred of Mawson would be my choice

 

[dachoosen1]

Pep has stated we will play both as opponents vary. If we stick to a back four it is maybe not as crucial but one medium to long term injury will still leave us struggling with any further short term injury / suspension . Though Kompany has now been fit for the longest consecutive period for a few years there is still obviously a degree of risk there that is higher than for most.

That's why it's vital that whoever we target is capable of play multiple position so that he can be used elsewhere if you revert to 4 at the back. I genuinely think we should be targeting a decent utility player.

 

[Cityfan]

That's why it's vital that whoever we target is capable of play multiple position so that he can be used elsewhere if you revert to 4 at the back. I genuinely think we should be targeting a decent utility player.

It sounds like we will not revert to a four or stick with a three but use both. Personally I think a decent utility player would be great providing they can play at centre back and the emphasis is on decent more than utility.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

You see I think thats a problem if we play a back 3 we definitely need another cb as cover but if we play a back 4 then its kind of a wasted spot.

I just don't see how having four centre backs in the squad would be a waste of a spot even if we mainly play a back four. In fact given kompany's injury record I would have thought it would be absolute madness to go into the season with just three. And that's just discussing the numbers and before we even start discussing the relative quality of the players we have at cb compared to other areas of the pitch.

 

[Neville Kneville]

I just don't see how having four centre backs in the squad would be a waste of a spot even if we mainly play a back four. In fact given kompany's injury record I would have thought it would be absolute madness to go into the season with just three. And that's just discussing the numbers and before we even start discussing the relative quality of the players we have at cb compared to other areas of the pitch.

At least Stones has looked to be shaping up in the last couple of games. Hopefully that continues & gives us two quality centre backs, rather than one.

Otamendi looks the same though & Tosin looks like he could maybe get away with a game or two vs the lesser teams, but will lose us the game v top 6.

 

[yeah whatever !!]

At least Stones has looked to be shaping up in the last couple of games. Hopefully that continues & gives us two quality centre backs, rather than one.

Otamendi looks the same though & Tosin looks like he could maybe get away with a game or two vs the lesser teams, but will lose us the game v top 6.

That's a tad harsh on the lad mate..

 

[Neville Kneville]

That's a tad harsh on the lad mate..

Just calling it as I see it.

Imo he currently makes too many positional mistakes & lacks the awareness of danger, to be reled upon against quality opposition, which causes problems for his team mates. Tbf both those things were also true of Otamendi, in the recent friendlies, but he has experience Tosin doesn't.

 

[Lancet Fluke]

At least Stones has looked to be shaping up in the last couple of games. Hopefully that continues & gives us two quality centre backs, rather than one.

Otamendi looks the same though & Tosin looks like he could maybe get away with a game or two vs the lesser teams, but will lose us the game v top 6.

It's just that frustration for me that the consensus seems to be that we are an attacking team so we need absolute shit hot quality in attacking areas but that we can get by at CB. I just don't get it. The fact that we are such an attacking team is exactly why we need top quality at CB because they often don't get the protection they would at most clubs. Pre-season has been good but we've played teams who want a game. It's that week after week of playing against teams who park the bus and hit us with the ball over the top when pretty much our entire team is at the edge of the opposition box (apart from Stones and Otamendi stood on the halfway line) that worries me.