Full Backs?

[Ric]

I think it's a bit premature to dismiss Zabaleta on the back of an injury ravaged season (he missed 19 games, or 98 days, through injury), where the whole team played badly. He's had seven excellent seasons prior to his disappointing form last campaign. He's still "only" 31, so I wouldn't write him off just yet. I'm hopefuly Guardiola can get at least another season out of him.

 

[Thaksinssoldier]

I think it's a bit premature to dismiss Zabaleta on the back of an injury ravaged season (he missed 19 games, or 98 days, through injury), where the whole team played badly. He's had seven excellent seasons prior to his disappointing form last campaign. He's still "only" 31, so I wouldn't write him off just yet. I'm hopefuly Guardiola can get at least another season out of him.

I also think he could be an excellent utility DM in a Pep system. I think he'll keep hold of him(hopes!)

 

[Akiva]

I do too. And what's frustrating is people affording certain players more time even though there's clear evidence they're on the wane.

Dunno about that mate, Sagna was immense at the Euros, I didn't see any evidence he's on the wane at all.

 

[RandomJ]

This is spot on for me. Too many think Clichy/Sagna are the way forward but I disagree. Both completely average and need upgrading. I think all 4 fb's will be gone by next summer.

Have you even watched Sagna? He was class last season and was one of the best defenders in the Euro's as well. There is absolutely no evidence he is on the decline. And Clichy was great at the end of last season. In the future we will need new full backs but If we don't sign any this window it is far from a disaster.

 

[blue62]

Have you even watched Sagna? He was class last season and was one of the best defenders in the Euro's as well. There is absolutely no evidence he is on the decline. And Clichy was great at the end of last season. In the future we will need new full backs but If we don't sign any this window it is far from a disaster.

Here we go with the usual 'have you even watched?' Yes I have. If you think Sagna is immense then I accept that you have an opinion. It's just that I disagree. There are reasons for our decline in the past 2 seasons and he is one of them. Micah 4/5 years ago and Zaba till recently head and shoulders above him. He is a downgrade.

 

[vin]

It's simple. We need pacey, direct fullbacks who will bomb up and down. Both Kolarov and Zaba (unfortunately) have to go. Time to be ruthless!

 

[City_Sean]

Dunno about that mate, Sagna was immense at the Euros, I didn't see any evidence he's on the wane at all.

I'm talking more specifically about the likes of Zaba and Kolarov who've seemingly fallen off a cliff in the last twelve months.

 

[blueparrot]

It's simple. We need pacey, direct fullbacks who will bomb up and down. Both Kolarov and Zaba (unfortunately) have to go. Time to be ruthless!

If thats whats needed, I dont think Pep will be shy in asking for it. Do you ?

 

[Silva2021]

Got to be open minded and trust Pep's judgement on this. I think we need to sign a couple more midfielders if we are going to move Ferndinho to right back, otherwise that does not make sense as we need him in midfield.

Denayer played a lot at RB last season so I think he is an option there as well as adding depth to the squad at CB

 

[Edwin Edwin]

Think Pep playing Lahm in MF might have created a false impression that any of our fullbacks can play there too..Lahm is a one-off & brilliantly intelligent.