keemcfc said:
Caveman said:
Boyata seriously isn't on a par with Lescott.
And if Coentrao is sold for under 10 million I'll cut off both my own hands
I wouldn't say Boyata is at the moment, but Lescott is aging and won't improve from where he is now. He's Ok against the physical sides, but his passing and positioning are terrible and he ain't a leader in the defence either. He relies on Kompany too much, which for a 30 year old is unacceptable, he should be able to play at centre back with his eyes shut, because he's been around long enough and is an international player.
Whereas Boyata had his development stifled under both Hughes and Mancini, I didn't think Boyata did too much wrong against Bayern. He also relies on Vinny, but their partnership seems more natural. I don't think we can go into the season with just Lescott and Boyata as backups, but if we did bring in Pepe, then Nastasic and Boyata would be able young backups. Lescott is decent enough defender, but as a backup we wouldn't be getting value for money with his wages, etc.
Coentrao's price was quoted on here at around 7.75 million pound, whether this is realistic depends on whether Madrid can see a future for him. The fact that it was Mourinho who took him there means he may be seen as surplus to requirements, and id the price is right then he's a bargain at that price.