ONTHERUNWITHTHAKSIN
Well-Known Member
I like people to know they are appreciated before they leaveIt's a courtesy to establish someone is actually leaving before you say your goodbyes.
I like people to know they are appreciated before they leaveIt's a courtesy to establish someone is actually leaving before you say your goodbyes.
And now we have Gvardiol to take those minutes and Khusanov waiting in the wings ;-)Minutes in *all* club competitions since the start of 22/23 (AI calculated based on transfermarkt):
Akanji 10562
Dias 10321
Ake 7083
Stones 5691
Only PL:
Dias 6828
Akanji 6814
Ake 4064
Stones 3457
Only CL:
Dias 2264
Akanji 2256
Stones 1391
Ake 1275
Basically, Akanji has played as much as Dias in the PL and CL, and more in the other competitions.
And now we have Gvardiol to take those minutes and Khusanov waiting in the wings ;-)
Stones played in eleven league games last year. Aké played in ten.We can’t sign any foreign players without selling them, that’s why keeping Stones and Ake (homegrown at Chelsea) is beneficial. Also, they’re both better players.
Most clubs have 4 centre backs for 2 positions, we have 5. Them two counting as 1 negates the injury concerns, at least for me. If they both get injured Gvardiol and Khusanov will play more centrally… win win
We had no left back so Gvardiol has been playing there, now we have a top drawer left back in Ait Nouri who I’d expect to play most games in that position then you’d also expect Gvardiol to become a first choice in the central pairing. We don’t need Akanji in the squad any more.Gvardiol was here in 2 from the 3 seasons Akanji played, Akanji didn't play at his expense. Akanji and Dias were carrying Stones and Ake and their form dipped, got some injuries as well.
Akanji has played on average 3500 minutes per season. That's nearly 40 full games. Let's hope Khusanov lives up to the expectations. Big season for him.
Could quite easily see Ake go, he’s by no means guaranteed to stay, again it’s World Cup year and he needs to be playing, if he perceives himself to be 5th choice, which in my opinion he is, then he may well agitate for a move too. It’s not always about squad spots, it’s also about a player wanting to stay.Stones played in eleven league games last year. Aké played in ten.
They are better players. However, fitness is an enormous concern for both players. Why so many fans don't seem to understand that fitness is an attribute on judging player quality is beyond me. It's not really any different than pace, passing ability, and etc. A player can be one of the very best but if he is only available for fewer than one third of the league games he isn't much use.
Now, I am not advocating selling either. But it does have be to be taken into account. I'd take a good player (above average/able to do a job but not great) who was fit and able to play in 35/38 matches over a very good player who was only available for ten.
Maybe I am wrong but that is my opinion for what little it's worth.
Because he has 3 CB's ahead of him NOT including the 2 you mentioned,. So 5 in front of him when they are fit those 10 game a seasonStones played in eleven league games last year. Aké played in ten.
They are better players. However, fitness is an enormous concern for both players. Why so many fans don't seem to understand that fitness is an attribute on judging player quality is beyond me. It's not really any different than pace, passing ability, and etc. A player can be one of the very best but if he is only available for fewer than one third of the league games he isn't much use.
Because he has 3 CB's ahead of him
I take your point but Akanji played so many minutes with an injury last season and can't really be trusted to stay fit anymore. With Reis and Bah able to be recalled if things get desperate, Stones and Ake are the ones I'd keep because of the HG situation.That's plainly wrong.
Edit: since the start of the 22/23 season, Akanji has played over 9000 minutes in the PL and the CL.
Stones and Ake have played fewer than 11000 minutes combined (!).
Akanji has played more minutes than any other defender, including Dias.
I take your point but Akanji played so many minutes with an injury last season and can't really be trusted to stay fit anymore. With Reis and Bah able to be recalled if things get desperate, Stones and Ake are the ones I'd keep because of the HG situation.
Pep keeps saying city have to sell and gala is only team being linked to any of our players- what motivation do they have to raise their bid?Ha, my thoughts exactly. Been using their social mouthpieces plenty, without ponying up the dollars.
Is this a legitimate source? It would solve our NHG situation.
It might well be up to the player but he's probably been told he won't be on the CL list and is unlikely to play domestic football unless we have numerous injuries.
Going WrexhamCallum Doyle take his place?