Nathan Ake

[yankblue]

Still think the plan is:

LCB: Laporte & Ake
RCB: Koulibaly & Garcia (or perhaps Tosin if Garcia goes?)

With THB hopefully getting time in cups and the odd run out.

Ake will compete for time at LB as well. All 4 will get plenty of minutes. We don't have backups in the squad, we rotate regularly and the season will be condensed as well which will provide more opportunity.

 

[oakiecokie]

Match day thread will be buzzing .We have good numbers of haters already .

Unfuckingbeievablejeff !!

 

[BlueCityfan]

Yes, exactly this. I doubt we’ll pay 40m for a straight back-up. He’ll compete with Mendy too, which is perfect. I think it would have been hard to convince him otherwise.

Not many attacking teams would win games against:

Aké - Laporte - Koulibaly - Walker

That’s a back four worthy a Champions League title.

Agree with this expect for the Mendy part. I don't see Mendy as someone who can be trusted as first-choice. In terms of ability, or fitness.
There is a reason we are being linked with Alaba, Chilwell etc....

 

[skyblues]

if he keeps Mendy out of the ream he's worth every penny.

That’s a bit harsch! But I see what you mean. I’m certain we could see Aké both as CDM cover and LB.

 

[mosssideblue]

Plus we'll also be able to make 5 subs in a single match.

When was 5 subs confirmed

 

[oakiecokie]

As soon as someone labels him as a 'back up CB', all your credibility is gone and you clearly know fuck all.

Makes you want to weep MW.

 

[Nascent Blues]

When was 5 subs confirmed

It might not have been to be fair. I'm just going off the general impression that was being put forward in several areas of the media at the end of this season. It could still end up being three.

 

[skyblues]

Agree with this expect for the Mendy part. I don't see Mendy as someone who can be trusted as first-choice. In terms of ability, or fitness.
There is a reason we are being linked with Alaba, Chilwell etc....

Yeah I’ve seen the links but I just can’t imagine throwing in Alaba, Telles, Tagliafico or Chilwell in this mix now. Defense would be too crowded.

Imagine Koulibaly and Laporte injury free for a whole season. No Aké in central defense more than a few games. Then imagine Mendy actually finding form plus adding a Chilwell to it. Chilwell and Mendy would compete until they both break, and then Aké would get the chance.

I can’t see this. Aké would never get game time if we signed another LB. I’m sure the plan is for Aké to cover both LB and leftsided central position.

 

[mosssideblue]

It might not have been to be fair. I'm just going off the general impression that was being put forward in several areas of the media at the end of this season. It could still end up being three.

I hope they drop the drink breaks and revert back to just 3 subs. That appears to be the opinion of most pundits too.

 

[MCFC1993]

When did you sell walker ?

Didn't sell him, just have a feeling Pep will switch up a bit, especially in my example as I think Cancelo would be a better wing back.