Is left back really a problem?

I don't know what Cancelo is, actually. He's a left back/right back/false LB/RB/midfielder - who's awesome for us.

That said, if we signed a traditional LB next window I think that it would improve our team substantially. Mendy is hopeless, Zinchenko is OK but I don't rate him as a top choice candidate for starter at LB in any top club (he's good backup).

So for LB/RB we currently have:

Very good, top choice:
Cancelo
Walker

Good backup:
Zinchenko
Ake (I'm pretty sure, though I've not seen enough of his play)
Laporte (I think - though I'd rather have him playing CB)

Godawful:
Mendy

===
So, IMO, we lack top-quality depth at FB and if we can sign a top quality LB next window it will improve us.

First priority next window though must be a world-class striker to replace Aguero.
 
Yeah, still a problem. Zinchenko’s been amazing but players just waltz past Mendy. Zinny’s arguably not even a LB, although he’s been great there, but we need someone to give him a rest and with a bit of pace/physicality.

Doesn’t have to be amazing, just a good young prospect.
 
Definitely still a problem. If we had signed Chilwell then we would have been sorted for years - good player, right age and English. I am convinced we only signed Ake as a backup centre back because Garcia had announced he was going to leave. We were always going to sign another CB to be first choice.

Easy to be wise after the event but having a first choice left back seems more sensible than spending similar money on a backup CB.
 
City only had eyes on Nuno Mendes it seems. Leicester will end up with both Atalanta full backs after this season. Great purchase no doubt.
 
lcfc_chump said:
Looks like Leicester are going back in for Robin Gosens
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Would he a good signing for them, although he very much seems to be a LWB in a back 3 formation so suits them more than us


Still think all roads lead to Mendes, he should be our absolute priority

Little concerning that like Gosens he excels as a LWB but I think he has all the tools to be the best LB (at least offensively) in the world
 
jamesha said:
Definitely still a problem. If we had signed Chilwell then we would have been sorted for years - good player, right age and English. I am convinced we only signed Ake as a backup centre back because Garcia had announced he was going to leave. We were always going to sign another CB to be first choice.

Easy to be wise after the event but having a first choice left back seems more sensible than spending similar money on a backup CB.
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Opinions, Opinions! Mine is Zinchenko, whether a LB or not is a better one than Chilwell.
 
I think the current rotation between Zinchenko with Cancelo seems to work. Mendy is hardly getting any playing time, even when Ake was injured, who we can use as cover also. I think the Fern and Aguero replacements is where we use the big bucks, but may look for a lower price replacement for Mendy, if we can shift him on.
 
Invisible Man's Bandage said:
We have got by with the make do & Mendy approach for years now but it's high time we secured a top class, specialist left back.
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I don't disagree but what options are out there? Chilwell is gone, gaya? Is he strong enough for the league? Alaba is real bound for crazy wages. I can't see that many better then zinc or cancel.
 
Invisible Man's Bandage said:
We have got by with the make do & Mendy approach for years now but it's high time we secured a top class, specialist left back.
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Delph was makeshift, Zinchenko is on a different level. He is a top class and specialist (in Peps tactic) left back.

I don't disagree that someone like Gosens or something would be a good alternative to have especially when Pep will often switch between a LB that tucks in (Zinchenko) and an attacking RB (Cancelo) and then attacking LB (Cancelo) and RB that tucks in (Walker). Cancelo is not a bad LB but we do hurt his natural game playing him on the wrong side so Gosens or similar would allow us to have complete rotation on both sides at all times.

For how Pep wants to play in 95% games there aren't many more comfortable and suitable than Zinchenko and I have been very iffy with him for a while but eventually you just have to see what he is bringing.
 
decmancity said:
Delph was makeshift, Zinchenko is on a different level. He is a top class and specialist (in Peps tactic) left back.

I don't disagree that someone like Gosens or something would be a good alternative to have especially when Pep will often switch between a LB that tucks in (Zinchenko) and an attacking RB (Cancelo) and then attacking LB (Cancelo) and RB that tucks in (Walker). Cancelo is not a bad LB but we do hurt his natural game playing him on the wrong side so Gosens or similar would allow us to have complete rotation on both sides at all times.

For how Pep wants to play in 95% games there aren't many more comfortable and suitable than Zinchenko and I have been very iffy with him for a while but eventually you just have to see what he is bringing.
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Zinc has been quality for us this season and I know I'm much happier with him on the teamsheet. I also think he should be on corners.
 
dachoosen1 said:
I don't disagree but what options are out there? Chilwell is gone, gaya? Is he strong enough for the league? Alaba is real bound for crazy wages. I can't see that many better then zinc or cancel.
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Digne from Everton is the one but he won’t be cheap .
 
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