Well to be fair to him, a lot of his last-ditch sliding tackles worked more often than not. When it didn't work, it led to goals (hence 'last ditch'). But when it did work, he prevented an almost certain goal as well. And by my count it worked more often than not.A lot less time on his bum so far.
It's unfair to single him out for the second half fiasco as all of our team was bad. This includes Clichy and Zaba who has been pretty good this season. Along with Stones being injured, it's just bad timing all around.Imo he has been much less on his arse & much less dog chasing a balloon, but during the 2nd half on Sunday, the balloon started to appear again & our defence started to look random.
I think Pep will have noted that & also that he was outmuscled & outpaced by West Ham's strikers on occasion when you would expect him to win the duel, rather like Mangala was when his Achilles heel was suddenly shown last season.
I think he is doing ok & has been good in possession but I think he will be phased out if Vinny can maintain fitness & is comfortable with the pass & move game.
Well to be fair to him, a lot of his last-ditch sliding tackles worked more often than not. When it didn't work, it led to goals (hence 'last ditch'). But when it did work, he prevented an almost certain goal as well. And by my count it worked more often than not.
It's unfair to single him out for the second half fiasco as all of our team was bad. This includes Clichy and Zaba who has been pretty good this season. Along with Stones being injured, it's just bad timing all around.
I wasn't singling him out.
Zaba is a gonner next season & we could see why, Clichy probably the same. Otamendi, on that 2nd half performance, would have one foot out the door too. He has to prove himself indispensible this season imo or he's gone. I think he's only here now due to Vinny's issues & Laporte not signing.
Even if Laporte had signed, he would still be here. You need 4 CB at every club.I wasn't singling him out.
Zaba is a gonner next season & we could see why, Clichy probably the same. Otamendi, on that 2nd half performance, would have one foot out the door too. He has to prove himself indispensible this season imo or he's gone. I think he's only here now due to Vinny's issues & Laporte not signing.
Yup, agree with you on the fullbacks, I think zab has been extremely lucky surviving the chop, less so clichy who is still one of the fittest at the club, this inevitably gets him a stay of execution. I'm looking forward to seeing Maffeo and Angelino getting integrated, however, I think Maffeo is probably still 2 years away..
Otamendi will improve, no doubt, he looks a different player next to a dominant partner. His performance last year in the Derby next to vinny stands out. Will he be a first choice next year? Have my doubts, the attack on Bilbao will commence!!
Even if Laporte had signed, he would still be here. You need 4 CB at every club.
Stones
Laporte
Kompany
Otamendi
Right now our 4th choice CB is Kolarov, which isn't ideal for the long term. Unless Pep buys 2 CB then he will stay.
I agree Kolarov is okay for now. I'm just thinking, when it comes to choosing between Otamendi or Kolarov, Pep would prefer a true CB in Otamendi.If Pep is happy to bring on Kolarov for Stones, when Stones is not technically injured, he would be happy to have him 4th choice cb. Especially with Tosin & Denayer in the equation.
I agree Kolarov is okay for now. I'm just thinking, when it comes to choosing between Otamendi or Kolarov, Pep would prefer a true CB in Otamendi.
Otamendi is also an underrated passer me thinks. Made a lot of vertical passes to our forwards and attacking midfielders.Depends on the game I think. But I recon Otamendi is on trial this season along with one or two others probably including Kolarov.