Is left back really a problem?

[Gabriel]

If we're reliant upon Walker and Mendy for attacking width, then we should prepare for further disappointment. One doesn't have the legs to get back and the other doesn't have the guile going forward, but that is not news to the club management, which makes its failure to address the issue a continued concern.

 

[jaiguruKun]

Need Cancelo or Ake to fill in this season, then somehow get Mendy off the books and sign a proper LB.

 

[BlueMoonView]

Surely after yesterday’s disaster shows that we need to buy a LB and not one that’s only good at going forward, one that can actually defend! Alaba, Tagliafico, Telles...

 

[Taylor]

Yesterday once again highlighted that Mendy just isn't good enough. Apart from the ball he put in that Delap skimmed of the bar what did he offer.

 

[blinkblue]

If we're reliant upon Walker and Mendy for attacking width, then we should prepare for further disappointment. One doesn't have the legs to get back and the other doesn't have the guile going forward, but that is not news to the club management, which makes its failure to address the issue a continued concern.

Considering the lack of mobility in midfield now with Rodri compared to Fernandinho surely playing inverted fullbacks like in 17/18 makes more sense than ever? Walker is shite going forward and Mendy can't even get up there as you say. Cancelo is our only good attacking option from full back.

 

[waspish]

Where happened to Cancelo? Was expecting him to start at LB this season.

 

[Pubteam Lomas]

Left back has been a problem since the day Mendy got injured against Crystal Palace.
That was 3 years ago.
3 years and we haven't made a signing in a position that is key in a Guardiola side.
At best it's brainless from a club that wants to win the biggest prizes.
We basically got away with it for two seasons but last year we were found out.
I watch Mendy and just don't see a footballer in him. He doesn't receive the ball naturally, he lacks pace and his game awareness is almost non-existent.
He was fine at Wolves for 30 mins. Got booked, maybe harshly, after getting on the wrong side of Traore).
It should have been addressed, but I guess there are other areas that need sorting and we can get by at left back if our £60m right back can 'do a job!'

 

[davek1808]

Stick Ake there and go and get a midfielder and a striker.

 

[Double R]

I dont think its a problem if we play Ake or Cancelo there. One knows how to defend, and the other knows how to attack. Mendy on the other hand, can do neither.

 

[nmc]

Need Cancelo or Ake to fill in this season, then somehow get Mendy off the books and sign a proper LB.

That hardly amounts to a robust strategic plan for a club with so called title ambitions... a RB who didn't settle last season (who's never settled anywhere) and a CB who has played few games at LB. We have had Delph and Zinchenko standing in, Mendy who has had injuries but has repeatedly demonstrated that he is physically or mentally NOT up to the task. I know we needed a right footed CB but we also needed a LB at the start of this transfer window and we have failed to address the problem - we have a glaring weakness that every team in the league will exploit, its poor management by the club to think that either a) Mendy will come good (he won't) or that another set of stand ins can prop up the position for the whole season - its too much to ask. If anyone inside the club has any character they need to be calling this today - why have we not got a first choice LB of the requisite quality.