Nicolas Otamendi - 2016/17 performances

[Otamendi's Beard]

You said that the system and style of play, enacted by the manager, was the reason he doesn't look good.

You're wrong - it's him, and the fact we're clearly looking for a new partner for Stones says it all.

No you're wrong. Saying the system that we play can subject our players to pressure is not criticism of our manager, it's simply an observation of the other side of our play.

He's a better defender than Stones so I doubt he's going anywhere.

 

[mcfcphil]

He goes from magnificent to shite and back again in the space of one attack.
The amount of times I've said "well played otamendi" and then "fucking hell otamendi" within 10 seconds is incredible.

 

[BlueDeadHead]

My point was you have no idea as to the reasons we are looking at CB. Yes, you might not rate Ota, but your opinion is as valid as those that do.

Your point is fair but is it relevant? I think we all can agree that we are looking for a CB and that we wanted one of Laporte and Bonucci in addition to Stones in the summer.

I actually think you are both right. I think we are buying a CB to replace both Ota and Kompany. That is not to say that I think Ota will be sold; but I think he is going to move down the pecking order assuming we get one of Pep's big CB targets. Kompany I do think will go. I just don't think we can justify the squad spot. It would not surprise me if in August our 4 CBs are:

Stones
Laporte
Ota
Tosin

In that order.

 

[mosssideblue]

Your point is fair but is it relevant? I think we all can agree that we are looking for a CB and that we wanted one of Laporte and Bonucci in addition to Stones in the summer.

I actually think you are both right. I think we are buying a CB to replace both Ota and Kompany. That is not to say that I think Ota will be sold; but I think he is going to move down the pecking order assuming we get one of Pep's big CB targets. Kompany I do think will go. I just don't think we can justify the squad spot. It would not surprise me if in August our 4 CBs are:

Stones
Laporte
Ota
Tosin

In that order.

I take onboard your view and thanks for a reasoned response. I do agree that we were looking for reinforcements but Laporte and Bonnuci could not be enticed last time around, so what confidence do you have this time viz Laporte?

 

[BlueDeadHead]

I take onboard your view and thanks for a reasoned response. I do agree that we were looking for reinforcements but Laporte and Bonnuci could not be enticed last time around, so what confidence do you have this time viz Laporte?

Honestly none. Its wishful thinking and I think whatever happened last summer smells weird. It seemed he wanted to come. When Pep specifically wants you to come and become the heart of his defense it is hard to say no. That makes me wonder what the real motivations were last Summer.

He isn't really a Basque so I don't think that is it.

He isn't Spanish so that isn't it.

My best guess is it is down to 1 of 3 things or a combination.

1) He was injured and was not going to recover before the season started and wanted to get completely back to his best before making the BIG move of his career.

2) Loyalty to Bilbao. He got a new contract and makes more money this year but his buyout is still reasonable and something that we can easily trigger if we want to.

3) Waiting for Barca to come for him.

I am hoping it is a combination of 1 and 2. He recovers his form and gives Bilbao a little extra before he comes here.

What I DON'T believe is that a player of Laporte's talent is going to spend his career in Bilbao.

Regardless, if Laporte or Bonucci are not available, I expect we will know before the summer and have other targets of similar stature lined up. We simply have no choice...we have to buy a CB this summer unless Vinny has some sort of magical recovery.

 

[Eslam elcity]

Otamendi is a world class defender and we are lucky by him .
new partner to stones ??? wowwww , despite this frequent disastrous faults frpm stones , he is still viewed by some fans is better then otamendi !!
It seems the natoinality plays an important role !

 

[MarsLlama]

Otamendi got more stick for missing the tackle against Suarez than Stones got for passing it to Suarez in the first place. For me that sums it up.

 

[mosssideblue]

Otamendi is a world class defender and we are lucky by him .
new partner to stones ??? wowwww , despite this frequent disastrous faults frpm stones , he is still viewed by some fans is better then otamendi !!
It seems the natoinality plays an important role !

Today, I would agree that Ota is better than Stones (and with his age and experience, he should be).

 

[ADegenerate]

That video, as any highlight reel of any player, is devoid of context though. Some of the defending in there is basic shit I'd expect a league one player to do regularly. The other side of the coin is, for example, for all those Arsenal away highlights; he was utter fucking crap in that match, so much so he missed more than he made as he was constantly out of position. Saying it happened occasionally last season is a laugh, it happened more often than not. This season less so but it's still a glaring weakness to the point we need better.

Agreed. I just wanted to show some of the positives to the volatility of his style. I'll defend Nico but not blindly. I'll always take squad improvement over any loyalty that I have towards individual players (Joe :( for example). Tell me what players are even available that IMMEDIATELY come in and slot in over him? The big name that keeps getting thrown around at the moment is Van Dijk. Is he a lock to come into the X1 immediately? Is the probability high that Stones/Van Dijk is the partnership for the next 5+ years? I don't think it is. So why roll the dice on another 30m plus centerback? The mail reported today that we aren't going for a CB this winter and personally I think that's the right decision.

I'm basically just trying to point out that we have a pretty good one right now and that we need to hold out and make sure that the NEXT one we buy is the one that we're confident enough in to be the long term solution.

 

[ADegenerate]

Using La Liga team of the year to say Otamendi is great is like using the Premier League team of the year to say Aguero's shite - he's never been in it afterall.

I never said Otamendi was great. I just think he's not given the credit he deserves. I also wasn't trying to use that to solidify any arguments about his quality. It's just another angle to the point that I'm trying to make...in that his volatility is appreciated and respected. You either like what he has to offer or you don't... I don't think many people are on the fence with him.