Nicolás Otamendi - 2018/19 performances

[mccity]

Vinnie's a great defender, as is Nico. But I don't feel either of them fit as well into Pep's team as Stones and Laporte. Those two might lack a bit of the physical presence at the back, it's true, but offer a much broader range of passing, a lower error rate when taking the ball out of defence, and greater calmness on the ball: recovering the ball deep in their half after an option attack, who is more likely to put their foot through it and gift the ball to the opposition, and who is most likely to find a team mate?

But we are totally spoilt having all four.

Very much this. You've covered it really well. It's not like Vinny or Nico don't fit, it's just the other two fit more.

The only thing I'd disagree with is that Stones and Laporte are lacking physically. Stones has shown on many occasions his strength when he's confident and Laporte is more than accustomed to that part of his game from his time in Bilbao.

 

[nickamon]

Yo, 0 minutes so far, not even substitute appearances. What’s up with that?

 

[Gaz76]

Yo, 0 minutes so far, not even substitute appearances. What’s up with that?

Nico as cool as you are man, your time will come

 

[kiam06]

Where is Otamendi?

 

[FantasyIreland]

Where is Otamendi?

Behind 3 other centre halves in the pecking order.

 

[somethingelse]

no clean sheet for 3 games, no Otamendi,hmmm

 

[Tricky_Trev]

It’s a tough one. Ottamendi has been our best defender over the last 12-18 months, and by some distance. But at some point we have to look to the future. And the future is Stones and Laporte. Nico has another problem in that our other centre back happens to be the club captain, which seems to be giving Vinnie the edge as 3rd choice. It seems like the right decision, but it’s tough on Otamendi because he’s basically gone from 1st choice to 4th choice overnight.

 

[RandomJ]

Stones and Laporte is the direction Pep wants to go. Otamendi is going to have to battle it out with Vinny for 3rd choice and hope he can impress in the cups.

 

[kiam06]

Behind 3 other centre halves in the pecking order.

Like last season when he was first pick in the best PL ever?

Clearly Pep is giving him an extended break.

 

[FantasyIreland]

Like last season when he was first pick in the best PL ever?

Clearly Pep is giving him an extended break.

John was lacking confidence,Kompany was unreliable with injury and Laporte was finding his feet.Its my opinion that all 3 have overcome their problems and have now overtaken him in terms of selection.
That's no slant on Otamendi,as I think he's a brilliant option,we just happen to be spoilt at present.

 

[The Preacher]

A long season in prospect. They’ll all get plenty of games. If they all stay fit, that is.

 

[Cotton Weave Blue]

He'll play plenty and the fact he's not on international duty will probably play alongside Laporte against Fulham to battle Mitrovic in the air.

 

[nickamon]

John was lacking confidence,Kompany was unreliable with injury and Laporte was finding his feet.Its my opinion that all 3 have overcome their problems and have now overtaken him in terms of selection.
That's no slant on Otamendi,as I think he's a brilliant option,we just happen to be spoilt at present.

Might be anathema to some, but I rate Otamendi probably more thank Kompany, not above the other two though, mind you.

 

[Dax777]

Might be anathema to some, but I rate Otamendi probably more thank Kompany, not above the other two though, mind you.

I agree with this. Albeit, I admit their are some things Kompany does better than all 3. He really is 4 choice for me.

 

[handsofstone]

Stones & Laporte are young, play the ball out very well and Pep probably views them as the future partnership for years to come....

Do feel we are going to be vulnerable without Nico who was a beast last season, but feel he gets caught out a lot when we are pressed high up the pitch

 

[jimmygrimblesboots]

Otto was probably our best defender last year , but the simple fact is we have four excellent centre backs , all of them comfortable on the ball and i wouldnt be surprised of Pep converted one of them to a defensive midfield role to give Dinho a breather.

 

[kiam06]

John was lacking confidence,Kompany was unreliable with injury and Laporte was finding his feet.Its my opinion that all 3 have overcome their problems and have now overtaken him in terms of selection.
That's no slant on Otamendi,as I think he's a brilliant option,we just happen to be spoilt at present.

I think Otamendi is Peps no.1 choice he is just getting a rest he player a lot of games.

 

[chisnall_blue]

Where did he go? Best defender in the league last year and not seen him yet this year. Bit like Sane situation and worries me...

 

[FantasyIreland]

Where did he go? Best defender in the league last year and not seen him yet this year. Bit like Sane situation and worries me...

Don't be worried pal,i've seen him a few times,he's been on our bench.

 

[Gareth Barry Conlon]

Stones and Laporte are the future, why would you take them out when they are playing well. Plenty of games to come.