Is left back really a problem?

[_OVO_]

Honestly, I don't think there is any LB out there available right now that's gonna move the needle in our favor to that degree. Reason being, Zinchenko in my opinion, is top 5-6 Lbs in the league right now, more so considering the way we play.

From what little I've seen and read about Tagliafico, he's a below average defender with decent attacking sense. I don't think he starts over Zinchenko right off the bat, and he's definitely not a better attacker than Cancelo.

An injury to one of Cancelo / Walker could be concerning but If Ake can take on the backup LB role and performs to an acceptable level, like he did for the national team, then we are going to be just fine. This is not a make or break position right now for me, like it was a few seasons ago.

 

[K-Bo]

With Mendy gone, we are going in with 3 fullbacks in 2 positions. A long term injury to any of them and we've got problems. I guess the club is thinking Ake or laporte can plug but dunno. Seems a big risk. Surely next summer we get a left back.

 

[Taylor]

Mendes been offered to us and psg

 

[Don Karleone]

No

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

Prob is we dont play with one, so finding a player who can play natual LB with the talent to play CM and know when and why is a short list.

Full back is a very specialised role in this team

 

[doobyedoobye]

We are a LB down when we were already weak on that side and people don't think we have a problem....

 

[Gaz (FMwkdsoul)]

We are a LB down when we were already weak on that side and people don't think we have a problem....

Mendy or no Mendy still the same cover. He was useless.

 

[doobyedoobye]

He played plenty of games last season , and now it’s down to a RB to cover

 

[r.soleofsalford]

He played plenty of games last season , and now it’s down to a RB to cover

Which weaken the right back position.

 

[LongsightM13]

Mendy’s latest application for bail is refused by a judge at Chester Crown Court

Man City star Mendy to remain in custody after bail application refused

Benjamin Mendy's bail hearing was heard by Chester Crown Court today, several days after he was taken to HMP Altcourse following his appearance at Chester Magistrates Court last Friday

www.mirror.co.uk

 

[Cobwebcat]

I was ok as Mendy as a backup to Zin but now I think we need one be it a back up to Zin or direct competition.

 

[Chris B]

He is now, but previously was he not on bail, and broke the conditions of his bail, indeed he allegedly committed another sexual crime.

The bail related charge was dropped at the first court hearing, so nothing will come from the breach of bail conditions.

 

[MarsLlama]

I was ok as Mendy as a backup to Zin but now I think we need one be it a back up to Zin or direct competition.

We should go and get a competitor IMO. My feeling is that Zinny will come out on top in a battle for his place in the XI against almost anyone.

 

[skyblue92]

When I watched the youth team towards end of last season a left back called Juan Larios stood out to me he looked class for a young lad .. anyone who has seen more of him than I have do you think he will get some minutes in the cup etc or is he miles off in his development ?

And for what it’s worth I honestly think we are stronger for not having mendy around an absolute car crash of a player who was targeted at every opportunity

 

[117 M34]

A post more about rotation than left back but maybe we don't need one.
I've been saying we need a new left back for a while but shouldn't 3 players be enough to cover 2 full back positions?

Week 1- walker and cancelo
Week 2 - walker and zinchenko
Week 3 - Cancelo and zinchenko

I know there are injuries and tactics to consider but in theory, 3 players for 2 positions would mean each player playing 67% of games. That should give them enough rest to perform at their best when needed.

 

[richards30]

A post more about rotation than left back but maybe we don't need one.
I've been saying we need a new left back for a while but shouldn't 3 players be enough to cover 2 full back positions?

Week 1- walker and cancelo
Week 2 - walker and zinchenko
Week 3 - Cancelo and zinchenko

I know there are injuries and tactics to consider but in theory, 3 players for 2 positions would mean each player playing 67% of games. That should give them enough rest to perform at their best when needed.

the problem with cancelo is you need to keep playing him when hes playing well? If he has a few games on the bench he comes back and seems to lose his mojo?

 

[eastmanc]

The left back situation probably improved with Pep not being able to pick Mendy.

 

[GaudinoMotors]

No

 

[salfordbluetrue]

When I watched the youth team towards end of last season a left back called Juan Larios stood out to me he looked class for a young lad .. anyone who has seen more of him than I have do you think he will get some minutes in the cup etc or is he miles off in his development ?

And for what it’s worth I honestly think we are stronger for not having mendy around an absolute car crash of a player who was targeted at every opportunity

The lad is a serious talent but has only just got into the EDS give it time, in Zinchenko we have a fabulous left back but not a left wing back, we could use Cancelo but one injury would exposes us, still like you i am glad Mendy is not around as Pep would play him.

 

[blue wang]

the problem with cancelo is you need to keep playing him when hes playing well? If he has a few games on the bench he comes back and seems to lose his mojo?

Definitely a "rythem" player so to speak. Needs 4 or so games to get into stride. Similar to Kun.