When I look at us as a side I currently see the fullback positions as where we are weakest. If we consider Zinchenko and Walker as 1st choice (because of Mendys injury problems) then obviously both have strengths. Walker, recovery pace and defensive responsibility and Zinchenko, passing ability and great attacking link and ball carrying and delivery from wide. Both though have serious weaknesses. Walker is uncomfortable in possession, his passing range isn't the best and he's awful in and around the opponents box as he can't pick a cross or deliver one. Oleks struggles defensively one on one and gets done with pace and isn't a presence defensively when dealing with aerial balls in our box. Mendy great going forward, quick with an awesome delivery into the box and is relatively comfortable on the ball but is equally weak one on one. Although much taller than Oleks not sure he could out-jump him! Danillo was a bit of an all rounder not particularly good attacking but not poor and not weak defending but not outstanding at anything. We were severely exposed on Sunday at times. Its not very often the game stats look so poor for us and we win, particularly offensively and ball possession although we are still effectively in pre-season so hoping we will improve when fitness levels ramp up.
This isn't meant to be a critical piece Its just difficult when you have something very good to keep improving it. Does Joao Cancelo improve our 1st eleven? I haven't seen a lot of him but I understand he's pacy and technically very good. Portuguese players usually are. I suspect he will be better than Walker in possession however few have Walkers recovery ability pace wise. I suspect he may not have to use his pace as often as wont give the ball away as often as Walker does. I'll be intrigued to see if he can be more effective than Walker in and around the opponents box, i've heard he's good in these areas. In this respect he sounds like a good upgrade on Danillo (how big is this guys trophy cabinet - from Real to us and now Juve). If we can get Mendy fit and firing on paper we are better than last year (except for Vinnys absence). Unfortunately football isn't played on paper.
Now we have addressed RB and Pivot do we need another Centre half? Are we after one this window? Probably out of time now.
Looking forward to this season now. I suspect Foden and David Silva will be rotated a lot more as will Rodri and Ferna. It will be interesting to see who and what Pep wants at RB. It may be a lot more of horses for courses. One may get the nod for the park the bus merchants (with an expectation of hitting us with pace on the break) whilst more adept teams may require a more tactical solution with an eye on defensive nous and ball retention.
Can't wait now - bring on the Hammers.
