Nixon_The_Bike_Thief said:Tricky_Trev said:What's the adaptation like in moving from a right centre back to a left centre back? Vinnie has always been better on the right, and in that video, Benatia also plays on the right side. I've never been a defender, so I don't know if that's an easy or difficult adjustment to make?
Not easy at all, there's a reason that Zab is one of Europes best right backs but wouldnt make the top 10 left backs, just the same as you would not be happy playing Kolarov at right back. The theory is simple but the application leaves the player exposed and any decent opponent will challenge their weaker side.
Now if Benatia is ambidextrous with his feet the change may be possible but why buy a square peg to fit a round hole ?
KevR_7 said:Tricky_Trev said:What's the adaptation like in moving from a right centre back to a left centre back? Vinnie has always been better on the right, and in that video, Benatia also plays on the right side. I've never been a defender, so I don't know if that's an easy or difficult adjustment to make?
Vinny plays on the left side for Belgium to accomdate Van Buyten on the right, he also played that side when Kolo was in our team. I think if Benatia comes in he will play right side and Vinny left. He can do it and dont think it will impact him much, Terry plays left side and is right footed and its never affected him.
That John Terry fact would make more sense if he wasn't absolutely appalling when played on the right, he can only play on the left. It's not about his prefered foot, it's about what he's used to doingShaelumstash said:Nixon_The_Bike_Thief said:Tricky_Trev said:What's the adaptation like in moving from a right centre back to a left centre back? Vinnie has always been better on the right, and in that video, Benatia also plays on the right side. I've never been a defender, so I don't know if that's an easy or difficult adjustment to make?
Not easy at all, there's a reason that Zab is one of Europes best right backs but wouldnt make the top 10 left backs, just the same as you would not be happy playing Kolarov at right back. The theory is simple but the application leaves the player exposed and any decent opponent will challenge their weaker side.
Now if Benatia is ambidextrous with his feet the change may be possible but why buy a square peg to fit a round hole ?
Vinny often plays left centre back for Belguim, and has done so for us numerous times when playing alongside Kolo. It's not a major issue. John Terry is right footed and has played left side his whole career, it's not a big deal.
Not just yet. I can't see Basa being a replacement for Benatia.bluechampion7891 said:Sounds like the wheels are in motion
Mancitybluemoon1 said:Lots of rumours, hope we get confirmation soon.....
Man City agree £35 million fee for Mehdi Benatia
July 1, 2014 18:06 GMT (UK), by Ketan Patel (Google+)
Man City agree £35 million fee for Mehdi Benatia
Mehdi Benatia to join Man City
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.eyefootball.com/news/19413/Man-City-agree-35-million-fee-Mehdi-Benatia.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.eyefootball.com/news/19413/M ... natia.html</a>
Manchester City and Roma have agreed a £35 million fee to sign Morocco international centre back Mehdi Benatia. Manuel Pellegrini wants to sign Benatia as part of a new look defence for the 2014-15 season.
Roma had reportedly told Man City that Benatia would be staying at the club unless a replacement centre back could be found. This afternoon, Roma have announced that a deal for Marko Basa has been agreed and therefore a transfer for Benatia is likely to be wrapped up before the end of the week.
The 27-year-old centre back has consistently been one of Roma's best performing players last season and in 30 appearances for the club the 6 foot 4 Moroccan scored five goals and finished the year as joint top scorer.
The arrival of Benatia is likely to fill the gap left from the departure of Joleon Lescott and also means that Martin Demichelis' future at the Etihad Stadium is increasingly uncertain.
richards30 said:The fee may rise to 30m but it'll be a small payment this year! Stunning defender and alongside vinny and with fernando and Fernandinho in front no fucker will get through!
Bruun said:30m £ for a 27 year old defender going to AFCON or 35m £ for a 23 year old defender, i feel it's a ripoff.